Luxury vinyl plank floors are often overlooked when choosing the best flooring options. However, with the right product and when installed correctly synthetic planks can have the beauty of natural hardwood without any downsides.

Reputable brands design their vinyl planks based on real wood species, tones, and grain patterns. At Floor Sellers we always try to offer only the best, most realistic, vinyl flooring on the market. The vinyl plank flooring brands here offer wood-like top layers that can easily incorporate the look of natural wood material in any room. These planks are made with solid cores and cushioned underlays, ensuring durability and a pristine appearance that will impress guests for years to come.

Lifeproof Flooring

Lifeproof is a popular vinyl plank flooring brand at Home Depot. Lifeproof not only makes vinyl flooring, but also laminate flooring, carpet, tile, wood and bamboo flooring. They offer vinyl designs with up to a 30 mil wear layer, making them long-lasting and resembling real hardwood planks.

The company’s thick core uses ISOCORE technology to create a solid base, and its built-in foam underlay provides moisture resistance, thermal insulation, and sound insulation. The padded acoustics and temperature control are common characteristics of natural lumber, making this floor akin to true hardwood. Lifeproof comes in colors like cherry, hickory, maple, and oak tree lumber, and features grains, knots, and textures that resemble real-life wood. Lifeproof has over 100 wood-like vinyl plank options, and over 95% are reviewed with four stars or higher. There is also a Hybrid Resilient product that is technically a vinyl, but has some of the features of Laminate flooring.

COREtec Vinyl Planks

COREtec is a leading provider of high-quality vinyl plank flooring alternatives, offering a minimum 12 mil wear layer and WPC core. When we survey local flooring stores, asking what is their most popular high-end vinyl flooring, they usually say “Coretec”.

The WPC core is made of genuine wood pulp, providing insulation and wood-like temperature control. COREtec’s products are designed to emulate real species like acacia, hickory, oak, pine, walnut, and pecan trees. Out of the 31 designs and colors sold at Lowe’s, over 90% of COREtec’s Smartcore vinyl plank line has four stars or higher. Many customers have expressed excitement over the COREtec SMARTCORE Lexington Oak Brown Wood Look, comparing it to true hardwood. The natural aspects of the floor make it stand out from traditional luxury vinyl plank flooring.

COREtec has several lines, with Smartcore being one of their most popular. Each is similar in design, but may have aesthetic differences or have thicker construction. No matter what you’ll get a good product.

GAIA eTERRA Vinyl Flooring

Gaia eTERRA vinyl flooring, a brand under Gaia Flooring, is known for its waterproof, durable, and comfortable eSPC (Engineered Solid Polymer Core) and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring. Here at Floor Sellers we ordered some samples and were very impressed with how fast we received our free samples, and the quality of the product. It’s extremely well made, very solid with an attached underlayment that acts as a cushion and sound barrier. It has a wood-like grain, and excellent tone that would fool many people into thinking it’s real hardwood. Although they do a brisk business it is generally not available at warehouse stores, and cannot be ordered online from their website.

It’s praised for its stability, thick core, and strong locking system, making it suitable for both professional and DIY installations. Users also highlight its realistic wood appearance. 

  • Waterproof: Guaranteed for all rooms and commercial environments. 
  • Durable: Features a 20 mil wear layer and UV-cured ceramic bead finish for long-lasting protection against scratches and wear. 
  • Comfortable: IXPE cushioned backing provides a warmer and softer feel underfoot. 
  • Stable: Thicker core and locking system offer enhanced stability. 
  • Realistic: Features a multi-layer decorative film for a realistic wood appearance. 
  • Quiet: Provides excellent IIC/STC sound resistance, minimizing noise transmission. 
  • Easy Installation: Valinge locking system simplifies the installation process for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. 

MSI Vinyl Plank Flooring

MSI is another good quality vinyl brand we feature here on Floor Sellers. Their product line offers textured panels resembling real wood, featuring unique wood grain designs. Their wood styles have from 12 to 30 mil wear layer and rigid cores, making them durable. They also come with a very long warranty, lasting 10 years or more.

Customers say MSI flooring is a good buy for the money. It’s stylish, durable, and easy to install, making it a great choice for busy households with kids and pets. Many appreciate the thick planks and scratch-resistant features, which contribute to its premium feel. However, some customers experienced challenges with finding matching stair noses and noted residue on the planks that affected installation. Overall, the product has received positive feedback for its appearance and performance.

Home Decorators Collection

Home Decorators Collection spans many categories of home goods that are good quality at a moderate price. They’re flooring line includes Vinyl Plank Flooring, Laminate, Bamboo flooring, and area rugs. The Home Decorators Collection vinyl flooring offers nearly 40 color options and patterns. These planks feature authentic-looking wood grains and patterns, with knots and other unique designs.

Over 30 of their products have a 12 or 20 mil wear layer, ensuring they resist damage like authentic hardwood floors. They come with a 30-year residential warranty, ensuring their pristine look for years. Nearly 90% of the Home Decorators Collection has four stars or higher, with customers praising the appearance and quality of the products. The budget-friendly products have a 12 mil wear layer, making them affordable yet very appealing style.

One of their top sellers is their Willow Lane 12 MIL Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring, featured here in the photo above.