LifeProof Flooring is an affordable yet stylish product that requires minimal maintenance and enhances the appearance and value of your house.
But is the quality of these floors that good, and should you install them in your home? Here we provide in depth LifeProof Flooring reviews in price, quality, and how they compare to similar products.
To get started on installing new floors, contact your local flooring pros for FREE ESTIMATES!
How Much Does LifeProof Flooring Cost?
The cost is one of the biggest selling points of LifeProof Flooring. In general, you can expect to pay between $2.50 and $3.50 per square foot.
Keep in mind that the price varies depending on your product’s thickness.
But even if you choose the thickest LifeProof Flooring option, it’s still less expensive than mounting hardwood, engineered hardwood, or parquet flooring.
Labor costs for professional installation usually amount to $1-$5.50 per square foot.
What Is LifeProof Flooring?
LifeProof Flooring is a variant of luxury plank floors.
LifeProof Flooring is an excellent, low-cost alternative to hardwood products that comes in various styles.
You can mount solutions that replicate the appearance of real wood without burning a hole in your pocket or spending hours maintaining the finish.
LifeProof floors look great, feel amazing when you walk on top of them, and are relatively durable.
They’re exclusive to Home Depot, and you can purchase a wide range of designs both online and in-store.
Who Makes LifeProof Flooring?
Although Home Depot is the only certified purveyor of LifeProof flooring, the actual manufacturer is Halsted New England Industries.
Home Depot hires this company to produce the flooring under the LifeProof name, which is known as white labeling.
The owner of Halsted New England is HMTX Industries. This global floor manufacturer serves residential and commercial customers, providing a wide variety of attractive surfaces.
What Is Lifeproof Vinyl Flooring Made Of?
LifeProof vinyl flooring is produced from three high-quality layers.
The bottom layer is comprised of reinforced underlayment that’s typically made of foam and rubber composite. It provides optimal cushioning when walking on the surface.
Plus, it gives you a solid foundation to address any flaws in the materials below the planks.
The second layer is known as ISOCORE. Unlike traditional products that are made of stone or wood composite, this one is constructed mainly from PVC. This makes the planks easier to mount and highly flexible. In addition, the product rivals the strength of top-tier brands due to this robust composition.
The final LifeProof Flooring layer features textures and stains that provide the planks with a stone or natural wood finish. The element also includes ceramic beads that help increase the durability of the flooring.
Another thing to remember about the construction is that the LifeProof Flooring is entirely made of new vinyl. It doesn’t contain any recycled pieces. Moreover, the product has no phthalates or formaldehyde, which can be found in many other brands.
Lastly, the bottom and top LifeProof Flooring layers are protected with a potent antimicrobial coating. It minimizes the risk of moisture build-up while resisting mold, mildew, and stains.
Did you know? Too many items placed on vinyl floors lead to congestion and prevent air from circulating freely. This raises the risk of mold and other types of water damage, so avoid placing too many pieces of furniture, etc., on your flooring.
LifeProof Flooring Thickness
6.5-mil Wear Layer
The 6.5-mil layer is the most common thickness of LifeProof Flooring. It also comes in numerous styles, with most people installing a finish that emulates genuine wood.
This type is shipped with a warranty that covers the flooring no matter if you’re a commercial entity or residential client.
7 and 8-mil Wear Layer
We’ve grouped these two LifeProof Flooring thicknesses because there are just eight options available.
The good news is that they’re more robust than the previous solution, making them a smarter long-term investment. However, you’ll need to cough up more money to install these floors.
12-mil Wear Layer
This LifeProof Flooring is nearly twice as thick as the basic type, meaning it’s much more durable. This also makes the 12-mil wear layer pricier.
22-mil Wear Layer
This layer is your best LifeProof flooring option if you want to maximize the durability of your floor.
They can withstand high traffic, but they’re available in few finishes.
Furthermore, these floors are backed by more comprehensive warranties, giving you peace of mind in case of damage.
Most Popular LifeProof Flooring Colors
You can obtain LifeProof flooring in multiple colors and designs.
For instance, if you’re looking for something that replicates ebony floors, this brand might be your best choice. It offers several appealing ebony finishes.
Best of all, you won’t have to spend a small fortune to mount them.
On top of that, LifeProof provides a wide array of hardwood lookalikes. Besides hickory, oak, and other standard solutions, you can also find bleached and darkened finishes to achieve stunning contrasts in your house.
Here’s the full assortment of LifeProof Flooring colors:
Dark Finishes, Brooks Oak, Gainesville Oak, Seaside Oak, Heirloom Pine, Dark Oak, Burnt Oak, Choice Oak, Alexandria Oak, Medium Finishes, Big Sur Cypress, Hockley, Chipwood Birch, Fresh Oak, Sterling Oak, Colorado, Easy Oak, Lighthouse Oak, Scratch Stone, Light Finishes, Luxurious Pine Wood, Chiffon Lace Oak, Driftwood Beach.
Does LifePRoof Flooring Have A Good Warranty?
Most customers praise LifeProof Flooring for its terrific residential warranty.
The limited lifetime policy covers many issues including:
- Factory defects
- Fading and complete discoloration
- Stains from standard cleaning products
- Water damage affecting the structural integrity of the floor
- General wear, such as damaged print pattern
The warranty may become void in the following circumstances:
- Burns and fire damage
- Damage caused by improper installation
- Cleaning the surface with inappropriate chemicals and products
- Scuffs, dents, and scratches from vacuums
- Fading brought about by sunlight
- Damage caused by high heels
The most impressive part of LifeProof Flooring’s residential warranty is that it’s unaffected by whether your install it yourself or hire a professional.
The policy remains effective so long as you’re the owner. This brings us to the main drawback of the residential warranty – non-transferability.
The policy applies to the initial owner only.
If they sell their house, and the LifeProof flooring gets damaged after the new homeowner moves in, they won’t be able to redeem their warranty.
Still, LifeProof residential policies are superior to commercial warranties. Business owners only receive coverage for up to five years.
Consequently, you may want to consider other brands if you need new vinyl flooring on your business premises for a longer period.
Did you know? If you hire a professional for the installation, try to find a contractor with a warranty. This can shift the liability from you to them in case of damage.
Pros
There are several reasons you should consider buying LifeProof Flooring:
Low VOC Content
LifeProof flooring is a high quality product.
Cheap vinyl flooring intensifies in warm weather, as the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) inside the planks get more active. This makes your home less pleasant and can neutralize the benefits of your flooring.
LifeProof flooring, on the other hand, provides low-VOC planks that don’t release odorous compounds into the air.
As a result, with LifeProof flooring you will not inhale potentially harmful substances and aggravate any allergies.
Allows for Radiant Heat Installation
Some people hesitate to install vinyl flooring because they worry their house will be chilly. This can be a huge issue if you live in a cold region.
Carpets are warm, but they’re hard to clean.
One of the best ways to solve this problem is to mount LifeProof Flooring.
The floors don’t interfere with radiant heat, allowing you to keep your house warm.
You can fit the radiant heat system beneath the LifeProof flooring planks without worrying about heat damage. There shouldn’t be any of the warping, cracking, or other forms of deterioration that some brands are prone to.
Seamless Maintenance
Once you mount new flooring, the only way to ensure they remain in great shape is to maintain them correctly.
For example, hardwood flooring is notoriously difficult to upkeep. You often need special cleaning products to tackle spills.
Plus, you may need to trim your pets’ nails, sand down the surface regularly, and refinish the product every 5-10 years.
By contrast, LifeProof Flooring is virtually maintenance-free.
Apart from routine cleaning, you’ll hardly need to lift a finger to prolong the lifespan of your product.
They come with a relatively durable finish and tolerate various tools. This means you can use practically any broom, vacuum, or mop.
Cons
While LifeProof Flooring has significant advantages, the products have a few notable downsides:
Outdoors
If you need outdoor floors, LifeProof may not be the right brand for you.
In general, vinyl planks can be installed outdoors, but some products fade due to direct sunlight. LifeProof flooring is one of them.
LifeProof flooring only works well indoors.
Sustainability
Since LifeProof floors are mostly constructed from plastic, they’re not an eco-friendly option. Recycling them is hard, and the manufacturing process can harm the environment.
Safer alternatives include hemp and sustainable wood flooring.
Durability
LifeProof Flooring can serve you great for quite a while, but the lifespan can be shortened if you use it in high-traffic areas.
Installing LifeProof flooring in your kids’ room or places with pets is risky because the planks aren’t meant for heavy-duty use.
Did you know? Carpets help extend the lifespan of your vinyl flooring by preventing wear and tear. That said, some products require carpets with special padding that doesn’t compromise the finish.
Similarities To Other Laminate Flooring
Let’s see how LifeProof Flooring compares to other famous laminate flooring manufacturers.
LifeProof Vinyl Flooring vs. Proximity Mills
More and more customers are turning to Proximity Mills. They offer products that are similarly priced to LifeProof, but they provide better warranties.
Additionally, Proximity Mills’ planks have thicker layers and are 100% recyclable. Some of their solutions are more expensive, but the superior quality more than makes up for it.
LifeProof Vinyl Flooring vs. Doma
Both Doma and LifeProof flooring look incredible. Their designs are trendy, enabling you to make your property stand out.
Doma is a bit pricier, but their planks are more durable. This also makes them more versatile, as you can mount them in virtually any room.
LifeProof Vinyl Flooring vs. COREtec (by Shaw)
If strength is one of your priorities, you can’t go wrong with COREtec. The company is renowned for its COREtec Plus product, which features cork in the base layer to maximize sturdiness.
Even though it costs more than LifeProof Flooring, it can last longer due to its tougher design.
LifeProof Vinyl Flooring vs. Newton Vinyl Flooring
LifeProof Flooring and Newton are both excellent choices as budget-friendly flooring options to consider.
The quality of Newton Vinyl Flooring is similar, but most of their products are less expensive than LifeProof.
Nevertheless, LifeProof offers a superior variety, allowing you to find a suitable product more easily.
LifeProof Vinyl Flooring vs. Armstrong
LifeProof is more stylish than Armstrong, but the sturdiness of Armstrong floors is nearly unmatched.
Armstrong planks have a super-strong wear layer that features synthesized diamonds. This boosts the durability of the flooring, promising better scratch and sunlight resistance than LifeProof.
LifeProof Vinyl Flooring vs. NuCore
NuCore and LifeProof cost approximately the same. The most significant difference is the price of the thickest layer.
On the one hand, many homeowners may not be able to afford LifeProof’s 22-mil layer. On the other hand, most people who want to remodel their house can purchase NuCore’s 20-mil layer, even if they’re on a budget.
Another reason NuCore is superior is the warranty. The residential policies are the same, but NuCore backs their commercial products up to 15 years.
How To Clean LifeProof Vinyl Flooring
As previously mentioned, cleaning LifeProof floors is pretty easy.
In most cases, you need only declutter the surface and pick up dust and hair with a regular vacuum.
Spills on LifeProof flooring can be tackled with water and a microfiber cloth.
You may need to sweep and mop the LifeProof flooring occasionally, but only if you allow dust to accumulate over a longer period.
Can You Use A Steam Mop On LifeProof Flooring?
You don’t need to worry about too many factors when maintaining your LifeProof flooring but avoid using a steam cleaner.
The same goes for wax, scouring pads, oil polish, furniture cleaners, and vacuums with rotating brushes.
All these can damage the planks.
Did you know? You shouldn’t use steam mops on hardwood floors either. It creates too much moisture, which can cause warping.
Will LifeProof Honor My Allure Warranty?
Allure is the original name of LifeProof Flooring. It was also Home Depot-exclusive, meaning the company holds the warranties and honors.
Fortunately, Home Depot will honor your Allure policy if it hasn’t expired, despite the name change.
Is LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring Good For Bathrooms?
Lots of homeowners dread the thought of installing vinyl flooring in their bathrooms. With LifeProof, there’s no need to worry about potential damage.
LifeProof flooring planks are perfect for almost any room, including ones that see a lot of moisture and humidity.
Featuring a robust antimicrobial finish and waterproof design, LifeProof flooring can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
They increase the elegance of the area and don’t fall victim to leaks or spills.
How Long Does LifeProof Vinyl Flooring Last?
Although the company warrants its products for a lifetime, you’ll probably need to replace your LifeProof vinyl flooring much sooner.
Maintained correctly, LifeProof vinyl floors can last more than 15 years.
They’ll have to be replaced much sooner if you install them in a commercial setting.
What Is the Difference Between The LifeProof 6-mil Wear Layer And The 12-mil Wear Layer?
Besides the thickness, there are a few other differences between the 6-mil and 12-mil wear layers.
The 6-mil version is the most common solution. Most residential customers opt for it due to its affordability and versatile design.
Conversely, the 12-mil product works well both in commercial and residential settings. Business owners get a 10-year warranty because this layer is more durable than the 6-mil one.
Does LifeProof Vinyl Flooring Scratch Easily?
Great looks are the main highlight of LifeProof Flooring. However, children and dogs can easily ruin it since it’s not very scratch resistant.
The warranty doesn’t cover scratch damage, so consider another brand if this is a major concern.
What Brand Is Comparable To LifeProof Flooring?
LifeProof is similar to many brands but shares most of its features with Newton. Both are budget-friendly and relatively sturdy.
LifeProof might be slightly better because it offers more products.
Do I Need A Professional Installer For LifeProof LVP?
LifeProof planks are popular due to their user-friendly design. Therefore, you can skip labor costs by mounting the flooring yourself.
The units feature a convenient click-and-lock mechanism that makes them easy to install.
That said, the connecting tabs are fragile, so be careful when linking the LifeProof flooring planks.
Do I Need Underlayment For LifeProof Vinyl Flooring?
You don’t need underlayment for LifeProof Flooring.
Each plank has an integrated underlayment, saving you money and expediting the mounting process.
So, Is LifeProof Vinyl Flooring Good?
LifeProof Flooring is an excellent choice, but it has limited uses.
The planks are only good for low-traffic areas with minimal sunlight exposure. Installing them outdoors is ill-advised, and the surface gets scratched easily. Hence, turn to another brand if durability is a priority.
But if you’re mainly concerned with looks and versatility, you can install LifeProof floors confidently.
There are numerous styles to choose from, and the planks can be mounted in rooms that may see frequent water usage due to reliable moisture protection.
