ProCore Plus Flooring Reviews: The Hidden Truth Before You Buy
Choosing the right flooring feels like a monumental decision. It sets the stage for your entire home, and you’re faced with a sea of options promising durability, style, and value. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has surged in popularity as a go-to choice for modern households, and among the top contenders is ProCore Plus, a Lowe’s exclusive brand that promises the holy grail of flooring: waterproof, scratch-resistant, and DIY-friendly.
The problem is, the promises on the box don’t always match the reality on the floor. Homeowners invest their time and money, expecting a flawless, long-lasting surface, only to find themselves battling unexpected issues. A dive into online forums and user reviews reveals a mixed bag of experiences, leaving potential buyers confused and uncertain. Is ProCore Plus the dream flooring solution it claims to be, or a durability nightmare waiting to happen?
This comprehensive review will cut through the marketing noise. We’ll explore the common pain points real users face, from frustrating installation quirks to questions about its long-term resilience. More importantly, we’ll provide the expert solutions and preventative measures that can mean the difference between a flooring failure and a stunning success story.
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What is ProCore Plus Flooring? An Unbiased Look
ProCore Plus is a specific type of Luxury Vinyl Plank known as rigid core flooring. Unlike flexible sheet vinyl, rigid core planks have a dense, solid composite core that gives them dimensional stability. This construction is what allows it to be installed as a “floating floor” using a click-lock system, without the need for adhesives.
Its primary selling points include a 100% waterproof construction, an attached underlayment pad for sound dampening and comfort, and a protective wear layer designed to resist scratches and stains. As a product available exclusively at Lowe’s, it offers convenience for many shoppers, but this also means you won’t find it at other retailers for price comparison.
The Core Complaints: Analyzing ProCore Plus Flooring Reviews
No product is perfect, and by examining the common complaints, we can identify the potential pitfalls and, more importantly, how to avoid them. Many of the issues reported by users are not unique to ProCore Plus but are common to most floating LVP floors when certain critical steps are overlooked.
The Scratch and Dent Dilemma
A frequent complaint revolves around the floor’s susceptibility to scratches and dents. Despite having a protective wear layer (often 12-mil on ProCore Plus models), users report that dragging furniture, pet claws, or even dropped objects can leave permanent marks. This highlights a critical misunderstanding about LVP: “resistant” does not mean “invincible.”
The thickness of the wear layer is a key factor in durability. While 12-mil is suitable for moderate residential traffic, homes with heavy activity, large pets, or kids might benefit from floors with a 20-mil or thicker wear layer. Preventing damage is paramount, and we’ll cover the essential protective measures later.
Installation Nightmares: More Than Just a “Click”?
While the click-lock system is marketed as DIY-friendly, many negative reviews stem from the installation process. Users report that the locking mechanisms on the planks can be brittle and easily damaged if not handled correctly. Forcing planks together or using the wrong tools can result in broken edges, leading to unsightly gaps between boards that appear over time.
Another common issue is “peaking,” where the joints between two planks push up against each other, creating a small ridge. This is almost always caused by a lack of adequate expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room. The floor needs space to expand and contract with temperature changes, and without it, the pressure builds and forces the planks to buckle.
The “Hollow” Sound and Feel
Some homeowners are surprised by the sound of their new floor. Because it’s a floating system, there can be a slight space between the planks and the subfloor, resulting in a “hollow” or tapping sound when walked on. This is particularly noticeable if the subfloor is not perfectly flat.
While ProCore Plus comes with an attached pad to mitigate this, it can’t completely eliminate the acoustic properties inherent in a floating floor. The flatness of the subfloor plays the single most important role here; even minor deviations can create voids that amplify sound.
Is “Waterproof” Really Worry-Free?
The term “waterproof” can be misleading. The planks themselves are made of vinyl and composite materials that won’t be damaged by water. You can submerge a ProCore Plus plank in water without issue. However, the installation as a whole is not a monolithic waterproof barrier like sheet vinyl.
Water can still penetrate the seams between planks, especially during a significant spill or flood. If this moisture reaches the subfloor underneath, it can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage, all while the vinyl planks on top appear perfectly fine. Proper installation and sealing around the perimeter are crucial for true peace of mind in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
The Bright Side: Where ProCore Plus Shines
Despite the potential issues, there are many reasons why ProCore Plus remains a popular choice. For thousands of homeowners, it has been an affordable and attractive solution that has performed well.
Its primary advantage is its aesthetic versatility. ProCore Plus offers a wide range of realistic wood-look designs, textures, and colors that can complement any decor style. For many, it provides the coveted look of hardwood without the high cost and maintenance concerns.
Furthermore, the ease of cleaning is a major benefit for busy households. Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping are all that’s needed to keep the floor looking new. This low-maintenance aspect, combined with its resistance to spills and stains, makes it a practical choice for families with children and pets.
ProCore Plus vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head Comparison
To make an informed decision, it’s helpful to see how ProCore Plus stacks up against other major players in the LVP market, such as LifeProof from Home Depot and higher-end brands like COREtec.
| Feature | ProCore Plus | LifeProof | COREtec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Type | Rigid Polymer Core (SPC/WPC blend) | ISOCORE (Rigid PVC Composite) | WPC (Wood Polymer Composite) or SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) |
| Wear Layer Thickness | Typically 12-mil (some options vary) | Often 22-mil on many products | Typically 20-mil or higher |
| Attached Pad | Yes, IXPE foam | Yes, pre-attached underlayment | Yes, attached cork underlayment |
| Price Point (Approx.) | $$ (Mid-Range) | $$ (Mid-Range) | $$$ (Premium) |
| Warranty | Lifetime Residential, 5-Year Light Commercial | Lifetime Residential, 10-Year Commercial | Lifetime Residential, 10-15 Year Commercial |
This table illustrates that while ProCore Plus is a solid mid-range option, brands like LifeProof may offer a thicker wear layer for similar pricing, and premium brands like COREtec provide superior construction and warranties at a higher cost. The best choice depends on your specific budget and performance needs.
The Solution: How to Ensure a Successful ProCore Plus Installation
The vast majority of problems with ProCore Plus flooring can be prevented with meticulous preparation and proper installation. Following these steps is not just recommended; it is essential for the longevity and performance of your floor.
Subfloor Preparation is Non-Negotiable
This is the golden rule of any flooring installation. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and, most importantly, perfectly flat. ProCore’s installation instructions specify a flatness tolerance of less than 1/8-inch over a 6-foot span. Use a long, straight edge to check for high and low spots.
High spots should be sanded or ground down. Low spots must be filled with a self-leveling compound. Skipping this step will create stress on the plank joints, leading to gapping, buckling, and that annoying hollow sound. It is the single most critical factor for a successful outcome.
Acclimation: The Step You Cannot Skip
Vinyl planks need to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room where they will be installed. Allow the boxes of flooring to lay flat in the room for at least 48 hours before installation. This acclimation period allows the planks to expand or contract before they are locked together, preventing future movement that can cause gaps to form between the boards.
Tools and Techniques for a Flawless Finish
Using the right tools is crucial to avoid damaging the delicate locking mechanisms. You will need a tapping block, a pull bar (for the last row), and a rubber mallet. Never hit the planks directly with a hammer. Use the tapping block to gently nudge the planks into a snug fit without applying excessive force.
When cutting planks, a jigsaw with a fine-toothed blade or even a sharp utility knife for straight cuts can work well. Ensure you maintain the required 1/4-inch expansion gap around the entire perimeter of the room, including around door jambs, pipes, and any other fixed objects. This space will be covered by baseboards or quarter-round molding.
Protecting Your Investment: Post-Installation Care
Once the floor is installed, proper care is essential to keep it looking great. Place felt pads on the bottom of all furniture legs. This is the most effective way to prevent scratches when furniture is moved. Use walk-off mats at all exterior doors to trap dirt and grit that can act like sandpaper on the floor’s surface.
For cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner designed for vinyl floors. Avoid harsh chemicals, vinegar-based solutions, or steam mops, as they can damage the wear layer and dull the finish over time.
Beyond the Floor: Integrating Your New LVP with Your Home
A new floor is often just one part of a larger home improvement project. The finishing touches are what tie the whole room together. After installing your ProCore Plus flooring, you’ll need to reinstall baseboards and trim to cover the expansion gaps.
In bathrooms, achieving a clean, waterproof edge where the flooring meets the tub can be a challenge. Understanding how to glue trim to a bathtub properly creates a professional-looking seal that prevents water intrusion. This small detail is crucial for protecting your subfloor in moisture-prone areas.
Undertaking a flooring project, especially in a critical space, can be disruptive. For larger renovations, planning for a temporary bathroom during renovation can make the process much more manageable for your family. This forethought prevents the stress of being without essential facilities while the work is underway.
Making smart material choices is a theme in all home projects, whether inside or out. The considerations for interior flooring are vastly different from those for outdoor structures. It’s a different mindset entirely than comparing fence boards vs deck boards for an outdoor project, where resistance to the elements is the primary concern, not scratch resistance from a dining chair.
The Final Verdict: Is ProCore Plus the Right Choice for You?
ProCore Plus flooring can be an excellent, cost-effective choice for many homeowners, but it comes with important caveats. It offers beautiful aesthetics and easy maintenance at a mid-range price point. However, its success is almost entirely dependent on meticulous and correct installation.
If you are a DIYer willing to obsess over subfloor flatness, honor the acclimation period, and use the proper techniques, you can achieve a fantastic result. If you are hiring a contractor, you must ensure they follow these same stringent guidelines. Do not let them rush the prep work; it is the foundation of your entire floor.
For those with very high-traffic homes, large pets, or a desire for maximum durability, investing in a product with a thicker 20-mil wear layer might be a wiser long-term decision. Ultimately, ProCore Plus occupies a competitive space in the market. With realistic expectations and a commitment to proper installation, it can provide a beautiful and functional floor for years to come.
