How Long Does COREtec LVP Last in High Traffic Areas?
COREtec luxury vinyl plank flooring in a high traffic kitchen and living space designed for daily use.
Coretec LVP typically lasts 20-25 years in residential high traffic areas and 10-15 years in commercial spaces when properly installed and maintained. Many installations perform well beyond manufacturer warranties, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas where waterproof performance matters most.
High traffic areas demand flooring that can handle daily abuse without showing it. Between kids tracking in dirt, pets with questionable bathroom habits, and that one chair leg that somehow finds every scratch-prone surface, floors take a beating. Coretec LVP has built a reputation in both residential and commercial spaces precisely because it holds up where other luxury vinyl products start to show wear. But longevity depends on more than just the product itself.
What Makes COREtec Last Longer Than Standard LVP?
Close-up view of COREtec LVP highlighting the textured surface and protective wear layer.
Not all luxury vinyl plank is built the same. COREtec uses specific construction features that directly impact durability in high traffic spaces.
Rigid Core Construction
COREtec uses a rigid core (SPC or WPC depending on the line) that resists expansion and contraction from temperature changes. This keeps floors flat instead of developing waves or gaps over time. The difference shows up most in commercial spaces, open floor plans, and areas with temperature swings.
Wear Layer Thickness
The wear layer protects against scratches, scuffs, and daily abuse. COREtec offers options from 12 mil to 30 mil depending on the product. Residential high traffic areas typically need 12-20 mil. Commercial spaces, homes with large dogs, or areas with rolling chairs perform better with 20 mil or higher.
Waterproof Core
COREtec is fully waterproof from top to bottom, not just water-resistant on the surface. It handles standing water, spills, and moisture without swelling or warping. This eliminates one of the most common causes of flooring failure in kitchens and bathrooms.
Attached Cork Underlayment
Many COREtec lines include built-in cork underlayment that cushions impact, dampens sound, and adds comfort underfoot. This reduces stress on the planks in spaces where heavy objects are dropped or moved frequently.
High Traffic Is Not One Size Fits All
Entryways and hallways demand durable flooring that holds up to constant use.
High traffic means different things in different spaces. Kitchens deal with constant foot traffic and spills. Living rooms see furniture movement and pets. Entryways face dirt and moisture. Commercial or home office spaces add rolling chairs and all-day use.
COREtec performs well across these environments because it addresses multiple types of wear. Its waterproof core prevents swelling in kitchens and bathrooms, while the rigid core construction and durable wear layers help floors maintain their shape under daily use in living areas and hallways. Entryways benefit from COREtec’s dense construction, which resists grit and surface wear when paired with proper mats. In commercial settings or home offices, selecting a product with a thicker wear layer is essential because rolling chairs and repeated movement stress the surface more than foot traffic alone.
What Extends and Shortens COREtec’s Lifespan
COREtec can last 20+ years or fail in under five. The difference comes down to installation quality and daily care.
Poor subfloor preparation is the number one issue. Uneven subfloors create high spots that take concentrated pressure, causing planks to crack or click-lock systems to fail. Harsh cleaning products, abrasive scrubbers, and steam mops on certain lines degrade the wear layer faster than normal use. Heavy furniture without felt pads creates permanent indentations and scratches. Skipping acclimation before installation can lead to gaps and buckling within the first year. All of these issues are avoidable with proper attention.
Regular sweeping or vacuuming removes grit before it acts like sandpaper on the wear layer. Damp mopping with manufacturer-approved cleaners keeps the surface clean without damaging the floor. Furniture pads under heavy or moving items prevent indentations and scratches, extending the floor’s lifespan. Using area rugs in high traffic zones helps protect the planks, especially when paired with breathable rug pads. Trimming pet nails regularly and using UV-blocking window treatments in direct sunlight areas also reduces wear and fading. Individual planks can be replaced when deep scratches penetrate the wear layer, stains won’t come out, or click-lock damage occurs, so keeping extra boxes from the original install is highly recommended.
Common Questions About COREtec LVP Durability
Choosing the right COREtec wear layer helps floors perform under rolling chairs and daily office use.
Is COREtec better than other LVP brands for high traffic areas?
COREtec’s rigid core construction and fully waterproof design make it especially well-suited for high traffic spaces compared to flexible LVP and entry-level vinyl plank products. Many COREtec lines also include attached cork underlayment, which helps absorb impact, reduce noise, and add comfort underfoot. Long-term performance depends on selecting the right wear layer thickness for your specific use.
Can you install COREtec in bathrooms and kitchens?
Yes. COREtec flooring is waterproof from top to bottom, making it a reliable choice for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Unlike water-resistant vinyl plank, COREtec can handle spills and even standing water without swelling or warping. When properly installed and maintained, it commonly performs well for 15 to 20 years or more in these spaces.
What thickness COREtec do I need for high traffic rooms?
For most residential high traffic areas such as kitchens, living rooms, and hallways, a 12 to 20 mil wear layer is typically sufficient. Homes with large dogs, rolling chairs, or heavier daily use should consider a 20 mil or higher wear layer. Commercial environments should always lean toward thicker wear layers for better long-term durability.
How do you maintain COREtec flooring?
COREtec is easy to maintain with regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove grit, along with damp mopping using manufacturer-approved cleaners. Furniture pads under heavy items help prevent unnecessary wear. Avoid harsh chemicals and steam mops on certain product lines. Basic routine care goes a long way toward extending the life of the floor.
Looking for COREtec LVP in Dalton, Georgia?
American Carpet Wholesalers carries multiple COREtec product lines designed for different high traffic applications. Visit our Dalton showroom to compare wear layer thicknesses, see installation samples, and get recommendations based on how your space is actually used. We’ll help you choose the right COREtec product for 20+ years of performance.
