COREtec Vinyl Plank Flooring Review 2023 – Our Rating

When it comes to Luxury Vinyl Flooring, COREtec is one of the leading brands in the country. They specialize in vinyl plank flooring and many people in the industry consider them the creators of vinyl plank flooring. The durable construction of their planks and the wide range of styles to choose from really make them stand out as a brand.

Looking at overall sales and consumer search volume for flooring brands, it is pretty clear that COREtec is a leader in the industry. There are many COREtec reviews from other websites online but we wanted to do our own deep dive into the product, the styles and colors and the pros and cons of the product.

Popular but potentially over-priced
While COREtec is one of the most popular vinyl plank flooring brands, we think they are capitalizing on this by making their products cost more than they are worth. Here are some options to consider instead:

Proximity Mills	Visit Their Site	Find a Retailer
Liberty Home	Visit Their Site	Find a Retailer
TRUCOR	Visit Their Site	Find a Retailer

Disclaimer: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click at no extra cost to you. All recommendations and opinions remain our own.

Product Range

This brand boasts a large selection of Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring. COREtec offers five different product collections, each one of which serves its own purpose. Let’s describe them in detail, starting from the COREtec Original collection.

COREtec Original

The original collection is where COREtec’s patented rigid WPC core technology began introducing a new 100% waterproof flooring option to the market. COREtec Original includes hundreds of trendy styles; these are available in a wide range of embossed grain patterns, colors, and sizes. Their styles can look similar to Oak, Pine, Walnut, and other wood species giving your floor a hardwood look while being waterproof.

The Original collection doesn’t lack in strength and durability; these planks are made up of five different layers, including:

1. UV Acrylic Finish – The Acrylic finish provides protection from stains and makes the floor easier to maintain.
2. Wear Layer – The wear layer protects the floor from more excessive damage, such as scratches and deeper stains.
3. Luxury Vinyl Design Layer – The layer responsible for the look and style of the floor.
4. COREtec Core – The 100% waterproof Coretec rigid core. Allows the floor to be fitted in high moisture areas, preventing warping.
5. Cord Underlayment – The Natural Cork underlayment is attached to the bottom of the planks; this layer blocks out noise and cold as well as make the floor more comfortable.

COREtec Advanced +

The Advanced + collection seems like a more advanced version of the Original collection. Coretec states that this collection has even more realistic wood designs while also being more resistant to damage than Coretec Original.

This collection includes a slightly smaller range of products than the previous one. However, it’s still a fairly large selection of both light and dark finishes mimicking mainly Oak, Pine, and Walnut.

When it comes to construction, the Advanced Plus collection is very durable. Coretec even offers an outstanding 15-year scratch warranty on this range. Advanced + is built in a similar way to the Original; it also consists of five layers but is more centered around durability:

1. Proprietary Coating – Very durable coating that protects against stains, scuffs, and scratches hence the 15-year warranty.
2. Design Layer – The design layer in this collection provides a matt finish with different textured grains and colors.
3. High-Density Mineral Core – 100% Waterproof, extra rigid core that doesn’t warp or shrink.
4. Balancing Layer – This layer adds extra stability.
5. Cork Underlayment – Natural Cork underlayment attached to the bottom of the planks. Blocks out noise and cold and makes the floor more comfortable with no need for traditional underlayment.

COREtec Stone

The Coretec Stone range provides Vinyl flooring, which looks like tile flooring; this even includes grout lines. You can choose from over 40 different modern styles that really look almost like they are real tiles but warmer and more durable.

The main benefit of this is that you can install a great tile-looking 100% waterproof floor without having to deal with the time-consuming and labor-intensive tiling. In Addition, COREtec stone is slip, chip, and crack resistant, making it a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

COREtec Stone are vinyl tiles rather than planks; each tile consists of 4 main layers, these are:

1. Proprietary Coating – Durable protective coating prevents stains and scuffs.
2. Design Layer – Perfectly finished tile-look designs that even include grout lines.
3. High-Density Mineral Core – Extra-strong mineral-based core that won’t shrink, buckle or warp and is 100% waterproof.
4. Cork Underlayment – Blocks out noise and cold and makes the floor more level and comfortable with no need for traditional underlayment.

COREtec Wood

The COREtec Wood series is a collection where the company combines genuine wood with its high-density mineral core. No two planks are the same; thin layers of wood are attached to the COREtec core and then topped with a protective coating which COREtec states are 100% waterproof. Consumers can choose from a variety of styles, mainly Oak and hickory; these designs look the same as Hardwood floors.

COREtec Wood is constructed by attaching 4 layers together; these are:

1. UV Matt Aluminium Oxide Finish – Durable protective coating that improves stain resistance and improves cleanability.
2. Genuine Wood Veneer – This Layer consists of thin genuine wood. Every piece is unique.
3. High-Density Core – COREtec’s high-density core, known for being 100% waterproof, will not shrink or expand.
4. Cork Underlayment – The Underlayment that comes with most COREtec products prevents noise and cold as well as improves stability.

COREtec Pro

COREtec Pro is probably the toughest collection that Coretec offers. The series is made for commercial settings such as Bars, Restaurants, or offices and also high-traffic residential areas such as apartment building hallways. This is backed by a 15-year heavy commercial warranty. This series can be easily installed over existing floors because of the cork underlayment and an easy locking system.

Coretec Pro is highly scratch resistant and withstands heavy use; the planks themselves are made of a total of 6 layers, which are:

1. UV Acrylic Finish – This finish provides scratch resistance and improves cleanability.
2. Wear Layer – This layer protects against stains and excessive wear.
3. Design Layer – The layer which illustrates the overall look of the floor.
4. Ultra-Dense SPC Core – This Core is even denser than the other COREtec cores; not only is it 100% waterproof but also resistant to dents.
5. Balancing Layers – These balancing layers provide additional stability.
6. Cork Underlayment – Cork Underlayment blocks out the cold and noise which means there is no need for extra underlayment before installation.

Durability

Durability is an area where COREtec shines the most. Most of its collections are made up of 4 to 6 layers making the floors very durable. The Advanced+ and Pro series are especially durable; you could easily expect these floors to last up to 15 years. Furthermore, all of COREtec’s flooring range is 100% waterproof; this eliminates shrinking and expansion of your floor.

Overall, COREtec floors are more durable than any Hardwood Flooring, Engineered Hardwood, Tiles, and most other vinyl floors on the market. We consider Coretec to be a great choice if you are looking for a floor that will last for over 10 years and is 100% waterproof.

Warranty

In order to back the strong durability, this company is known for COREtec and offers some of the best warranties of any flooring company. The 15-year residential warranty on the Advanced+ range and the 15-year commercial warranty on the Coretec Pro range stand out the most.

COREtec Flooring Reviews

To ensure a fair review, we did some research on the web, looking into COREtec Flooring Reviews. Conclusively we found that around 60% of the Coretec Reviews we found online are 5-star reviews.

Overall people generally had good things to say, the biggest complaints however have constantly been price. Some articles like this one from Think Tank mentions other issues like scratching, denting and issues while using it with radiant heat but the majority of negative reviews seem to focus on price.

Pricing

Coretec Pricing is flat out expensive,If we compare the COREtec Pro range (starting at $4.99 per square foot) to other industry leaders such as Proximity Mills, Doma, Mohawk or TruCor, than COREtec is more expensive by $2-3 per square foot.

Coretec Compared to Other Brands on Pricing & Thickness

Where to Buy COREtec Flooring?

You can purchase Coretec flooring in one of their certified retail stores. Find a retailer near you using the find-a-retailer tool on the Coretec website. Alternatively, you can buy Coretec in an online store; FlooringInc stocks most Coretec lines for reasonable prices.

Installation

COREtec floors are one of the easiest floors to install in your home; all of COREtec’s products can be installed using the floating floor method. Furthermore, because of the cork underlayment attached to each plank, the floor can be installed over existing floors and a range of sub-floors such as concrete and wood.

COREtec installation is so simple that many customers install the floor themselves, although if you do need a professional to install the floor, then don’t worry. Professional flooring fitters will charge the lowest rate when installing floating floors as they are the easiest to install. If you are unsure how the whole installation process works, watch the video below provided by COREtec’s YouTube channel.

Maintenance

Care and maintenance are critical for a long-lasting vinyl plank floor. Below are some tips and instructions to keep your floors looking fresh for longer.

Keep Your Floors Clean

Vacuuming and mopping your floor regularly is vital to its lifespan. Dust and dirt act as abrasive and cause scratches on the wear layer. Hence why, it’s crucial to always vacuum your floor before mopping. Unfortunately, some vacuums will damage your floor, so it’s essential to only use a vacuum suitable for hard surface floors.

As for mopping, it’s important not to over-saturate your floor. For best results, we recommend using a spray mop that dispenses a fine mist of water mixed with a cleaning solution on your floor with the touch of a button. This also avoids spillages caused by having to use a water bucket. Furthermore, it would be best if you used a PH-neutral solution. Household dish soap is fine as long as you don’t use too much soap. For best results, we recommend using Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner.

Furthermore, it’s important to avoid using wax and polish products; these will leave a yellow residue on vinyl floors; you should also avoid all-purpose or multi-purpose cleaners as it’s often not PH-neutral. Contrary to the fact that some brands allow it, we recommend not using a steam mop. Although they are easy to use, they will cause your floor to become dull faster due to the heat. Speaking of heat, avoid exposing your floor to direct sunlight at peak hours; use blinds or curtains if necessary.

Protect Your Floor

There are several ways to protect your floor from damage. Below are some of the best and most common protection methods to adopt.

• Attach large-diameter felt pads to furniture legs. This allows heavy furniture to glide smoothly on your floor without causing scuffs and scratches.
• Avoid wearing shoes as they can bring in dirt and damage your floor. It’s best to wear socks.
• Place rugs in high-traffic areas such as the living area.
• Be wary of office chair casters; they can destroy your floor. Either replace them with floor-friendly blade casters or place down a protective chair mat.
• Maintain a room temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This prevents moisture problems.
• Place down walk-off doormats at house entrances to avoid bringing in dirt from outdoors which can scratch your floor.
• If you have a dog, nail trimming will prevent them from scratching the floor. Plus, most dogs like their nails to be trimmed now and then.

Pros & Cons

As with any type of floor, there are certain Pros and Cons to COREtec’s flooring products. Let’s go through these, starting with the Pros.

Coretec Pros;

• COREtec provides a 100% waterproof flooring solution for wood-look floor lovers. You can even install their floors in Bathrooms and Kitchens instead of traditional tiles.
• This company’s floors are very durable and can often last over 10 years; hence the 15-year and lifetime limited warranties are provided.
• COREtec’s installation process is very simple when using the floating method, with no need for gluing or nailing down.
• This brand’s planks already have a Cork Underlayment. Therefore, there is no need to buy extra underlayment as with most floors you do.
• COREtec provides a flooring solution for commercial scenarios such as Bars and Restaurants; this is backed by a 15-year warranty.

Coretec Cons;

• The Major Con of COREtec is its pricing. Simply put, Coretec cannot compete with other industry leaders such as Shaw and Mohawk in terms of affordability. In the end, you are paying a premium for quality.
• The Green Factor – COREtec’s Vinyl Planks are made from plastics. Therefore, they are not great for the planet. Furthermore, Luxury Vinyl Planks are hard to recycle, and scientists have even found that luxury vinyl products can contain toxic chemicals.
• Complains about knock off COREtec products and shady retailers that carry their products.

Our Verdict

Affordability – 4 out of 10

As mentioned before, with COREtec, you pay for quality. The brand can’t compete on pricing with some of the other brands in the LVP market.

Durability – 7 out of 10

COREtec’s multi-layer structure is one of the most durable types of flooring on the market today; it is also 100% waterproof. There are some concerns online about the quality differences between collections but for the most part consumers are content with the quality.

Style – 9 out of 10

COREtec has hundreds of available designs that should not be unnoticed; the brand offers floors that mimic both wood and stone. COREtec definitively offers some of the most trendy looks in 2021.

Overall Score – 7.5 out of 10

Overall, COREtec’s Luxury Vinyl Plank scores a respectable 9.1 out of 10 in our review. This brand is definitely a good choice if you are looking for a 100% waterproof, long-lasting floor that offers trendy looks and finishes.

Good Alternatives to COREtec Vinyl Plank

Proximity Mills Vinyl – Proximity Mills is a US flooring brand specializing in Zero-VOC vinyl plank flooring. The brand’s main aim is sustainability, performance, and affordability. Their vinyl planks have an entirely-waterproof SPC (stone-plastic composite) core and a thick 22 mil wear layer. You can buy Proximity Vinyl flooring for as low as $3.50, which is below the average price for vinyl plank flooring. If you want something affordable and good quality, Proximity is definitely worth considering.

Liberty Home Vinyl – Liberty Home, a newcomer to the market, has been drawing attention with its captivating product lineup. Priced competitively against COREtec vinyl, Liberty Home offers 100% waterproof and family-friendly flooring options. They present four distinct vinyl lines – Big City, Hometown, UltraDefend, and UltraDefend Pro- ensuring you’ll discover a product that suits your style.

TRUCOR Vinyl – TRUCOR offers top-notch products comparable to COREtec’s vinyl offerings. With over 200 designs resembling wood and stone, TRUCOR is renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance to scratches. Furthermore, they take pride in their GreenGuard Gold and FloorScore certifications, indicating minimal VOC emissions.

Doma Vinyl – Doma is a rapidly emerging and fashionable flooring brand. Their slogan, “where fashion meets flooring,” becomes evident as you explore their selection of 46 luxury vinyl plank choices. Featuring generous plank widths of up to 12 inches and a variety of tile and wood-like patterns in various colors, achieving a contemporary aesthetic for your home is effortless. If COREtec is in your budget, so is Doma, and you’ll get more out of it.

Shaw Vinyl – Shaw is a prominent American flooring company with over four decades of experience and renowned for its extensive range of flooring products. They provide a variety of vinyl plank flooring lines, all of which are fully waterproof and come in styles resembling hardwood and tile. Whether you’re seeking affordable yet quality vinyl flooring or a high-end, extra-thick option, Shaw has a wide selection to cater to your needs. Though you’ll see in our Shaw vinyl review, we have recommended some alternatives.

FAQ’s

Does Coretec Need Underlayment?

No, Coretec’s vinyl flooring has attached Cork underlayment; therefore, no other underlayment is needed. The cork underlayment blocks out moisture, and as long as your subfloor or existing floor is fairly level and solid, you can install Coretec flooring over it.

Can Coretec Be Used In Bathrooms?

Yes, Coretec is 100% waterproof. Therefore, it can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-moisture areas. The only place we are unsure about fitting COREtec flooring is in open showers where the water is constantly covering the surface; it is best to contact COREtec themselves for that query.

Are COREtec Floors Worth The Money?

In our humble opinion, COREtec is 100% worth the money because of how durable it is and how long it can last. For example, COREtec gives a 15-year warranty on some of their products, suggesting that the floor can last up to 15 years without replacement. Other cheaper floors may only last a few years and may need to be replaced much sooner, adding extra costs down the timeline.

Let us know what you think of COREtec, and share your experience with their products in the comment section at the bottom of the page.

• Proximity Mills Flooring Review 2023: Our Honest Rating
• Labor Day Weekend Flooring Deals: Top 5 Brands to Consider
• How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring: DIY Guide
• Choosing Hardwood Flooring Colors in 2023
• Best Flooring for Wheelchairs: ADA Compliant Floor Options