As a homeowner, when you are looking for a durable and waterproof flooring option, vinyl plank flooring is the most convenient choice to make. Among so many vinyl plank flooring brands, DuraLux and Lifeproof are considered to be among the most popular ones.
The most prominent differentiating factor between the two is in the pricing, still picking one over the other can be a tricky option.
So, in this blog post, you will get to know about various features of DuraLux and Lifeproof plank flooring to make an educated decision while picking the ideal one for your home. Without any further ado, let’s get started.
A Quick Comparison Table
Let’s check some features of DuraLux and Lifeproof plank flooring. From those, you will be able to see the similarities and dissimilarities between these two. Hopefully, it will help you to make a quick decision.
Here you go.
| Specifications | DuraLux Plank Flooring | Lifeproof Plank Flooring |
| Manufacturer | Fenzi Group is the manufacturer of DuraLux Plank Flooring. | The manufacturer of Lifeproof Plank Flooring is Halstead New England Industries. |
| Cost of the flooring | DuraLux Plank Flooring would cost around $2.30 per square foot. | Lifeproof Plank Flooring costs between $3 and $4 per square foot. |
| Installation cost | It comes with installation costs as well, but as the process is straightforward, it will not cost as much as Lifeproof Plank Flooring. | It comes with a higher installation cost as well between $1.50 and $6.00 per square foot. |
| Waterproof elements | DuraLux Plank Flooring is also waterproof like other vinyl flooring options. | Lifeproof Plank Flooring has water-resistant properties to stop the water to ruin the area. |
| Installation process | The installation process is pretty straightforward, but not a traditional one. | The installation process is not easy, so it would cost more. |
| Warranty | The duration of the warranty may differ according to the product type. And there is no residential warranty associated with it. | It comes with a lifetime and residential warranty. |
| Resistance to scratches | It is immune to the risk of scratches on the surface. | It is not scratch resistant. |
| Durability | DuraLux Plank Flooring seems to be more durable due to its rigid stone core. | Lifeproof Plank Flooring does not offer any rigid stone core. |
So, these are the features, similarities, and dissimilarities between DuraLux and Lifeproof Plank Flooring. If you are still not sure about the right one for your home, then you will get to know about the mentioned features in the later section of the blog.
Key Differences Between DuraLux And Lifeproof Plank Flooring
Now, that you know about the different features of both DuraLux and Lifeproof Plank Flooring, it is time to know about these in detail.
- Manufacturer
Both of the plank flooring options are being manufactured by two different companies.
Both of the companies are very well-reputed in the market.
DuraLux Plank Flooring is manufactured by the Fenzi Group, whereas, Lifeproof Plank Flooring is manufactured by Halstead New England Industries.
These are the companies on which you can rely for quality products for your home.
- Cost of The Flooring
It is natural to think about the cost of a product while taking the final purchase decision. While making a purchase decision for plank flooring, it is also normal to think about the pricing aspect.
Here, DuraLux Plank Flooring would cost around $2.30 per square foot. On the contrary, Lifeproof Plank Flooring costs between $3 and $4 per square foot.
It clearly shows the overall cost for the Lifeproof Plank Flooring will be much higher than that of DuraLux Plank Flooring. Moreover, there will be an additional significant installation cost for Lifeproof Plank Flooring.
- Installation Cost
The installation process of DuraLux Plank Flooring is very straightforward, which is why the installation cost is lesser compared to the installation cost of Lifeproof Plank Flooring.
But this is very much the opposite for the Lifeproof Plank Flooring, as the installation process is not very easy.
The installation cost is higher for this reason, and the cost is between $1.50 and $6.00 per square foot.
- Waterproof Elements
This feature is common to both of the plank flooring options. Both DuraLux and Lifeproof Plank Flooring come with water-resistant properties, which is why both are waterproof. Water cannot ruin the area when it gets exposed to it.
- Installation Process
DuraLux Plank Flooring has a non-traditional but straightforward installation process. For, Lifeproof Plank Flooring, the installation process is not easy, which is why it would cost more.
- Resistance To Scratches
DuraLux Plank Flooring is resistant to the possibility of any sort of scratches due to accidents. Unlike DuraLux, Lifeproof Plank Flooring is not scratch resistant.
- Durability
According to the present customer’s reviews, DuraLux Plank Flooring seems to be more durable due to its rigid stone core. But Lifeproof Plank Flooring does not offer any rigid stone core.
These are some features of DuraLux and Lifeproof Plank Flooring from which you will find a few similarities and dissimilarities.
- Thickness
The thickness of the planks can be an essential factor to consider when choosing between DuraLux and Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring.
DuraLux planks are typically thinner than Lifeproof planks, with a thickness of around 10mm to 12mm. Lifeproof planks are usually thicker, with a 6mm to 22mm of thickness.
Thicker planks can offer better sound insulation and a more substantial feel underfoot. It can be a crucial aspect for homeowners looking for a luxurious, high-end look and feel.
However, thicker planks may be more challenging to install and more expensive than thinner planks. On the other hand, thinner planks are easier to install and cheaper, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners who still want a high-quality product.
- Construction
DuraLux and Lifeproof vinyl plank are made from synthetic materials designed to mimic the look and feel of real hardwood flooring.
DuraLux planks are made from a rigid core constructed from a composite material layered over a pre-attached antimicrobial IXPE foam pad underlayment. The top layer of DuraLux planks is made from a wear-resistant layer to resist scratches and scuffs.
On the other hand, Lifeproof planks are not made from a rigid stone core. But they have a closed-cell PVC foam core which is called ISOCORE. It is not as strong as the rigid stone core.
So, construction-wise, Duralux offers a more robust build.
- Appearance
DuraLux and Lifeproof both offer a wide range of colors and textures to mimic the look of stone and natural hardwood flooring.
DuraLux planks are available in various colors and textures, including rustic, decorative, contemporary, stone, wood, and traditional designs.
Conversely, Lifeproof planks are also available in diverse colors and textures. But the color, shade, and outlook options are relatively lower than the Duralux lineup.
However, appearance choice depends on personal interest. So, it might not be a deal breaker.
- Overall Performance
Performance is a significant consideration regarding vinyl plank flooring selection. Both DuraLux and Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring are designed to perform well in various settings, including high-traffic areas and areas prone to moisture or spills.
Considering the construction, materials, and build quality, Duralux is a more reliable performance provider. Its planks are scratch-resistant, fade-resistant, and stain-resistant, making them easy to maintain and look great over time.
Compared to that, Lifeproof delivers decent performance in most of the sectors. However, the choice depends on your needs.
- Warranty
DuraLux Plank Flooring comes with different flooring options and the flooring warranty duration varies according to it. But there is no residential warranty associated with DuraLux Plank Flooring.
On the contrary, Lifeproof Plank Flooring comes with a lifetime and residential warranty.
Which Plank Flooring Is the One for You?
So, here comes the awaiting question, which one to pick for your home?
If you see all these features of both of the options, you will see that DuraLux Plank Flooring is more cost efficient whereas Lifeproof Plank Flooring will cost you more.
But Lifeproof Plank Flooring comes with a better warranty.
That is why it all comes down to your ultimate preference about which one to pick.
But Lifeproof Plank Flooring seems to be the better option if you are on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you are looking for a durable, water-resistant floor then you can trust on DuraLux brand for sure.
Shaw Flooring, NuCore Flooring, DuraLux, Lifeproof, and COREtec are some of the highest-rated LVPs in the market.
Karndean, Armstrong, Home Decorators Collection, Mohawk, and NuCore Flooring are some of the best brands of LVT.
Fenzi Group is the manufacturer of DuraLux Plank Flooring.
Wrapping Up
While thinking about DuraLux and Lifeproof which one to pick for the flooring of your home, you will get to know all the features of both of these brands.
There are some pros and cons of both of these brands, but ultimately you are the one who knows about your situation and requirement.
If you want to finish the flooring job in your home without investing a good amount of money, then you need to pick DuraLux Plank Flooring. But there are some factors in which Lifeproof stays ahead of this one.