When it comes to updating your home, few things are more exciting than picking new flooring. Waterproof luxury vinyl flooring has exploded in popularity for being stylish, durable, and more budget-friendly than hardwood. But not every vinyl plank flooring brand lives up to its promises. Some look great in the showroom, but within a year or two, they scratch, peel, warp, or just don’t hold up in everyday life.
And I’ve seen this disappointment too often. Homeowners spend thousands of dollars, only to regret their choice when the floors start separating, swelling, or when customer support refuses to honor a warranty. Choosing the wrong brand can turn what should be a long-term investment into a costly frustration.
That’s why in this guide, I have listed the worst vinyl plank flooring brands that customers have had disappointing experiences with, and more importantly, I’ll show you better alternatives that actually stand the test of time.
Why Do Some Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands Fail?
Not all vinyl plank flooring types are created equal. While some brands like COREtec, Karndean, or Mannington build a strong reputation for durability, others cut corners to stay cheap, and you end up paying the price later. The most common reasons brands land on the ‘worst’ list are:
- Durability & Wear Layer Thickness: The wear layer is what protects the surface. Thin layers (6 mil or less) scratch, fade, and lose their shine almost immediately.
- Scratch & Water Resistance Issues: Pets, kids, and kitchen spills reveal weaknesses fast. Lower-quality brands absorb water or dent easily.
- Click-Lock Failures: If the locking system is weak, planks shift, gap, or even pop out.
- Customer Complaints: Peeling edges, warping, hollow sounds, or VOC odors show up again and again in reviews.
- Warranty & Customer Service Loopholes: Many brands advertise “lifetime” warranties, but exclude the very problems homeowners deal with.
- Price vs. Quality: Paying premium prices for low-quality performance is one of the biggest frustrations.
Here is the list of the brands that are often flagged as the worst vinyl plank flooring brands to avoid in 2025.
1. NeuType – Prone to Scratches and Fading
Key Issue: NeuType vinyl plank flooring may look good at first, but the thin wear layer and weak protective coating mean it doesn’t stay that way for long.
Many homeowners realize quickly just how fragile this flooring is. The common feedback I receive includes scratches appearing from simple daily activities, pulling out a dining chair, pets running through the house, or even the bristles of a vacuum cleaner dragging across the surface.
Another recurring complaint is fading. Rooms with plenty of natural light often develop dull, uneven tones within months. What was once a bold, fresh look can easily turn into patchy, sun-bleached planks.
Why It’s a Problem: Your floor should hold up to normal traffic and light. With NeuType, you’ll be frustrated by how quickly it looks worn out.
2. Armstrong – Weak Locking System
Key Issue: Although Armstrong is a well-known flooring brand, not all of its lines are created equal. Some of their budget-friendly vinyl planks have a click-lock system that simply doesn’t hold up.
One recurring frustration is peeling edges. In busy homes, where kids and pets are constantly moving across the floors, these planks begin to lift or show wear far earlier than expected. Homeowners also mention that the flooring just doesn’t hold its “new” look for long; scuffs, dents, and dullness creep in quickly. To make matters worse, when buyers attempt to use the warranty, they often discover that the very problems they’re experiencing fall under “exclusions.” That means no coverage, even though they paid top-tier pricing.
Why It’s a Problem: Nobody wants to see seams in their “seamless” flooring. A weak locking system also makes cleaning harder, since dirt and water slip into those tiny gaps.
3. ROSEROSA – Overpriced for the Quality
Key Issue: ROSEROSA markets itself as a premium brand, but the durability simply doesn’t match the high price tag.
Many buyers complain of peeling edges and planks that just don’t hold up in active homes. Busy households with kids and pets often report that the flooring starts looking worn far too soon. And when customers try to make warranty claims, they often find that common issues are excluded.
Why It’s a Problem: Spending top dollar should mean long-lasting quality. With ROSEROSA, you’re essentially paying premium prices for a mid-tier or even budget-level product.
Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Alternatives to Consider
It’s easy to get discouraged when you read about so many bad vinyl flooring brands, but don’t worry, there are plenty of reliable options out there. In fact, several stand out for their consistent durability, reliable waterproofing, and honest warranties. These are the kinds of floors that hold up under real-life conditions, such as kids, pets, spills, and all.
If you want flooring that lasts, it’s worth checking out trusted names like
- Happy Feet International
- Urban Surfaces
- MSI Surfaces
- COREtec Floors
- Mannington Floors
- Karndean Flooring
- Shaw Floors
- GemCore Floor by Reward
- Republic Flooring
You can explore top-rated collections directly at Royal Floors Online, where we feature only the best vinyl plank flooring brands. These high-quality waterproof vinyl flooring brands are often highlighted by both flooring experts and homeowners for having thicker wear layers, stronger locking systems, and better resistance to scratches and moisture. They also tend to back their products with clearer, more customer-friendly warranties, which gives you peace of mind if problems ever do arise.
Make a Smart Flooring Choice
It’s clear that not all vinyl plank flooring is bad. But some brands cut corners with thin wear layers, weak locking systems, or misleading marketing. That’s why customer complaints about scratches, peeling, water damage, and warranty loopholes are so common.
If you’re shopping for new floors, the smartest move is to avoid the worst vinyl plank flooring brands. After all, your flooring is something you’ll live with every single day. Don’t let a poor choice lead to regret. Choose a brand that gives you peace of mind, reliability, and beauty that lasts.
Ready to get the best flooring options? Call us at (833) 378-4559, and get a free cost estimate for the best luxury vinyl plank flooring brands.
Related Posts
