We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Our top picks are durable, waterproof and scratch-, skid- and mark-resistant. Low Voltage Withdrawable Complete Switchgear Mns
Better Homes & Gardens / Alli Waataja
There’s nothing like the look of hardwood floors, but maintaining them can be quite the chore. They don’t take kindly to spills, and they are easily scratched by day-to-day foot—and paw!—traffic. Plus, hardwood floors are often pricey to install.
It’s no wonder, then, that vinyl plank flooring is such a hit with homeowners. Vinyl plank flooring, or VPF for short, is a much more durable and affordable option to create beautiful interior spaces for the home.
Depending on your needs, you’ll need to choose between regular vinyl flooring or luxury vinyl, says Stacy Lewis, owner and interior designer at Eternity Modern. Luxury vinyl is the heftier choice, and you usually have many options for color and style. Then, there’s the floor’s finish.
“For heavy foot traffic areas such as living rooms and kitchens, I recommend getting vinyl plank flooring with an enhanced urethane finish,” Lewis says. “They have a high-gloss look and are damage-resistant.” However, for lower traffic areas, no-wax finishes are best, she says.
We researched dozens of vinyl plank flooring types, considering factors like type, length and width, wear layer thickness, durability, and range of finishes.
In addition to Lewis, we also talked to Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores; Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and principal designer at Sho and Co.; and Ben Gold, founder of Recommended Home Buyers.
You can choose between a variety of sizes, wear layer thickness, and design options.
The price varies depending on the wear layer thickness you prefer.
Impressive both in quality and breadth of options, Lifeproof’s luxury vinyl flooring is also a breeze to install. The simple click lock system is exactly what it sounds like—by clicking two tongue and groove planks together, you lock them together.
As a rigid core style, the flooring is made with layers: the scratch- and stain-resistant wear layer, low-gloss embossed design, 100% waterproof composite core, and comfortable and quiet underlayment. A treatment is applied to the flooring that makes it mold- and mildew-resistant.
It can be installed over most existing surfaces in both residential and commercial spaces, including tile, vinyl, wood, and concrete. All of these durable details are further backed by a lifetime residential warranty.
When it comes to choices, you have a lot: three plank sizes (9 x 48 inches, 9 x 59 inches, or 12 x 28 inches), four wear layer thicknesses (6, 12, 22, or 30 mil), and 13 colors. (Note that the thicker the wear layer, the more expensive the flooring.) No matter what you need, it has you covered.
Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 9 x 48 inches, 9 x 59 inches, or 12 x 28 inches; 5/16 inch thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 6, 12, 22, or 30 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 13
It offers superior resistance to mold and mildew.
It’s not as scratch-resistant as other options.
This rigid core click lock luxury plank flooring from Home Decorators Collection will really make the look of your space click (pun intended). It has an authentic wood look, but it’s 100% waterproof, so you can install it in high-traffic areas, like the kitchen.
It’s not quite as effective as other choices when it comes to preventing scratches, stains, and slips, but for a lower-cost pick it does a good enough job, making it our choice for the best vinyl plank flooring on a budget.
It offers mold and mildew resistance, making it a good option for your basement. But with a sound-reducing layer that comes attached, you might also consider this for the upper floors in your home to manage noise levels. With a wear layer thickness of 12 mil, it feels as good underfoot as it looks.
The click-and-lock installation method—which means it can be added to any subfloor—makes this a good project for DIYers to tackle.The brand also makes coordinating trim pieces, including end caps, stair noses, T-moldings, and reducers that make it even easier to create a beautiful space.
The brand offers a lifetime warranty for residential installations, protecting homeowners from product defects as well as wear and tear over time. The 7-inch wide planks come in a variety of neutral wood-grain colors, ranging from light to dark, so it’ll fit in with any wall and cabinet colors.
Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 7 x 48 inches; 5 millimeters thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 12 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 10
This commercial-friendly flooring has an extra thick wear layer, an easy-to-DIY interlocking system, and realistic wood texture.
The limited warranty is a lifetime for residential spaces, but just 15 years for commercial spaces.
Rigid core flooring is constructed in layers, which helps guarantee its durability. On top of this flooring by TritonCore is a scratch-resistant wear layer, then there’s the vinyl design with realistic wood texture, high-density and waterproof stone-composite core, and (temperature and sound) insulating cork underlayment.
The wear layer is an impressive 20 mil thick, allowing you to install the flooring even where your kids and pets run rampant and in heavy-use commercial spaces.
The four color options—Golden Pine, Stratford Oak, Bristol Oak, and Sheffield Oak—provide the perfect amount of variance: enough options that you’ll find one you like, but not so many that you’ll be overwhelmed.
Installation is simple thanks to the interlocking system—just line up the long sides of the boards together and snap the tongue of one into the groove of the other. The flooring is backed by a limited lifetime warranty for residential spaces and a limited 15-year warranty for commercial spaces.
Product Details: Type: Rigid core luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 7 x 48 inches; 5 millimeters thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 20 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 4
It offers a different aesthetic from others on the market.
It’s better for larger spaces.
Many of the best vinyl plank flooring options on our list feature planks that are around 6 or 7 inches wide. If you want a bit of a different look for your flooring, you could choose a wider plank, like the 9-inch Cali Longboards flooring.
This option features a variety of wood grain pattern options for an authentic look but with added strength for high-traffic households. The hefty 20-mil wear layer wards off human and pet traffic, plus it’s 100% waterproof.
If you thought you were limited to tile in the kitchen and bathroom, you’ll be happy to know that this vinyl plank flooring from Cali is a beautiful option. This one is among the wider VPFs on the market, and at 9 inches, it’ll offer a bold look for your floor.
It’s a great option for flooring in expansive, open-concept spaces like the basement—if you’re looking to put a floor in a smaller space, you may want to instead opt for a plank that’s regular width or perhaps even narrower to make the space look bigger.
Installation is made quick and easy thanks to interlocking pieces that can stay as a floating floor or be glued down to the subfloor.
Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 70 x 9 inches; 8 millimeters thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 20 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: Eight
Microban technology keeps mold and mildew at bay.
It’s pricier than other options.
One of the reasons homeowners are in love with wood flooring is because of the rich, glorious grain. The Adura Max flooring from Mannington is vinyl, but it looks like the real deal with saw marks and knotholes.
The best part of this beautiful luxury vinyl plank flooring is that it is waterproof thanks to the hydroloc core, which means you can install it in the kitchen or bathroom where moisture and spills happen on a daily basis.
It also has Microban technology to keep mold, mildew, and odors caused by moisture away, making it our choice for the best vinyl plank flooring for bathrooms and kitchens.
The Adura Max is also a great choice for moisture-prone rooms because it offers slip resistance. It has a pre-attached under-layer that absorbs sound (up to 30%) and can be easily installed over concrete, wood, or vinyl subfloors.
The wear layer is made of ScratchResist urethane with aluminum oxide, so you won’t have to worry about dropping that hairbrush when you’re getting ready in the morning or that kitchen utensil when cleaning up after a meal. With a wear layer of 20 mil, this vinyl plank flooring from Mannington can withstand heavy foot traffic from humans and pets.
Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 6 x 48 inches; 8 millimeters thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 20 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 15
It has an easy peel and stick application and is very budget-friendly.
The 4 mil layer is a bit thinner than other VPF on the market.
Add another vinyl plank flooring option to the category “lives up to its name.” With this luxury plank flooring from TrafficMaster, you can have the best of both worlds in your home—the look of real wood floors with the strength of vinyl.
The surface has a coating of ceramic beads that forms a barrier against scratches and stains, so sharp heels and scratchy claws are welcome. It’s water-resistant, so it’s a good option for kitchens and baths, and it’s easy to install over any subfloor—no underlayer is needed.
The GripStrip installation makes this floor’s installation a no-brainer for DIY warriors—just peel and stick. The TrafficMaster vinyl plank flooring is easy to clean and maintain with just a dust mop or vacuum.
It comes in more than a dozen colors, all of which offer the authentic wood grain look you’re aiming for in your home. It’s backed by a 30-year warranty, so you're guaranteed to enjoy the look of your new floors for a very long time.
Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 6 x 36 inches; 3.8 millimeters thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 4 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 13
It’s waterproof and scratch-resistant, so it’ll stay in good condition over time.
It’s only offered in two colors.
To add an extra design element to your home, the best vinyl plank flooring is this pick by Lifeproof. The floor has an embossed herringbone design that’s a departure from typical styles, and will make a great addition to any space.
The floor is only offered in two colors, but they’re neutral and should be able to pair well with any furniture, rugs, and decor you already have. If you’re not sure it’ll work, however, you can order a sample to try it out first.
The flooring is both waterproof and scratch-resistant, so it should stay in good condition over time. Plus, maintenance is fairly easy as you can use a dust mop, vacuum, or pH neutral cleaner on it.
Whether you have tile, wood, concrete, or vinyl floors you’ll be able to use this floor. The case includes 24 pieces that click lock together and the underlayment is pre-attached, making installation easy.
Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 4 x 28 inches; 7 mm thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 6 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 2
It only requires a box cutter to trim the floor to size, and is approved for both residential and light-moderate commercial space.
The floor isn’t recommended for heavy commercial use and a bond enhancer should be used on top of concrete.
The beauty of peel and stick flooring is its accessibility. Even the least savvy can install it, requiring only a box cutter to trim the floor to size. This one is 0.08 inches thick, which includes a 4 mil top coat for durability, and 36 inches long by 6 inches wide.
Both residential and light-moderate commercial use are approved, so it can handle a substantial amount of friction. But it’s not recommended for heavy commercial use.
This vinyl plank flooring can be layered on top of concrete, plywood, tile, and vinyl, though it’s recommended that you use a bond enhancer on concrete. No harmful phthalates or terephthalates are used to produce it, making it safe for all human contact, and it meets all requirements for indoor air emission regulations.
The flooring is designed to emulate walnut and available in two shades: Ember Grey and Ember Java, which are both mid-dark toned.
Product Details: Type: Peel and stick | Plank Dimensions: 6 x 36 inches; 2 mm thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 4 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 2
It’s wear layer thickness is higher than other options, meaning it’s a durable option.
It’s more expensive per square foot than some other options.
This Shaw design is the best vinyl plank floor to consider if you’re in the market for a narrow, durable option. The floor is offered in four colors and while it’s more expensive than other options, it’s worth the investment.
The floor has a 5-inch width, which is more narrow than other similar options. Plus, the wear layer thickness is 20 mil, which is higher than usual, and means the floor can withstand frequent use with ease.
There are six pieces included in each case, and the floor can be installed over concrete or plywood floors. The vinyl planks are suitable for bathrooms as well as entryways and kitchens, so you can use it however you see fit.
Product Details: Type: Luxury vinyl | Plank Dimensions: 5 x 48 inches; 5.5 mm thick | Wear Layer Thickness: 20 mil | Number of Colors/Wood Species: 4
The best vinyl plank flooring for most people is the Lifeproof’s luxury vinyl flooring. It’s 100% waterproof and is scratch-, skid-, and mark-resistant, making it ideal for long-term use in high-traffic areas. Plus, it’s available at a nice mid-range price and boasts easy click lock installation for the DIYer.
There are three main types of vinyl plank floors: luxury vinyl plank, rigid plank flooring, and waterproof flooring. While all three types have similar characteristics—most will tout some degree of water resistance—you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting the type that’s appropriate for a particular area in your home.
For the kitchen, bath, basement, and other areas prone to moisture and spills, you’ll want to go with vinyl plank flooring with excellent waterproofing capability.
The length and width of the planks will vary by brand and your personal choice, but there are some considerations for homeowners.
“Generally speaking, smaller planks are going to be more labor-intensive to install,” says Saunders, though he notes that they’re “easier to get a clean look with, especially in rooms with lots of awkward corners to work around.”
He also says they’ll likely be slightly more expensive per square foot, so keep this in mind for your budget.
Keep in mind that the thickness of the plank is in millimeters (mm) while the wear layer thickness is in mil—these are two different measurements, and they’re not measuring the same thing at all.
Plank thickness measures the thickness of the actual plank, while wear layer thickness measures the clear layer of vinyl that’s applied to top of the plank to protect it.
When it comes to durability, you’ll want to pay attention especially to the wear layer thickness—the thicker the better when it comes to high-traffic areas in your home.
“It's best to go with a blended pattern that incorporates multiple colors from the rest of the room in a way that will effectively hide scratches, scuffs, and dirt,” Saunders says.
While there is a wide selection of colors and finishes on the market, he notes that there are some manufacturers who will even print custom planks with your choice of wood grain pattern.
As for choosing between light or dark colors, here’s advice from Gold: “Lighter coloring always makes the area feel bigger, but it's harder to maintain cleanness because the dust is more visible.”
His suggestion is to put darker areas in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and save the lighter colors for less-frequented rooms in your home.
Laminate and vinyl flooring are both more affordable and durable alternatives to hardwood floors. Vinyl flooring is made up of multiple layers to create a durable, waterproof finish. A vinyl core is topped by a wear layer and a printed vinyl layer that features the wood grain look.
Laminate flooring is made up of layers of synthetic material; an inner core board has a photo image layer—this provides the wood grain look—and is topped with another layer for protection. However, not all laminate floors are waterproof.
When deciding which of the two is best for your space, you’ll have to consider the level of moisture for those particular rooms, especially when deciding on flooring for the kitchen and bath.
The thicker the plank, the more protection you’ll have against damage. “For the average house, 12 mil is a perfect choice,” says Gold. He mentions, though, that if you’ve got pets or heavier foot traffic, look for VPF that has 20 mil.
If you plan to place heavy furniture and appliances on top of vinyl planking, it’s better to use adhesive rather than a floating installation to ensure better stability.
“LVP may be wipeable, but it is thin, hard, and buckles at pinch points,” says Shapiro. She notes that a floating floor installation will likely be damaged if you try to put a heavy appliance like a refrigerator or a kitchen island on top of it.
This article was written by Barbara Bellesi Zito, who writes about home and garden topics for various lifestyle publications. To write this article, she researched dozens of vinyl plank flooring types, considering factors like type, length and width, wear layer thickness, durability, and range of finishes. Barbara also consulted Stacy Lewis, owner and interior designer at Eternity Modern; Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores; Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and principal designer at Sho and Co.; and Ben Gold, founder of Recommended Home Buyers.
90 Aluminum Casement Window The article was updated by Quincy Bulin, a regular contributor to BHG who writes about home decor and lifestyle products.