When it comes to durable and attractive flooring options for busy households, SmartCore and ProCore floors from USFloors are two popular choices.
But what exactly are the differences, pros and cons between these two flagship COREtec flooring lines?
In this detailed guide, we’ll compare SmartCore and ProCore flooring to help you decide which is the right option for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | SmartCore | ProCore |
| Price | $2-4 per sq.ft | $3-6 per sq.ft |
| Core Technology | Engineered Composite | Stone Polymer Composite |
| Wear Layer Thickness | 20 mil | 28 mil |
| Scratch Resistance | Highly Resistant | Extremely Resistant |
| Stain Resistance | Highly Resistant | Extremely Resistant |
| Plank Sizes | Smaller | Larger |
| Warranty | Lifetime Residential <br> 10 Years Commercial | Lifetime Residential <br> 12 Years Commercial |
| Installation Method | Floating | Floating |
| Best For | Residential, Light Commercial | Residential, Heavy Commercial |
Overview of SmartCore Flooring
SmartCore flooring by COREtec is a revolutionary tile and plank system that combines the flexibility and convenience of luxury vinyl plank flooring with the durability of porcelain or ceramic tile.
SmartCore floors feature an extra durable top layer that provides superior scratch, stain, dent and fade resistance compared to standard vinyl flooring.
The proprietary coated engineered composite core gives SmartCore floors flexibility for easy installation while maintaining dimensional stability.
Some key features and benefits of SmartCore flooring include:
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Stain, fade and dent resistant
- Does not require waxing or buffing for maintenance
- Completely waterproof construction
- Attractive convincing wood, tile and stone looks
- Can be floated over any existing hard surface
- Quick and easy glueless installation
- Adds warmth and style to rooms
- Qualifies for commercial flooring use
- Comes in planks and tiles in various sizes
- Lifetime residential warranty; 10 year commercial warranty
Overall, SmartCore offers a beautiful high-performance flooring that’s built to last in busy homes. It brings the elegance of natural materials like hardwood, slate and limestone in a durable easy-care package.
Overview of ProCore Flooring
ProCore flooring is another luxury vinyl floor from COREtec that shares many similarities with SmartCore floors. Key differences are that ProCore has slightly enhanced durability and performance features.
ProCore luxury vinyl flooring highlights:
- Stone polymer composite core for maximum stability
- Upgraded commercial-grade wear layer for added durability
- Protekt antimicrobial surface treatment
- Effortless maintenance; no wax or buffing needed
- Scratch, stain, dent and fade resistant
- Pet and family-friendly
- 100% waterproof; can also be installed in bathrooms
- Glueless floating click-lock installation
- Realistic textures and finishes
- Staggered longer and wider planks up to 72” x 9”
- Lifetime residential warranty; 12 year commercial warranty
ProCore floors are crafted to offer the ultimate indestructible flooring for active homes and commercial spaces. The upgraded construction gives it enhanced dent, scratch and stain resistance over SmartCore floors.
Comparing SmartCore And ProCore Floors
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s compare some key differences between SmartCore and ProCore luxury vinyl plank flooring:
Core Construction
- SmartCore features a coated engineered composite core
- ProCore has a stone-based composite core for maximum stability
Wear Layer Thickness
- SmartCore has a 20 mil wear layer
- ProCore has a 28 mil commercial-grade wear layer for added durability
Surface Protection
- SmartCore has a durable scratch-resistant coating
- ProCore adds antimicrobial Protekt technology to resist mold and mildew
Plank Format
- SmartCore planks are 6” x 48” or 7” x 48”
- ProCore planks are up to 9” x 72” for a dramatic wide plank look
Warranty
- SmartCore has a lifetime residential warranty; 10 years commercial use
- ProCore offers a lifetime residential; 12 year commercial warranty
Price
- SmartCore is the more budget-friendly option
- ProCore floors cost $1-3 more per square foot for enhanced durability
Applications
- SmartCore recommended for residential and light commercial use
- ProCore optimized for demanding residential and heavy commercial use
Both offer similar benefits like realistic visuals, waterproof construction and easy no-glue installation over existing floors. ProCore just takes performance up a notch over SmartCore with advanced technology and thicker wear layer.
Pros and Cons of SmartCore Flooring
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Extremely scratch and stain resistant
- Highly waterproof and moisture resistant
- Does not need waxing or buffing
- Easy floating click-lock installation
- Realistic wood and stone looks
- Holds up to pets and kids
- Qualifies for light commercial use
- Lifetime residential warranty
Cons
- Not as thick or durable as ProCore
- Limited darker color and wood pattern options
- Shorter plank lengths than ProCore
- Not recommended for heavy commercial use
Pros and Cons of ProCore Flooring
Pros
- Upgraded stone-based composite core
- Thicker 28 mil commercial grade wear layer
- Antimicrobial Protekt technology
- Extra scratch, stain and dent resistant
- Dramatic extra wide and long planks
- Ideal for demanding residential and commercial use
- 12-year commercial warranty
Cons
- More expensive than SmartCore
- Darker colors show scuffs more
- Tile options not available
- Floating installation only
Which Is Better?
For most homeowners, SmartCore is the best option for beautiful, durable, easy-care floors at budget-friendly prices.
It outperforms laminate and vinyl for scratch resistance, waterproofness and visual appeal.
Most pets and kids are no match for SmartCore.
However, large active families with pets may want to upgrade to the indestructible performance of ProCore.
It offers enhanced protection from heavy foot traffic, claws, furniture indents, spills and moisture. The antimicrobial technology also helps suppress mold and mildew growth.
ProCore is also ideal for commercial spaces like retail stores, restaurants and medical offices that demand floors with maximum durability. The thicker wear layer and advanced technology outperforms competing commercial vinyl flooring.
Both SmartCore and ProCore are excellent choices that offer complete waterproof construction and effortless no-wax maintenance. ProCore just packs extra dependability so consider upgrading if you need truly bombproof flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, SmartCore provides an unbeatable combination of attractive visuals, scratch resistance and waterproofness at excellent value. It outperforms laminate and vinyl to provide durable worry-free floors that look like real wood and stone.
ProCore has class-leading scratch resistance thanks to the 28 mil thick commercial-grade wear layer and antimicrobial surface treatment. It’s one of the most scratch proof floors available.
SmartCore floors are highly scratch resistant for residential use but can be damaged over time by heavy impacts, claws and dragging furniture. ProCore is even more scratch resistant.
Yes, both SmartCore and ProCore have 100% waterproof construction so spills, moisture and accidents are no concern. This makes them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms and entryways.
Final Recommendation
For beautiful, affordable and durable floors, SmartCore is our top recommendation for most homes. It provides a great mix of performance, visuals and value.
However, the ultimate indestructible floor for rambunctious families, pets and high-traffic commercial use is ProCore. It offers upgraded durability through enhanced core stability, antimicrobial protection and thicker wear layer.
So consider your needs, budget and traffic levels before deciding between SmartCore and ProCore. Both deliver stunning luxury floors with easy no-glue installation and maintenance. Pick the COREtec floor that meets your lifestyle and space.