What are the BEST Brands of Vinyl Plank and How to Test their QUALITY
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- Опубликовано: 4 июн 2024
- DON'T BUY just any vinyl plank, here are some simple tests you can use on the Vinyl Plank you are choosing. I also am considering the ease of installing luxury vinyl plank when I share what brands I think are best. This is important for anyone installing vinyl plank for the first time. Everyone wants there home renovation to be a success and no one wants to install a bad product.
Using a good quality flooring as a DIY who is learning how to install vinyl plank flooring can really make a difference on how well your installation will go.
Here are the links to tools I use. If you use these links I do get a commission and my family and I thank you very much for your support!
My favorite Vinyl Plank - www.sothatshowyoudothat.com/f...
Entire Home Plank Installation Video - • SIMPLE to Use Step by ...
Tools and Supplies I recommend in this video and use everyday- www.sothatshowyoudothat.com/t...
iRobot Roomba S9+ Bundle - amzn.to/3lxrZas
iRobot Braava Jet M6 - amzn.to/3agLamH
iRobot Handheld Vacuum H1 - (coming soon)
Bissell Crosswave - amzn.to/3ME3ep8
my website - www.sothatshowyoudothat.com/
This is where you will find all the tools I mentioned in the video
my facebook page - / sothatshowyoudothat
While you are there hit the like button!
Laminate University - www.sothatshowyoudothat.com/l... 
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A year ago before I did all the floors in my house I watched your videos on how to lay laminate flooring. The most important thing I learned was with your vid on how to lay out your floor before you start. I did all the measurements and laid down chalk lines and my floor turned out perfect. It wouldn't have without your help. They are a must watch for anybody who has never done flooring before like me.
Thank you for this!!
I found a discounted finish of trafficmaster a month ago at Home Depot on clearance for only 43 cents per sq ft. Originally $2.00 per sq ft. I couldn’t even break the locking joint with my hands. Installed very easy. Great finish. Got 580 sq ft for only $249. So happy with the results.
The man knows his stuff,im fitting all types of flooring for 40 years ,watch,listen and learn he is honest and is really trying to help you ,slan mo cara
Thanks Sean!
Wow, watching you snap away the locking mechanism on these planks makes me realize just that much more how important it is to make sure the floor is completely flat. There are so many videos out there on how to pick out LVP, but I think this is just about the best one I've seen. Thanks for posting, good useful information.
Thanks for your unbiased videos! We bought 4 different type before landing on Mohawk. Did the kitchen a while ago, now extending into dining room. Love love the product, very durable as you mentioned. Love your advice, I'm feeling much more confident this time since finding you and your helpful channel/website & FB page!!! You're awesome,, keep it up! Thanks.
JOE .. you have one of the most informative and honest channels about LVP flooring. God bless you sir and great videos!
I installed Coretec Plus in living room and it's very tight and still looks like new. I didn't put pads down and got a couple of dents, but ran a wet rag and iron over them and now can't even see them. Scuffs wipe up really easy. Pretty happy with this floor!
Thank you! We just returned a load of lowes shaw product after testing the paper-thin locking system. I'm a female w/ tiny fingers & was able to easily snap it off. We went w/ Lifeproof rigidcore. Much better product! I installed 1100 sq ft myself. You prevented a catastrophe, & saved us $5k, I could never have done it without you & your channel! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Thank you for sharing that!!
I have Coretec + and find it quite durable as well as beautiful. Extremely tight fit. Did a direct install to concrete slab.
It’s rare to find such authenticity and such amazing content.
I so glad I found this video. I'm getting quotes to install stuff and now I know what to look for when I select what I want in my house. Thanks for the great information.
Recently did a bathroom in Traffic Master waterproof rigid core from Home Depot. Went together really quick, and cutting it was a breeze. Lock edges didn't break off too quick and it seems to be holding up pretty well. No underlayment required makes for an extremely quick install.
I installed carpet for a living in the 90s and installing vinyl plank is so much easier. I love the durability and installation ease. I just installed Corelux blue pine in my son's apt. It looks great. The subfloor was very uneven and the Corelux went together easy. I didn't have a tapping block or a tapping bar for up against walls. Super happy with Corelux.
I put the Mohawk lvp from Costco in my kitchen and it looks good, went in easy and changed the room completely.
Brother thank you for doing this. WE need more of this for all products. Keep the companies honest and help people like me who just don't know. Thank you brother.
No doubt!
Just wanted to tell you how much I love and appreciate your work. Thank you for taking your most valuable possession..your time and sharing it with us. You have a beautiful little family, may the great spirit bless each one of you .
Wow, thank you!
Thanks for your genuine honesty!
I’m planning a floor plan for our other empty house and have been studying your videos among others before I start and rate you 5 huge Stars over all others. Thank you for your time video suggestions, recommendations, positive attitude and rebuilding my confidence to aggressively take on this task. Appreciate you as much as I do Hickok 45 with his gun demonstrations and that is top notch! May God continue to Bless you.
happy wife happy life lol!
This guy is BANG ON when he is mentioning the edge locking system. I am currently going through alot of heartache over a job I did 4 years ago where the floor that was laid over a cement floor now has seams that now have huge flex and ends that have literally cracked off over time.
I was informed too late for me to do any void filling before things broke or cracked but in defense of the client how would anyone even think to complain because the floor has some flex?
Currently Installing lifeproof luxury planks in large basement and it’s going pretty well. One thing I wish I knew before starting was just how fragile the locking mechanisms are. Extra care should be used when emptying the boxes, don’t just dump them out and let them hit the ground. Also, use care in transporting them, the boxes are large and heavy so depending on how you load them into your vehicle, one pot hole can take out an entire box.
Watched about 10 of your videos.... You're a genuine person. Just subscribed. Thank you for the integrity.
I appreciate that!
I’ve done a few floors here and there. Used both the Costco Mohawk and H.D. Lifeproof. Much preferred the Lifeproof as far as ease of installation. With the Mohawk you had to angle the small end joint in first the try and angle the long seam joint after and it’s a PIA. With the Lifeproof just angle the board in along the long seam and slide it over tight to previous board tap to lock in then tap the end joint down to lock it in, much easier!
Another great video. This years I got my contractors license and will be installing these types of floors. I think one the most impact with little demolition in a house that can transform a space.
Most sincere, guy trying to help other people get it done right,wow that’s incredible.
Thank you!
Joe, I so appreciate your forthrightness and honesty about Products, durability, design issues, and brands. I am "still" in the decision stages and did not know how to proceed. These helpful hints have given me new confidence. It is something that they dont tell you about in the store. It will also help me adjust myself to what is affordable and reasonable. Bless you! Press on.
Mechelle
Thank you for sharing that!
Great video, big help as I plan a house. Never apologize for telling it like it is.
Thanks for the video it's really helpful I'm doing two bedrooms in plank flooring.Its nice to here someone give a honest opinion on flooring. THANKS AGAIN
Great videos.I'm learning from your videos the very important questions to ask when buying materiels for my large LVP project. What was especially helpful were all your videos on the smaller details on how to make my LVP look professional and beautiful in my home at the same time. Thank you and God Bless
Thank you so much for this. I'm trying to convince my husband to let me replace a second floor hallway rug with vinyl planks. I know I can do it myself but he wants to hire a professional. Considering how much they are charging I REALLY want to do this myself. Your videos are super helpful!
did a 1700 sqft modular home. started with NuCore from Floor & Decor. Looks great, pain in the *** to install, a fight all the way. Gave up, took it back, argued for my money back, went to Costco and bought the Mohawk 'misty harbor oak' for about 80 cents less per sqft than the NuCore. It's 5mm vs 6mm but went together almost too easy. So far with work boots, big dogs, and the occasional pitching wedge....so good.
Joe, many thanks for your videos. I am getting ready to install vinyl plank in my bathroom tomorrow. Your videos have been a huge help.
I found a camper that I'm turning into a small home but, the linoleum is ugly and worn out and I want do my own floors. You were so helpful and I'm a little intimidated. You've actually given me some confidence.
I had a team install Lifeproof in my whole house (1300 square feet) and I am absolutely pleased. Little pricey but well worth it.
I REALLY enjoy your videos and especially this one, thank you! The one vinyl plank type flooring you didn't mention (and with good reason and probably on purpose) was the peel-and-stick lines. I let someone talk me into installing and I will never do again. There are too many issues to be worth mentioning them all but just thought I'd bring up. Thank you so much for the fantastic video!!
Yep..
Thank you so much for this honest video and for sharing the knowledge. Thanks to you I now know what to look for. You prevented me from making a $1,000 huge mistake on a cheap flooring I fell in love with, I'll keep looking now that I know. Much love, God bless.
Absolute great video. Wish there was more people in this world like you. Thanks for the info.
I really enjoyed your brutal honesty and straightforward explanations of the products, not just repeating the marketing hype. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I appreciate that!
Great video I already did a room using Ashland Grove by Hampstead that I purchased at Floor & Decor. This was my first time doing it and it went down very nicely had no issues whatsoever but still a little nervous about doing the rest of the house since this is only about $1.29 a square foot. I did the butter knife test and I tried to break the edge. This stuff passed both tests now I feel much more comfortable about going ahead and doing the rest of the house. Keep doing what you do!
We used Lifeproof and we have been very happy with it. We have two dogs and high traffic areas and it has really held up. It was very easy to install and I liked the fact it has no formaldehyde in the product.
Does it have formaldehyde?
I installed Home Depots' Lifeproof vinyl plank in a downstairs laundry room. I did not install a vapor barrier. Installation was easy and it has been in several years now and I am pleased with it. If I do another I will get a quality vapor barrier. I like the vinyl plank you recommend.
I love your videos. When giving feedback about products, don't apologize. Yes, you want to generally watch your approach when you give feedback about certain products to not make ripples, that's important. It's either they will accept your feedback or not. I really love how you're an expert in your field. You have the attention to detail and service to others that really makes you awesome! Keep on crushing it! :)
Thanks!
Thanks so much for this video. Super helpful. It has armed me (someone who knows 0 about LVP flooring) with some great info and knowledge for when we pick out our new flooring for our remodel today.
Very welcome!
Fabulous Video! I'd hire you in a heartbeat to do the floors just because you're very honest and knowledgeable. Thank you👍😊
I have Lifeproof sterling oak throughout my house. I absolutely love it. Easy to install, wears well, and easy care. Highly recommend it.
Thanks for sharing
I'm considering that as well. My only concern is it possible not laying flat in a big room. I saw some other reviews saying don't use these lock systems in larger rooms cause you don't use glue. I actually don't want to use glue in case I have to take it up, but don't want it ever to buckle or start lifting up etc.
Also, I know you have to make sure the surface is flat and level.
Thanks!!! Best 10 minutes I spent learning in a long time. 👏👏👍
Great to hear!
Thank you so much for your videos on installing vinyl plank flooring! Your video helped me to make the most informed decision on purchasing a good quality floor and how to install it correctly. I really appreciate it!
Just installed lifeproof in a bathroom. Easy to put down and love the result.
Great info! We installed Shaw Montana (Madrid shade) in 3 bedrooms. The locking system was pretty thin. So far no problems, but light wear with just two adults, no kids/pets in house. Will definitely remember your tips for any future installations. Thank you so much for your videos!
Thx for sharing
I have been installing floors for 23yrs. I started when I was 14 with my dad, and have been doing flooring ever since.(only hard surface). I also am from Minnesota. I subcontract for 2 stores in particular, and have my name on both walls as their top installer.. I do support the mannignton rigid concept. Tuffcore, floorte, and coretec are some close secondary options. The battle between Congoleme and Armstrong and Mannignton still continues.. good vid my dude.. that being said.. if your snapping ends off, consider the way you use a tapping block.. still like your honest opinion, and your dont get shamboozald approach..
I am so thankful I found you today. I am getting ready to do my house and I am not aware of anything thing you talked about. Thank you.
you know your stuff man and bring up issues that are important and i would not even known to be worried about them! thanks
In the past 4 months I have done 3 vinyl plank floors. 1 was a cheapo floor, $2/sqft from Home Depot, looked good when done, but took a lot of extra work. The other 2 were Smart core from Lowes, both went together very easy and look great. I have a forth next week, they have not decided what kind yet.
What extra work did it take? How did you do it? I got the cheapo one for my rental
Just installed Great Lakes vinyl plank over the last few days. As a first-timer it went pretty smoothly and easily. The worst part was whittling the small corners with a knife to trim it because I didn’t have a dremel. I have no qualms about installing this vinyl plank in the rest of the house by myself. I will say I used a miter saw to cut with. Great Lakes suggests score and snap, but the thickness of the vinyl means too much effort to use for a whole room’s planks. I would suggest the perfect setup would be miter saw, table saw (for long and straight cuts), Dremel (for minor details), rubber mallet, speed square, spacers, pencil, and a thin-line marker. My tool list excludes specific flooring tools like a vinyl cutter or a vinyl floor installation kit which are great but also not absolutely necessary for anything other than this specific type of work. Have an awesome day and rock on 🤘.
Just installed traffic master rigid core in my tiny house. Turned out awesome easy to install product and looks sharp
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this awesome video and for being so honest. You are great !
You are so welcome!
Joe, thank you for your channel and sharing your knowledge and skill. Your videos have me the confidence to install my floor. Your video where you showed how to cut off the locking lip and glue it with clear gorilla glue was indispensable in my installation. Everything came out beautiful I could not ask for a better result. Also your video showing how to deal with angles was the key For me to take on this job myself. From the bottom of my heart, thank you thank you sir! God bless!
Glad to help
Thank you for making this video! Thank you for your unbiased opinion, I'm currently shopping around for flooring and I had no idea what to look for! Thank you
You are welcome!
Same here!
Thank you so much! I'm renovating my first home and you taught me so much!
Glad I could help!
Thank you for you honesty. We are still trying to decide. Your information is very helpful.
I installed Quick Step from Lowes and had good success. Passed the scratch test, locks together tight and has a very tough tongue. It also comes with an attached backing. Wish I would of watched your videos beforehand. But, I am getting ready to remodel an entire house and will be using laminate all throughout. Also, as a fellow believer in the Lord Jesus Christ I appreciate your knowledging Him.
I used Lowe's top of the line LifeProof flooring that was dropping lock waterproof vinyl here recently and every time I had to lock it in it seemed like it wanted to Crease it very bad like it was going to break it but did not break just bent and when the light hits you can slightly see the bevel in it
I can tell you are genuine with your criticisms and observations. Thank you :)
Very helpful - I'm researching vinyl plank and you gave me some good tips to look for and test. Thanks!
Currently installing 2000 sqft of coreluxe ultra from LL Flooring, heavy plank, strong locking tabs, durable finish. Installs easily with no gaps. Super happy!!!
Great to hear! Thanks for sharing!
Hey thanks for the video. I was out looking today and had the very concerns you mentioned about the bevel and thought for sure it would be a dirt collector so thanks for your insight!
Glad I could help
Excellent excellent video. Very glad to find somebody who is not sponsored. We need to hear the truth and you’re doing it. So keep it up thanks
Locking system is my number one selling point to my clients. Thank you for hammering this home.
You bet
I personally recommend the Black Lab test. Also known as the Tasmanian Devil.
I had Adura Max Meridian in Stucco installed in our kitchen about three years ago. The installer said we made a very good choice and he enjoyed installing it. With stainless appliances it looks stunning and we have gotten many compliments on it. It is easy to keep clean. We have bar stools on it with traffic every meal time. No issues with wear or buckling. It has been worth every penny!
Thanks for sharing!
Tranquility resilient flooring just installed. Tough locking system and no end gap weirdness. I give the scratch durability a C though as we have noticed some scratches appearing and don’t even know what they could’ve come from. My other gripe…… they give you only 5 patterns to mix it up and they put super obvious markings on it like “two knots together that looks like owl eyes” or “a little section that looks like worm wood”. They stand out and it adds a tremendous amount of decision time for someone like me who wants to minimize the duplicates rather than a more mild neutral pattern. Great videos and thanks for all your advice!
Before I installed 200 sq ft of a certain brand of vinyl plant - I watched your video
and I returned it this last weekend and will be using the Mannington product
it is worth not having to do it twice
and thank you for all the installation videos !
I am really happy with the Lowes Smartcore Ultra. Your videos are great!
Thanks so much!
Been a general contract out here in LA for 40 years, done tile floors but the first time for LVT in my place. I'm going to install Mohawk from Costco. I'll let you know the outcome. Thanks for all the great install info from several of your videos.
How did it go Tom?
I love this video that you made where it really helps people that don't really know about flooring because from look i would think its good but its not just looks so thank you keep it up
Your presentation is so valuable to everyone including the trade to. I love more your honesty , you are straight out shooter...Actually, manufactures should bay for your opinion as you are helping them to improve their products...You are awesome mate.
We had Mannington Adura Max installed in our home 3 years ago and absolutely love it, our installers were impressed and thankful to install such a quality product. Once you've had that quality it's very difficult to look at anything else. It was recommended by a friend, I recommended it to 5 people, who also had it installed and love it.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for taking so much of your time over the past few years. I learned most of my hard to do skills for vinyl plank from your videos. We are about to do it again in our first rent house and need to get this right the first time. We got lucky with Global GEMs the first time (tri plank design), and this video helped point out the other quality checks we were missing. Keep the honesty flowing. When you spend 5K you don't need to be basing decisions on anything less then honest experience for those that do it every day. I would like to suggest a pressure test. We took several different brands home the first time, got our dining room 4 legged chairs on it, and my 240 pounds leaned the chair back on 2 legs, just like we all do when we have company at the table. The "dentabiltiy" told another part of the wear/quality story for us as well. Loved the butter knive test and sand under foot wear tests you mentioned! Keep up the great work!
good stuff!
This was useful. I never even thought about the locking system being rubbish. Thanks
You are freaking awesome! Thank you for all your tips and tricks, can’t wait to start my massive project at home!
I really learned a lot from watching your videos, Joe! I completed 5 rooms/580 Square feet in about 4 nights (Dove Tail Pro Life). It looks amazing!! I still struggled with the trim and midering bc I was using PVC trim.. Thank you for your knowledge. God Bless you and your family, bro!
Thanks for sharing this
thanks for the tests. im looking at some off brand chinese planks because of the price (i can't pay 5$/sqft). now i know how to test them and a feel of how good they are..
I have been looking for vial to do my porch we turned in to 4 season.You have been so helpful an honest in what I need to look for thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I used Costco vinyl plank in my enclosed porch and a bathroom and love it, installed ok from what I recall. I have had some challenges in the past with another non vinyl laminate. I need to watch your install videos again. I’ve been building and repairing homes and stuff over 40 years on and off and to save my life, could not get the non vinyl flooring to install like the instructions said. You have a great channel, thanks for all you do
Thanks for sharing!
I have 2 high energy dogs and scratch resistant flooring was a high priority for me when I was shopping for flooring material. Everything I read about the various flooring options claimed that laminate is more scratch resistant than LVP, so to test that, I used my house key rather than a butter knife. I had to really dig in with the key to scratch both the Mohawk and Shaw laminates, but the same test on the LVP was a real eye opener to it's poor scratch resistance. It took very little effort to make highly visible scratches on the LVP. I still had one concern with the laminate however, and that was how well the laminate material would hold up to standing water. For that test, I again used samples from both Shaw and Mohawk laminate, as drink coasters for a week. I also placed laminate samples in my kitchen sink and left them there to be exposed to my everyday sink usage. Both the Mohawk and Shaw samples that were used as coasters held up fine and showed no sign of water damage what-so-ever. The samples I placed in the sink were a different story however. The Shaw flooring sample was twice as thick as the Mohawk so I expected it to be an unfair comparison; but the Shaw sample swelled and warped within the first day. The Mohawk sample held up for 2 and a half days before I saw visible signs of water damage. The Shaw sample swelled and warped at both the joint and face, and it was completely ruined. The Shaw flooring would have to be replaced if it were on a real floor. The Mohawk sample curled slightly at the joint and a crack developed, but to my surprise, the joint remained very rigid and easily snap together with the other Mohawk samples, and there was no noticeable gaps where the samples snapped together. From my layman experiment, I believe the water damage to the Mohawk was not severe enough to require it be replaced if it had occurred in a low traffic area. A high traffic section of flooring would have most likely caused the cracked joint to break off completely, so replacement would have ultimately been required in that scenario. I didn't try to snap the locking system to see how strong it was, but the Shaw's was much thicker and I expected it to be much stronger that the surprising thing Mohawk locking system, but that was not the case, the Mohawk was superior. The flooring company where I obtained the samples, really promoted the Shaw flooring as being the superior quality, but my simple tests proved different. Long story short, my tests gave me peace of mind about going with laminate flooring made by Mohawk. It looks great and is holding up very well and best of all, Mohawk was less expensive than Shaw. I'm happy with Mohawk and will purchase this brand again in the future.
Great comments. I’ve installed several floors (5/8” bamboo, other floating floors, and some repairs to oak floors), the Vinyl Laminate from Costco, Mohawk brand, was the easiest and so seems very durable. It locked in very tight, and like you said, the locking system was strong. Thanks to another of your videos I installed a floor starting in the hallway that went right and left before it entered the main rooms; was nit a straight shot to the main rooms. And o worked forward and backwards. I used a laser level/line because I was not confident in my ability to chalk, but it worked great. Glad I started in the hallway. Take care of you’re self, hope you’re not punishing your body too much; flooring is hard on the body.
Thanks a bunch.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the video. Explaining the strength of locking systems, scratching, and cleaning. Tested my sample piece, was cheap. Appreciate it.
You are welcome!
Thank you so much for this video - I'm unexpectedly learning about flooring due to a leak, and did not realize that the locking system was potentially an issue. Bit overwhelmed, but this is helping.
Awesome! I was looking for floors that are floorscore certified and was so glad to find the Mannington Adura. Now, I need to find somewhere near me that carries it so I can take a look.
Glad I could help!
Thanks Joe, I have learned a lot from you.
You're welcome!
Thanks for the advice ! There's so many products out there and with the price hike it's all good to know.
I love your videos. I'm looking at putting this in my kitchen. I'm just looking at different one's. I'm trying to figure out what would be good for the kitchen. I'm going to put it on the hole floor and put my kitchen cabinets on top of it when I'm done. I haven't gotten anything yet. But I'm looking at different kinds. Great video and good information. Thanks.
👍🏼👌🏾👊🏼 as usual Great info Joe! very honest and I thought you were going to cry before you called out Shaw (😂 ) but that shows your passion for giving us unbiased info - we appreciate it! I was rewinding & screenshot’ing the subtitles as you were naming products just to keep up ✝️🇺🇸
LOL.... You are welcome and thx!
Currently installing 1,100 sf of Lifeproof woodacres oak. It has gone together tight and square. So far happy with it. I noticed the locking edges are somewhat fragile and can break if you step on them or accidentally kick them before installing the next row.
Excellent honest critique and comparison. Thank you!
Thank you for this information! We’re getting ready to buy this type of product. We will let you know what we got and how it lays. I’m glad I found your video
Thank you for this honest and forthright video! Straightforward and to the point! Anyone who doesn't find this video helpful is selling something else!
Thank you for your time in making this video!
Glad it was helpful!
That is the truth. Thank you Sir for the Video
My wife and I installed Allure Ultra (from Home Depot) in our kitchen about 5 or 6 years ago. Installation was easy and we are very pleased with the product.
Thanks for sharing
Me too, was great. Wish they still sold it.
Thanks ,I'm a installer for 33yrs and you are correct
Pro Core from Lowe's. I installed the water proof in a rental house kitchen and laundry room. It looks great and cleans up with mop and water. Highly recommend.
Thanks for this video. You are the real deal. It was so helpful since we are planning to DIY our upstairs @1300 sqft. Could you share which Mohawk line do you like the best?
Did you find out which mokawk line is good? I'm looking to order something very soon.