You want the most stunning floors possible for your home. The kind of flooring that will make your friends and family think you spent a small fortune on remodeling your home.
Only, you didn’t (spend a small fortune that is). So, how do you get that high-end look without the hefty price tag that comes along with them?
The latest trend that many homeowners are going with is luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. But there are so many options in LVP – how do you choose?
LifeProof, formally known as Allure, is an excellent choice in LVP. It has many features that will appeal to both your eyes and your wallet.
Ready to learn more about this great product?
Features
LifeProof Vinyl Plank flooring offers beautiful selections in several different widths of planks. Plus, they are deeply embossed to resemble natural wood grains like oak, hickory, and pine.
It features both traditional wood looks as well as more trendy and rustic looks.
They also have a 6 mil wear layer that is resistant to scratches, marks and skids. So, LifeProof LVP may be an option for homes with children or pets. Though, for those with an active home, looking for a 12 mil wear layer or higher would be my personal recommendation.
These planks also come with an attached underlayment, which means they are warm and comfortable to walk on. (And they are very quiet, unlike hard tiles).
Since LifeProof LVP is antimicrobial, it is also a smart choice for anyone who suffers from allergies. This LVP is specially treated to prevent the growth of odor and stain that can cause mold or mildew to grow on the surface or in the underlayment.
Plus, it is formaldehyde-free and phthalate-free. So, it is a safe product that is free of many of the harmful contaminants that some products contain.
Another great feature of these floors is that they have a rigid PVC core and are 100% waterproof.
If you are looking for flooring in a wet room, or an area prone to flooding, then LifeProof vinyl plank floors will give you the look of natural wood yet hold up much better under the elements.
But, these LVP planks can look great anywhere throughout your home. These planks come in gorgeous shades of gray like Rustic Wood or Lighthouse Oak, and beautiful brown hues like Heirloom Pine and Shadow Hickory.
Installation
One of the many benefits of LVP is that it is very easy to install. In fact, if you like DIY projects, this is one you can definitely do yourself.
You will just need a few simple tools like a tapping block and a soft-faced hammer.
LifeProof’s LVP is designed with floating or interlocking planks that you can install directly over your subfloor.
So, if you are replacing your tile, or other floors, you may not even have to remove them. Simply lay your floating LVP over the existing floor.
However, in some cases, you may need cushioning or a vapor barrier system. When in doubt, you can always ask an expert.
Note: Your existing subfloor should be solidly attached. LVP cannot be installed over another floating floor (in other words, do not attempt to install your LifeProof Vinyl Planks over laminate).
And once you have your planks installed, there is no acclimation time required. You can move all your furniture back in the room and begin enjoying them immediately.
Maintenance
LifeProof Luxury Vinyl is a high-quality vinyl plank flooring that is easy to maintain. It includes many features designed to help it last a long time even in high traffic areas.
It has a solid virgin vinyl layer and ceramic bead enhanced wear layer that makes it an extremely durable product that is resistant to scratches.
With ISOCORE technology, these luxury vinyl planks are difficult to damage. But if you do, simply replace the damaged plank with a new one.
LifeProof’s drop-and-lock end joints make it not only easy to install, but you can also easily switch out a plank if there is some major damage to it.
For routine cleaning, simply sweep the floors, use a dust mop or even a vacuum with a hard floor attachment.
Since it is 100% waterproof, you can also mop your LifeProof floors when you need a deeper cleaning. Just make sure to use a cleaning product approved for LVP on your floors when using a mop.
How to Purchase LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring
LifeProof luxury vinyl plank flooring, formally called Allure, is sold exclusively at Home Depot.
Priced per square foot, this flooring is generally sold by the case. The planks generally cost a little less than $3 per square foot and a case covers around 20 square feet.
You can order LifeProof flooring, as well as other popular flooring brands like the Floorte line made by Shaw, online or at your local Home Depot store. However, not all styles are available to ship to your home.
There is also an option to ship your order to your nearest Home Depot location for store pickup. There is no shipping fee for this service.
If you can’t decide which one to choose, you can request free samples to take home. You can also return the flooring for up to 90 days after purchase.
LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring comes with a lifetime residential warranty from the manufacturer.
The Verdict
LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring is a great option for anyone who loves the look of hardwood flooring but doesn’t want the headaches that come along with it.
It comes in a variety of beautiful wood grain looks. And with today’s technology, the resemblance to wood is so close that your guests may not even realize it’s not real wood.
This LVP is also good for your health. It protects against harmful allergens and is not overladen with harmful chemicals like some other vinyl flooring.
LifeProof is also easy to install and easy to maintain. And at a cost of less than $3 a square foot in most areas, it is also a budget-friendly product.
But you can’t just buy it just anywhere. LifeProof vinyl plank flooring is only available through Home Depot.
What is your favorite LifeProof vinyl plank flooring style?
Will this withstand the weight of a baby grand piano?
Can I install this flooring directly over the old glue that was previously used for carpeting? All the old existing carpet and padding has been removed. Also, if that is not advisable could I use underlayment – so I would not to have to scrape off the old glue? If so what underlayment would be recommended. Thank you in advance.
Yes, obviously with the proper cups under each leg and leave your piano in place once situated. We’ve had no problem at all with baby grand.
Oops, did not realize this is a LIFEPROOF forum. We have NuCore. But our first choice was LifeProof if they had our color and the wear layer was at least 12, preferably 20.
We had the flooring put in. It’s nice and looks amazing. BUT, the reviews that say it’s hard to damage and it’s scratch resistant. Didn’t test it in a house with people living in it. It scratches super easy and sucks because I’m constantly tiptoeing on it to make sure I don’t scratch it. Felt is on the bottom of all chairs and furniture. I sweep and mop. But if you move the laundry basket over to pick up something or it scratches. The only way to not scratch this floor so it’s scratch resistant is to not use it. Very disappointed!
I am dealing with the EXACT same thing right now!!!!
I read your review and was surprised. So I took my sample of Lifeproof Beacon Oak Light Vinyl Plank Flooring and tried to gouge or scratch it with a sharp metal file with no luck. Then I tried to use the file to sand it with no luck. You cannot tell that I made any attempt to damage it. Not saying I could not find a tool in my shop that would scratch or damage it, but no way a laundry basket would do any damage to the ceramic enhanced surface of this Vinyl Plank Flooring that I am holding.
I did the same test. Agree with you.
Will I have difficulty placing my 8mm vinyl flooring under my refrigerator?
Can I install Lifeproof vinyl flooring over electric radiant heat that is in my bathroom?
Yes, with a half inch layer over the heating grid between the grid and vinyl plank.
How about durability? How many years can you expect this flooring to last before replacement is necessary?
I read they have a lifetime guarantee in homes and 5 year in commercial applications.
We just had lifeproof flooring installed & love it. My question is what type of padding should we use under throw rugs with rubber on the back & the best place to purchase it?
Can i place this over tile? I have Italian tile all on main floor. Want to re-do with the lifeproof flooring.
In the article under “installation” it states that the tile doesn’t have to be removed.
If you install this over tile, you need to float an embossing leveler compound over the top of the tile to fill in the grout lines or they will show up through the lvp after a while
We installed Lifeproof VPF in our whole house over tile with amazing results.
How well does this flooring perform when the conditions are dry? I have baseboard electric heating in the winter and it can get very dry.
I would not install this product over concrete basements. We installed ours over a 6 ml vapour barrier, as per Home Depot instruction in January. We were told we would void our warranty without the vapour barrier. We got really cold temperatures in February and now have buckled flooring. A flooring inspector came and did a report and said that we did not leave the 1/4 space required, that isn’t true, we did. They denied our claim and now we will have to go to Home Depot directly or our house insurance.
I would not buy this product ever again.
Update:
The weather has warmed up and the big gaps that appeared are now narrowing. Weather has a lot to do with this flooring, both cold and warm.
Could this be due to dryness in the winter with baseboard heating?
There was no mention of vapour barrier when we were at Home Depot talking to a representative.
Your experience is counter to expectations that product should shrink at colder temperatures. The backing on lifeproof promotes airflow underneath to evacuate moisture and a moisture barrier may have interfered with this process.
I suggest you remove the moisture barrier and see if that improves the performance in the next winter.
Can you use LifeProof flooring in a sunroom that is built over an elevated deck? It will get 20 degrees in the winter so I didn’t know if it would separate with temperatures fluctuations.
Can I install this over my decking outside? If not is there a product I could use instead?
This product will not perform well for the sunroom you are considering. The temperature changes are too great for the specifications needed for this tile. Carpet, Porcelain or rubber tile should be better choices.
Can you use this product on an enclosed porch (no ac and no heat)?
I’m planning to install this in a new house. Do I need to put an underlayment on the subfloor or can I just lay the flooring? It says the underlayment is included.
No, it comes with underlayment… if you add more you will avoid the warranty. I just bought $3000 worth of this floor.
Use 40# felt or tar paper, great underlayment and sound deadener.
When installing this floor in a bathroom, should it be placed under the toilet or up to the toilet? Does it expand and contract like most floating floors do? If installing it under the toilet can the toilet be secured down tightly to avoid leaking?
LifeProof™ can be installed under toilets; leave proper expansion space
around flange and use a premium waterproof 100% silicone caulk. Do
not anchor toilet through the material.
I am considering this flooring for use in a cabin which will not be heated when unoccupied during winter. Installation guide indicates it should not be used in this way. Is it possible that it can perform adequately under these conditions?
“Installation guide indicates it should not be used in this way,” you answered your own question.
I want to install Lifeproof Vinyl floating floor on concrete. I also have a slate pool table in that room. Wondering if that will still work or not? Thank you
I installed over concrete and have a baby grand piano on it. I’ve had no issues. I recommend putting felt pads under furniture in case you need to move it.
Did you use a vapor barrier?
We have the slate look in our bathroom and I really like it. However, when I damp mop it I love it! It is not shiny shiny – just looks rain washed and it deepens the pattern. NOW is there a product i can use to maintain that look?
I just had this installed in a small bathroom. It looks horrible. We used the Breezy Stone color. All photos show an even toned product with no variation of color between planks. Now I have a bathroom with one length that stands out like a sore thumb. I wish I could post a picture. It is not acceptable on any level.
The best part about this flooring is it’s easy to replace damaged planks. So, just replace it with one you like better!!
Are there any patterns that are available in both the waterproof LVP and water resistant LVP? I am interested in the waterproof for the bath but don’t need that level of protection for the surrounding home office, bedrooms and hallway where water resistant would be sufficient. Husband would like it to all match in color and pattern. Thank you.
Considering installing LVP over in-floor heating (geothermal hot water). Current engineered hardwood is delaminating, either due to temperature (water enters system at 103 degrees F), defective product or badly installed underlay. Floor has to be taken up to see the cause.
Question is what temp is LVP designed for?
What about the PVC in the LifeProof Vinyl Flooring? I understand the PVC is quite toxic, so am concerned that it is in this flooring. Anyone know if the levels are problematic or what amount of PVC is in this flooring?
PVC is used in every home from the PVC plumbing you use for water to the raincoats you put on and the IV tubing used at hospitals. I personally wouldn’t let that sway my decision.
Home Depot said LifeProof vinyl plank can be laid directly on cement, but I have read that leveling must be done first? Thank you.
My parents just laid their’s over the mudroom which is concrete. It looks amazing!!!!!
We had to level ours out in some areas. There are still some areas that feel hollow when we walk on them. The installer told us that it will eventually conform to the floor beneath. It’s been a few months however and it hasn’t conformed. I still like it a lot despite that drawback.
Only if the concrete is not smooth. Lvp can accommodate more unevenness than laminate without failing. Slight humps and dips are ok.
Is this flooring safe for pet birds? They are very sensitive to chemicals. Worried about offgassing.
Yes, install flooring after the cabinets are set. Cabinets should sit on your solid sub-floor or solid finished floor. Run the new flooring up to the cabinets and cut to size so the kick-plate covers the edge; shouldn’t even need a shoe molding unless you want to run one.
Installed the in-stock Seasoned Wood Multi-Width approximately 1 year ago in my apartment complex laundry and entryway area. Installed approximately 300 sq. ft. over plywood subfloor. Many issues with the product. The lock flanges are very flimsy and break easily. Not well designed. The wear layer does not clean up well – stains easily, water spots are left no matter how clean the mop water. The attached pad/underlayment makes the product feel spongy, cheap. Much better options out there. I’ve used Lumber Liquidator CoreLuxe product that looks better, cleans better and contains a much better locking flange design.
My wife and I just put Lifeproof in our house and it’s beautiful. We have 3 kids and my wife does daycare, and it holds up great. Went in easy and is just an all-around great floor. No complaints and I’m very sensitive to smells and chemicals, and it has treated me great.
We want to use this product for our main floor renovation including a new kitchen. Is there any reason it cannot go under the kitchen cabinets? I understand a “floating floor” should be able to shift slightly. Will putting the new flooring under the cabinets prevent this? Am I better off putting this flooring down after the cabinets are installed?
I would recommend installing the cabinets first then installing the floor. While all situations may not require one, a very small expansion gap should be left around the perimeter during installation as an extra safety precaution.
These gaps can be covered by base, base shoe, or caulked. Once again, depending on the product you select installation method, and individual circumstances you should always refer to the manufacturer warranty for detailed information on each floor.
Be careful though if you have crown moulding for your cabinets – I have 3/4″ red oak flooring installed under the fridge. The cabinets are installed on the sub floor. That 3/4″ puts the cabinet above the the fridge up just enough so that if I were to install the moulding I have, it wouldn’t fit with the adjoining cabinet above the dishwasher. Hindsight……
Can you install NuHeat heating system under it?
I can’t get the flooring clean. I use a spin mop and mop it three times, the first pass is the worst but the next 2nd and 3rd look the same. People’s feet get dirty-feeling walking on it without socks. Not sure what’s going on? Is it the ink coming off? Not very happy with this.
We had a plumbing problem and water got under our seasoned wood lvp and came up between cracks. Should we replace the flooring even after we put fans around and had plumbing issue resolved? I am concerned about mold and mildew forming on the backing. Ty
How does this flooring stand up to heat? Looking at all flooring options for a hot yoga studio. Bamboo is used a lot, but there are also issues with it. With LifeProof being anti-microbial and 100% water proof, if it can stand up to heat it would be perfect!
Hi, My association has strict soundproof requirements. Do you happen to have the 2 soundproof ratings for the underlayment? I am ready to order but can’t without those numbers.
The spec sheet has that information. You can find it on the Home Depot Website.
I can’t find that spec information anywhere on the website?
Has anyone used this product to replace the flooring in a motorhome? I cannot find anywhere where the weight of it is stated.
Can this be laid directly over “sheet vinyl”? The sheet vinyl was peeling back by tub. That piece, about 12″ X 48″, has been removed. Contractor has used some kind of patch, possibly plaster, to feather it out. Doesn’t seem right.
Yes. I installed it right over the sheet vinyl in my kitchen. It works fine.
Typically cutting out the loose areas of the sheet vinyl is all you would have to do. A feather finish product or self-leveler would be all you need if there was a concern of a low spot in the sub-floor. Plaster patch would not be ideal to use with Lifeproof but you should always refer to the product information.
Looking to install where pets are notorious for having accidents. Although it is waterproof, should we be concerned about pet urine getting between the interlocking planks?
I can not 100% tell you no, but I can tell you my daughter gets out of the shower and gets out soaking wet leaving the floor soaking wet and you there has been no damage so I do not believe that it has gotten between the planks. I believe it stays above on the surface as long as it has been installed according to directions.
How do you know water is not getting under the tile? I want to know if you can put a sealer on it. Can’t get an answer.
Ingrid,
No worries about pet urine. It, like water, will not penetrate the joints if it is installed correctly.
I keep seeing the words, “…if it is installed correctly.” What recourse would we have if we have it installed by Home Depot, who is the only company selling this brand, and pet urine seeps through even a tiny bit, leaving a remnant of enzyme, luring the pet back to the same spot and remarking it? We pet owners are seeking a TRULY liquid-proof product.
After many weeks of researching these types of flooring, I am returning to say that, the way these floor planks join together…WHEN INSTALLED CORRECTLY, no liquid, including urine, will seep through…period. Just make sure the installer (or yourself) seat the planks properly. The water will eventually evaporate and you can just clean the water spot by rubbing it. Urine, though I couldn’t get our furkids to urinate on demand (hahaha) will simply sit on top, but CAN stain it if not removed “within a reasonable amount of time.” So unless your pet urine goes unnoticed for a long period of time until it dries, you should be fine. This is the exact reason we gave up on carpet and have gone with waterproof vinyl planks (rescue dogs).
Let me add, though, that unless you caulk at the baseboards, water WILL be able to get under your flooring that way, but will still not damage your flooring. You can either take it up, let the substrate dry out real good, reinstall your flooring, or depending on how bad your flooding is, use commercial dryers and dry it out.
I have not purchased these floors. I can tell you most items that are “waterproof” are NOT urine proof. Call the manufacturer directly.
I am remodeling my kitchen. This floor does not have to acclimate from what I understand. Just bring up to room temp. We were going to use tile under the cabinets. Now we are going to install the Lifeproof Biscayne herringbone tile. Since this does not have to acclimate like a normal laminate and is waterproof I thought we could put the flooring in first under the cabinets. Will it be ok to put this under our new cabinets? I didn’t think this would be a problem talking with the salesperson at HD? Thanks
I wanted to install cabinets over our flooring. Just spoke with our installer – he said since it contracts and expands – it will void the warranty. I’m disappointed because I specifically asked the HD rep about this and she said “no problem”… Now I wonder about my refrigerator. My washer and dryer. My dining room table – they are all heavy. Is that going to void the warranty as well? Kitchen cabinets are attached to the walls, not the floor. Most will be shimmed to level, so I’m really confused about this warranty – which I cannot find on the HD website… just spent a lot of money – now having second thoughts.
I’m using double vanity with granite top in bathroom. The vanity is on legs so you can see directly under vanity which means I need to do vinyl flooring under the cabinets to the wall. Am I going to have buckling problems? I’m reading do not put this flooring under cabinets. Well, a 72″ double vanity with granite top is pretty darn heavy and is a type of cabinet.
Cecilia,
You can place this under “legged ” cabinets the same as furniture without worry. The only reason they recommend not placing under cabinets is to prevent cabinet removal in the event of needing to replace any damaged planks.