The big appeal of SmartCore flooring, of course, is the price tag. Either way, if eco-friendly flooring is a priority for you, wed recommend going with sustainable wood flooring or hemp flooring instead. Hickory luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become one of the most popular types of flooring over the past few years. It is also less flexible and, when used in a loud place, causes sound transmission. If youre looking into different types of floor tiles, youre probably in on the secret already. The most amazing thing about SmartCore is all of its planks are waterproof. SMARTCORE. It offers more practical, cost-saving solutions for more applications than any other flooring on the market today. All these looks come in three shades light, medium, and dark. Flooring Choosing the Right Material for Your Home. Thus, choose the one you need for both residential and commercial use. So, measure where you want to install the planks and buy the one which fulfills your requirements the most. It also makes it a bit more sound-dampening, for noise-reduction. When you install SmartCore flooring, you can spend less time cleaning and more time doing the things you enjoy most. They offer a variety of products considering the users needs. The bottom line: CoreLuxe's upper-tier collectionaka CoreLuxe Ultrais a decent budget brand . While the SmartCore Pro has a Stone-Plastic Composite core that uses limestone powder, making it less shock-absorbing and noisier. Although both products can be used anywhere, their materials, styles, thickness, and patterns make them more suited for different areas. Additionally: Lowes markets SmartCore Ultra flooring as Hi-Def flooringmeaning theres more detail in its design layer. However, to add some extra protection against moisture you should apply SmartCore Underlayment. With SMARTCORE Pro, you don't have to sacrifice style for strength. The plank size is 6x48 and the size of the tiles is 12x24. Thats not to say the WPC core of SmartCore Ultra isnt goodit just isnt special. The urge to nail it down can also be connected to the fact that you are still a beginner. Then, we'll take one deep dive into SmartCore flooring reviews, talk about hers masters and cons, and help you decide whether it's worth purchasing. Reducing VOCs is a priority in the industry and it shows in newer products like low-VOC carpet and non-toxic laminate flooring. Required fields are marked *. This product is available in 15+ different styles with a variety of colors. It is offered in various colors and around fourteen distinct patterns, including wood and stone appearance types. This gives the floor some extra bounce and makes it feel a bit more like authentic hardwood species. Both SmartCore Ultra and Pro have their own unique selling points. Which LVP Is Better: SmartCore Pro or SmartCore Ultra? Hence, it is suitable for any area, including kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and basements. Also, they come with different warranty periods, which can make you think about usability and maintenance. SmartCore flooring reviews agree: itll get the job done but better options exist. It comes in so many wonderful designs. Obviously, thats a huge issue for any PVC flooring product marketed for its strength. I encourage you to share the post links on social media and leave comments if you find them informative. So, here we are at the end of our discussion on SmartCore Pro Vs Ultra Vinyl Flooring. Shes previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. You can find brown colors in light, medium, and dark forms. Even laminate flooring comes in waterproof options now, like Mohawks RevWood (and you can check out this vinyl plank vs. laminate guide out if youre curious about the differences between the two products). 31: A Realtors Insights on Todays Turbulent Housing Market, Modern Living Room Design for a Mid-Century Home, Ask Danny | Ep. It has a commercial warranty of 10 years and a residential warranty of a lifetime. Yes and no. You can differentiate among them depending on your necessity. While both floorings absorb sounds pretty well, the SmartCore Pro does not absorb sound as well as the Ultra because of the SPC cores rigidity. Also, some stone tiles look available in the collection. SmartCore Pro: This comes with a low shock resistance because of its rigidity. A Shaw Vinyl Plank Floor is one of the elegant floors that you can have. Way too many SmartCore flooring reviews mention this issue for it to be a fluke occurrence; theres clearly something wrong with the design. ), How to Remove Candle Wax from Laminate Flooring? Because it has a wear layer of 12 mils and a thickness of 7.5 mm, plus it has a lifetime residential warranty. Enhanced bevels, hyper-realistic visuals, and beautiful color variations create the authentic appearance and feel of the real thing without the hassle. Both being flooring products by the same company, SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra differ based on their core property materials. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'floorcarekits_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floorcarekits_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'floorcarekits_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',107,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floorcarekits_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1');.large-leaderboard-2-multi-107{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}SmartCore Pro:The SmartCore Pro features a wear layer of 20 mils, rigidity, rough texture, moisture resistance, and a warranty of 10 years. For residential use, it offers a lifetime warranty. Both floors have an attached acoustical pad that reduces noise in the house and makes the room more comfortable. Its time to look at some of these unique features and learn what makes this product so special! In the following chart, you will see the specifications with the price point. It has a wear layer of 12 mils and a thickness of 7.5 mm. Youll get good value from the mix of greater quality and cheaper cost. If you can swing the extra 50 cents a square foot, get the SmartCore Ultra, as it has the extra thickness in the core to better deal with any subfloor issues, and already has an underlayment attached. Can You Use Old English on Wood Floors? At the end of the day, the best hardwood floors should be durable, beautiful, and comfortablebut they shouldnt have to be waterproof. The VOC in low-VOC flooring may seem like just another silly acronymbut this ones actually super important. If that name sounds familiar, its because COREtec has been one of the top vinyl plank flooring brands for quite some time. SmartCore Flooring Reviews Suggest it Doesnt Stack Up Against High-End LVP Brands, Proximity Mills Vinyl vs. SmartCore Vinyl, Conclusion: SmartCore Flooring Is DecentBut Theres Better LVP On the Market, pros and cons of engineered bamboo flooring, USFloors is actually owned by Shaw Industries, cost to install engineered hardwood floors, SmartCores floorings installation directions, find a top-rated flooring store in your area, Wide Plank Wood Flooring 101: Your Total Guide, Advantages & Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Floors. Both the Pro and Ultra have very good durability, as the thickness of the products is very good. Types: The SmartCore pro planks are mostly wooden types. Overall: wed still recommend certain types of hardwood over LVP for outdoor use. There are so many types of flooring, but the SmartCore Ultra and Pro are both products of the SmartCore Vinyl luxury brand. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. Otherwise, sun heat may expand the floating floor and makes them come apart. A SmartCore Ultra flooring is a type of flooring offered by the brand SmartCore. Why is Renting Furniture a Smart Decision? Lowes slaps its name on SmartCore flooringbut who actually manufactures it? Install the SmartCore Pro in any part of the home, even the basement. Cork vs. Rubber Underlayment: Which One Should I Choose? VOC is responsible for indoor air pollution which is harmful to your health. And we mean cool. Out of the dozen-or-so SmartCore Naturals products that Lowes offers, only one product has a 5-star ratingand thats on Lowes own website. It also helps in resolving the echo problems. Well, do not worry, you will get the answers to all your questions after reading this discussion. It is 100% waterproof, and if you install it in the right way, its easy to clean and stays strong in even the hottest sunrooms or coldest cabins. The SmartCore ultra comes with a thickness of 7.5 mm while the thickness of the Pro version is 6mm. Basically, unless youre planning on using it to create some super-intricate parquet flooring patterns, youre probably looking at a relatively inexpensive install. We hope this chart was helpful and, for a full breakdown of all the best LVP flooring, check out our full . Even moderately-priced wood flooring costs can get pretty high once you factor in installation. It also features rustic pattern looks and has 15 options for designs and patterns. First of all, lets have some ideas about them. These planks are rough and strong so you can install them where you put your easy chair or other hard things. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'floorcarekits_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floorcarekits_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'floorcarekits_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',106,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floorcarekits_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-106{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}SmartCore ultra:You have to the installation area of both floorings. SMARTCORE Ultra is the smart choice for hi-def style and design that is 100% waterproof, so it won't swell, crack or peel when exposed to water Easy DIY click install over existing hard surface floors with no subfloor prep, acclimation or adhesives Easy to maintain - carefree clean-up and proven protection against spills and accidents First, lets talk about the perks of SmartCore flooringwhich, to be fair, are pretty much the pros of vinyl flooring in general. That way, they stay in place for a long time. And on the other hand, SmartCore Ultra features a WPC Core (Wood-Plastic Composite) that includes ultra-fine sawdust. RYOBIs 18-Gauge Cordless AirStrike Brad Nailer The Ultimate Tool for On-the-Go Nailing! The price points are not much different for both options. It has a 12 mL wear layer, which provides durability and prevents stains, and scratches. The planks and tiles are warped in vinyl. The interlocking system rejects the buildups in the plank or tile joints. All these features make the SmartCore Ultra the best companion for residential buildings. And below, we're moving for take an in-depth look at SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra into see how they stack up. Theres nothing wrong with thatmany national chains have their own private-label brands. Heres How. Its rigidity also makes it less flexible, making it susceptible to transmission of sounds if used in a noisy environment. smartcore pro- wear layer thickness of 20 mil, has the attached underlayment and is designed for commercial settings such as kitchens, show rooms, salons ect.. has a stronger stain resistance than the other two options. But because both are from the same company, they have all the signature qualities of SmartCore. SmartCore doesnt do much to address the common disadvantages of vinyl plank flooringwhich means the product doesnt really bring anything new to the table. So youll still need to buy and install another protective layer before putting SmartCore flooring in a basement, kitchen, or bathroom. Smartcore Ultra and Pro can be used on wood, tiles, and concrete subfloors. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Even wet mops can be used to sanitize your floor, keeping them germ-free. We briefly mentioned this earlier, but installing SmartCore flooring is pretty similar to installing snap-together tile flooring. A 12-mil wear layer is actually pretty good (ignoring the durability concerns mentioned in SmartCore reviews)but considering that so many top brands offer different wear layer options, its odd that SmartCore doesnt. Her work has made her a famous name in this Livingproofmag.com is as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. But they are strong enough as they are made of the rigid store and polymer core. Because replacing individual SmartCore planks is almost impossible without taking the entire floor apart. The materials used in them help to define their rigidity. How to Clean Pet Urine from Vinyl Plank Flooring? To install it on floors, you wont need to use any glue or heavy machinery. Depending on your needs, you can choose among them; their materials also help determine their rigidity. It makes them stainless as you can easily clean them whenever necessary. Both the Ultra and Pro come with a lifetime residential warranty and also a good warranty for other usages. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'floorcarekits_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floorcarekits_com-medrectangle-3-0');Are you in a dilemma and dont know which to buy? Scratch resistance does not seem to be as good as claimed. Seriouslyeven some traditional types of floor tiles can be harder to clean than LVP because theyre more porous. In that case, you should be looking for a more durable type of vinyl flooring that can withstand these conditions. Aside from that, there aren't many differences in color, variety, even protection. SmartCore vs Lifeproof: Durability Comparison. Therefore it has a rigid core. It is durable with a shiny appearance that keeps your house looking great all the time. Although this is not always necessary, a concrete floor needs to be leveled before installing SmartCore flooring. Like, hipster-fabulous, Brooklyn-bound, ultra-chic cool. The reason is they are encased in vinyl entirely. It adds a natural grain pattern to the floor. But before that here is a quick comparison chart to make it easier for you. CoreLuxe vs. SmartCore Flooring. The SmartCore is low-maintenance and includes an acoustic pad with enhanced performance. Get carefree cleanup and superior protection against spills, accidents, and everything else you would rather not deal with. So, other types even do not need to be in the shop. And because of a couple of big design flaws, it can actually add to them. Carpet vs. Laminate: The *Real* Pros & Cons, Why Concrete Flooring That Looks Like Wood is So Darn Cool. The key difference is that the short side joint doesn't need to be angled in with the Pro version. Colors: Most of them are brown. Moreover, it also comes with an attached pad that makes the home soundproof. We work hard to put together knowledge about the home improvement industry in a simple way to help people fix their problems. They both offer qualities that are suitable for different accommodations. We recommend the best products through an independent review process, and advertisers do not influence our picks. These planks are cheaper but look premium. However: nearly all SmartCore flooring reviews we dove into mentioned that this waterproof claim was perhaps a little less than accurate. They can make or break the lifespan of almost any types of tile. How Much Do Egress Windows Cost? Keeping up with your flooring care will keep your Smartcore Ultra flooring look wonderful for many years to come. And on the other hand, SmartCore Ultra features a WPC Core (Wood-Plastic Composite) that includes ultra-fine sawdust. That's why we've put together this easy-to-understand vinyl plank flooring comparison, stacking up the key features of the 4 brands we get the most questions about: Proximity Mills, COREtec, LifeProof, and SmartCore. The Smartcore Pro is a bit costlier compared to the ultra. No matter what your taste and decorating style are, youll find decorative furniture, Read More 7 Best Furniture Pads for Laminate Floors (Buying Guide Included)Continue, Many homeowners prefer laminate flooring because it is reasonably resilient to withstand heavy use while retaining its fresh-out-of-the-box look. HouzzTalks is a participant in the Amazon Associate Program, designed to generate revenue by advertising and linking to Amazon.com products. Bamboo Flooring vs. Laminate: Which to Buy? We have written this article about the differences between SmartCore ultra vs. SmartCore Pro to help you make informed decisions when choosing between both products. With this pre-installed pad, the installation costs are reduced, and durability can be increased. Can pet urine stain my SmartCore flooring? SmartCore flooring, Lowes' in-house LVP brand, . They include the basic Smartcore, Ultra, Pro, and Naturals. This is not a good practice. SmartCore Pro vs. Ultra: What are the Similarities? From the customer reviews, we have learned that the scratch resistance of the planks is not good enough. Smartcore Pro is SPC core with a great 24mil ceramic enhanced wear layer and is more than durable enough for any residential or medium commercial use (lifetime residential 10 year commercial warranty off the top of my head). When it comes to how long will SmartCore vinyl flooring last, this largely depends on the usage of the place. However, when it comes to prices, SmartCore is slightly less expensive than COREtec. WPC (wood plastic composite) is a form of rigid core EVP . Its probably not as easy as peel-and-stick carpet tiles, but the interlocking click-together flooring tabs and optional adhesive dont require a ton of experience. They can make your living room more lively or bring originality to your office. The shock resistance feature of SmartCore Pro is low. A single wear layer thickness is available for SmartCore Ultra. It is a durable and affordable alternative to traditional hardwood flooring, as well as being fairly easy to install. 100% Waterproof - won't swell, crack or peel when exposed to water. Ultra Smartcore Ultra LVP is equally referred to as WPC flooring option. That means you can only buy it at Lowes. It makes the installation easier and also reduces the installation cost. And if youre hesitant about buying the product because of the well-documented disadvantages of cork flooring, the stuff isnt going to change your mind. This pre-installed pad helps to reduce the installation cost and increase durability with smoothness. We may receive compensation if you visit partners we recommend. We mentioned Proximity Mills before, but really, you have a lot of options. Is SmartCore flooring good? As you have come here to learn about SmartCore Pro Vs Ultra Vinyl Flooring, lets discuss it. But SmartCore Ultra and Pro tend to lower imitation. VOCs stands for volatile organic compounds, which are harmful chemicals released into the air by many plastics and adhesives. Armed with commercial-grade durability for pro-level performance, SMARTCORE Pro is built with COREtec technology for a floor that works hard so you can play hard. Theres really no other way to say it: SmartCore flooring, including both SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra, is just decent. Get a hardwood floor alternative like SmartCoreitll give you the look youre going for, without the actual, you know, disadvantages of hickory flooring. This may void the warranty as well. But if not, you should know: tile is cool now! While planning to purchase them, make sure it is ideal for your purpose. What Is Hickory Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring? The core of SmartCore Pro is made of SPC. The natural has 12 styles, and the colors are medium to dark, with the oak type in grey. With the increasing demand for low-maintenance and cost-efficient floors, SmartCore Ultra flooring offers homeowners many benefits and downsides that can be used as trade-offs. Because it is warped in vinyl, you can install it in places like the kitchen. Smartcore is a low- to mid-priced brand of waterproof rigid core vinyl flooring made by US Floors using coretec technology. But you should not take any risk. Pergo Vs. Although many people believe it is impossible to remove, this is not true. SmartCore Flooring Reviews Usually Say That DIY Installation Is Easy, And Professional Installation Isnt Too Expensive Either, SmartCore Flooring Offers Easy Maintenance, SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Pro Are Both Low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), SmartCore Flooring Can Be Used Outside (Though it Will Wear Out Faster), SmartCore Floorings Attached Pad Does Not Protect it from Moisture, SmartCore Flooring Reviews (Surprisingly) Say it Scratches Easily, SmartCore Flooring May Dent Easily Too (Especially SmartCore Pro), SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra Only Have One Wear Layer Thickness Option, SmartCore Floorings Lifetime Residential Warranty Is Very Limited, Again: You Can Not Install SmartCore as a DIY Project Within Warranty, SmartCore Floorings Commercial Warranty Is Even Worse, SmartCore Flooring Isnt Environmentally Friendly, The Core of SmartCore Flooring Isnt Particularly Special. However: many SmartCore flooring reviews question thisnot because the detail is affected, but because SmartCore Pro apparently isnt that durable. After interlocking, you can glue the planks too if you want. The SmartCore flooring products are waterproof and cannot be damaged by pet urine, but you should take extra care to always clean pet urine as it can smell and ruin the colors over time. In this short guide, Ive discussed the significant differences between SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra and which to consider buying. Because they have more than 15 styles available from where you can always choose a perfect one. You have to place the planks or tiles aligned to each other. And the results have been mixed, at best. The warranty for SmartCore flooring is even more limited for DIYers. Style: The SmartCore ultra can be found in more than 25 styles. In contrast, SmartCore Pro is formed of SPC, meaning that it's made of Stone Polymer Core. Lowes SmartCore flooring is (with one exception) composed entirely of rigid-core luxury vinyl plankaka LVP. That means that this flooring meets stringent indoor air quality emissions criteria. Your email address will not be published. Even if something goes wrong with your Smartcore Ultra flooring, you may use the available 5-year warranty when used for commercial purposes. But we wanted to mention it because there have been many attempts by stores like Lowes and Home Depot to sell proprietary flooring products. If you look into some teak flooring pros and cons, for example, youll find that its natural resins make it great for patios, decks, and so on. Read: Can You Put a Refrigerator on Vinyl Plank Flooring? For more information,visit this page. The SmartCore Pro has excellent visual appeal with excellent quality. Why? Can I use a steam cleaner on SmartCore luxury vinyl tile or planks? Or is it simply another product in the already-crowded world of vinyl plank? Required fields are marked *. The planks will fit perfectly, whether made of wood, concrete, or something else. Theres a reason hardwood floor alternatives like SmartCore are so popular, after all. The Pro collection has 15 styles. SmartCore ultra:Both products are made up of different materials. If you DIY installation and the flooring breaks, then there is no warranty. It will help us earn a small commission that pays for the aftercare of the website. Both SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra have designs and patterns of their own. SmartCore Ultra flooring is one of the best items from the brand. Smartcore Ultra flooring does not need to be acclimated before installation, which means that as soon as your subfloor is complete, you may begin laying down all of your boards. The planks are 7x48. Some designs may discontinue over time and more new designs will come. However, if you intend to use flooring for a residential building, in that case, the SmartCore Ultra is the better option due to the lifetime warranty that the Pro has as well. So, the question is which type is the best and which one should you buy. SmartCore Ultra and Pro come with lifetime residential warranties, with 10 years on SmartCore Pro and 5 years on SmartCore Ultra. Affordable products. Moreover, it comes with a 10-year commercial warranty, while the Ultra does not. Only the Ultra Line Seems to Be But There Are Better Options for the Price. In general, SPC is more rigid than WPC, but that also means that it doesnt absorb shocks as well as WPC. And SmartCore Pros SPC core is supposed to be extra dent-resistant. SMARTCORE Pro is the smart choice for the most demanding environments. The SmartCore flooring comprises two layers: the top layer is a high-quality wear layer, while the bottom layer is an adhesive. Otherwise, it may, The Best Way to Fix Discolored Laminate Floor Under Rug (Must-Read! Nonetheless, the SmartCore Ultra flooring could last for 8 to 12 years or even longer when properly maintained. It suits perfectly for areas like garage and balcony. Thats why most people debating between tile vs. wood floors end up going with something like wood-look tile insteadits just more practical. And just try not to damage planks when youre taking them aparthah! SPC is a mixture of limestone with polymer. The brand sells for $2 to $4 per square foot and offers four distinct collections, each with unique characteristics to meet distinct needs. To be honest, independent flooring stores will be able to sell you a much better product at a much better price than any box store. Ultimately, this prefinished hardwood flooring collection is probably one to skipit just doesnt stack up against any of the best hardwood floor brands. And vinyl floors have the reputation of VOC imitation. SmartCores website says SmartCore Pro sacrifices a smidge of detail in the design layer for its enhanced durability. Based on your personal preferences, you need to decide what type of flooring is best for you. Side note: if youre ever comparing tile vs. laminate, make sure to factor in your cleaning habits. SMARTCORE Ultra is the smart choice for hi-def style and design. Is Lowes in-house brand of LVP worth purchasing? There are also loads of other exceptions to SmartCores warranty policy. Shaw offers everything from low-VOC vinyl flooring to just about every wood flooring type in the world, so at least you know SmartCore flooring is being made by people who know what theyre doing. It uses limestone powder as part of the SPC core, making the product more durable and resistant to corrosion. Tiles are sized 12 x 24, while planks are sized 648. There are four different models of flooring of the brand. However: if you ask us, its average. Obviously, the best vinyl plank flooring for you is the one that fits your lifestyle and offers professional results. Its soft texture lets you walk barefoot without discomfort and offers a lifetime warranty for residential use. The rigid core in both helps to keep moisture away. How to Stagger Vinyl Plank Flooring- 2 Easy Tricks, How Much Does Epoxy Flooring Cost? Even though it is waterproof, you must clean SmartCore Pro if it gets wet. And, well, reviewers arent fond of SmartCore Pros SPC core. SMARTCORE Ultra is the smart choice for hi-def style and design.