Flooring
Average Cost: $2 to $8 per sq. ft. (materials) | $4.50 to $10 per sq. ft. (installed)
COREtec is a premium waterproof luxury vinyl brand built for families who want durable, realistic-looking floors that last. It costs more than some competitors, but the performance, comfort, and lifetime warranty justify the price for the right homeowner. Keep reading to find out if COREtec is the right floor for your home.
COREtec is a well-known name in luxury vinyl flooring, earning its reputation by introducing 100% waterproof rigid-core construction. Today, COREtec has three main collections: Original, Pro, and Tile. These options fit different budgets, performance needs, and design styles. COREtec is a good choice for homeowners who want durable, water-resistant floors that look like real wood or stone.
While COREtec does not offer its own installation service, retailers like Lowe’s and franchise services like Floor Coverings International® can handle both supply and installation. Though if you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider other options.
Compare more options: Best Luxury Vinyl Flooring Brands
COREtec is a luxury vinyl flooring brand that started with USFloors and became part of Shaw Industries in 2016. Now, COREtec operates as its own brand under Shaw and is sold by authorized dealers and flooring retailers nationwide. The brand is known for introducing 100% waterproof, rigid-core luxury vinyl plank (LVP) to the mainstream market — a technology that many competitors now use as well.
COREtec makes luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) with wood and stone designs in three collections. The brand does not sell solid hardwood, laminate, or carpet, and it does not offer in-home consultations or its own installation services. If you want a contractor to handle everything from buying to installing the floor, you will need to hire a local professional separately.
All three COREtec collections have the same basic construction: a waterproof rigid core, a cork underlayment for sound reduction and comfort, and a protective wear layer on top. The main differences are in the core density, the thickness of the wear layer, and how each collection is meant to be used.
Average Cost: $2 to $5 per sq. ft. (materials only)
The Original collection is COREtec’s main plank line and helped build the brand’s reputation. It uses a wood polymer composite (WPC) core, which is less dense than stone-based options and feels warmer and softer underfoot. Homeowners and installers often mention that the WPC core absorbs small impacts better than rigid SPC products and offers better insulation. The cork underlayment also helps reduce noise. Wear layers usually start at 20 mil, and the collection includes wood-look planks in many tones and finishes. The Original collection works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.
Average Cost: $4 to $7 per sq. ft. (materials only)
The Pro collection is designed for heavier use. It has a stone polymer composite (SPC) core, which is denser and more rigid than WPC. This makes it a better choice for high-traffic areas and light commercial spaces. The Pro line has wear layers up to 30 mil and comes with a commercial wear warranty as well as standard residential coverage. It is also available in stair tread profiles, which is helpful for whole-home installations. If you have a busy household, a home office, or need flooring that transitions smoothly to stairs, the Pro line is a good investment.
Average Cost: $3 to $8 per sq. ft. (materials only)
COREtec Tile uses the same waterproof rigid-core technology but offers stone and tile looks with a high-density mineral core for stability. This collection is made for places where you would usually use ceramic or porcelain tile — such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, entryways, and kitchens — but want the warmth and comfort of vinyl. The tile designs look realistic and include both stone and grout-line styles. Like the plank collections, COREtec Tile installs as a floating floor without glue.
Installation usually costs $2.50 to $4 per square foot for a standard floating floor. The total price can change depending on the condition of your subfloor, how complex the room is, and where you live.
| Room Size | Materials Estimate | Installed Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom (150 sq. ft.) | $300 to $750 | $675 to $1,500 |
| Living room (300 sq. ft.) | $600 to $1,500 | $1,350 to $3,000 |
| Full main floor (800 sq. ft.) | $1,600 to $4,000 | $3,600 to $8,000 |
These estimates use $2 to $5 per square foot for materials and $2.50 to $4 per square foot for installation. Premium collections will cost more.
COREtec gets high ratings from both homeowners and flooring professionals on review sites. People often praise its durability, appearance, and how it feels underfoot. There are some criticisms, but they tend to focus on a few common issues.
COREtec is a great choice for homeowners who want long-lasting, realistic-looking floors. It may not be the best option for those on a tight budget or anyone who needs both supply and installation handled by one company.
COREtec competes with several top brands in the LVP market. Here’s how it compares to three of the most common alternatives.
Shaw Floors, which owns COREtec, also sells its own LVP line called Floorté. Floorté usually costs less than COREtec and offers good scratch and wear resistance, making it a solid choice for buyers on a budget. COREtec stands out for comfort — the cork underlayment makes it feel warmer and quieter underfoot, which Shaw’s Floorté lines do not always match. If comfort and sound dampening matter most, COREtec Original is the better choice. If price is your main concern, Shaw Floorté is worth considering.
Mohawk’s SolidTech line is one of COREtec’s main competitors in both features and performance. Both brands use rigid-core construction and are 100% waterproof, and both target pet owners and active families. Mohawk’s SolidTech is usually much cheaper — homeowners and installers say COREtec can cost three to four times more than similar Mohawk products, depending on where you buy.
COREtec’s advantage is its cork underlayment, which gives better sound dampening and cushioning than Mohawk’s standard pad. For people in multi-story homes or apartments where noise matters, COREtec is a better choice. For those who want a reliable, durable LVP at a lower price, Mohawk is a strong option.
Karndean is the premium choice for buyers who care most about design. Its Korlok Select and Art Select collections are known for very realistic wood and stone looks, detailed textures, and a high-end feel. Karndean usually starts at about $5.50 per square foot for materials and can cost more, making it pricier than most COREtec lines. It often needs professional installation, which adds to the total cost.
For most households, COREtec offers a better mix of performance and value. Karndean is best if design realism is your top priority and budget is less of a concern.
COREtec is a strong fit if you:
COREtec may not be the right fit if you:
COREtec does not offer its own installation service, so finding a trusted installer is an important part of the process. Here are some of the best options for getting COREtec professionally installed.
Floor Coverings International® is a franchise that brings samples directly to your home with their Mobile Flooring Showroom®. Consultants help you choose the right COREtec product for your space, and the company handles installation through its network of local franchise owners. This is a strong option if you want a guided, full-service experience from selection to installation.
Lowe’s carries COREtec products in stores and online and offers professional installation through its network of licensed contractors. You can purchase flooring and schedule installation in one visit, which makes it a convenient choice for homeowners who want supply and installation handled in one place.
Independent local installers are often the most cost-effective option and can offer more flexibility on scheduling and pricing than national retailers. Many experienced flooring contractors are familiar with COREtec’s click-lock system and can complete a standard installation quickly. Browse our list of local flooring pros to find a vetted installer near you.
Connect with the best flooring pros in your area to get quotes and compare prices.
Every flooring brand on Modernize is rated on a one-to-five scale across seven criteria. Each criterion is scored independently, then weighted by its impact on durability, upkeep, and long-term value. Those weighted scores are added together to produce the final star rating. Here’s what we evaluate and how much each factor counts:
Learn more about how we score flooring products and brands in our Rating Methodology.
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