You may have heard about Lowe’s new line of durable plastic flooring. It has excellent features and comes in various colours, sizes, and textures. Here is the reality check, though.
Not everything about SmartCore vinyl flooring is sunshine and rainbows. It scratches easily and struggles in crowded spaces like hallways and kitchens. It’s better if you have pets or furniture. It is difficult to install, and errors cannot be removed.
The drawbacks do not end there. People talk about discolouration, stains, peeling, and cracking.
Hey, it could be better. SmartCore works well for a modern feel in low-traffic areas. Would you like more information about its issues? We have got the details, so keep reading!
7 Common Problems With Smartcore Vinyl Flooring
1. DIY Installation is Difficult
It is as simple as people say to install SmartCore vinyl flooring. Yes, some reviews may give the impression that it is easy. But let me tell you the truth.
Drop-and-lock system used in SmartCore vinyl planks. The trick is that the tongue does not extend as much as the groove. It takes some muscle and a steady hand to fit those planks together precisely.
Though, that is not all. A tapping block is one of the unique tools you will need to ensure everything fits together perfectly. A quick tip: avoid tapping excessively, which could break the lock system.
It is important to note that installing it yourself, even as a do-it-yourself enthusiast, could cancel your warranty. Leave it to the experts if you want that warranty to stand.
The good news is that you must think of some super fancy pattern thicker than a puzzle to hire a pro. This is 2 out of 5 as a rating of ease of installation.
2. Scratches & Dents
Compared to other vinyl planks, SmartCore vinyl flooring is not as scratch-resistant. According to reviews, including mine, SmartCore floors are prone to scratches, which take them away from their once-new appearance.
Despite boasting its urethane ceramic scratch protection, SmartCore cannot guarantee complete safety. Over time, those sneaky dents and scratches may still dull your SmartCore floors.
Even worse, these scratches won’t go away. Achieving their disappearance is a true challenge.
The bottom line is that you should avoid wearing shoes that could damage your SmartCore vinyl floor. And practise caution when handling heavy items. What about the rating of Scratches and dents? It is a 3 out of 5.
3. Damage from Water
Sure, you may believe that vinyl keeps water out. Well, In the case of SmartCore vinyl flooring. Although SmartCore makes a lot of noise about being water-resistant, spills don’t always turn out as planned.
The catch is that the intelligent core becomes a little sensitive if moisture soaks in the form below, such as through a leaky pipe or a wet subfloor. It could be better with water and can get into trouble.
What takes place after that? It may puff up, bend, or even pull apart at the edges, not precisely what you would expect from a product that loudly declares its water resistance.
Therefore, you should exercise extreme caution when using SmartCore in areas like the kitchen or bathroom, where spills occur daily. Rating for water resistance? It gets a 2.5 out of 5 from us.
4. Discoloration & Stains
Prepare for another problem with SmartCore vinyl flooring: stains are its favourite thing to stick to.
Do you recall those little accidents, like dropping a pizza or spilling coffee? When it comes to staging, SmartCore floors can be sensitive.
The problem starts when your floor absorbs spills like a sponge. After that, it becomes more complex, like attempting to remove an ink stain from a white shirt and returning that original colour. Quite a challenge.
When mishaps happen, you must act quickly to remove those annoying stains. Additionally, there is a problem if your location receives a lot of sunlight. UV rays from the sun might change the colour.
Clear vinyl flooring, especially, may eventually become yellow. Either go for the vintage look or prepare to replace your flooring. However, here is a tip: move your furniture around to prevent it from receiving too much sun exposure throughout the day. Rating for stain resistance? It gets a 2.5 out of 5 from us.
5. Peeling and Cracking
Every vinyl manufacturer, including SmartCore, is concerned about discolouring its outer layer. Imagine that you get a 12 mil layer SmartCore with standard and SmartCore ultra. And with SmartCore pro, You can get an incredible 20 mil layer.
But surprisingly, SmartCore is still prone to peeling and cracking despite these protective layers. The glue coating related to the corners of your SmartCore may break down over time. This is not unique to SmartCore. It could happen to any brand. So don’t hold SmartCore responsible for that. Those annoying scratches are another factor contributing to the peeling and cracking story.
Scratches destroy the protective layer on your floor, making it vulnerable to damage. When that barrier breaks down, your flooring begins to peel and crack. It is like a domino effect. Against damage? It is a 2 out of 5.
6. Not Eco-Friendly
Generally, speaking of being eco-friendly, no vinyl plank brand can proudly shout,” I am green.” With its low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) certification, SmartCore is an excellent choice if you are looking for a greener option. Compared to those brands with higher VOC levels and less favourable recyclability, it is more eco-friendly.
But the outside world is more green. Proximity Mills and other brands are dominating the eco-friendly market. So, if you are into protecting the environment, they could be your first choice. How eco-friendly is SmartCore rated? It gets a 4 out of 5 from me.
7. Bad Locking System
You must be aware of a significant puzzle issue with SmartCore vinyl flooring. The locking mechanism functions like an inappropriate puzzle.
The situation is as follows: SmartCore employs a drop-and-lock mechanism for its planks. Sounds excellent, but there is a problem. Installing it can be challenging because of the mismatch between the two sides lines, which extend more on one than the other.
You will need a lot of elbow grease, patience, and precision to get those planks to click exactly. It all comes down to precisely aligning and applying sufficient pressure to hold them.
It makes sense to hire a professional installer if you are not up for the challenge of doing it yourself. Save yourself the pain of understanding this riddle-like system. Overall, how good is the plank locking system? It is 1.5 out of 5.
SmartCore Vinyl Flooring: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- SmartCore Pro does well in both design and power.
- It carries an acoustic pad for added performance and is low maintenance.
- Installation does not require any adjustment time.
- At less than $4 per square foot, it is considered affordable.
- It provides a visually pleading selection of stone and wood options.
Cons:
- Scratch resistance falls short of the claims.
- For some people, installing SmartCore planks can be tricky.
- A common concern among users is warranty issues.
- The wear layer im SmartCore ultra is the thinnest out there.
What Do Customer Reviews Say?
Opinions regarding SmartCore vinyl flooring are quite different. Some people love how it feels and looks like a smooth underfoot. Some even reported that installing it was simple though. It takes work. Now, this is where the unhappy people come into play.
Some users prefer to avoid this feature because SmartCore scratches and dents more quickly than other vinyl options. Additionally, if your space receives a lot of sunlight, your SmartCore floors may disappear under the heat.
Therefore, even though many people like how SmartCore looks and how simple it is to install, others may find the dents, scratches, and sun-induced fading annoying.
Is Smartcore Vinyl Flooring Worth Buying?
Choose SmartCore vinyl flooring if you want something basic and are on a tight budget. However, do not expect it to suddenly transform your area into your ideal home. Although the design is quite stylish, the quality could be better. You may wish it had held up better over time.
Installing SmartCore takes time, and it is not the easiest to maintain. Consider an alternative flooring choice if you want a beautiful, hassle-free home. The good news is that there are lots of options. Look in your neighbourhood for more affordable and superior products than you might find online.
There are benefits to SmartCore, particularly if you are looking for a more affordable and quieter solution. Just remember the less-than-ideal features we discussed earlier. The key is to find the ideal balance for your flooring requirements.
When to Choose SmartCore:
Great for low-traffic areas: where there is less activity, SmartCore stands out.
Ideal for quiet homes: there is less likelihood of scratches or scuffs if you don’t have children or pets.
No acclimation is required.
Start installing as soon as your subfloor is ready. Don’t worry. For best results, ensure the temperature in your room is between 32 and 100° F.
Also Check: 8 Worst Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands to Avoid
FAQs
How long does SmartCore flooring last?
SmartCore flooring typically lasts eight to fifteen years. Its longevity depends on various factors, including maintenance, foot traffic, and type of intelligent core. The more durable varieties like SmartCore pro are even more solid and long-lasting.
Is SmartCore flooring water-resistant?
Although SmartCore flooring is water-resistant, referring to it as “waterproof” might be misleading. It can handle spills but is not designed for prolonged submersion in water or total immersion. It is dependable for common mishaps, though.
Is SmartCore flooring Greenguard Certified?
Indeed, green-grade certification is a feature of SmartCore flooring. This indicated that it controls volatile organic compounds (VOC) to meet demanding air quality standards. It is a certification that the air in your place is pure and healthy.
Can you install SmartCore vinyl flooring over existing tile or wood floors?
Yes, you can. Doing this prevents you from tearing out the old materials, and the installation process goes more smoothly. It is similar to giving your floors a stylish update without the added work.
Is SmartCore flooring durable?
If you are on a tight budget and in an area with little traffic, SmartCore vinyl flooring is a great choice. It is easy because it comes in various designs and does not require any time to adjust. However, take care of busy homes with many feet, pets and children as it can easily scratch them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several advantages to SmartCore vinyl flooring, including its affordability and ease of installation. Here is the catch, It needs to be waterproof, scratches easily, and solving the locking system puzzle may take some time. In short, it is not a superpower and beware of that drama with wear and tear. SmartCore might be a good choice if you are looking for a cheap solution for quiet areas and can put up with some cracks. But you can look into other options if you have a perfect idea of perfect floors.
