Comparing Premium Vinyl Brands: Features and Prices

Premium vinyl flooring offers durability, style, and moisture resistance, making it perfect for homes in areas like the Bay Area. Top brands like Shaw, Armstrong, Mohawk, Mannington, and Karndean provide high-quality options with wear layers of 20 mil or more, ensuring long-lasting protection. Prices range from $3.75/sq ft (Shaw) to $7.00/sq ft (Karndean), with differences in design variety, installation methods, and warranties. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Shaw: Affordable, eco-friendly, 100+ styles, starting at $3.75/sq ft.
• Armstrong: Durable rigid core, 50+ designs, starting at $4/sq ft.
• Mohawk: Pet-friendly, waterproof, starting at $4.09/sq ft.
• Mannington: Stylish options, scratch-resistant, starting at $3.99/sq ft.
• Karndean: Premium designs, lifelike textures, starting at $5.50/sq ft.

Quick Comparison

Each brand excels in specific areas: Shaw is budget-friendly, Karndean leads in design, and Armstrong stands out for moisture-prone spaces. Use this guide to match your flooring needs with the right option.

Which Brand of Vinyl Flooring is Best - Complete Comparison Guide

1. Shaw

Shaw's Floorte and Pro Series collections stand out with a 20 mil wear layer, ensuring long-lasting durability. Starting at $3.75 per square foot, these collections are a solid choice for those seeking premium flooring options. Let’s break down the key features.

Shaw’s vinyl flooring is built to last 15–25 years and uses a click-lock floating system, making it easy to install whether you’re a professional or tackling a DIY project.

With over 100 styles in the Floorte series, Shaw offers designs that closely resemble natural wood and stone. These floors are scratch- and stain-resistant, making them a practical option for homes in the Bay Area.

Shaw also prioritizes eco-conscious manufacturing, earning certification from the Cradle to Cradle Institute for low-VOC emissions and recyclable materials. Its flooring resists moisture and warping - perfect for the Bay Area’s conditions - and is backed by reliable warranties and customer support, all while staying competitively priced.

2. Armstrong

Armstrong's premium vinyl flooring offers a mix of durability and stylish design, especially evident in their Lutea collection. Priced between $4 and $10 per square foot, Armstrong caters to the mid- to high-end market, providing reliable features backed by solid warranty options.

Their rigid core luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is both waterproof and scratch-resistant, making it a great choice for high-moisture areas like those often found in the Bay Area. The planks are available in two sizes - 7.1×60 inches and 8.9×60 inches - giving you options to suit different room layouts and design needs. Here’s a closer look at Armstrong’s key features:

Armstrong stands out by combining practical durability with attractive designs. Their rigid core construction ensures strong stability, making this flooring a dependable option for both homes and commercial spaces.

3. Mohawk

Mohawk is a strong contender in the premium vinyl flooring market, offering its SolidTech and SmartSelect collections. These lines include a 20 mil wear layer, making them resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture. Starting at $4.09 per square foot, Mohawk combines durability with an accessible price point, making it a popular choice for homeowners.

The brand also provides plenty of design flexibility with its Variations and Designer’s Choice collections. Plank sizes include 6×48 inches, while tiles come in 12×24 inches, allowing for customization to fit various room layouts.

For Bay Area homeowners, Mohawk flooring stands up to local climate demands with its waterproof and scratch-resistant features. The click-lock system simplifies installation, and the 25-year residential warranty ensures your flooring investment is protected for years to come.

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4. Mannington

Mannington stands out in the flooring market by offering a mix of quality and affordability. With collections like AduraMaxAPEX and Adura Max, prices start at $3.99 per square foot, making it an attractive option for homeowners seeking durable and stylish flooring.

Mannington's designs cater to a range of tastes. The AduraMaxAPEX collection highlights bold wood-look designs, while Adura Max focuses on refined stone patterns. Planks are available in 6×48-inch and 7×48-inch sizes, providing flexibility for different room layouts. Beyond aesthetics, the brand emphasizes environmentally conscious manufacturing.

Built for long-term performance, Mannington flooring includes a click-lock system for simple installation, whether you're hiring a pro or tackling it yourself. With warranties exceeding 20 years, it’s designed to handle daily wear and tear.

If you have a busy household or pets, Mannington's scratch-resistant surface and easy-to-clean finish are ideal. Its waterproof construction also makes it a great choice for moisture-heavy spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, ensuring it stays functional and looks great over time.

5. Karndean

Karndean is a high-end vinyl flooring brand, priced between $5.50 and $7.00 per square foot, offering over 100 styles. Popular collections include Van Gogh and Da Vinci, known for their standout designs. With a 20 mil wear layer, Karndean is built to handle heavy foot traffic, and the Korlok collection features a convenient click-lock installation system for a secure fit.

Here’s a quick overview of Karndean's key details:

For Bay Area homeowners, Karndean stands out with its moisture-resistant materials and the Art Select collection, which offers wood and stone replicas that look incredibly realistic. The wood-look planks showcase detailed grain patterns and textured finishes, while the stone-look tiles mimic natural mineral variations. Combined with a strong warranty, Karndean provides both durability and style, making it a top choice for premium vinyl flooring.

Brand Comparison Chart

Here's a breakdown of some top premium vinyl flooring brands available in the Bay Area:

Now, let’s dive into what makes each brand stand out:

• Shaw: Known for its vast design variety and dependable 25-year warranty, Shaw is a strong contender for homeowners seeking style and durability.
• Armstrong: Offers a rigid core construction that enhances durability, all while maintaining a competitive price point.
• Mohawk: A favorite for pet owners, thanks to its pet-friendly features and reliable waterproof protection.
• Mannington: Delivers excellent value, especially with its AduraMaxAPEX collection, which combines style and functionality.
• Karndean: Positioned as a premium option, Karndean impresses with its highly realistic wood and stone textures, ideal for upscale renovations.

If sustainability is a concern, Shaw leads the pack with Cradle to Cradle certifications for many of its products. Armstrong and Mohawk also prioritize eco-friendly manufacturing and use low-VOC materials. While Armstrong's rigid core design is unique, the 20 mil wear layer common to most brands ensures long-lasting protection across the board.

Buying Guide and Recommendations

When choosing premium vinyl flooring, consider your specific needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown tailored for Bay Area homeowners:

For High-Traffic Areas

In spaces like hallways and living rooms, durability is key. Look for brands with a strong 20 mil wear layer. Shaw and Mohawk are great options, offering tough products at reasonable prices - perfect for homes with heavy foot traffic.

For Pet-Friendly Homes

If you have pets, scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean surfaces are a must. Mannington excels in pet-friendly features, while Karndean provides long-lasting surfaces that can handle the wear and tear from furry friends.

For Moisture-Prone Spaces

Bathrooms and basements need extra moisture protection, especially with the Bay Area’s unique climate. Armstrong’s rigid core construction stands out for its water resistance, making it a worthwhile investment for these areas.

For Design-Focused Renovations

If style is your priority, Karndean offers stunning wood and stone designs that look incredibly lifelike. For more affordable yet stylish options, Mannington has a range of designs that suit the Bay Area’s diverse architectural preferences.

For Eco-Conscious Choices

Bay Area homeowners often value eco-friendly products. Both Shaw and Mohawk provide low-VOC flooring made with recycled materials, aligning with the region’s environmental focus.

For Budget-Friendly Quality

Looking for value without sacrificing quality? Shaw and Mannington offer a balance of durability and design at entry-level prices, making them excellent choices for budget-conscious buyers.

Installation and Warranty

Most brands feature click-lock systems for easy installation, but Karndean products may require professional help, which could increase costs. Warranty coverage is another factor to consider: Armstrong offers a limited lifetime warranty, while Karndean provides up to 25 years of residential protection. Always check these details to ensure long-term value.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions that highlight key differences among premium vinyl flooring brands.

Which is better, Shaw or COREtec?

Both Shaw and COREtec are known for their high-quality vinyl flooring, but their strengths differ. COREtec stands out for its detailed specifications and patented 4-sided cork underlayment, while Shaw is praised for being budget-friendly and durable. Your choice depends on what matters most to you - cost, comfort, or environmental considerations.

COREtec Highlights:

• Detailed specifications
• Patented 4-sided cork underlayment
• Starting price: $4.79 per square foot
• Comprehensive warranty

Shaw Highlights:

• Budget-friendly options
• Strong focus on eco-friendly practices
• Proven durability over time

This comparison is especially useful for homeowners in the Bay Area who want to balance cost with advanced features.

What is the best brand for vinyl plank flooring?

When selecting vinyl plank flooring, it's essential to look at brands that consistently deliver in performance and design. While Shaw, Armstrong, Mohawk, Mannington, and Karndean are all excellent options, industry reviews often rank the following as top choices:

Armstrong and Mannington also remain strong contenders in the premium vinyl market, offering great moisture resistance and a variety of design options.

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