7 Common Problems With SmartCore Vinyl Flooring (Explained With Solution)

SmartCore vinyl flooring is a type of flooring made of durable plastic material. It is available in various colors, sizes, and textures, and it comes with a variety of features.

While there are many benefits to installing this type of flooring, some disadvantages include how it does not hold up well in high-traffic areas such as kitchens or hallways.

It can be easily scratched, dented, and lacks moisture protection when moisture seeps from the subfloor, which are the primary disadvantages of SmartCore vinyl flooring. Additionally, the reviews also mention that SmartCore vinyl flooring can discolor, stain, peel, and crack.

SmartCore vinyl flooring can be beneficial to those interested in installing a more modern type of decor. It can be put down in areas with little or no traffic. As a result, the product can last for years.

Continue reading this article to learn more about the problems with SmartCore vinyl flooring and how to deal with them.

7 Problems With SmartCore Vinyl Flooring

DIY Installation is Difficult

The installation of SmartCore vinyl floors isn’t as easy as it seems from several SmartCore vinyl flooring reviews. There’s no need to experience the interlocking click-together flooring tabs or the optional adhesive, but it’s probably not as straightforward as peel-and-stick carpet tiles.

Additionally, if you install it yourself, it voids the warranty. Easy installation is misrepresented. So basically, if you want to stay within warranty, you shouldn’t do it yourself.

Furthermore, hiring someone to install vinyl plank flooring will be quite affordable unless you plan on using it to create an incredibly intricate parquet floor design.

Easily Scratches and Scuffs

Vinyl plank flooring is known for its scratch-resistant properties, which is one of the major advantages of vinyl flooring.

But apparently, it is not the case with SmartCore vinyl flooring; owners mention in their reviews that SmartCore gets scratched easily and ruin the appearance of their floors, even when they are relatively new, making them appear old, dirty, and worn out. Aside from scratching, SmartCore vinyl flooring scuffs very easily as well.

To prevent scratching and scuffing on your SmartCore vinyl floor, avoid dragging large objects and running in shoes. Also, avoid doing anything that can scratch or scuff it.

Furthermore, the surface of SmartCore vinyl flooring wears over time due to its easy scratching and scuffing.

Must See: A Guide to Remove Rubber Marks from Vinyl Flooring

Dents Easily

Besides being scratch-resistant, you want your vinyl plank flooring to be able to resist dent damage. Unfortunately, SmartCore isn’t the case, even though it has an SPC core that should be dent- and scratch-resistant. I have seen several customers complain about the lack of dent resistance that SmartCore vinyl flooring offers.

Denting is more of an issue with SmartCore Pro since it’s not as robust as you might think. If you don’t want your flooring to dent easily, choose something more durable and sturdier than SmartCore.

Also, if your SmartCore gets dented, try to fill it with wood putty or replace the plank.

Damage from Water

Smartcore vinyl floors are particularly susceptible to moisture damage. Their underlayment is not as waterproof as advertised. Additionally, another issue with the standard Smartcore vinyl is that you have to purchase the underlayment separately, which does not provide much moisture protection.

Additionally, Smartcore Naturals is quite problematic when it comes to moisture absorption. Its wood core is quite prone to bending due to its easily absorbing moisture. Smartcore Naturals may not be as moisture-resistant as advertised, so that the extra cost may be a loss.

Must See: Can Mold Grow Under Vinyl Plank Flooring? (Answered)

Discoloration & Stains

The other major disadvantage of SmartCore vinyl flooring is that it stains easily. There will be food or drink spills on the floor now and then, but SmartCore floors are sensitive to staining.

There is a tendency for this to occur when floors absorb spills. When this occurs, it becomes difficult to remove the staining and restore the color of such floors.

If you want to avoid permanent discoloration or stains, you must clean the floor as soon as possible after spills.

If your home is heavily exposed to the southern sun, it is difficult to avoid discoloration from sunlight over time with clear vinyl floors. In this case, plan on replacing your vinyl floor as it begins to turn yellow from the sun. Or move furniture around so that it does not suffer from UV rays all day long.

Must See: How to Remove Sticky Residue from Vinyl Flooring? (Full Guide)

Peeling and Cracking

A constant concern with all vinyl brands is that the wear or top layers will crack and peel. This layer protects the image layer below and the core underneath. As for SmartCore, the 12 mil layer on Standard Smartcore and Smartcore Ultra and the 20 mil layer on Smartcore Pro offer a high level of protection. However, that isn’t enough.

Eventually, the adhesive around the corners of the flooring will wear out, resulting in peeling and cracking; I wouldn’t attribute it to SmartCore because it happens to all brands.

Another reason SmartCore peels and cracks is that it scratches easily, causing the wear layer to be damaged. As a result, your flooring starts peeling and cracking.

Must See: How to Fix Gaps in Vinyl Plank Flooring? (5 Easy Steps)

Not Eco-Friendly

As far as eco-friendly vinyl plank flooring is concerned, no brand has a guarantee of being completely eco-friendly. However, SmarCore is low VOC certified, and there are other brands with higher VOC ratings and better recyclability. One of these brands is Proximity Mills.

For eco-friendly flooring, we recommend sustainable wood or hemp flooring instead. Even the greenest bamboo flooring is much greener than LVP.

General Pros and Cons for SmartCore Flooring

Pros

• SmarCore Pro provides style and strength simultaneously.
• Install the SmartCore in any part of the home, even the basement.
• The SmartCore is low-maintenance and includes an acoustic pad with enhanced performance.
• It is usually not necessary to acclimate before installation.
• It retails for under $4 per square foot, making it a good value product.
• Visually appealing, with wood and stone options.

Cons

• The scratch resistance isn’t as good as claimed.
• The installation of SmartCore vinyl planks can be challenging for some people.
• Warranty issues are a concern for many users.
• With SmartCore Ultra, the wear layer is the thinnest available.

What Do The Reviews Say?

Most customers have been very satisfied with SmartCore vinyl flooring. They liked how it looked and felt. And most found it relatively easy to install (which it is not) but more difficult to cut than other floor coverings.

However, the most common complaint from SmartCore users is that it dents and scratches more easily than other vinyl flooring options. People also complain that SmartCore vinyl flooring fades in the sun as well.

My opinion is that the SmarCore vinyl flooring range is just okay. It will do the job but look for other flooring brands if you want to floor for your dream home. There are many options available. It’s wise to look for a top-rated flooring store in your area as they can offer you a better product for a much better price than any online store.

Best Reasons to Choose SmartCore Flooring

The SmartCore vinyl flooring is perfect for areas not subject to heavy traffic, and this is the most significant reason to choose it. If you plan to install the SmartCore in a less-trafficked area, it will perform extremely well.

SmartCore is also the right choice if you don’t have pets or children, as they may damage the flooring due to its easily scratchable and scuffed surface.

Moreover, another advantage of SmartCore flooring is that it does not need to be acclimated to the home environment before installation. So once the subfloor is ready, you can begin installing your flooring right away. Manufacturers advise that you should install the flooring in a climate-controlled environment. Ensure your rooms are kept between 32 and 100°F after installation for optimal results.

In addition, SmartCore vinyl flooring is extremely affordable, which is one of its biggest advantages. SmartCore standard is priced between $2.00 and $2.90 per square foot; SmartCore Ultra costs between $3.30 and $3.40 per square foot; SmartCore Pro costs between $3.50 and $3.70; and SmartCore Naturals is priced at between $3.50 and $3.80.

Must See: SmartCore Pro Vs. Ultra Vinyl Flooring: What’s the Best for My Home?

FAQs: Problems With SmartCore Vinyl Flooring

Read More on Vinyl Floors

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• How to Clean Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring? (Beginners Guide)