Like many homeowners, I was on an endless quest to find flooring that could withstand the chaos of family life while still looking beautiful and stylish. I have kids, pets, and a penchant for entertaining which means lots of foot traffic, spills, and potential for accidents. Hardwood floors were tempting with their natural warmth and elegance, but I worried about scratches, dents, and water damage. Laminate seemed like a more practical option being durable and water-resistant, but many laminates look cheap and plasticky. Could I find a laminate that gave me the genuine wood look I craved along with extreme durability? That’s when I discovered Lifeproof waterproof laminate flooring.

First Impressions of Lifeproof

As soon as I saw sample planks of the Lifeproof Corinth Oak laminate, I was stunned by how realistic it looked. The embossed wood grain texture, knots, and color variation mimic the genuine characteristics of real oak hardwood amazingly well. But touching the planks is what really sold me – the surface has an authentically rigid yet slightly grained feel instead of the shiny plastic veneer found on most laminates. I started getting excited that this could be the perfect marriage of style and durability I desired.

The thickness of the 14mm planks with pre-attached 2mm underlayment gave a solid and quality feel. And the beveled edges create the look of individual hardwood planks rather than a continuous surface. So far, Lifeproof was hitting all the marks in terms of appearance and construction.

Of course, looks aren’t everything when it comes to flooring. As a parent, I need floors that can endure the messes and mayhem of everyday life. The true test would be the advertised waterproof protection and durability. I studied the specs which indicated this laminate has an enhanced AC5 wear rating suitable for high-traffic residential or light commercial use. The waterproof core is designed to prevent moisture damage from spills, splashes, or mopping. I was intrigued but still a bit skeptical – after all, many products make claims that don’t hold up in the real world. It was time to put Lifeproof through its paces.

The Installation Process

Before getting the floors installed, I wanted to verify that the job could be handled without professional installation. The Lifeproof planks use an angled taplocked system that allows the pieces to join together tightly with no glue or nails required. I practiced linking a few sample planks which went together snugly yet easily. The pre-attached underlayment eliminates the need for a separate underlayment, saving time and providing built-in moisture protection right on the subfloor.

Based on the straightforward click-lock system, I calculated that my husband and I could install the 1,000 square feet of flooring ourselves over a long weekend with some helpers. Doing it ourselves represented significant cost savings compared to hiring professionals. We watched a few online tutorial videos and felt prepared to tackle the job.

The installation went about as smoothly as I could hope for. The planks are lightweight and cut easily with a basic utility knife. We started by removing the old carpet and pad, ensuring the subfloor was clean and level. Then we rolled out a moisture barrier and began laying out the pattern to ensure board alignment.

Following the instructions precisely, we clicked the tongue-and-groove joints together one row at a time. Having two people work together definitely helped keep everything tight and even. We staggered the seams at least 6 inches apart in a semi-random pattern to produce an authentic wood plank look.

Besides the typical obstacles of maneuvering around doors, corners, and permanent fixtures, we encountered no major struggles. The boards locked together so tightly that I never worried about gaps, peaks or separations over time. After a couple days of steady work, we had the entire project completed including baseboards and transitions. I have to admit, I felt immensely satisfied with our DIY installation handwork.

The true test would be living on these floors day-to-day. How would they actually perform in terms of durability, waterproofing, and overall livability? It was time to put Lifeproof to the test.

Durability

Within days, the true advantages of Lifeproof laminate became evident. My kids are like tornadoes, always running, jumping, stomping and roughhousing. The first few tumbles and falls onto the new floors made me wince – until I realized the dense laminate surface prevented any serious dents or scratches. Whew!

We have a big clumsy dog who slips and slides her way across the floors chasing the kids. Her nails have yet to leave a single marking on the highly scratch-resistant surface. When she tracks in mud or dirt, a quick sweep or damp mopping has the floors looking pristine again.

I don’t have to constantly nag the family about removing shoes or being careful. This floor can legitimately withstand very high traffic and abuse. I’ve even dropped pots, utensils and tools from countertop height with no visible damage. The durability gives me so much peace of mind, especially knowing this floor should continue looking nice for years to come.

In the areas by exterior doors, we added inexpensive area rugs to help trap extra grit and catch drips from wet shoes or paws. But for the most part, I’m not constantly stressing about preserving the floors like I did with previous flooring surfaces that scratched and dented easily. Lifeproof is wonderfully family and pet-friendly!

Waterproof Performance

Of course, the marquee feature that drew me to Lifeproof was the waterproof capability. Like most homes, we have occasional spills, overflows, drips and accidents that make waterproof flooring essential for preserving our investment. I put the waterproof claims to the test in both casual and intentional situations.

First, the casual tests that occurred through normal living: Bathtub overflows, kids forgetting to use coasters, mopping and wet cleaning, wet dogs shaking muddy water across the floor, potty training mishaps, spilled drinks, and leaks from the fridge and dishwasher. In each situation, the waterproof Lifeproof planks passed with flying colors.

Water puddled on top and could safely be wiped up within a reasonable timeframe without any moisture penetrating and damaging the laminate or subfloor below. I no longer had to frantically mop up spills within seconds for fear of staining and warping like I did with my previous floors. What a relief!

For the intentional test, I created a puddle in the main walkway using about half a gallon of water and let it sit for an entire day. I fully expected to see swelling, rippling or some kind of moisture transference. But when I pushed on the area with my fingers, it was as rigid, flat and unblemished as the rest of the floor. The waterproof core prevented any moisture permeation whatsoever. Simply amazing!

My final test involved intentionally clogging a sink and letting it overflow substantially onto the Lifeproof floors until it puddled over an 8×8 foot area. I let the standing water remain for over 24 hours straight before unclogging the sink.

When I finally pushed the water aside with a squeegee, there was zero moisture penetration, swelling, rippling or damage to the floor itself. It easily could have been wiped up after 30 minutes with the same results. The waterproof capability of Lifeproof isn’t just marketing hype – it legitimately prevents water damage even with extreme submersion over extended periods.

Ongoing Maintenance and Cleaning

While the durability and waterproof qualities have been hugely impactful, I also appreciate how low-maintenance Lifeproof laminate is compared to other flooring surfaces I’ve lived with. The embossed but closed surface has minimal grooves for dirt, hair and debris to get trapped. A quick daily dry sweep or vacuuming is all it takes to keep the floors looking fresh and clean.

For deeper cleaning, I’ve been able to use a wet mop or cloth with a laminate-approved cleaning solution. The waterproof surface allows me to mop frequently without fear of moisture issues like cupping, crowning or discoloration over time. I feel like a weight has been lifted not having to stress about moisture exposure during routine cleaning.

Occasionally I notice some dried, sticky spills or scuff marks that need a bit more elbow grease. So far, a plastic scraper has quickly removed those blemishes without marring the plank surface. And for extra insurance, I apply a laminate floor polish several times per year to renew the protective coating and lock in the finish.

While scratch and dent resistant, Lifeproof laminate isn’t completely scratch-proof, especially to impacts from heavy sharp objects being dragged or dropped at an angle. We did put a small but noticeable scratch in one plank after sliding a heavy bookshelf across it rather than lifting it.

However, the nice thing about laminate is that we were able to swap out the damaged plank very easily by deconstructing that row and clicking in a new board – something that would have been impossible with traditional hardwood without major visible repairs. Overall, the floors require so little maintenance compared to the amount of traffic and activity they regularly endure.

The Completed Look

Beyond performance, I have to rave about the beautiful aesthetic of Lifeproof laminate. The Corinth Oak has wonderfully warm, modern colors with some honey, cocoa and wheat tones mixed with whitewashed accents. The textured graining is so realistic looking that guests frequently ask if it’s true hardwood until I explain the benefits of laminate.

By selecting the wide 7.6″ planks and carefully staggering the seams, we achieved a stunning visual of long unbroken hardwood planks with very few repetitions in the grain patterns even in large open rooms. Under various lighting conditions, the floors display the same rich multidimensional depth and character of genuine oak flooring.

The beveled edges add nice definition between planks and prevent an unsightly linear grid look. It provides beautiful depth and accentuates the texture. The surface has just enough matte finish to preserve a realistic hardwood feel while preventing hot spots or distracting reflections. Overall the look is elegant and timeless yet also warm and inviting – the perfect complement to our home’s style.

While solid hardwood will always have more inherent natural beauty and character, the printed visuals on Lifeproof provide such an impressive replica that I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing much in the appearance department, especially considering the extreme durability and waterproof benefits.

Perhaps the biggest endorsement came when my mother visited after the installation was complete. She has absolutely impeccable taste and high standards for home design and materials. After looking very closely at the floors, she eventually asked what specific species of genuine wood they were, that’s how convincing the look and texture appeared. She was shocked to learn they were actually a laminate product and immediately wanted the details.

Throughout our home, we have the Lifeproof laminate flowing seamlessly across hallways, living areas, kitchen, bedrooms, and closets. Wood-trimmed stairs and railings blend seamlessly with the waterproof flooring to create a uniform, upscale look. I don’t have to worry about unsightly transitions or limiting moisture-prone wood floors to just some rooms. Lifeproof provides the warmth and visual continuity that enhances our entire home.

Peace of Mind and Confidence

It’s been about 6 months now since completing the full Lifeproof installation and I honestly could not be happier with the decision. Never did I imagine finding a laminate product that could so effectively combine stunning wood visuals, extreme durability, and waterproof capabilities all in one. Yet Lifeproof has managed to deliver in a big way.

The floors have upheld flawlessly to my family’s rough lifestyles and activities. Scratches, dents, stains and moisture have all been non-issues. Yet every day I get to enjoy the inviting textures and beauty of modern hardwood aesthetics at a fraction of the cost and without any maintenance headaches.

More than the monetary savings, I’ve experienced priceless peace of mind. No longer do I cringe when the grandkids come visiting, fearing spills and accidents. I can now host guests without nervously monitoring drinks and plates. If we have any water emergencies, I know the floors and subflooring will be protected.

Overall, the Lifeproof laminate floors have vastly improved the livability and enjoyment of our home. I’m no longer afraid to live life on my floors! The day-to-day stress of floor maintenance and potential damage has been lifted from my shoulders. Now I can simply appreciate their beauty and performance without concern.

Of course, scrutinizing eyes may still be able to detect subtle differences between these laminates and authentic hardwoods when examined up close. But for our purposes and from a normal living perspective, we’ve gotten everything we desired: authentic hardwood looks, extreme durability, waterproof protection, easy maintenance, and long-lasting value – all for a reasonable price.

If you also have an active household like mine with kids, pets, regular entertaining, or just an aversion to excessive home maintenance – I cannot recommend the Lifeproof laminate collection strongly enough. It has delivered in every category we prioritized. These floors look beautiful while shrugging off whatever our chaotic lifestyle can throw their way.

Thanks to Lifeproof, I’ve finally found those “perfect floors” that let my family live with confidence and peace of mind. I’m happy to provide any other details to convince prospective buyers that this laminate is genuinely the real deal and an amazing value. After all, nothing builds confidence like an honest personal endorsement from someone who has gone through the product research and installation process firsthand. Give Lifeproof laminate a try – I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!