You go to a LOCAL dedicated to flooring venue. Not a big box store. You bring home sample boards. You select. And before you order the whole amount? You order a single box, and spread them out and make certain it is what you want.

You don't look for the floor online, and you don't buy it online.

IMO there isn't an LVP that completely duplicates the look of real wood flooring. However, those that have less patterning and variation in color tend to look the most woodlike.

I agree with with this completely. Often when looking at a single plank, I noticed I'd be drawn to a busier pattern but these looked awful when laid. Please follow Jan's advice of purchasing a full box to get an accurate image of what you are purchasing.

I agree narrow the choice and buy a box to see it in your house and never buy flooring on line

The house we recently bought has Cortec hickory. I don't think it looks like real wood, but it's busy enough that repeats aren't glaring (especially since we have large rugs).

I like it! Really nice!

Since you are looking for realism, do not use the plastic edge pieces, stair nosing or thresholds. No way any of those look authentic. Use real wood stained to match the vinyl.

@ Paul F Good idea

@AnnKH how do your floors feel when you walk on them? Do you feel air underneath and do they make a click click noise? We’re they floated?

They should not be floated anywhere. Leveling the floor is mandatory. Some installers may try to glue it down in spots, but with the rubber backing it is impossible for it to stay down. If you have a clicking or a sponginess after install, then the floors will not last. From what I’ve seen a thin layer of self leveling cement seems to be the best solution for less than flat floors.

It took me a while to realize that reviews of LVP that mention clicking, sponginess or breakage after install are likely due to improper site preparation.

@Paul F what brand of floors did you end up going with?? Are those 2 pics of yours the same floor? Maybe it’s just the lighting?

@Paul F floors look nice!

Thanks. It is the same floor. It is very hard to photograph and get the color I see in person... I'd say the first pic is the best representation. Its Lions Floor - Lotus Clove.

Here is there visualizer so you can upload a pic of your room. Some of the floors can definitely go stripey.

https://lionsfloor.com/room-visualizer/

I picked them because of the mild knots on a few of their lighter colors and the 20mil wear layer (instead of the average 12mil). Supposedly it is more of a light commercial wear layer. Others may know more than me about that.

There might be another brand that blows this away but at $3 sqft I'm very happy with it.

Here's a pic of my real wood bottom step above the vinyl floor.

@ Jan Donovan

Thanks for your post! If you like LVP's functions, but not repeat patterns, look for wood floor collections with SPC core and real wood veneers, like this Hallmark Regatta Port.

That’s beautiful! Thanks

@Unique Wood Floors Is the wood veneer waterproof or just the material under the wood veneer? That floor is beautiful and your company has a lot of good reviews!! Thank you for your information!

I have no idea how wood is waterproof unless totally encased in plastic so then why not just get LVP I use Mannington Adura often but only you can see if it is working for the vision you have in your head. I also often do not do wood look vinyl or laminate flooring since I find the tile look is more realistic . Maybe share a bit more info as to the space this is gong in so we understand what style of floor works for your space .This pic is my home with laminate that looks like slate everyon touches it since it is also a bit textured like slate would be.Not every space needs wood .

Has anyone used “Geneva Oak” by Coretec? Or Sea Salt by Coretec? Would love to see in pictures as I’m considering these two.

Order a single box of each of the two you're considering. All that matters is what they look like in your home with your light, your furnishings.

No other house is your house: ) and you don't select a flooring online.

Agree with Jan. Also, based upon my experience, doublecheck on the installation as it’s being done. i had hardwood installed a few years ago, & as they were installing it I noticed one plank at my entry had a huge dark, unsightly streak in it ( a natural variation ) . Very attention getting in a bad way. I had them remove it & replace with another …. the installers were just focused on the install, not the aesthetics.

Modin by Flooret is only available online. No middleman markup gives you more product for your money. 40mil clear PVC wear layer. with ceramic bead scratch resistant topcoat. Wide 9" by 6-foot-long rigid planks. Matches Coretek at half the price. Extra long print films for less repeat. Embossed and registered.

You have to order a box also.

There are a million 7" wide, 6' planks.....whatever you select ? Buy a box and lay it out.

@Jan Donovan

Thanks for your kind words! It is waterproof all the way.