Lowe’s SmartCore Flooring has become a popular choice among homeowners and contractors alike for its durability, waterproof features, and aesthetic appeal. But who actually manufactures this sought-after flooring option?
Lowe’s SmartCore Flooring is manufactured by USFloors, a division of Shaw Industries, one of the world’s largest flooring manufacturers. Based in Dalton, Georgia, USFloors ensures that SmartCore Flooring is made in the USA, offering a durable, waterproof, and aesthetically pleasing flooring option.
Manufacturer
Lowe’s SmartCore Flooring is manufactured by USFloors, a division of Shaw Industries, one of the largest flooring manufacturers in the world. Shaw Industries is a reputable flooring company with a long history of producing high-quality products. USFloors is based in Dalton, Georgia, ensuring that SmartCore Flooring is made right here in the USA.
Materials and Production
SmartCore Flooring is primarily made of vinyl materials, designed for everyday living and offering proven durability even in the busiest of homes. The flooring is 100% waterproof, so it won’t swell, crack, or peel when exposed to water. The production process involves the use of a multi-layer structure, including a waterproof core, ensuring stability and resistance to excessive expansion or contraction.
Distinctive Features
SmartCore Flooring distinguishes itself from other flooring options in several ways:
- Waterproof: Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms.
- GreenGuard Gold Certification: Ensuring low chemical emissions and maintaining good indoor air quality.
- Variety: Offering a range of flooring options, including SmartCore Ultra (WPC flooring), SmartCore Pro (SPC flooring), and SmartCore Naturals (hardwood flooring).
- Durability: The SmartCore Ultra has a 12 mL wear layer, providing durability and resistance to stains and scratches. The SmartCore Pro has a 20 mL wear layer, making it suitable for areas with heavier traffic conditions.
- Easy installation: Both SmartCore and Lifeproof offer easy installation using a floating floor method, which requires no acclimation, adhesives, or subfloor preparation. The simple interlock system allows for installation over wood, concrete, and tile with proper preparation.
- Aesthetics: SmartCore flooring offers a variety of styles and designs, including wood-look and stone-look options, providing a visually appealing and versatile choice for different spaces.
Quality Standards and Certifications
SmartCore Flooring meets several quality standards and certifications. The most notable certification is the GREENGUARD Gold Certification, which means the flooring meets stringent indoor air quality emissions criteria. This certification ensures that the flooring is suitable for light commercial and heavy residential use.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Lowe’s maintains the sustainability and eco-friendliness of their SmartCore Flooring production through a patented manufacturing process that repurposes post-industrial and post-consumer materials. This process creates an eco-friendly option for flooring underlayment, contributing to the overall sustainability of the product.
Installation Instructions
SmartCore Flooring is suitable for DIY installation and comes with easy-to-follow instructions. The planks are designed to be installed using a floating method or a direct glue-down method on approved wooden or concrete substrates. The flooring features a tongue and groove system, which allows the planks to be easily snapped together during installation.
In conclusion, Lowe’s SmartCore Flooring, manufactured by USFloors, offers a versatile, durable, and aesthetically pleasing option for homeowners and contractors. With its waterproof properties, variety of designs, easy installation, and commitment to sustainability, it’s no wonder why SmartCore Flooring is a preferred choice for many.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price range of Lowe’s SmartCore Flooring?
The price of Lowe’s SmartCore Flooring may vary depending on the specific product line and style, but typically it ranges from $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot.
Is SmartCore Flooring pet-friendly?
Yes, SmartCore Flooring is pet-friendly. Its durability and resistance to stains and scratches make it a suitable choice for homes with pets.
Can SmartCore Flooring be installed over existing flooring?
Yes, SmartCore Flooring can be installed over most existing hard-surface floor coverings, provided that the existing floor surface is flat, clean, and free of moisture.
What is the warranty period for SmartCore Flooring?
SmartCore Flooring typically comes with a lifetime residential warranty and a 5-year light commercial warranty. However, warranty details may vary depending on the specific product line, so it’s always best to check the warranty information provided with your flooring.
How do I clean and maintain my SmartCore Flooring?
Cleaning and maintaining SmartCore Flooring is quite simple. Regular sweeping or vacuuming (without the beater bar) will help keep the floor clean. For deeper cleaning, a damp mop and a mild, non-abrasive floor cleaner are recommended.
Is SmartCore Flooring fire-resistant?
While SmartCore Flooring is not fireproof, it does have a Class 1 fire rating, meaning it is considered to have effective flame-resistant properties.
