LVP Brand Comparison 2026: COREtec vs. Shaw vs. Mohawk — What Austin Installers Actually Think

Not all LVP is created equal. The category spans a huge range — from $1.50/sq ft builder-grade products that look great in the store and fail within 3 years, to $6–$8/sq ft premium products with 20mil wear layers and lifetime residential warranties. As Austin flooring installers who work with these products daily, we've seen the full spectrum.

COREtec Plus is our most-installed LVP brand for Austin residential projects. The rigid cork composite core provides excellent sound dampening, genuine dimensional stability in Austin's temperature swings, and a comfortable feel underfoot. The COREtec Plus XL Enhanced line offers 9" planks with a 20mil wear layer and realistic embossed-in-register textures. The warranty is strong — lifetime residential, 10-year commercial.

Shaw's Floorté Pro line produces some of the most visually realistic LVP we've installed. The Pantheon HD+ and Paladin Plus collections use high-definition printing and embossed-in-register texture to create a look that genuinely rivals real hardwood. The 22mil wear layer is among the thickest in the category.

Mohawk's SolidTech Plus line is our recommendation for whole-home LVP projects where budget is a consideration. At $3.50–$5.50/sq ft for materials, it's more affordable than COREtec or Shaw Floorté Pro, but the performance is solid. The Uniclic locking system is one of the best in the category — tight, secure, and easy to install.