When it comes to flooring, the choices can be overwhelming. Whether you’re renovating your home or simply updating a room, it’s important to find something that strikes the right balance between style, durability, and cost.
In this article, I’m sharing my experience and thoughts on Lions Floor, a brand that’s been growing fast in the flooring industry. While I was initially drawn to the brand because of its affordability and broad selection, I’ll be honest—my experience wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped.
My Experience With Lions Floor
When I first came across Lions Floor, I was drawn to its affordability and wide range of styles.
I opted for the luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, as it promised durability and waterproof protection, which seemed perfect for my kitchen.
Installation was relatively easy with their click-lock system, and I appreciated being able to do it myself without needing professional help.
However, the excitement faded quickly. After only a few months, I started noticing scratches in high-traffic areas, despite the flooring being advertised as scratch-resistant.
I was particularly disappointed with how the floor reacted to water—seams began to swell after just a couple of spills, which contradicted the waterproof claims.
The most frustrating part was the inconsistency in the product’s quality. Some planks had chipped edges or uneven finishes, making it difficult to get a smooth, uniform look. When I contacted customer service to address these issues, the response was slow, and the solutions offered weren’t helpful.
Overall, while Lions Floor might be a budget-friendly option, the lack of durability and the poor customer service left me regretting my purchase. If you’re considering this brand, be prepared for some potential issues that could impact your satisfaction in the long run.
Pros of Lions Floor
To be fair, there are a few good things about Lions Floor products that caught my attention, and they might be what draws you in too.
- Affordability: One of the biggest draws for Lions Floor is the price point. Compared to other brands, their flooring is quite affordable, making it an attractive option if you’re on a budget. You can get the look of wood or tile without spending a fortune.
- Variety of Styles: Lions Floor offers a decent selection of colors and textures. From wood-look finishes to sleek, modern designs, there’s something for everyone. Their catalog is varied enough that you can find something to match almost any home decor style.
- Waterproof Options: The fact that Lions Floor offers waterproof flooring is a big plus, especially for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Their SPC and LVP lines are particularly popular for this reason, as they claim to stand up to water without warping or buckling.
- Ease of Installation: Many customers and contractors have noted that Lions Floor products are relatively easy to install. Their click-lock system makes it possible to install the flooring without needing to hire professionals, which can save you quite a bit of money in labor costs.
Cons of Lions Floor
Unfortunately, my experience wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. While Lions Floor might look good at first glance, there are a few issues that made me reconsider my purchase, and I’m not the only one.
- Durability Concerns: Durability is a significant factor when choosing flooring, and this is where Lions Floor really fell short for me. While the products are advertised as durable and resistant to wear and tear, I found that after just a few months of use, the floors started showing signs of wear—particularly in high-traffic areas. Scratches and dents appeared much sooner than expected, which was disappointing given that I opted for the LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) specifically for its supposed durability.
- Inconsistent Quality: Another issue I encountered was inconsistency in the quality of the planks. Some boxes had planks with imperfections, such as chipped edges or uneven finishes. It felt like a gamble with each box I opened—some were fine, while others had visible defects. This inconsistency not only delayed the installation process but also left me with flooring that didn’t look as seamless as I had hoped.
- Customer Service Issues: While Lions Floor claims to have top-notch customer service, my experience was quite the opposite. When I reached out to resolve the issues I encountered, it took an unusually long time to get a response. Even then, their solutions were unsatisfactory, leaving me feeling like I was left hanging with a product that wasn’t up to par.
- Not as Waterproof as Claimed: I also found that the waterproof claim didn’t fully hold up in practice. I installed the flooring in a kitchen, expecting it to handle the occasional spill or splash. However, after a few incidents, I noticed some of the planks swelling slightly at the seams, which was frustrating since waterproof flooring was one of the key reasons I chose Lions Floor in the first place.
Maintenance Tips For Lions Floor
If you decide to go with Lions Floor, there are a few maintenance tips that can help prolong its lifespan, though based on my experience, you’ll need to be extra cautious.
- Regular Cleaning: Like any flooring, regular cleaning is key to keeping it in good shape. With Lions Floor, I recommend sweeping or vacuuming daily to prevent dirt and debris from scratching the surface. You’ll also want to use a damp mop with a gentle cleaner specifically designed for LVP or laminate floors to avoid damaging the finish..
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners will wear down the floor’s protective layer. Stick to mild cleaners that are safe for vinyl or laminate, and avoid products that contain ammonia, as it can cause discoloration or dull the finish.
- Use Furniture Pads: To avoid scratching, be sure to use felt pads under furniture legs. Even though the flooring is supposed to be scratch-resistant, I found that moving chairs and furniture around caused noticeable scratches after a while.
- Watch Out for Moisture: Even though the flooring is marketed as waterproof, it’s best to clean up spills immediately. While it can handle minor moisture, prolonged exposure to water—like a leaking dishwasher or repeated spills—might cause the seams to swell.
Comparing Lions Floor With Other Brands
Now, let’s see how Lions Floor stacks up against other popular flooring brands. While Lions Floor might be attractive for its price, there are several alternatives that may offer better quality and durability.
- STAINMASTER Vinyl Plank Flooring
STAINMASTER is a well-known brand, particularly for its stain resistance and durability. Compared to Lions Floor, STAINMASTER holds up much better in high-traffic areas.
The scratch and stain resistance of STAINMASTER is a significant advantage, especially for homes with pets or kids. While Lions Floor has some waterproof options, STAINMASTER’s performance in preventing water damage is generally more reliable, especially for kitchens and bathrooms.
However, STAINMASTER comes at a higher price point, which might be a drawback if you’re working with a tight budget.
- Lifeproof Vinyl Flooring
Lifeproof Vinyl Flooring, sold exclusively at The Home Depot, is another strong contender.
It’s designed to be 100% waterproof and offers great durability, particularly in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and basements.
Lifeproof’s vinyl plank flooring also has a scratch-resistant wear layer that performs much better than Lions Floor.
One key feature is Lifeproof’s underlayment, which helps reduce noise and makes the flooring more comfortable to walk on.
While it’s priced higher than Lions Floor, Lifeproof’s longer lifespan and superior performance make it a better investment in the long run.
- Duravana Flooring
Duravana is a hybrid resilient flooring option that combines the best features of laminate and vinyl.
It’s an eco-friendly alternative that’s highly durable and offers better water resistance than traditional laminate or some vinyl planks, including Lions Floor.
Duravana stands out for its scratch resistance and ease of maintenance, making it a good choice for busy households.
Compared to Lions Floor, Duravana is more consistent in quality and more reliable in terms of performance over time.
Although it’s priced higher, the long-term value is evident in its superior resilience and eco-friendly materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In my opinion, COREtec and Shaw are some of the best brands for vinyl flooring. They tend to offer better durability and reliability compared to Lions Floor, though they are often pricier.
LVP flooring can be prone to scratches and dents, especially in high-traffic areas. While it’s often marketed as waterproof, some lower-quality brands, like Lions Floor, may not hold up as well against prolonged exposure to moisture.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring can last 10 to 20 years, depending on the brand and how well it’s maintained. With Lions aFloor, you might experience wear and tear sooner than expected.
Scratches from furniture, dirt, and prolonged exposure to water can damage LVP flooring. Even though it’s marketed as durable, lower-quality brands like Lions Floor may be more susceptible to damage from everyday use.
Conclusion: Should You Buy Lions Floor?
If you’re looking for affordable flooring that’s easy to install and offers a range of styles, Lions Floor may seem like an attractive option. However, based on my experience, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re on a very tight budget and are prepared for some potential quality issues.
There are other brands on the market—like COREtec, Shaw, and Mohawk—that may cost more upfront but will likely save you headaches in the long run with better durability and customer service.