I finally learned the hard way that cheap vinyl plank flooring from the big box store isn't worth the savings

I laid 500 square feet of it in my own basement six months ago and three planks are already cupping at the seams because of a tiny moisture issue I should have caught, has anyone else had luck with a specific mid range brand that actually holds up?

2 comments

2 Comments

seth_nguyen19d ago

Cork underlayment is a game changer for moisture issues too. I learned the hard way after ignoring a damp patch in my own basement, and a friend swore by that trick for his luxury vinyl planks. LifeProof from Home Depot has held up well for me, what kind of underlayment are you using?

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terry_mitchell19d ago

@seth_nguyen is spot on about the underlayment. I tried cork after my first cheap flooring disaster and it made a real difference. For a mid range brand, CoreTec has held up well for me through two basements now - no cupping or seam issues even with some moisture. The locking system is way tighter than the store brand stuff. Make sure you leave proper expansion gaps around the walls too, I forgot that on my first try and it caused buckling. If you get the underlayment right and use a decent glue for the edges, most issues go away.

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