If you’re looking for a waterproof, easy-to-install vinyl plank floor with a high-end look, SmartCore Ultra might be the right fit — but it’s not perfect. Expect to pay around $3 to $4 per square foot, which totals roughly $1,800 to $2,800 for a 600–700 square foot room, depending on your layout and whether you install it yourself or hire a contractor.
SmartCore Ultra is a wood-plastic composite (WPC) flooring sold exclusively at Lowe’s. It offers realistic wood and stone finishes, a softer feel underfoot, and solid durability for day-to-day use. Homeowners like it for its DIY-friendly design and fully waterproof construction.
Still, it’s not scratch-resistant and tends to show smudges and footprints more than some competitors. If you have pets, kids, or heavy furniture, you may want to look at sturdier alternatives.
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SmartCore Ultra Overview and Features
SmartCore Ultra is a luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring with a wood-plastic composite (WPC) core. This means it’s built from a mix of wood fibers and plastic polymers, giving it a softer, more comfortable feel underfoot compared to rigid-core options like stone-plastic composite (SPC) floors.
It comes in a wide range of colors and roughly 14 style patterns, including both wood and stone looks. Stone options include warm tan travertine, creamy sandstone, and dark gray slate, while wood-look planks feature styles like Rustic Hickory, Stillwater Oak, Pine, and Canberra Acacia.
Each plank has a durable vinyl top layer and a 12-mil wear layer that helps resist everyday scuffs, stains, and scratches. The planks are available in different widths and also come in 12-by-24-inch tile formats, with a total thickness of 7.5 mm — giving it a solid, stable feel once installed.
Pros and Cons of SmartCore Ultra Flooring
With the increasing demand for low-maintenance and cost-efficient floors, SmartCore Ultra flooring offers homeowners many benefits and downsides that can be used as trade-offs.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Easy to install and can be done DIY
- Eco-friendly flooring alternative
- Durable for 8+ years with proper care
- Wide variety of styles
Cons
- Intolerant of heavy scratches
- Costlier than equivalent flooring options
How Much Does SmartCore Ultra Flooring Cost?
SmartCore Ultra vinyl plank flooring costs between $3 and $4 per square foot at Lowe’s. Each carton covers about 15 to 28 square feet, depending on the style. For a mid-sized room around 500 square feet, expect to spend roughly $1,500 to $2,000 on materials alone.
If you plan to hire a professional installer, add another $2 to $5 per square foot in labor costs. That brings the total project cost to somewhere between $2,500 and $4,500 for a standard living room or bedroom. Doing the work yourself can save hundreds, especially since SmartCore Ultra is designed for DIY-friendly installation.
Compared to other luxury vinyl plank options, SmartCore Ultra sits in the middle of the price range — more affordable than high-end brands like CoreTec or Karndean, but a step above big-box budget flooring in terms of quality and design.
How To Install SmartCore Ultra Flooring
SmartCore Ultra is designed to be easy for homeowners to install without professional help. It uses a floating floor system with click-lock edges, meaning no nails or glue are needed in most rooms. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:
- Prep the area: Clear the room, clean the subfloor thoroughly, and make sure it’s level. Remove baseboards if needed.
- Plan your layout: Lay out the planks to avoid narrow end pieces or awkward cuts. It’s best to stagger seams for a natural look.
- Start installing: Begin in one corner, locking each plank into the next as you move across the room. Use spacers at the walls to allow for expansion.
- Trim and finish: Use a saw to cut planks to fit around obstacles. Once you’ve done this, reinstall the baseboards and clean the floor.
In rooms with lots of sunlight or fluctuating temperatures — like a sunroom — it’s best to use a glue-down method for added stability. Otherwise, the floating installation is quicker and works just fine for most indoor spaces.
How To Maintain SmartCore Ultra Flooring
SmartCore Ultra is relatively easy to maintain, but like any flooring, it needs consistent care to hold up over time. With regular upkeep, you can expect it to last anywhere from 8 to 12 years — potentially longer in low-traffic areas.
Start by sweeping or vacuuming often to keep dirt and grit from scratching the surface. Be sure to use a vacuum without a beater bar or a soft-bristle broom to avoid wear on the protective layer. Spills should be wiped up promptly, even though the floor is waterproof, since standing liquid can lead to grime buildup or damage around the edges.
When it comes to cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals. A damp mop with mild soap or a vinyl-safe floor cleaner is all you need. Strong cleaners can dull the finish or degrade the wear layer over time.
To prevent dents and scuffs, use felt pads under furniture legs and consider adding rugs in high-traffic zones. Heavy items and sharp edges can leave permanent marks if the floor isn’t protected. And while SmartCore Ultra is designed to handle moisture, it’s still vulnerable to prolonged sunlight. Too much direct UV exposure can fade the finish, so it’s worth using curtains or blinds in rooms that get a lot of sun.
If you’re using SmartCore Ultra in a commercial setting, the product comes with a 5-year warranty. In residential homes, though, proper maintenance can easily extend its lifespan well beyond a decade.
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What Customers Say About SmartCore Ultra Flooring
SmartCore Ultra Flooring has many reviews, and a significant percentage of them are positive.
✅ Most Praised Features
Consumers speak to the ease of installation and the gorgeous look of these floors.
1. Easy to Install and DIY-Friendly (78% of positive reviews)
Many users found the flooring simple to install, even for first-time DIYers.
“This is the second time I’ve installed Smartcore Ultra… only me and one other person with basic tool knowledge… Over 1200 square feet done.” – Em
2. Attractive, High-End Look (74% of positive reviews)
Customers love the authentic wood appearance and stylish finishes.
“It looks like authentic wood… we love the look and feel of it.” – QC Lee
3. Durable and Waterproof for High-Traffic Areas (62%)
Users appreciate that these floors can withstand kids, pets, and spills.
“After one year, it still looks like new, even with two dogs.” – Greeneyed lady
❌ Biggest Issues
Despite a high number of positive opinions, customers do denote some drawbacks of this flooring.
1. Quality Control and Manufacturing Defects
Users report misaligned locking systems, visible blemishes, or defects in finish.
“I ordered 20% extra… and may not make it through the project because of factory defects.” – Benjamon
2. Shows Marks and Requires Frequent Cleaning
Complaints include footprints, smudges, and maintenance frustration.
“It retains EVERY SINGLE footprint… looks filthy within hours.” – Josef
Is SmartCore Ultra Flooring For You?
SmartCore Ultra isn’t a premium floor, but it delivers solid value for the price. It’s a great pick if you want waterproof, low-maintenance vinyl plank flooring with a softer feel underfoot and a wide range of stylish finishes. The DIY-friendly installation makes it especially appealing if you’re looking to cut labor costs.
However, it’s not the most durable option on the market. If you have pets, heavy furniture, or need something that stands up to constant wear and tear, you may want to look at tougher alternatives like SmartCore Pro or other SPC-core products.
Overall, SmartCore Ultra is a good mid-range choice for homeowners who want good looks, decent performance, and a manageable price point. If you’re comparing brands, check out how it stacks up against Lifeproof and other top vinyl plank options to make the best decision for your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
The key difference is in the core material. SmartCore Ultra uses a wood-plastic composite (WPC) core, which gives the flooring a softer, more cushioned feel underfoot. That makes it more comfortable for walking and standing for long periods, especially in living areas or bedrooms. SmartCore Pro, on the other hand, uses a stone-plastic composite (SPC) core made from limestone. It’s harder, denser, and more impact-resistant, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas or commercial spaces. However, the SPC core also makes Pro feel firmer and louder underfoot. If comfort matters more to you than maximum durability, Ultra is likely the better pick.
Yes, you can install SmartCore Ultra using a glue-down method, but floating installation is faster and easier for most DIYers, and it works well in standard living spaces. However, if you’re installing the floor in areas with heavy direct sunlight or large temperature swings — like sunrooms or rooms with big south-facing windows — the glue-down method adds extra stability and reduces the chance of shifting or warping.
SmartCore Ultra is designed as a rigid core flooring that doesn’t require the same acclimation process as traditional hardwood. That said, it’s still smart to let the planks sit in the room for at least 24 to 48 hours before installation — especially if they’ve been stored in a colder or hotter environment. This helps minimize the chance of expansion or contraction after the floor is laid. Just make sure the indoor temperature is kept between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during and after installation for best results.
