CoreLuxe Vs. SmartCore Flooring: Which Is Better?

If you’re in the market for new floors, you’ve probably come across CoreLuxe and SmartCore – two of the most popular and affordable vinyl plank flooring options out there. But with so many overlapping features, how do you choose between them?

In this article, we’ll compare the pros, cons, costs, and key differences between CoreLuxe and SmartCore flooring to help you make the right decision for your home.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	CoreLuxe	SmartCore
Manufacturer	USFloors	USFloors
Core	SPC (Stone plastic composite)	Rigid vinyl
Thickness	6.5 mm	5 mm
Attached Underlayment	Yes	No
Wear Layer	12 mil	12 mil
Scratch Resistance	Extremely durable	Durable
Waterproof	Yes	Yes
Pet-proof	Yes	Yes
Installation	Floating click-lock	Floating click-lock
Warranty	Lifetime residential, 10-year light commercial	Lifetime residential
Price Per Square Foot	$3.50 – $5.50	$2 – $4
Visual Options	Wood, stone looks	Wood, stone looks
Brand Reputation	High-end	Budget-friendly

Overview of CoreLuxe Flooring

CoreLuxe vinyl plank flooring is manufactured by USFloors, one of the leading vinyl plank flooring brands.

CoreLuxe planks feature a stone-plastic composite (SPC) core that makes them denser and more rigid than other vinyl flooring.

The SPC core is layered between a pre-attached cork underlayment for sound dampening and a durable 12 mil wear layer for scratch resistance.

Some key features of CoreLuxe vinyl plank flooring:

• Waterproof and pet-proof
• Has attached cork underlayment for noise reduction
• 12 mil commercial-grade wear layer
• TractionBac backing prevents shifting or movement
• Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
• Realistic wood and stone visuals and textures
• Low-VOC and environmentally friendly
• Easy floating click-lock installation

CoreLuxe planks come in a variety of wood and stone looks including oak, hickory, maple, marble, and slate. Plank sizes range from 4.5 to 9 inches wide and 36 to 60 inches long. CoreLuxe floors can be installed over most existing hard surfaces and come with a limited lifetime residential warranty.

Overview of SmartCore Flooring

SmartCore vinyl plank flooring is produced by USFloors as a more affordable alternative to CoreLuxe. SmartCore has a rigid vinyl core rather than a stone-plastic composite core. It also lacks the pre-attached cork underlayment layer found in CoreLuxe planks.

However, SmartCore offers many of the same benefits as CoreLuxe at a lower price point.

Some key features of SmartCore vinyl plank flooring:

• Waterproof and pet-proof
• 12 mil commercial-grade wear layer
• Scratch and stain resistant
• TractionBac backing resists movement
• Realistic wood and stone looks
• Low-VOC and environmentally friendly
• Floating click-lock installation

SmartCore comes in oak, hickory, maple, and exotic visuals with plank sizes ranging from 4 to 7 inches wide. It can be installed over most hard floors and carries a limited lifetime residential warranty.

Key Differences Between CoreLuxe And SmartCore Flooring

While CoreLuxe and SmartCore share many similarities, there are some key differences between the two worth noting:

• Attached underlayment – CoreLuxe has a pre-attached cork underlayment for sound absorption and insulation. SmartCore lacks an attached underlayment so a separate underlayment must be purchased and installed.
• Rigid core – CoreLuxe features a dense stone-plastic composite (SPC) core while SmartCore uses a standard rigid vinyl core. The SPC core makes CoreLuxe denser and more rigid.
• Thickness – CoreLuxe planks are 6.5 mm thick. SmartCore planks are a slightly thinner 5 mm.
• Warranty – Both come with a limited lifetime residential warranty. But only CoreLuxe offers a limited 10-year light commercial warranty.
• Price – SmartCore is the more affordable option, costing $1 – $3 less per square foot than CoreLuxe on average.

Cost Comparison

• CoreLuxe vinyl plank flooring ranges from $3.50 – $5.50 per square foot. SmartCore planks are typically priced between $2 – $4 per square foot. So you can expect to pay $1 – $3 more per square foot for CoreLuxe over SmartCore.
• Exact pricing for both can vary based on the specific style and color you choose. But in general, SmartCore is the more budget-friendly option while CoreLuxe offers enhanced durability and sound insulation for a higher price point.

Pros and Cons of CoreLuxe Vinyl Plank Flooring

CoreLuxe Pros:

• Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
• Attached cork underlayment provides sound insulation
• Stone-plastic composite core adds density and rigidity
• Realistic appearance and textures
• Waterproof and pet-proof
• Easy floating click-lock installation
• Qualifies for limited light commercial warranty

CoreLuxe Cons:

• More expensive than other vinyl plank flooring
• Limited color/style options compared to other brands
• Can dent if heavy objects are dropped on it

Pros and Cons of SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring

SmartCore Pros:

• Durable scratch-resistant wear layer
• Waterproof and pet-proof
• Affordable price point
• Realistic visuals and textures
• Easy floating click-lock installation
• Qualifies for residential warranty

SmartCore Cons:

• Lacks attached underlayment
• Less rigid core than CoreLuxe
• Limited color and style options
• Prone to dents from dropped heavy objects
• No commercial warranty

Which Should You Choose?

So which is better – CoreLuxe or SmartCore? Here are a few guidelines to help you decide:

• If you want the highest level of scratch resistance, durability, and sound dampening, go with CoreLuxe. The stone-plastic composite core and attached underlayment make it the higher-performing option.
• If you’re on a stricter budget but still want decent durability, SmartCore provides similar looks and waterproofing for less.
• For commercial spaces or high-traffic residential areas like kitchens, CoreLuxe is the better choice thanks to its commercial warranty.
• Both offer easy installation, so DIYers can tackle either floor with relative ease.
• SmartCore offers greater style flexibility with more color/pattern options in their lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

Take your space, budget, and needs into account when deciding. For a balance of affordability and performance, many homeowners are happy with SmartCore.

But those wanting the highest-quality vinyl plank flooring go with CoreLuxe. Reach out to flooring specialists in your area for quotes on both brands before making your final decision!