Paradigm Flooring Review 2023: Is It Worth Buying?

Paradigm is yet another flooring brand we’re reviewing here at HomeFloorExpert. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in the United States. Paradigm’s specialty is waterproof vinyl plank flooring, but they also offer engineered hardwood. The brand claims that you will be happy with your choice for years if you choose them. We’re here to test that claim. In this Paradigm review, we extensively examine the brand based on Durability, Style, Quality, and Pricing.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Paradigm flooring, including its pros & cons, key features, overall thickness, warranty length, and online reviews. Furthermore, discover how Paradigm compares to other flooring brands such as Mohawk, Coretec, Cali Bamboo, or Shaw.

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.

Flooring Range

As mentioned before, Paradigm’s primary specialty is waterproof vinyl plank flooring, which is their most extensive range. The brand offers six different vinyl plank collections; Conquest, Performer, Performer Plus, 12mil, 20mil, and Christina. Additionally, Paradigm also offers one hardwood collection, also named Christina. Keep reading below for a detailed description of each Paradigm line.

Just to let you know, all Paradigm flooring lines are Floorscore-Certified as low VOC. That means they only emit safe levels of harmful gasses. For more Low-VOC or Zero-VOC vinyl options, feel free to read our Best Low-VOC Vinyl Plank Flooring Guide.

Paradigm Conquest

Conquest is one of Paradigm’s thickest vinyl planks, measuring 8mm thick overall. It has a respectable 20mil protective wear layer and a composite stone-polymer (SPC) core making it fully waterproof. In addition, Conquest planks have a 1.5mm thick pre-attached underlayment. Buyers can choose from 28 hardwood-look styles, while the planks have an XL size measuring 9 inches wide and 72 inches long.

Key Features:

• 28 Hardwood-Look Styles
• 8mm Overall Thickness
• 20mil Wear Layer
• Stone Polymer Rigid Core (SPC)
• 1.5mm Pre-Attached Underlayment
• 9” x 72” Plank Size
• Lifetime Residential, 15 Year Commercial Warranty

Paradigm Performer

Performer is Paradigm’s most affordable waterproof vinyl line. It’s available in 14 unique styles that mimic hardwood looks. The planks have a composite SPC core, 1mm thick pre-attached underlayment, and a 12mil wear layer totaling the overall thickness to 5.3mm. Performer planks are 7 inches wide and 60 inches long.

Key Features:

• 14 Unique Styles
• 5.3mm Overall Thickness
• 12mil Wear Layer
• Composite SPC Core
• 1.0mm Attached Underlayment
• 7” x 60” Plank Size
• Lifetime Residential, 10 Year Commercial Warranty

Paradigm Performer Plus

Paradigm’s Performer Plus line is a more durable and scratch-resistant version of their regular Performer line. Buyers can choose from 18 unique dark-hardwood styles that measure 9 inches wide. Like all the previously described Paradigm lines, Performer Plus has an SPC core making it fully waterproof. Plank thickness is 6mm overall, and the wear layer thickness is a respectable 20mil. Apart from that, Performer Plus has a 1mm thick attached underlayment pad and Paradigms signature MaaxGuard finish which is supposed to make the floor very scratch-resistant.

Key Features:

• 18 Dark-Hardwood Styles
• With MaaXguard Finish
• 6mm Overall Thickness
• 20mil Wear Layer
• Waterproof SPC Core
• 1.0 Attached EVA Underlayment
• 9” x 60” Plank Size
• Lifetime Residential, 10 Year Commercial Warranty

Paradigm 12mil

The Paradigm 12mil collection consists of 40 unique hardwood-look styles. Buyers can choose from two plank sizes, 7” x 60” and 7” x 48”. These planks are 8.5mm thick overall and have a 12mil wear layer and an extruded waterproof core. In addition, Paradigm 12mil planks come with a 1.5mm IXPE underlayment.

Key Features:

• 40 Hardwood-Look Styles
• 8.5mm Overall Plank Thickness
• 12mil Wear Layer
• Extruded Waterproof Core (EWC)
• 1.5mm Pre-Attached IXPE Underlayment
• 7” x 48” and 7” x 60” Plank Sizes
• Lifetime Residential, 10 Year Commercial Warranty

Paradigm 20mil

Paradigm’s 20mil collection is almost the same as their 12mil collection, but it has a thicker 20mil wear layer. The collection consists of 22 styles featuring planks measuring 7.25 inches wide and random lengths up to 72 inches. Furthermore, planks from the 20mil range are 8.5mm thick and come with a pre-attached 1.5mm thick underlayment pad.

Key Features:

• 22 Unique Styles
• Extruded Waterproof Core EWC
• 8.5mm Overall Thickness
• 20mil Wear Layer
• Plank Sizes 7.25” x Random Length Up To 72”
• Extruded Waterproof Core EWC
• Pre-Attached 1.5mm IXPE Underlayment
• Urethane Finish
• Lifetime Residential, 15 Year Commercial Warranty

Christina Collection Vinyl

Paradigm’s Christina Collection waterproof vinyl is available in 19 hardwood-look styles. It has Paradigm’s signature Diamond Walk finish making this floor supremely scratch and scuff resistant. Like most Paradigm waterproof floors, the Christina Collection has an SPC core and comes with pre-attached underlayment. The planks of this collection are 6.5mm thick and have a 20mil wear layer. 

What makes the Christina Collection stand out is the number of residential warranties it’s covered by. This includes a lifetime wear warranty, lifetime waterproof warranty, a 10-year scratch resistance warranty, and a 10-year stain resistance warranty.

Key Features:

• 19 Light Hardwood-Look Styles
• Diamond Walk Finish
• 100% Virgin Stone Polymer Core
• 6.5mm Overall Thickness
• 20mil Wear Layer
• Pre-Attached 1.5mm IXPE Underlayment
• 9” x 60” Plank Size
• Lifetime Wear Warranty
• Lifetime Waterproof Warranty
• 10 Year Scratch Resistance Warranty
• 10 Year Stain Resistance Warranty

Christina Collection Hardwood

Paradigm’s Christina Collection Hardwood is their only hardwood line. It’s available in 12 stunning styles made from European White Oak. This range of hardwood is engineered, meaning it has multiple layers of wood stacked together. Overall the planks measure 15.8mm thick and have a 4mm wear layer, meaning you can refinish the floor several times. Christina Collection hardwood has a UV Urethane Finish for proper scratch resistance.

Key Features:

• 12 Real Wood Styles
• European White Oak
• Character Grade
• UV Urethane Finish
• 15.8mm Overall Thickness
• 4mm Wear Layer
• Lifetime Residential Structural Warranty
• 25-Year Residential Finish Wear Limited Warranty
• 5-Year Commercial Warranty
• Hand-Wire Brushed

Pricing

As you can see from the table above, Paradigm Vinyl Flooring is priced between $3.49 and $4.89 per square foot. Paradigm’s Performer line is one of the most affordable vinyl plank products on the market; however, it has a 12mil wear, and it’s not as cheap as Mohawk SolidTech Essentials or Home Decorators Collection. On the other hand, Paradigm’s 20mil collection seems like good value for money considering its 8.5mm overall thickness and pre-attached underlayment.

Paradigm Compared to Other Flooring Brands on Pricing

Durability

When examining the durability of a vinyl plank floor, we mainly look at five aspects; overall thickness, wear layer thickness, core type, warranty length, and scratch resistance. Paradigm offers some lines that perform well for all these aspects; however, we can’t say that about their 12mil vinyl lines.

Many Paradigm lines, such as Paradigm Conquest or Paradigm 20mil, have an overall thickness of 8mm or 8.5mm. That’s quite impressive. We always say the thicker the vinyl plank, the better, as this aspect affects stability and dent resistance. In addition, these lines have a 20mil wear layer which is a must if you want a durable vinyl plank floor.

Besides that, Paradigm floors have a composite SPC core known to be the most robust and dense core type used for vinyl plank flooring. It’s also fully waterproof. Furthermore, all Paradigm floors come with a generous lifetime warranty, and the commercial warranty is between 10-20 years, depending on the line. It’s one of the best warranties on the market.

Paradigm Flooring Reviews

We extensively researched the web for Paradigm reviews and found that there’s not much to be found at all. The only decent source of people sharing their opinions on the brand is this houzz.com discussion. In this Houzz discussion, most people seem happy with their Paradigm floor. However, there are some unhappy reviewers. To be honest, it’s not a good sign that there are not many reviews online. With such a small database, it’s hard to judge the brand, but we have to score it low on this factor.

Installation

Like most rigid core viny products, all Paradigm flooring types can be installed using the floating (locking) method. All you have to do to lay the floor is cut to size and connect the planks using the tongue and groove system. This method requires no nails or glue and is the easiest installation method for installers.

Thanks to the pre-attached underlayment on Paradigm waterproof floors, you don’t need to buy any additional underlayment, saving you money on installation materials.

When installing Paradigm floors, you must follow some important rules to avoid costly mistakes; you can find them below.

• Allow for a 48-hour acclimation period.
• Ensure your subfloor is free from dirt, debris, and moisture.
• Check all planks for manufacturing defects.
• Leave an expansion gap of at least ¼ inches at the edges of the floor.
• Ensure your subfloor floor is completely level.

Looking for a Professional Installer?

Lots of our readers often complain that they can’t find flooring installers in their area. We recommend you try our free estimation tool to get at least 3 free quotes from qualified & approved installers in your area within 24 hours.

The tool is powered by Networx, who have been helping people find qualified flooring installers for over 20 years.

Care & Maintenance

Care & Maintenance is key to the longevity of your Paradigm floor. Below are some helpful cleaning tips, mistakes to avoid, and protection methods.

Cleaning Tips

• Dirt and debris are abrasive to vinyl flooring, which causes scratches. Regularly vacuum your floor, especially before mopping.
• Only use vacuums listed as suitable for hard-surface floors by the manufacturer. We recommend the Dyson V15 Cordless Stick Vacuum.
• When mopping, it’s vital not to over-saturate your floor. To avoid over-saturation, use a damp mop or a spray mop.
• For best results, we recommend using the Bona Premium Hardwood Floor Spray Mop, which releases a fine mist of cleaning solution with the touch of a button.
• Although some vinyl plank brands allow it, we advise you not to use a steam mop. The high temperature will cause your vinyl floor to lose its shine and become dull faster than usual.
• Always use a PH-neutral cleaning solution. You can use a water and dish soap or water and vinegar solution as long as you don’t add too much dish soap or vinegar.
• To ensure your solution is completely PH-neutral, use a professional cleaning solution such as the Bona Pro Series Luxury Vinyl Floor Cleaner.
• Avoid using Wax & Polish products. These can leave a yellow residue on your vinyl plank floor.
• If you want to fill your room with a pleasant odor, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to your cleaning solution.
• Spillages of stain-causing liquids such as coffee, wine, and other liquor should be cleaned as soon as possible.

Protection Tips

• Maintain a room temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This prevents excessive moisture and mold problems.
• Attache large felt pads to the legs of your furniture so your furniture can glide easily without causing scuffs and scratches.
• Place rugs in high-traffic areas such as near the living room couch.
• Office chair wheels are notoriously known for scratching vinyl plank floors. To stop this, invest in a protective chair mat or floor-friendly blade casters.
• Place walk-off doormats at house entrances to avoid bringing in dirt from outdoors, which can potentially 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.
• Avoid wearing shoes indoors as they bring in outdoor dirt and can cause permanent scuff marks. It’s best to wear socks.

Pros & Cons

Like most flooring brands, Paradigm flooring has its good and bad points. Discover the most significant pros and cons below, starting with the pros.

Paradigm Vinyl Flooring Pros

• Appealing Styles – With over 150 unique styles to choose from, Paradigm has a lot to offer. The brand stocks traditional and modern styles in narrow and extra-large sizes.
• Decent Plank Thickness – Most Paradigm vinyl flooring products are at least 5mm thick, with some lines as thick as 8.5mm. That’s above the average thickness for vinyl plank flooring.
• Semi-Affordable Pricing – Price between $3.49 and $4.89 per square foot, Paradigm flooring is relatively affordable, especially considering the plank thickness and pre-attached underlayment.
• Good Wear Layer – Most Paradigm lines have a 20mil wear layer, a must for a durable vinyl plank floor.
• Generous Warranties – Paradigm offers a lifetime residential warranty on all their vinyl products. Depending on the line, the commercial warranty is between 10 and 20 years long.
• Fully Waterproof – Because Paradigm flooring is fully waterproof, you can install it in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Comes with Underlayment – Paradigm flooring planks have a pre-attached underlayment pad, saving you money on installation materials.
• FloorScore Approved – All Paradigm floors are FloorScore-certified as low VOC, keeping the air in your home clean with minimal emission levels.

Paradigm Vinyl Flooring Cons

• Lacks Online Reviews – Unfortunately, Paradigm lacks online reviews from previous buyers. This is always not a good sign.
• No Tile-Look Options – Unlike most competitors, Paradigm doesn’t offer tile-look vinyl options which are ideal for bathrooms.

Our Verdict

• Style – 8 out of 10

• Durability – 8 out of 10

• Affordability – 7.5 out of 10

• Online Reviews – 6 out of 10

Overall Score – 7.5 out of 10 points

In summary, Paradigm flooring scored 7.5 out of 10 points in our in-depth review of the brand. The brand offers some stunning styles of vinyl plank flooring. Their plank and wear layer thickness is impressive, while the manufacturer’s warranty is generous compared to other brands. In addition, Paradigm floors are pretty affordable, especially if you consider the pre-attached underlayment saving you money on installation materials.

Would we recommend Paradigm flooring? Simply put, No. The main reason is that the brand lacks online reviews from previous buyers. You’re better off going for a widely reviewed brand with a good reputation. You can find some alternatives to Paradigm flooring if you keep scrolling or by reading our Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Guide.

What do you think of Paradigm Flooring? Have you had any experiences with the brand? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section at the bottom of the page.

Good Alternatives to Paradigm Vinyl Flooring

Coretec Vinyl –  Coretec is one of the leading vinyl plank brands on the market. Their floors are known for their outstanding durability and style. Their LVP products are 100% waterproof and have very thick wear layers, such as their Coretec Grande line, which has a 30mil wear layer and is 15mm thick overall, or their Plus Premium line which is 12mm thick. If you want a vinyl plank floor that’s built to last, Coretec is undoubtedly a worthy contender. In addition, some Coretec lines are quite affordable, with options starting at $4.39 per square foot.

Shaw Vinyl – Shaw Industries is a huge, US-based flooring company; the brand has been producing flooring for over 40 years. They offer many highly rated and fully waterproof vinyl plank flooring lines, including both hardwood and tile look styles. Most of their lvp ranges are between 8 and 12mm thick and have a durable 20mil wear layer. You can purchase some of their lines for as low as $3 per square foot, while their thickest, premium lines can set you back $9 per square foot. Whether you want a low-cost but decent-quality vinyl floor or an ultra-thick premium one, Shaw has that to offer.

Does Paradigm flooring need underlayment?

Most Paradigm vinyl flooring lines come with a 1.5mm thick pre-attached IXPE underlayment. Therefore, you don’t need to buy additional underlayment for proper installation. However, if you’re installing over concrete, you must lay down a moisture barrier.

Is Paradigm flooring durable?

Paradigm has good durability specifications with a 20mil wear layer, scratch-resistant finish, and 8mm overall plank thickness. 

Can Paradigm vinyl flooring be steam mopped?

Although Paradigm flooring is fully waterproof, we advise you not to steam-mop it. The high steam temperature can cause your vinyl plank floor to lose its shine and become dull faster than usual.