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COREtec Flooring Review (2026)
An installer's assessment of the seven COREtec vinyl collections at 22FLOORING, compared on the manufacturer's spec sheets, with installed pricing for Toronto and the GTA.
Quick answer
Where the numbers come from
Every figure below comes from the spec sheets of the COREtec products on our site as of September 2026. If sheets in one collection disagree, both values are shown. A missing label reads “not stated on the sheet”. Three sheets name a different collection than the page they are filed on, so we left those out. No sheet gives a warranty term or a sound rating. Nothing here is a test result or a star rating.
The COREtec lines side by side
Originals. COREtec Originals Classic is the narrower micro bevel plank, in colours such as Plainfield Oak. COREtec Originals Enhanced adds longer, wider planks and a painted bevel, which defines each plank. COREtec Originals Premium is the thickest line, with 15.0 mm on 15 styles, and the only one with 30 mil wear layers. See Tawny Beech.
Pro. A solid polymer core is rigid. It resists dents and temperature swings better than a foamed core. COREtec Pro Classic is the 5.0 mm, 7 x 48 in plank. COREtec Pro Enhanced adds a 9 in wide plank and a painted bevel, as on Sharpwell Oak. COREtec Pro Premium is slightly thicker at 5.2 or 6.0 mm. See Mercer Oak.
Originals or Pro: which suits which room
- Bedrooms, living rooms and upper floors: Originals. The foamed core is softer and quieter to walk on.
- Kitchens, entries and busy main floors: choose 20 mil or more, the usual commercial-grade thickness. Pro resists dents from heavy furniture better. In Originals, look at the 30 mil Originals Premium styles.
- Sunny rooms and rooms with temperature swings: Pro, for its rigid core.
- Basements: every sheet lists above, on or below grade, so both families are allowed.
- Renovations with tight door clearances: Pro at 5.0 to 6.5 mm sits lower than a 12.0 or 15.0 mm Originals Premium plank, so fewer doors need trimming.
Comparing brands? Read our COREtec vs Shaw Floorté guide.
COREtec Tile
COREtec Tile is vinyl tile in marble, limestone, cement and terrazzo looks, such as Vivara Terrazzo. Most styles are 12 x 24 in and five are 18 x 36 in. It is the one collection where the core changes by style: solid polymer, foamed or mineral, from 5.0 to 9.0 mm thick. Two Tile sheets leave out some labels, so ask us to confirm those.
What to check before you buy
- Subfloor: waterproof planks still need a flat, dry subfloor.
- Wear layer on your exact colour: Originals Classic lists both 12 mil and 20 mil, and Originals Premium runs from 20 to 30 mil. Read the sheet for your colour.
- Thickness: Originals Premium sheets list anything from 7.5 to 15.0 mm. That changes door clearances and transitions.
- Warranty: no sheet states a term. Ask us for the manufacturer’s warranty in writing.
- Cartons: coverage differs by style, from 15.5 to more than 38 square feet. Order the full job at once, with extra for cuts.
What it costs installed
The price follows the installation method printed on the sheet. A floating floor is installed by 22FLOORING from $3.20 per square foot. Direct glue is from $5.50 per square foot, glue included. Six collections list “Floating or Direct Glue” on every sheet that states a method: Originals Classic, Originals Enhanced, Pro Classic, Pro Enhanced, Pro Premium and Tile. Both rates apply to them, and the choice is made on the quote. Originals Premium is the same, except for 8 styles that list floating only. Those are from $3.20.
The flooring itself is priced separately, and quotes are free. Subfloor levelling, tear-out, stairs and transitions depend on the job. See our vinyl installation page, or compare click vs glue-down vinyl. Send us your room sizes for a free quote.
Buying COREtec flooring in Toronto
COREtec in Toronto: we hold the vinyl and our own crews do the installing across the GTA. Jobs have taken our crews as far as Wasaga Beach, Niagara Falls and Castleton. Give us your square footage and we will price the floor and the fitting together, in writing, after a free measure.
Frequently asked questions
Is COREtec waterproof?
The Originals sheets name the core “Waterproof Foamed Core”. The Pro sheets say “Solid Polymer Core” and carry no separate waterproof line, so ask us for the manufacturer’s written warranty before ordering for a wet area. A waterproof plank does not protect the subfloor under it, which still has to be flat and dry.
What is the difference between COREtec Originals and COREtec Pro?
The core. Originals uses a thicker foamed core, which is softer and quieter underfoot. Pro uses a solid polymer core, 5.0 to 6.5 mm thick, which is denser and resists dents better. Pro is always 20 mil. Originals ranges from 12 to 30 mil.
Can COREtec go in a basement?
Yes. Every sheet lists above, on or below grade, and below grade means basements. The slab has to be flat and dry first.
Does COREtec need underlay?
Not a separate one. The sheets list attached cork on almost every style and Attached Soft Step on some Originals Premium styles.
Is COREtec good for condos?
The attached cork helps with sound, but your building’s sound rules decide. The sheets list no sound rating, and some buildings require a specific acoustic underlay. Ask your property manager for the rule in writing and send it to us with your quote request.
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