Lifeproof Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring - Review and Installation

4/17/2024 UPDATE: This floor is coming out! After what feels like way too little time, these boards are splitting at the seams and bowing right under my office chair. I believe this is due to my chair having 'roller blade' wheels and, I believe, the 'softer' insulation layer underneath. None-the-less, will be going back with a harder wood or tile layer this year.

Original Comments Below:

Quick review of Lifeproof brand flooring from Home Depot including tools used for installation and a demo of how easily the materials can be cut. Video camera managed by my 7 year old son so let’s all skip comments on that quality. He did awesome.

Needed tools:
- box knife
- speed square (6” minimum)
- soft mallet
- block of wood (for tapping into place)
- scrap sheathing (optional as cutting surface to protect floors/under layer)

I also used a table saw to rip my last row to size but only because I had one. Could also use the box knife if you have a ling enough guide/scrap as a straight edge.

Ultimately very impressed with the quality of the product and loved not needing a saw to make quick cuts. 10x12 building so roughly 100sf interior, used 6 boxes and the Ecofoam under layer (also Home Depot - exclusive product). Entire install effort took less than 2.5 hours, mostly due to how hot it was outside. Prior experience includes multiple laminate floors and having glued vinyl installed in my primary dwelling. This product installs like laminate but is much quieter, easy to cut, and durable. Multiple layers for sound dampening and comfort and no squish over Ecofoam materials.

Highly recommend if you’re looking for ling term quality, durability, and water proofing.

Not compensated for this review (at least when I posted originally ;o)

[HowerDo]

Quick Update that, less than 2 years in, I'll have to replace this entire floor because the planks do not do well under the pressure of the wheels from my office chair, thus they have warped and cracked right where I sit all day. Super frustrating

[johnnash]

I have this in my powderroom. Durable is an understatement. I hit a scrap piece with the corner of the claw of a 20 oz framing hammer and it left a sizable indent but from 10 feet away you could not see it.

[colomacountry]

I personally hate any vinyl that bends. I hate vinyl period because water damage can be a major repair job. They are great for SOME situations, but not heavy use, not chairs or beds or a fridge. The bendy soft planks and those with a soft top will divot and leave grooves. I prefer totally hard laminate that will not bend or flex. Test drop a hammer on a piece and see what happens...does it deflect back or does it leave a dimple? Anyway, imo I would always spend the extra money and go natural stone. Laminate always has a way of fuqing you in the end. Thanks for the vid and the update!

[jlc]

good clip! did you get the rest of the room finished too?

[maplenook]

Ends aren’t 90 degrees on a fifth of the boards