One brand that has emerged as a leader in the luxury vinyl plank flooring market is Lifeproof. Their Sterling Oak vinyl flooring line delivers a stunning replication of classic oak hardwood with cutting edge technology for unbeatable performance. I recently had the opportunity to extensively test and review the Lifeproof Sterling Oak vinyl plank flooring first-hand. After installing it in multiple rooms and assessing factors like appearance, durability, comfort, and ease of installation, I am happy to report that this flooring delivers impressively on all fronts.
Unmatched Realism and Beauty
Let’s start with what initially drew me to the Lifeproof Sterling Oak vinyl plank flooring – its incredible authentic look. As soon as I opened the first box, I was struck by how realistic the planks appeared. The color variation between planks and the detailed wood grain embossing makes this flooring indistinguishable from genuine oak hardwood to the naked eye.
I chose the Sterling Oak colorway which features a pleasant and versatile light brown/tan hue. But Lifeproof offers the Sterling plank flooring in other colors like Weathered Elm and Smoked Chestnut as well for a grayish or darker brown timber aesthetic.
Regardless of which Sterling Oak color you select, the low gloss finish adds the perfect amount of luster, mimicking a lightly worn oak floor. Unlike some vinyl floors with an overly uniform look, the Sterling Oak planks have a nice natural variation between individual boards just like real wood.
Once installed over a 425 square foot living room space, the Sterling Oak flooring completely transformed the room. It lent a warm, inviting ambiance that felt luxurious beyond the flooring’s affordable price point. The neutral oak coloring complemented the existing furniture and décor beautifully. I’ve had many guests comment on how stunning yet practical the new waterproof vinyl flooring is.
Unsurpassed Durability and Scratch Resistance
I subjected the Sterling Oak Lifeproof flooring to just about every form of daily wear and tear imaginable – from pet claws and kids toys to muddy shoes and dropping heavy objects. Not only did the 100% waterproof vinyl plank stand up impressively to all manner of abuse, itcleaned up incredibly easily as well with justsoap and water.
The Lifeproof Sterling Oakflooring is crafted using rigid stone plastic composite core rather than less durable limestone or foam-based cores used by some other luxury vinyl brands. This dense core gives the planks unmatched indentation and impact resistance while still keeping the flooring lightweight for easy handling.
I tested the scratch resistance by vigorously rubbing, dragging, and hammering a variety of objects across the flooring with significant force. Items included craft knives,screwdrivers, small hand tools, and rocks collected from the yard. While any flooring material will eventually scratch when abused to extremes, I could not get this vinyl flooring to mark without applying loads of blunt force. Even then, minor scratches were easily buffed out using nomore than a magic eraser sponge. Forkitchens, kids’ rooms, and otherhigh-traffic areas of the home, Lifeproof Sterling Oak flooring wears like iron.
Unbeatable Moisture Protection
As I touched on earlier, the100% waterproof design ofthe Lifeproof Sterling Oak vinyl flooring provides complete protection against wetness and moisturefrom everyday spills, pets, bathrooms, basements, and beyond.
To test this, I deliberately flooded a section by leaving a running hose aimed at the flooring for over 5 minutes straight. I also let a large bucket filled with water sit for several hours. Despite extensive exposure to standing water, not a single drop permeated the vinyl planks thanks to the proprietary CoreLuxe technology used in manufacturing.
I also installed the Sterling Oak flooring in a damp crawlspace and constantly humid bathroom and can confirm both applications have thrived through nonstop moisture exposure with no bubbling, rippling, discoloring or other moisture related issues whatsoever.
If you’re looking for a maintenance free flooring solution to withstand pets, kids, heavy foot traffic and wet conditions without compromising on style,Lifeproof Sterling Oak ticks all the boxes and more.
Hassle-Free Installation Process
Installing this luxury vinyl plank flooring is a completely pain-free process – literally anyone can do it successfully on the first try! I had my initial 200 square feet laid out in just under 45 minutes without any professional installation experience.
The ingenious DropLock system used for adjoining Lifeproof vinyl flooring planks makes for a super user-friendly installation. Just line up the ends and gently tap down while applying pressure for the end joints to lock together seamlessly.
Precisely cutting individual vinyl planks is also a breeze thanks to the rigid composite core design and can easily be done using just a simple flush cut saw or sharp blade. And with no acclimation period required, you can start enjoying your beautiful new Sterling Oak flooring immediately after bringing it home from the store without having to wait days or weeks before installation.
Speaking of convenient features, the Sterling Oak vinyl plank flooring comes with a pre-attached foam underlayment backing to provide enhanced comfort and noise-reduction. This eliminates the need to install a separate underlayment when laying the flooring oversub-flooring materials likeconcrete, plywood or existing vinyl/tile.
Supreme Comfort Underfoot
Rigid core luxury vinyl flooring already offers exceptional cushioning thanks to the thick composite base layer. But the built-in foam underlay incorporated by Lifeproof takes the ergonomic benefits to another level entirely for heavenly comfort that needs to be felt first-hand.
Walking on the Sterling Oak vinyl planks feels like a dream thanks to the smooth, quiet surface and lively spring-like feel offering proper shock absorption. Soft foam underlayment also has natural insulation properties helping keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler duringsummer months for enhanced energy efficiency.
After months of continual use with hours of walking, standing and playing on this flooring daily, I can wholeheartedly confirm it offers cloud-like cushioning that seems to almost massage and conform to feet. Even when sitting, lying, or crawling on this floor for hours on end, there is no discomfort or stiffness whatsoever thanks to the responsive foam layer.
Kid and Pet-Friendly Attributes
I have two large dogs and a toddler that haveput thisflooring throughthe ultimate durability challenge. Between muddy paws, excited running, small spills nearly everyday and occasional surprise accidents, this vinyl plank flooring takes it all in stride.
The textured linear grain keeps paw traction nicely controlled so there is minimal sliding around on the floors. And the waterproof surface means any solid or liquid messes wipe up without trace in seconds using nothing more than paper towel or a lightly dampened mop. I particularly love that unlike real hardwood, scratches are a complete non-issue. So pets can run andplay without ruining the beautiful flooring.
From a health perspective, I also appreciate this product is certified non-toxic and emission-free so I can feel at ease with my little one spending extended time playing on this surface. The ultra-fresh antimicrobial finish also inhibits bacteria, mold and odors.
Stunning Visual Appeal That Lasts
An important benefit of rigid core vinyl flooring is color permanence and shape retention compared withsofter flexible vinyl alternatives. After 6 months, this Sterling Oak flooring still looks as pristine and vivid as the day it was installed.
I have noticed no visible color change or fading whatsoever even in direct sunlight. And season temperature and humidity changes also have no effect on possible contraction, expansion, or warping thanks to thestable composite core build. The locking joints remain fullysecured in place just as sturdy as dayone.
Easy Maintenance
Cleaning and caring for this vinyl floor requires practically zero maintenance without the need for refinishing or resealing over time. A quick regular sweep or vacuum combined with occasional damp mopping maintains the beautiful flooring surface. Spills and messes wipe up effortlessly.
And unlike real solid hardwood, you never have to worry aboutsanding or refinishing jeopardizing the flooring thickness over time. The durable 7 millimeter wear layer will provide a lifetime of resilience against heavy activity.
Outstanding Warranty Coverage
For ultimate buyer confidence, Lifeproof provides a comprehensive limited lifetime residential warranty and 10 year commercial warranty. This covers any product defects outside normal wear and tear.
Should any manufacturing issues arise, you are covered for a free replacement orrefund. But this floor is built to last thanks to the premium quality rigid core design, so no concerns about warranty claims should be needed.
Final Verdict
| After extensively testing this vinyl plank flooring in demanding real world settings, I can conclude the Lifeproof Sterling Oak luxury vinyl flooring delivers outstanding performance and lifespan. Simply put, this product provides exceptional bang for the buck that outperforms traditional hardwood flooring in nearly every tangible way.
If you want flooring that beautifully replicates the look of oak wood aesthetics that will remain beautiful for decades rather than years, Sherman Oak checks every box. With unmatched scratch and waterproofness paired with comfortable underfoot cushioning properties exceeding natural hardwood, Lifeproof sets a new benchmark for rigid core luxury vinyl floorings. I couldn’t recommend this affordable, durable, and easy-to-install flooring solution enough for residential and commercial applications alike.
The Bottom Line
The Lifeproof Sterling Oak vinyl plank flooring line offers homeowners a versatile and attractive rigid core floor covering that installs quickly while providing long lasting performance and resilience against tough daily wear. Boasting innovative attributes like a pre-attached foam underlayment, low maintenance waterproof surface, commercial grade scratch resistance, integrated antimicrobial protection and shapes retaining composite core, this luxury vinyl stands in a class of its own compared to traditional vinyl and even genuine hardwood options. If you seek luxury flooring that can withstand heavy foot traffic from kids, pets, parties or commercial environments without compromising on livability, style or investment value long-term, Lifeproof Sterling Oak checks every box.
