Coretec vs. LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring

There are so many great choices for choosing the best flooring option. Vinyl planks are trendy options for every homeowner because of their advantages. Many LVP brands (Luxury Vinyl Plank) offer the best vinyl flooring on the market.

Coretec flooring and LifeProof are very popular LVPs due to their high-quality floors. It is always challenging to pick which is better because they have so many benefits to offer.

One difference between the Coretec and LifeProof flooring is that it is more advantageous to install Coretec professionally. A DIY installation will reduce the years of warranty. LifeProof does not reduce the warranty regardless of how you install the floors. LifeProof is also more affordable than Coretec flooring.

Coretec vs LifeProof

Coretec and LifeProof Vinyl Flooring Comparision

 Coretec flooringLifeProof flooring
PriceThis flooring is more expensive to buy. It costs $7 per square foot, along with installation costs. Since it has to be installed by a professional.This flooring is much cheaper with a significant difference. It costs $3 per square foot and will still give you quality floors.
DurabilityThis is considered more durable because it consists of four layers for construction.This flooring is stablebut not as durable as Coretec as it consists of just three layers.
WarrantyIt offers a 15-year warranty lower than the LifeProof residential warranty.In a commercial setting, the warranty ranges between 10-15 years. In a residential setting, it is a lifetime warranty.
Color and stylesOffer a range of styles and colors which may be advantageous for some people and disadvantageous for others. It has just 20 styles and colors which,  may also be advantageous or disadvantageous.
TimeUses about 15 hours to set up.It uses at least a full day to set up correctly.

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Overview of Coretec and Lifeproof Vinyl Flooring

Coretec Flooring

Coretec flooring invented the WPC flooring. This is a brand of rigid-core luxury vinyl plank. These floors use fine sawdust in the core, which is called the WPC flooring. The floors are incredibly comfortable due to the usage of a wood-polymer composite.

You do not need to worry about water damaging your floors because all layers are 100% waterproof. This means that you can install these floors in wet areas, and they would not swell. This also makes the floors durable.

Coretec flooring consists of multiple layers, which is what makes it unique. There is a top wear layer, with the second layer being a vinyl decorative layer. The third layer is the core which consists of bamboo, recycled wood, limestone, and virgin PVC. The last layer consists of a cork underlayment that provides comfort, warmth, and sound-proofing.

It is resistant to mildew and has a thick layer that protects from scratches and dents. Coretec flooring products range from a 20-mil thickness to a 30-mil thickness.

These floors are also straightforward to install as they do not require glue or nails. The floors lock into place. It is a good option for people who do not like gluing or nailing their floors to the ground.

LifeProof Flooring

LifeProof planks are quality and affordable planks. This means you get top-notch floors that suit your needs and budget. The affordability of the planks does not reduce their quality. It is water-resistant, durable, and has ceramic beads for extra durability.

These floors consist of three different layers, unlike its rival. The first layer is the top wear layer. It uses stains and textures to give the floors a natural wood or stone finishing to look like a solid wooden or stone floor. This is one reason why customers love it.

The second layer is called the ISOCORE. This layer is made from PVC, which is different from other luxury vinyl planks. The third layer provides comfort and a cushion-like feeling using a padded underlayment made of rubber and PVC foam composite.

LifeProof planks are not made from recycled materials, nor do they contain phthalates or formaldehyde, unlike some other LVP brands. They can resist mold, mildew, stains, moisture due to an antimicrobial coating.

Differences between Coretec Flooring and LifeProof Flooring

There are many other differences between these two types of flooring apart from the warranty. They are explained below.

Waterproof

The waterproof feature is something almost everyone, if not everyone, wants as it prevents your floors from getting damaged. Coretec flooring has the upper hand under this aspect. Every one of the four layers used to construct these floors is waterproof.

The top layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer all prevent water from getting through to the sub-floor. These floors are perfect to be installed in wet areas like your kitchen, bathroom, basement, and toilet.

They are not 100% waterproof, and water will end up in cracks and edges in cases of flooding. LifeProof, on the other hand, is not exactly watertight. Instead, it is water-resistant. The base is water-repellent for 24 hours.

Which is More Comfortable?

Everyone wants comfortable floors, and it would be a huge disappointment getting floors that are not comfortable to walk or stand on. In terms of comfort, LifeProof has the upper hand. Its rubberized underlayment gives a softer feel and more relaxed feel.

Even though the Coretec uses a cork underlayment that provides a cushion-like feeling, it is still not as soft or comfortable as the rubberized base of LifeProof.

Pros and Cons of Coretec Flooring

Pros

  • It has fancy beveled edges, which brings out the hardwood look.
  • Every layer is 100% waterproof.
  • The cork underlayment makes the floors comfortable.
  • It is durable.
  • It uses environmentally friendly materials.

Cons

  • It is costly compared to LifeProof flooring.
  • It is scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof.
  • Coretec recommends that the floors be installed by a professional. Not doing so may make you lose some years of warranty.

Pros and Cons of LifeProof Flooring

Pros

  • It is affordable and also quality.
  • It is comfortable to walk on.
  • Durable.
  • It is resistant to mold and mildew due to its antimicrobial coating.
  • Lifeproof offers a lifetime warranty for residential homes.

Cons

  • It is water-resistant, not waterproof.
  • Uses 24 hours to set correctly, which is too long.
  • It is not as durable as Coretec flooring.

Conclusion

If you are looking for quality, durable, long-lasting and decorative vinyl floors that are also waterproof, Coretec flooring is your best choice.

If you are going for something more affordable that is high-quality, has an extended warranty, and is easy to install yourself, LifeProof flooring is your best choice.

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