Waterproof luxury vinyl plank (LVP) can give your home a wood-look floor that is easier to clean and less vulnerable to spills than many traditional flooring options. The five picks below use different core materials, wear layers, plank sizes, and attached underlayments, so the right choice depends on where you plan to install it and how much traffic the floor will see.
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Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Specs | Notable Features | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartpublic Surfaces 20-mil Click-Lock Plank | 5 mm thick; 8.7 × 48 in.; 23.5 sq. ft. per pack | Rigid SPC core; attached IXPE underlay | Rooms where a cushioned, quieter feel is a priority |
| Lucida Surfaces MaxCore PRO | 5 mm thick; 7 5/16 × 48 in.; 24.5 sq. ft. per box | 20-mil wear layer; attached IXPE underlayment | High-traffic spaces and buyers seeking stated wear-layer specs |
| Suntecwood SPC Click-Lock Flooring | 5 mm thick; 40.8 × 7 in.; 20 sq. ft. per box | Embossed wood-grain texture; 2G click-lock system | DIY projects and smaller rooms |
| NewTechWood EverLux | 8.8 in. wide × 72 in. long; 17.7 sq. ft. per pack | 20-mil wear layer; attached underlayment | Rooms where extra-long planks suit the layout |
| ProTech Metro WPC Flooring | 8.7 mm thick; 28-mil wear layer | WPC core; attached 2 mm EVA underpad | Shoppers who favor a thicker plank and cushioned feel |
Our Picks: Best Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring reviews
1. Smartpublic Surfaces: Attached Padding and a Rigid SPC Core
Smartpublic Surfaces is a click-lock plank with a rigid SPC core and a pre-attached IXPE underlay. The listed pack covers 23.5 square feet, and the planks measure 8.7 by 48 inches. The product title lists a 5 mm thickness and 20-mil wear layer.
The attached underlay is intended to soften footfall and reduce noise, while the rigid core is designed for moisture-prone rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Its woven wood-grain look and micro-beveled edges aim for a more natural plank appearance. The interlocking system is designed for glue-free installation and allows individual planks to be replaced.
There is a specification detail worth checking before you order: the description refers to different wear-layer and underlay thickness options, while the title gives one set of specs. Confirm the exact selected version and its coverage before planning a project. As with any click-lock floor, the subfloor still needs to meet the installation requirements; attached padding does not correct major unevenness.
Pros:
- Rigid SPC core is described as waterproof and humidity-resistant.
- Pre-attached IXPE underlay may help soften sound and feel underfoot.
- Click-lock installation avoids the need for adhesive.
- Micro-beveled edges and a textured wood look add visual detail.
Cons:
- The description lists multiple wear-layer and underlay options, so confirm the exact version.
- Pack coverage is lower than some options in this comparison.
Verdict: Consider Smartpublic if you want a rigid-core plank with attached padding, but verify the selected specifications before buying.
2. Lucida Surfaces MaxCore PRO: A 20-Mil Wear Layer for Busy Rooms
MaxCore PRO is a 5 mm click-lock vinyl plank with a stated 20-mil wear layer. Each box covers 24.5 square feet and contains 10 planks measuring 7 5/16 inches wide by 48 inches long. The product description also lists an IXPE integrated underlayment and a urethane finish with ceramic bead.
Lucida offers several wood-look options, with a matte finish, printed grain, and micro-beveled edges. Its description identifies kitchens, bathrooms, basements, living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways as possible settings. The planks interlock on all four sides, and the brand describes the flooring as waterproof and easy to clean.
This is one of the more clearly specified choices in the group for wear-layer thickness and box coverage. The listed warranty is 10 years, with five years for commercial use; read the warranty terms to understand what installation, maintenance, and use it covers. Its 5 mm profile may not provide the same substantial feel as the much thicker ProTech option.
Pros:
- Clearly stated 20-mil wear layer and 5 mm overall thickness.
- Attached IXPE underlayment is designed to reduce sound.
- Four-sided click-lock design supports glue-free installation.
- Each box covers 24.5 square feet, more than several other listed options.
Cons:
- The 5 mm plank is thinner than the ProTech WPC option.
- Check the warranty terms for the conditions and exclusions that apply.
Verdict: MaxCore PRO is a strong fit if you want a stated 20-mil wear layer, attached underlayment, and straightforward pack-coverage details.
3. Suntecwood SPC: Shorter Planks for Flexible DIY Layouts
This Suntecwood floor is a 5 mm SPC plank with a 2G click-lock system. Each plank measures 40.8 inches long by 7 inches wide, and the listed box coverage is 20 square feet for 10 planks. The surface has an embossed wood-grain texture, and the product description lists an IXPE soundproof underlayment.
The shorter plank length may make it easier to work around some room layouts than a 72-inch plank, though the number of cuts depends on your space. The product is described as tool-free to assemble and suitable for DIY projects. Its textured surface is intended to provide grip, and the description identifies bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and light-commercial spaces as possible uses.
One distinction matters: although the product title calls it waterproof, the supplied description specifically describes the surface as moisture-resistant. Check the complete product specifications and installation instructions before using it in a wet area. The description also does not state a wear-layer thickness, so it is harder to compare its abrasion protection directly with the 20-mil and 28-mil options.
Pros:
- 5 mm SPC construction with a click-lock installation system.
- Embossed wood-grain texture and a grip-focused surface.
- Shorter planks may suit layouts that need frequent cuts.
- Listed box coverage and plank dimensions make project estimates easier.
Cons:
- The description says moisture-resistant, so confirm suitability for your intended wet-area use.
- A wear-layer thickness is not provided in the supplied product details.
Verdict: Choose Suntecwood if the 5 mm SPC build and shorter plank format fit your project, but verify water-exposure guidance and wear-layer details first.
4. NewTechWood EverLux: Extra-Long Planks with Attached Underlayment
EverLux stands out for its long plank format: each plank is 8.8 inches wide and 72 inches long. The listing states a 20-mil wear layer, attached underlayment, and 17.7 square feet of coverage per pack. It is designed for click-lock installation over many existing surfaces, including tile, wood, concrete, and vinyl.
Long, wide planks can create a less busy look in a larger room, but they may require more planning around doorways, corners, and smaller spaces. The attached underlayment saves the step of choosing and installing a separate layer, subject to the flooring’s installation instructions and your subfloor conditions. The product is listed as phthalate-free.
The title describes the flooring as waterproof, while the supplied description calls it water resistant. Because those terms are not always interchangeable in product specifications, check the manufacturer’s guidance for spills, standing water, and installation in wet rooms before choosing it for a bathroom or basement.
Pros:
- Long, wide planks offer a distinctive format for open rooms.
- Listed 20-mil wear layer and attached underlayment.
- Designed to install over several existing flooring surfaces.
- Phthalate-free according to the supplied product description.
Cons:
- The 17.7-square-foot pack has less coverage than several alternatives here.
- Confirm the difference between the listing’s waterproof title and water-resistant description.
Verdict: EverLux is worth considering for a room that suits extra-long planks, provided its water-exposure limits meet your needs.
5. ProTech Metro: Thick WPC Construction with a 28-Mil Wear Layer
ProTech Metro is the thickest option in this comparison, with a stated overall thickness of 8.7 mm. It uses a WPC core, a 28-mil wear layer, and a UV coating. The flooring is described as 100% waterproof and comes with an attached 2 mm EVA foam underpad.
The thicker construction and foam underpad may appeal if you prefer a more cushioned, substantial feel underfoot. The product description also says the underpad provides sound and thermal insulation. ProTech lists a residential lifetime warranty with one transfer and a 20-year commercial warranty, along with FloorScore certification; check the full terms and certification documentation before relying on them for a specific project.
Compared with the 5 mm SPC products, Metro has a thicker WPC build and a notably thicker stated wear layer. However, the supplied details do not list the pack’s square-foot coverage or plank dimensions, so you will need to confirm those before calculating how many boxes to buy. A thicker plank is not automatically a substitute for a level, properly prepared subfloor.
Pros:
- Stated 28-mil wear layer is the thickest listed among these picks.
- 8.7 mm WPC construction is thicker than the other options compared here.
- Attached 2 mm EVA underpad is designed to add cushioning and reduce sound.
- Product details list residential and commercial warranty coverage.
Cons:
- Pack coverage and plank dimensions are not included in the supplied details.
- The thicker profile may require careful transitions to nearby floors.
Verdict: ProTech Metro is the pick to investigate if a thick WPC plank and substantial wear layer matter most, after confirming coverage and installation details.
How to Choose Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Check What “Waterproof” Means for the Product
Look beyond the product title and read the detailed specifications and installation instructions. Some listings describe a plank as waterproof, while their descriptions use terms such as water resistant. Confirm how the flooring handles spills, standing water, and use in rooms with frequent moisture. Also remember that a waterproof plank surface does not make the entire room waterproof; water can still reach the subfloor around edges, seams, or openings.
Compare Wear-Layer Thickness
The wear layer is the clear top layer that helps protect the printed design from everyday abrasion. A thicker stated wear layer can be a useful point of comparison for busy rooms, but it is not the only factor that affects performance. Look at the finish, care instructions, warranty terms, and whether the product’s listed specs match the exact version you plan to buy.
Choose a Core and Thickness That Suit Your Space
Several picks here use SPC cores, while ProTech Metro uses WPC. The products also vary in overall thickness, from 5 mm to 8.7 mm. A thicker plank may feel more substantial, but it can create a different height at doorways and floor transitions. Check the full installed height, including any attached underlay, against nearby flooring and trim.
Decide Whether Attached Underlayment Is Right for You
Attached IXPE or EVA underlay can simplify the material list and may help reduce footstep noise or add cushioning. It does not replace proper subfloor preparation, and some installation instructions may limit whether you can add a second underlayment. Follow the product’s requirements rather than assuming extra padding is always helpful.
Match Plank Size to the Room
Long, wide planks can suit open areas, while shorter planks may be easier to plan around smaller or more complex layouts. Consider the room’s shape, doorways, closets, and the direction you want the planks to run. Before ordering, calculate the area you need and compare it with the coverage per box. Allow for cuts and waste, and confirm the manufacturer’s guidance for how much extra material to buy.
Review Installation Requirements and Warranty Terms
Click-lock installation can be suitable for DIY work, but the floor still needs a suitable, properly prepared surface. Read the instructions for subfloor flatness, moisture, room conditions, expansion space, and approved surfaces. Warranty coverage may depend on installation and maintenance, so review the complete terms before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is waterproof LVP suitable for a bathroom?
It can be an option, but verify the exact product’s wet-area instructions. A water-resistant description is not the same as a clear waterproof claim, and even a waterproof plank surface does not seal the whole room against water reaching the subfloor or walls.
What is the difference between SPC and WPC flooring?
SPC and WPC refer to different rigid-core constructions. The products in this comparison identify Smartpublic, Lucida, and Suntecwood as SPC options, while ProTech Metro is described as WPC. Compare the full product specifications, including thickness, attached underlay, and installation requirements, rather than choosing by core label alone.
Is a thicker wear layer always better?
A thicker stated wear layer can be a helpful durability comparison, especially in a high-traffic area. It does not tell the whole story, though. Consider the finish, product care requirements, room use, and warranty terms as well.
Can click-lock vinyl plank go over existing flooring?
Some products allow installation over certain existing surfaces, but the approved surfaces and preparation steps vary. NewTechWood EverLux is described as installable over tile, wood, concrete, and vinyl. Check the instructions for the specific product and make sure the existing floor meets its requirements.
Does attached underlayment mean I can skip subfloor preparation?
No. Attached padding may add cushioning or help with sound, but it does not correct a subfloor that is too uneven, damp, or otherwise unsuitable. Follow the flooring manufacturer’s preparation instructions before installation.
How much flooring should I order?
Measure the floor area, then compare it with the square-foot coverage listed for each box or pack. Plan for cuts and waste, and check the manufacturer’s recommended allowance. For ProTech Metro, the supplied product details do not state pack coverage, so confirm that information before calculating your order.
Final Recommendation
For a well-documented mix of wear-layer thickness, attached underlayment, and box coverage, Lucida Surfaces MaxCore PRO is the most balanced choice in this group. Choose ProTech Metro if you prefer a thicker WPC construction and 28-mil wear layer, or consider Smartpublic Surfaces for its rigid SPC core and attached padding after verifying the exact version. For any option, confirm water-use guidance, installation requirements, and coverage before ordering.
