Smartcore Ultra Reviews
Today we wanted to take a close look at one of the most prominent vinyl plank flooring brands around.
That brand is Smartcore Ultra.
We know there are hundreds if not thousands of different flooring options on the market to choose from, and choosing just one option can be incredibly difficult. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a newer type of flooring that has really taken off over the past decade and Smartcore Ultra just so happens to be one of the more innovative manufacturers of the product.
With top-of-the-line features and tons of A+ customer reviews, let’s take a deeper look at the Smartcore Ultra vinyl plank flooring lineup so that you can decide if it is right for you!
Top Smartcore Ultra Features
Smartcore Ultra vinyl plank flooring is premium vinyl plank floating floor, which has been engineered with an attractive, durable, and intuitive design that is perfect for all types of homes. You can only purchase this vinyl floor at Lowes at this time.
This Smartcore Ultra floating floor does not require any glue and can be easily installed on just about any hard surface subfloor.
This means you won't have to go through the lengthy process of removing old flooring, such as tile or laminate, before you install it.
While Smartcore Ultra vinyl flooring may look like many other vinyl plank flooring products on the outside, it’s the behind the scenes construction that makes it so unique. With the unique rigid construction, which is patent-pending, it works to hide any imperfections that may exist on the subfloor.
The way that Smartcore Ultra vinyl flooring is constructed helps to prevent it from telegraphing as well. This can happen when the subfloor has not been completely cleaned or cleared of dust and debris. There are many examples of bad vinyl flooring that show small specks of dirt that have been left underneath, so the fact that Smartcore Ultra addressed the issue is pretty awesome.
Smartcore Ultra vinyl flooring is completely waterproof as well. You can put it in rooms that tend to collect more moisture, such as kitchens or bathrooms, without have to worry about it swelling or warping when it gets wet. To complement the waterproof design, Smartcore Ultra has also added a 12 mil protective wear layer that works by preventing any stains or marks, as well as a resilient top vinyl layer.
Even if something does end up happening to your Smartcore Ultra vinyl plank flooring, you can take advantage of the residential lifetime warranties that exist.
Lastly, for those worried about eco-friendliness, you’ll be happy to know that Smartcore Ultra vinyl plank flooring has received a seal of approval from Greenguard, making it one of the more sustainable vinyl flooring options on the market today.
Smartcore Ultra Aesthetic
Beyond all of the great features and construction qualities of Smartcore Ultra, the flooring looks incredibly attractive. There are plenty of different style options to choose from.
Smartcore Ultra comes in a variety of different planks sizes and can also be purchased in tiles, which measure 12”x24”. For a more finished style, you can even order trim work or moldings.
The list of styles goes on and on, though our favorites include Canberra Acacia, Tahitian Walnut, and Rustic Hickory. Each of these styles varies from brown to gray, resembling the look of real wood. You can even opt for a “stone” option as well!
No matter what your style or decor looks like, there are plenty of wonderful Smartcore Ultra luxury vinyl looks to match. Whether you prefer a classic or traditional look or a sleek and modern look, Smartcore Ultra luxury vinyl has your back.
Pricing
Smartcore Ultra luxury vinyl plank flooring comes in cartons. Each carton can cover a range of 15-28 sq. ft. The pricing depends on the style you get, as well as where you live. You can expect to spend anywhere from $3-$4 per sq. ft.t of flooring.
All-in-all, compared to the rest of the vinyl flooring market out there, Smartcore Ultra vinyl plank flooring has a pretty practical price point. Because the installation process for the laminate is so simple, you will be able to do it yourself, meaning you don’t have to stress about the cost of hiring a professional!
Ease of Installation
Speaking of installation, Smartcore Ultra vinyl plank flooring is very easy to install. It is important to note that the way in which you install your planks depends on the size that you purchase. The 5” planks utilize what is known as a "drop/lock" style installation. All you need is a rubber mallet, circular saw, a tape measure, and some spacers.
To install your Smartcoreluxury vinyl plank flooring, situate your planks atop the subfloor in a staggered fashion. Make sure to remove your planks from the carton and shuffle them around before you install so that you get a natural blend of shades.
On the other side of things, you have the 7” planks. These are installed using a different installation process, which is known as the “tap/angle” installation. To install these particular planks, you will need a tapping block, a crosscut power saw, a tapping block, and a pull bar.
With that said, the process of installing the 7” planks is just as easy as the 5” planks and you will still be able to perform the operation yourself.
Smartcore Ultra Maintenance
Maintaining your Smarcore Ultra vinyl flooring is easy as well. No matter what kind of vinyl flooring you purchase, you want to make sure to keep your flooring away from direct sunlight as much as possible. Make sure to place floor protectors under pieces of hard furniture as well, as this can help prevent scuff marks.
Cleaning your Smartcore Ultra floors is relatively simple as well. All you need is a vacuum or broom. Of course, if you need deeper cleaning, feel free to use a mop. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to mop with soft soap, as harsh chemicals can harm the integrity of the flooring.
Making sure that you stay up to date with your flooring maintenance can help your Smartcore Ultra flooring to stay beautiful for many years to come!
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Do I Need To Acclimate My Smartcore Ultra Flooring?
One of the biggest benefits of Smartcore Ultra flooring is that you do not need to acclimate it before you install it. This means that as soon as you are ready with your subfloor, you can start the process of laying down all of your planks.
With that said, the Smartcore Ultra manufacturers recommend that you install it within a specific climate range that has a temperature between 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are storing extra planks, you should store it within this temperature range as well. If the flooring has been sitting in very hot or cold storage, make sure to allow for a few days of acclimation before you dive into the installation process, just for assurance.
Final Verdict - Should You Buy Smartcore Ultra Flooring?
Smartcore Ultra is the right floating floor choice for anyone who is seeking out durable, long-lasting vinyl plank flooring for their home.
With a reasonable price point, a lifetime warranty, and a 100% waterproof design, there is not much to dislike. Plus, the true hardwood look makes it pleasing to the eye and the installation process is easier than ever!
Smartcore Ultra vinyl flooring is made to work on just about any subfloor and you can find it in a variety of shapes and sizes!
Make sure to check out the Lowe’s website to learn more about the individual styles that Smartcore Ultra offers!
Brand Rating