CoreLuxe Vinyl Plank Flooring Review

What if you could have a beautiful hardwood flooring look at a fraction of the cost? And it can go in any room including basements and bathrooms? Enter CoreLuxe Vinyl Plank flooring.

If you’ve been looking for the best vinyl plank flooring brands, you’ve surely come across CoreLuxe flooring. Being a luxurious alternative to natural hardwood, this fake wood-type vinyl flooring offers a lot of advantages over hardwood.

In this Core Luxe Flooring Review, you’ll learn about CoreLuxe’s:

f you want to read more of Floor Critics’ flooring brand reviews, feel free to check our reviews on NuCore, DuraLux, LifeProof, COREtec, and Pergo flooring. Need some assistance with your flooring installation and cleaning? Contact our experts now, we are more than happy to assist you!

What Is Core Luxe Vinyl Plank?

To make it easier to understand, let’s start with the basics including some definitions first below:

• Luxury vinyl flooring is a high-end, multi-layer PVC flooring that is durable, waterproof, affordable, and a realistic alternative to hardwood.
• LVP comes in two forms: (1) luxury vinyl plank (LVP) that mimics wood planks and (2) luxury vinyl tile (LVT) that mimics ceramic or stone tiles
• Rigid vs. Flexible Core: Luxury vinyl can come with a flexible core or a rigid core which currently dominates the market for its durability, comfort, and realistic feel (also called Engineered Vinyl Plank or EVP).
• There are three types of rigid cores: (1) SPC (Stone-Polymer Composite) which is strong and durable with a stone and PVC mix, (2) WPC (Wood-Polymer Composite) which is comfortable and insulating with a wood and PVC mix, and (3) Pure Vinyl that is rigid but less durable and less comfortable than SPC or WPC.

So What is CoreLuxe Vinyl Plank?

To make it short, CoreLuxe is a rigid vinyl plank flooring from Lumber Liquidators (now LL Flooring) with an SPC core. Thus, it is theoretically great at standing up to heavy traffic and wear.

Moreover, it closely resembles wood, yet it comes at a fraction of the price. This makes it ideal for homeowners looking for durable and easy-to-maintain flooring but easy on the budget. It also comes in different sizes that will suit any taste from classic to modern and trendy to traditional.

Want to know more about this flooring option and how CoreLuxe stacks up to the competition? Read on.

CoreLuxe Vinyl Plank Flooring Key Features

• Fake Wood-Type Vinyl Flooring: CoreLuxe is a type of engineered vinyl plank flooring that is sold exclusively through Lumber Liquidators.

• Phthalate-Free: It is phthalate-free which means it provides excellent indoor air quality and scores highly on the “healthy” side of things. (NOTE: All of CoreLuxe’s products are both GREENGUARD and FloorScore-certified.)
• Waterproof: Another great feature of CoreLuxe is that it is truly waterproof. This makes it ideal for those who live in flood zones or coastal areas.
• Wet Room-Friendly: It is perfect for wet rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
• Hard PVC Core: It has a hard PVC core which makes it extremely stable.
• Durability: It is also a durable flooring that can hold up well against stains, dents, scratches, and even just normal wear and tear.
• Easy Maintenance & Installation: CoreLuxe is both easy to clean (just use a simple wet mop) and easy to install (it can be placed over any hard surface subfloor). And it requires no acclimation time, so you can start enjoying it right away.

Advantages & Disadvantages of CoreLuxe Flooring

Before we proceed further, let’s start with a summary of the pros and cons of CoreLuxe flooring below:

CoreLuxe flooring offers affordability, versatility in styles, and easy maintenance, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious homeowners seeking waterproof and visually appealing flooring.

However, its drawbacks (such as durability concerns for the basic lines, limited warranties, and environmental impact) warrant careful consideration, especially for high-traffic or long-term installations.

Advantages of CoreLuxe Flooring

#1. Durability and Sturdiness

• Thicker Planks: CoreLuxe planks are notably thick (SPC floors are sometimes thinner), especially the 20 mil wear layer options, so it is suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Waterproof: All CoreLuxe products are waterproof which makes them ideal for areas like bathrooms, basements, and mudrooms.

#2. Variety of Styles and Aesthetics

• Wood Looks: Mimics popular hardwood species like oak, maple, teak, and ash.
• Stone Looks: Offers authentic stone designs to give homeowners seeking tile-like aesthetics flexibility.
• Pattern Options: Can be installed in various classic and modern patterns like herringbone or mixed-width farmhouse styles.

#3. Ease of Maintenance

• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal cleaning with simple sweeping and occasional mopping.
• Durable Coating: Resistant to stains and water spots, so it is easier to maintain than natural wood.

#4. Installation Flexibility

• DIY-Friendly: Click-lock and glue-down installation options make it suitable for DIY projects.
• No Acclimation Required: Can be installed immediately without waiting for the flooring to adapt to room temperature or humidity.

#5. Affordability

• Budget-Friendly: Prices range from $1.80 to $4 per square foot, making it an economical alternative to hardwood.
• Lower Long-term Costs: Reduced maintenance and installation costs contribute to overall affordability.

#6. Certifications and Health Considerations

• Low-VOC Certified: GREENGUARD and FloorScore certifications ensure better indoor air quality.
• Phthalate-Free: Reduces exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

#7. Warranty on Premium Lines

• Lifetime Warranty: CoreLuxe XD and Ultra lines come with a lifetime residential warranty to give you peace of mind.

Disadvantages of CoreLuxe Flooring

#1. Warranty Limitations

• Basic Line Warranty: The regular CoreLuxe line does not offer a lifetime residential warranty which is unusual for LVP flooring.
• No Commercial Warranty: CoreLuxe products lack strong commercial warranties, even in their premium lines.

#2. Durability Concerns for Budget Lines

• Thinner Wear Layers: The 6 and 12 mil wear layers in the budget CoreLuxe line may not hold up well in high-traffic areas.
• Scratches Easily: Many reviews report that lower-tier options are prone to scratches and general wear and tear.

#3. Temperature Sensitivity

• Swelling and Warping: Susceptible to damage from temperature fluctuations and high humidity.
• Not Suitable for Outdoors: CoreLuxe is not recommended for outdoor or non-climate-controlled environments.

#4. Installation Challenges

• Click-Lock Issues: Some users report difficulty with the click-lock system, leading to improper sealing or the need for additional adhesives.
• Skill-Dependent Aesthetics: Achieving intricate patterns like herringbone may require professional installation.

#5. Short Lifespan for Budget Lines

• Limited Longevity: According to reviews, basic CoreLuxe lines may last only 5 to 10 years which is shorter than other LVP options.

#6. Chemical Concerns

• Hazard Warnings: Some CoreLuxe products may contain hazardous chemicals, including lead which raises health and safety concerns.

#7. Environmental Impact

• Synthetic Material: Vinyl flooring is not eco-friendly as it is made from non-renewable synthetic materials and is not easily recyclable.

#8. Radiant Heating Compatibility

• Limited Options: Not all CoreLuxe products are compatible with radiant heating systems which may limit installation in certain homes.

#9. Past Manufacturer Issues

• LL Flooring’s History: Previous lawsuits involving chemical safety cast doubts on the brand’s reliability and transparency.

In-depth Review of Core Luxe Vinyl Plank Flooring Across 7 Factors

In this section, we will be reviewing Core Luxe vinyl flooring based on these seven factors:

• Styles & Options
• Affordability
• Warranties
• Durability
• Maintenance
• Installation
• Environmental Impact

#1. Styles & Options: Core Luxe Product Lines

Let’s take a look further at the different CoreLuxe Flooring options.

CoreLuxe offers three main product lines of engineered vinyl flooring for your different style and price requirements: CoreLuxe, CoreLuxe Ultra, and CoreLuxe XD.

CoreLuxe Basic: The Budget Option

Available in three wood species (oak, maple, and pine), this default line offers a range of colors like Weathered Gray Pine Natural Maple, and Sawmill Oak. Planks are 5.3 mm to 5.5 mm thick and 48 inches long. You also have the option to choose between 6 and 12-mil layers. (Tip: the higher the mil, the better for high-traffic areas.)

As for price, they range from $1.8 to $3 per square foot with most warranties lasting 10 to 30 years. Overall, this classic line is ideal for common spaces such as hallways and living rooms.

CoreLuxe XD: For Heavy-Duty Flooring

If you are looking for heavy-duty flooring for busy households or commercial spaces, then CoreLuxe XD is for you. CoreLuxe flooring reviews recommend this line over the budget option because it offers more durability and styles with minimal price difference.

It offers planks that are 7 mm thick and 48 inches long with a thicker 20-mil option for more durability and protection.

This line also offers unique cross-hatch textured flooring that includes deep, dark colors like acacia, hickory, and oak. If you are into wood-look planks, you can go for colors like Driftwood Hickory and Beach Cottage Oak.

NOTE: CoreLuxe offers the most styles with around 35 different styles.

CoreLuxe XD ranges from $2.1 to $3.4 per square foot and comes with a 50-year manufacturer warranty on each style.

CoreLuxe Ultra: The Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Option

With a price range of $3 to $4 per square foot, these floors offer classic and trendy colors in 17 styles that include browns, reds, and grays, and come with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. It is the most expensive among the three lines but with the most benefits since it has a 28-mil wear layer.

This line boasts the widest variety of styles among the three. It includes ash, Brazilian cherry, oak, pine, hickory, and walnut. The planks are 7 mm to 8 mm thick and come in 48-inch and 60-inch lengths that offer greater durability.

A Quick Note: Although thicker wear layers are generally more durable, not all wear layers are created equal. This means that thicker options do not always mean better options. The durability of vinyl planks will also depend on what the wear layer is made of (i.e. aluminum oxide and ceramic bead-infused wear layers are more durable compared to pure polyurethane.)

Also Read: Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness: How to Choose?

Extra Core Luxe Flooring Style Tips

• Use CoreLuxe to replicate high-end wood types like oak, maple, or teak.
• Work with a skilled installer to arrange planks in convincing traditional wood floor layouts.
• Mix dark and light planks for unique, 3-dimensional designs.
• Mix CoreLuxe’s narrow and wide plank options to create farmhouse to townhouse-inspired themes.

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#2. CoreLuxe’s Affordability: A Major Selling Point

CoreLuxe is a vinyl plank flooring brand that appeals to homeowners and renovators seeking budget-friendly, aesthetically pleasing flooring solutions.

One of CoreLuxe’s most appealing qualities is its cost-effectiveness. At just $3 to $4 per square foot, even for the premium CoreLuxe Ultra line, it’s a fraction of the price of traditional hardwood flooring. In comparison, high-end wood flooring often exceeds $20 per square foot when factoring in installation.

Beyond the low material costs, CoreLuxe’s vinyl planks are also inexpensive to install, rarely exceeding a few dollars per square foot. This affordability makes it a go-to option for budget-conscious homeowners who want the look of wood without the financial burden.

Moreover, CoreLuxe’s overall value extends beyond the initial purchase. Its reduced maintenance requirements, compared to hardwood, laminate, or composite flooring, make it a long-term cost saver. Competitors’ vinyl options and other artificial flooring types often fall closer to wood pricing, but CoreLuxe remains consistently affordable across its product lines.

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#3. Core Luxe Warranty Limitations: A Weak Link

While CoreLuxe shines in affordability, its warranty offerings fall short, especially compared to competitors in the vinyl plank flooring market.

Here’s a breakdown of the warranty situation:

• CoreLuxe Basic: This entry-level option lacks any warranty coverage, even for residential use which is a surprising omission for a product designed for regular foot traffic.
• CoreLuxe XD and CoreLuxe Ultra: These higher-tier lines include limited lifetime residential warranties, but they fail to offer substantial coverage for commercial use. In fact, no CoreLuxe product includes a dedicated commercial warranty.

For commercial spaces or high-traffic areas, this lack of robust warranty protection suggests CoreLuxe may not be the most durable choice. Even among the top-tier offerings, the warranties are described as “lackluster” compared to industry standards.

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#4. CoreLuxe Durability: A Mixed Bag of Features

CoreLuxe has garnered attention for its affordability, wood-like aesthetic, and ease of maintenance.

However, customer reviews highlight a mix of strengths and challenges, particularly regarding its durability and long-term performance.

Below, we compile every important detail about CoreLuxe’s durability so you’ll know what to expect from this flooring option.

Resilience Against Wear and Tear

CoreLuxe flooring has a reputation for robustness, especially when compared to some other stone-polymer composite (SPC) flooring options, which can be fragile. Its thicker planks, particularly those with a 20 mil wear layer, provide a higher level of protection against everyday damage. This makes it a favorable choice for areas with moderate foot traffic.

However, the thinner options (6-12 mil wear layers) are less sturdy, leaving them vulnerable to wear and tear. Buyers frequently report scratching issues, particularly with the budget and standard CoreLuxe lines which lack the enhanced durability of the Ultra line.

Waterproofing: A Strong Suit

One standout feature of CoreLuxe flooring is its true waterproof capabilities. Unlike some budget-friendly LVP brands that struggle in this area, CoreLuxe has received positive reviews for its ability to withstand water exposure. This makes it an excellent choice for spaces like bathrooms or basements where achieving the wood-floor aesthetic without water damage concerns is a priority.

Temperature Sensitivity

Despite its durability against wear, CoreLuxe flooring is notably sensitive to temperature changes.

Swelling, warping, and splitting have been reported in extreme conditions, even indoors. This makes it unsuitable for outdoor installations or areas prone to significant temperature fluctuations.

For example, CoreLuxe floors may perform well as sunroom flooring, where some climate control is present. However, they are not ideal for hot, humid environments or spaces without controlled indoor temperatures.

Lifespan Variability

The lifespan of CoreLuxe flooring depends heavily on the product line:

• Standard and Budget Lines: These have an estimated lifespan of 5-10 years, which may fall short for homeowners seeking long-lasting solutions.
• Ultra Line: With a lifespan of 15-25 years, this line compares favorably to top-tier LVP brands, providing better longevity and value for money.

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#5. Maintenance: A Highlight of CoreLuxe Flooring

CoreLuxe is also popular for its ease of maintenance:

Ease of Cleaning

CoreLuxe excels in maintenance simplicity, often highlighted in customer reviews. Daily sweeping is sufficient for general care while occasional use of suitable cleaning products can address deeper sanitation needs.

Low Maintenance Compared to Hardwood

In comparison to hardwood or even engineered wood flooring, CoreLuxe requires significantly less upkeep. Its water resistance eliminates the need for special treatments to combat moisture and its smooth surface resists dirt accumulation.

Extra Tips: CoreLuxe Care Recommendations

To ensure long-term performance:

• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners and tools that could damage the vinyl surface.
• Look through the flooring’s warranty guide before you use any special cleaners.

Also Read: How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring

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#6. CoreLuxe Installation: DIY-Friendly with a Catch

CoreLuxe Flooring can be installed in two primary ways:

• Glue-down Installation: Most Core Luxe vinyl flooring comes with this easy and quick installation option for DIYers to eliminate subfloor damage.
• Interlocking Floating Floor: These are click-together floors that keep their position over your subfloor to form an impermeable seal and smooth surface.

CoreLuxe flooring is easy to install and uses click-floating floor technology. Just snap it into place over your current subfloor. No need to remove or fasten it down. As long as the underlying surface is solid, CoreLuxe will effortlessly float on top of your old flooring.

Several of the CoreLuxe Ultra flooring types also include a pre-attached pad for added comfort. Because installation is fairly easy and very few tools are required, CoreLuxe is a great DIY project. (NOTE: Make sure to follow installation instructions to avoid voiding your warranty.)

Plus, it can go in virtually any room in the house since it is waterproof. This includes basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Note: You can also buy corner pieces and other finishing products from Lumber Liquidators also to help give your CoreLuxe flooring a finished look once it is installed.

Another benefit of this product is that it does not require acclimation. So once you install it, you can begin enjoying it.

The Installation Catch: Not as Easy as It Seems

While vinyl plank flooring is celebrated for its DIY-friendly nature, many CoreLuxe reviews highlight difficulties with its installation process.

The primary issue? The click-lock system – a fundamental feature of CoreLuxe flooring – is reported to be unreliable.

The Problem with Click-Lock Tabs

For a proper installation, the interlocking tabs of the planks need to fit seamlessly to ensure a watertight seal. However, some users have found that these tabs don’t align or function as intended. Without this critical mechanism:

• The floor may lack stability or durability.
• It could require adhesive, negating the convenience of a floating floor system.

These issues can transform a seemingly straightforward project into a frustrating experience, especially for first-time installers.

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#7. Environmental Impact: Vinyl’s Eco-Friendly Shortcomings

Vinyl flooring, including CoreLuxe, is not considered a sustainable choice due to its synthetic nature. Here’s what you need to know about CoreLuxe’s environmental pros and cons:

Vinyl’s Synthetic Composition

Vinyl flooring is not sustainably sourced and most products are not biodegradable or easily recyclable. This is one of the material’s biggest drawbacks, especially for eco-conscious homeowners.

If sustainability is your priority, consider alternative options such as:

• Hemp flooring
• Sustainable wood flooring (e.g., pine or Douglas fir)

CoreLuxe’s GreenGuard Certification

Despite vinyl’s environmental drawbacks, CoreLuxe is GreenGuard certified as a low-VOC (volatile organic compound) product.

• Why Low-VOC Flooring Matters: VOCs are harmful substances found in many processed products, including flooring, that can negatively impact indoor air quality.
• This certification indicates that CoreLuxe meets industry standards for safe VOC levels, aligning with the flooring industry’s move toward healthier products.

Safety Concerns: Transparency and Risks

While CoreLuxe’s low-VOC certification is reassuring, LL Flooring’s history raises some red flags.

LL Flooring’s Troubled Past

LL Flooring, the exclusive retailer of CoreLuxe products, has faced lawsuits in the past for concealing chemical concentrations in their materials. Although the company has taken steps to improve transparency, some concerns remain.

Chemical Warnings on CoreLuxe Products

Certain CoreLuxe products still carry warnings for hazardous chemicals, such as the possibility of containing lead – a substance linked to numerous health problems. While LL Flooring is making efforts to be more transparent, this detail can be alarming for buyers prioritizing safety.

CoreLuxe Vinyl Plank Flooring vs. Other Brands

Lastly, let’s how CoreLuxe vinyl flooring compares to other popular brands in the market in the short comparisons below:

• CoreLuxe vs. LifeProof (Home Depot): Similar price range ($2 to $4/sq ft), style choices, and wear layer options, but CoreLuxe Ultra may be better due to its SPC core.
• CoreLuxe vs. COREtec: COREtec is a premium brand with WPC flooring and thick wear layers (up to 30 mils). It offers superior quality but is much pricier ($6.90 to $10.20/sq ft) than CoreLuxe. However, Proximity Mills offers similar quality at a lower cost.
• CoreLuxe vs. NuCore (Floor & Decor): NuCore is slightly cheaper ($1.80 to $3.80/sq ft) with thicker wear layers but less durable pure vinyl cores. (Note: NuCore, which has disabled reviews, has mixed reviews outside of the website.)
• CoreLuxe vs. Proximity Mills: Proximity Mills is superior to CoreLuxe with more styles, durability, eco-friendly features (recyclable, VOC/phthalate-free), and better certifications but is sold at a similar price range.
• CoreLuxe vs. SmartCore (Lowe’s): Similar price and features to CoreLuxe and LifeProof but offers both SPC and WPC varieties.

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FAQ

The Verdict

If you are looking for vinyl plank flooring that is extremely durable, the LL Flooring’s CoreLuxe is a great option. Its engineered construction and PVC core can hold up in high-traffic rooms, wet rooms, or just about anywhere else you want to install it.

Plus, installing it is a breeze with click-lock floating floors that fit right on top of your subfloor.

CoreLuxe is also a very green product, meeting multiple eco-friendly standards.

Lumber Liquidators experienced some bad publicity a few years back because of concerns over the safety of their products (which is mostly the reason why they changed to LL Flooring). However, they’ve made efforts to ensure that their flooring products are up to speed with safety requirements.

Aside from very practical reasons to buy, this product truly looks good. With planks in both 48-inch and 60-inch lengths, you’re flush with options.

CoreLuxe also has a nice selection of reasonably priced wood grains and species ranging from classic to trendy.

Additionally, each of the three CoreLuxe brands is backed by warranties with most ranging from 10 to 30 years. And a few options even offer lifetime warranties.

The catch is that you can only buy CoreLuxe vinyl flooring from LL Flooring. This means you can only buy from their store near you or order most selections online.

Have you ordered your flooring online before? What tips do you have for people considering this option?

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