Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank

Where Beauty Meets Practicality for the Modern Home

In the ever-evolving world of home improvements, few decisions make as significant an impact as your choice of flooring. As a home renovation enthusiast who has witnessed countless flooring trends come and go, I’ve developed a particular appreciation for products that deliver on their promises without breaking the bank. Today, I’m diving deep into Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank flooring – a solution that has been transforming homes across America with its perfect balance of aesthetics, durability, and affordability.

The journey to finding the right flooring can feel overwhelming. Should you prioritize beauty or practicality? Natural materials or synthetic innovations? Budget-friendly options or premium investments? What if I told you that with Style Selections, these aren’t necessarily trade-offs you need to make? Let’s explore why this increasingly popular flooring option deserves your consideration for your next renovation project.

Understanding Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank: The Basics

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s establish a clear understanding of what exactly Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank flooring is. At its core, this is a luxury vinyl plank (LVP) product that has been engineered to mimic the appearance of hardwood while offering superior water resistance and durability.

Style Selections is actually a house brand carried by Lowe’s, making it one of the more accessible options in the LVP market. The brand offers a range of flooring solutions, but their waterproof vinyl plank line has gained particular attention for delivering impressive performance at a competitive price point.

The construction of these planks typically includes multiple layers – a wear layer on top to protect against scratches and stains, a printed design layer that creates the wood-like appearance, a core layer that provides stability and water resistance, and often a backing layer that can offer additional comfort and noise reduction. This multi-layer construction is what gives the product its remarkable combination of beauty and resilience.

Standout Features That Make Style Selections Worth Considering

When investigating any flooring option, the features can make or break your decision. Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank offers several noteworthy characteristics that have contributed to its growing popularity.

Genuine Waterproof Performance

Unlike laminate or hardwood that may claim water resistance but still suffer damage from prolonged exposure, Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank flooring offers genuine waterproof performance. This is not merely marketing hyperbole – the core construction of these planks prevents water absorption, making them ideal for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

I recall a client who installed these planks in their lakeside cottage, where wet swimsuits, sandy feet, and occasional spills were inevitable. After two years, the flooring looks virtually identical to the day it was installed, without warping or damage that would have certainly affected traditional hardwood.

Impressive Durability for High-Traffic Areas

For families with children, pets, or simply busy households, durability isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential. Style Selections vinyl planks feature a wear layer designed to withstand the rigors of daily life. Depending on the specific product line chosen, wear layer thickness typically ranges from 6 mil to 20 mil (a mil is one-thousandth of an inch). The thicker this layer, the better the flooring will stand up to heavy traffic.

Most Style Selections options hover around the 12-20 mil range, making them suitable for residential use even in busy areas like entryways and family rooms. While commercial settings might benefit from even thicker wear layers, the average homeowner will find these specifications more than adequate for everyday durability.

Aesthetic Appeal That Rivals Natural Materials

One of the most impressive aspects of modern vinyl plank flooring, including the Style Selections line, is the remarkable advancement in printing technology. Gone are the days of obviously fake-looking vinyl – today’s products feature high-definition printing that captures the natural variation, grain patterns, and color nuances of real wood.

The Style Selections collection offers a diverse range of finishes from rustic barnwood to elegant oak and everything in between. Many options include textured surfaces that further enhance the realism, providing not just a visual but also a tactile similarity to natural wood. When installed correctly, many visitors to your home might not even realize they’re walking on vinyl rather than hardwood.

Comfort Underfoot

Unlike ceramic tile or natural stone that can feel cold and hard, Style Selections vinyl planks offer a warmer, more forgiving surface. The material has a natural resilience that makes standing for longer periods more comfortable – a welcome feature for those who spend significant time in the kitchen.

Some lines in the collection even offer enhanced padding or attached underlayment for additional comfort and sound absorption. This can be particularly valuable in multi-story homes where noise transfer between floors is a concern.

Available Styles and Colors: Finding Your Perfect Match

The aesthetic versatility of Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank is one of its greatest strengths. The collection embraces a wide spectrum of styles that can complement virtually any interior design approach, from minimalist modern to cozy farmhouse.

Popular Wood Varieties and Finishes

The collection includes representations of numerous wood species, including:

• Oak varieties (ranging from light natural to darker smoked finishes)
• Pine with its characteristic knots and natural variation
• Hickory with bold grain patterns and rich color variation
• Maple with subtle grain and even coloration
• Walnut with its luxurious dark tones
• Exotic wood looks for more distinctive designs

What’s particularly impressive is the attention to authentic detail in these reproductions. The printing captures not just the color but the actual character of each wood type – the distinctive grain patterns of oak, the subtle figuring of maple, or the dramatic variation of hickory.

Color Palette Options

The color spectrum available ranges from the lightest blondes to the richest ebonies, with plenty of mid-tones in between. Popular choices include:

• Light neutrals that brighten spaces and create an airy feel
• Medium browns that provide classic warmth without dominating a room
• Gray-toned woods that complement contemporary design schemes
• Weathered and distressed finishes for rustic or farmhouse aesthetics
• Multi-tonal planks that incorporate color variation for added realism

The breadth of this collection ensures that whether you’re looking to create a bright, contemporary space or a cozy, traditional feel, there’s likely a Style Selections option that will serve your vision.

Plank Dimensions and How They Affect Appearance

It’s worth noting that Style Selections offers various plank dimensions, which can significantly impact the final look of your installation. Wider planks (typically 6-8 inches) create a more contemporary feel and can make smaller spaces appear larger by reducing the number of seams. Narrower planks (around 4-5 inches) often evoke a more traditional hardwood look.

Length variations also exist within the collection, with some lines offering longer planks that further reduce the number of end joints and create a more seamless appearance. When selecting your Style Selections flooring, consider how these dimensional choices will interact with your space’s size and layout.

Installation Considerations: DIY-Friendly or Professional Project?

One of the most appealing aspects of Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank flooring is its installation flexibility. Unlike some flooring options that absolutely demand professional installation, many Style Selections products are designed with DIY-friendly features.

Click-Lock Floating Installation

Most Style Selections vinyl planks utilize a click-lock system that allows the planks to connect to each other rather than being attached to the subfloor. This “floating floor” approach has several advantages:

• No need for adhesives or special tools
• Ability to install over many existing floors (with proper preparation)
• Relatively quick installation process
• Option to disassemble and reuse in some cases

For moderately handy homeowners, this can translate to significant savings on installation costs. A typical 300-square-foot room might take a weekend for a DIY installer, versus just a day for professionals.

Subfloor Requirements and Preparation

While Style Selections vinyl planks are forgiving regarding subfloors, proper preparation remains essential for a successful installation. The subfloor should be:

• Clean and free of debris
• Structurally sound without excessive flex
• Reasonably level (typically within 3/16″ over a 10′ span)
• Dry and free from moisture issues

Depending on your existing floor conditions, you may need to address issues like uneven areas, protruding nails, or damaged sections before installation. While vinyl plank is more forgiving than tile regarding minor imperfections, significant subfloor issues will eventually telegraph through to your new flooring.

Underlayment Considerations

An important question for many homeowners is whether Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank requires an underlayment. The answer depends on the specific product line and your installation circumstances:

• Some Style Selections products come with attached underlayment, eliminating the need for separate materials
• For products without attached underlayment, adding a thin foam underlayment can improve comfort and sound absorption
• When installing over concrete, a vapor barrier may be recommended even with waterproof planks to prevent potential moisture issues

While underlayment adds a modest additional cost, the comfort and acoustic benefits often justify the investment, particularly in upstairs installations or homes with open floor plans where sound can travel extensively.

Installation Over Existing Flooring

One of the most convenient features of Style Selections vinyl plank is the ability to install over many existing floors, potentially saving significant time and money on demolition. In general, you can install over:

• Existing vinyl flooring (if in good condition)
• Hardwood (properly secured and level)
• Ceramic tile (with minimal grout lines and no significant unevenness)
• Concrete (clean, dry, and sealed if necessary)

There are exceptions, however. Installation over carpet is never recommended, and some existing floors may be too uneven or damaged to serve as a proper base. Each situation requires evaluation, but the flexibility to go over existing flooring often makes vinyl plank an attractive option for renovations.

Cost Considerations: Budgeting for Your Project

For many homeowners, budget constraints play a significant role in flooring decisions. Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank occupies an attractive middle ground in the flooring market – offering better performance than budget options while remaining more affordable than premium alternatives.

Price Per Square Foot

As of my latest research, Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank typically ranges from $1.99 to $3.99 per square foot for the materials alone. This price variation reflects differences in:

• Wear layer thickness (thicker wear layers command higher prices)
• Attached underlayment (products with built-in padding cost slightly more)
• Visual complexity (more realistic designs with enhanced texturing may cost more)
• Plank dimensions (wider and longer planks often carry a premium)

These prices position Style Selections as a mid-range option – more expensive than basic sheet vinyl but significantly more affordable than solid hardwood, which can easily exceed $8-10 per square foot for materials alone.

Additional Costs Beyond the Flooring

When budgeting for your project, remember to account for additional materials that may be necessary:

• Underlayment (if not attached): $0.30-0.70 per square foot
• Vapor barrier (for concrete subfloors): approximately $0.25 per square foot
• Transition strips and moldings: varying costs depending on material and length
• Tools (if DIY installing): utility knife, tapping block, pull bar, etc.

If hiring professionals, installation costs typically run between $2-4 per square foot, depending on your location, the complexity of the room layout, and the amount of floor preparation required.

Value Considerations

While Style Selections isn’t the least expensive vinyl plank option on the market, its balance of quality and affordability makes it an excellent value proposition for many homeowners. When evaluating the cost, consider that you’re investing in:

• Genuine waterproof performance (not just water resistance)
• Durability that should provide years of service
• Aesthetic appeal that rivals more expensive natural materials
• Low maintenance requirements that save time and money long-term

For many households, these benefits justify the modest premium over the absolute cheapest flooring alternatives.

Durability and Maintenance: Living with Style Selections

No flooring discussion would be complete without addressing the practical aspects of living with the product. How does Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank perform in real-world conditions, and what maintenance is required to keep it looking its best?

Resistance to Everyday Challenges

One of vinyl plank’s greatest strengths is its resilience against the challenges of daily life. Style Selections performs admirably against:

Moisture and spills: Unlike laminate or hardwood that can warp or stain when exposed to water, Style Selections vinyl plank can handle spills, splashes, and even standing water for extended periods. This makes it particularly valuable in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways where moisture exposure is common.

Scratch resistance: While no flooring is completely scratch-proof, the wear layer on Style Selections vinyl plank provides good protection against everyday scuffs and scratches. Pet owners particularly appreciate this quality, as dog nails that might damage hardwood often leave vinyl plank unscathed.

Stain resistance: The sealed surface of vinyl plank makes it highly resistant to staining from food, beverages, and other household substances. Even notoriously problematic items like red wine or tomato sauce can typically be wiped away without leaving permanent marks.

Impact resistance: The somewhat flexible nature of vinyl plank makes it less prone to cracking or chipping from dropped items compared to ceramic tile or natural stone. This resilience is particularly valuable in kitchens where heavy pots and utensils occasionally find their way to the floor.

Pet-Friendly Flooring Solution

For the millions of American households with pets, flooring choices can be particularly challenging. Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank has emerged as a favorite among pet owners for several compelling reasons:

• The waterproof construction handles the inevitable accidents without permanent damage
• The scratch-resistant surface withstands most pet nail traffic
• The textured surface provides better traction for pets compared to slippery options like polished tile
• Easy cleaning makes managing pet hair and dander more manageable

While extremely large dogs with very sharp nails may eventually leave marks on any vinyl flooring, the majority of pet owners find Style Selections to be remarkably resilient to their furry companions’ activities.

Simple Cleaning and Maintenance Routines

One of the most attractive aspects of Style Selections vinyl plank is its minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike hardwood that needs periodic refinishing or natural stone that requires sealing, vinyl plank maintains its appearance with simple routine care:

• Regular sweeping or vacuuming (with a hard floor setting) to remove grit and debris
• Occasional damp mopping with a mild cleaner specifically formulated for vinyl floors
• Prompt cleanup of spills, though less urgent than with porous flooring materials
• Protective pads under furniture to prevent compression marks and scratches

What you don’t need to do is equally important – no waxing, no polishing, no refinishing, and no special treatments to maintain water resistance. This low-maintenance profile makes Style Selections particularly attractive for busy households or rental properties.

Warranty Coverage: Protection for Your Investment

Understanding the warranty coverage for any flooring is crucial to evaluating its value proposition. Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank typically comes with multi-tiered warranty protection that reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.

Residential Warranty Terms

Most Style Selections vinyl plank products include:

• Limited lifetime residential warranty against manufacturing defects
• 15-25 year warranty on wear-through of the wear layer (duration varies by product line)
• 10-15 year warranty against fading from normal environmental exposure
• Waterproof warranty that guarantees the floor won’t be damaged by normal household spills and moisture

These terms are competitive with other mid-range vinyl plank offerings and provide reasonable assurance for homeowners making a long-term investment in their floors.

Understanding Warranty Limitations

As with any flooring warranty, there are important limitations to understand. Typical exclusions include:

• Damage from improper installation or maintenance
• Scratches, dents, or gouges from furniture, pets, or other impacts
• Excessive moisture problems like flooding or ongoing subfloor moisture issues
• Installation in unheated environments or extreme temperature conditions
• Commercial applications (which may have separate, more limited warranty terms)

To maintain warranty coverage, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation and care. Keep your purchase documentation and warranty information in a safe place for future reference.

Environmental Considerations: How Green Is Vinyl Plank?

For environmentally conscious homeowners, the ecological impact of flooring choices is increasingly important. Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank, like most vinyl flooring, presents a mixed environmental profile.

Potential Environmental Concerns

It’s important to acknowledge that vinyl plank flooring is a petroleum-based product that:

• Utilizes non-renewable resources in its production
• May contain phthalates and other chemicals of concern (though many manufacturers are reformulating to address these issues)
• Is not biodegradable and will eventually end up in landfills
• Requires significant energy for production

These factors make vinyl plank less environmentally friendly than some natural alternatives like sustainably harvested hardwood or rapidly renewable materials like bamboo or cork.

Positive Environmental Aspects

Despite these limitations, there are some environmental benefits to consider:

• The durability of vinyl plank means less frequent replacement, reducing overall resource consumption
• Many Style Selections products meet low-VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions standards
• The realistic appearance eliminates the need for harvesting natural wood
• Some vinyl plank products contain recycled content, though this varies by manufacturer and product line

For homeowners seeking to balance environmental concerns with practical considerations, looking for Style Selections products with low-VOC certifications like FloorScore® or GreenGuard can be a reasonable compromise.

Where to Purchase: Finding the Best Deals

As a house brand of Lowe’s, Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank is primarily available through Lowe’s retail stores and their online platform. This exclusive distribution has both advantages and limitations for consumers.

In-Store Shopping Experience

Shopping for Style Selections at Lowe’s physical locations offers several benefits:

• Ability to see and touch samples before purchasing
• Access to knowledgeable flooring department staff for questions
• Opportunity to check actual inventory availability
• Option to take samples home to view in your space’s lighting conditions
• Convenience of one-stop shopping for other project materials

Most Lowe’s locations maintain displays of their Style Selections vinyl plank offerings, allowing you to evaluate the appearance, texture, and locking mechanisms before committing to a purchase.

Online Shopping Options

The Lowe’s website offers an alternative purchasing path with its own advantages:

• Ability to shop from home and have materials delivered
• Often more comprehensive product information and specifications
• Access to customer reviews from previous purchasers
• Easier comparison of different style options side-by-side
• Occasional online-only promotional pricing

For large orders, the convenience of direct delivery can outweigh the benefits of in-store shopping, particularly if you’ve already seen samples in person.

Finding Sales and Clearance Opportunities

Like most home improvement retailers, Lowe’s regularly runs promotional pricing on flooring. To maximize your savings:

• Watch for seasonal sales events (particularly spring and fall when home improvement projects peak)
• Check the clearance section both in-store and online for discontinued styles
• Sign up for Lowe’s promotional emails to receive advance notice of sales
• Consider opening a Lowe’s credit account if you qualify for additional discounts
• Ask about quantity discounts for larger projects

Discontinued colors or styles can often be found at significant discounts, sometimes 30-50% off regular pricing. If your design preferences are flexible, these clearance opportunities can represent exceptional value.

Real-World Reviews: What Actual Users Are Saying

While manufacturer specifications provide useful information, nothing substitutes for the experiences of actual homeowners who have lived with Style Selections flooring. Based on extensive review analysis, several patterns emerge from consumer feedback.

Positive Feedback Themes

The most common praise for Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank centers around:

Value for money: Many reviewers specifically mention being pleasantly surprised by the quality relative to the price point, often comparing the appearance favorably to much more expensive options.

Water performance: Homeowners who have experienced spills, pet accidents, or even minor flooding consistently report that the flooring survived without damage, confirming the waterproof claims.

Ease of installation: DIY installers frequently comment on the straightforward installation process, with many completing entire rooms in a weekend with no prior flooring experience.

Appearance: The realistic wood look earns consistent praise, with many mentioning that visitors assume the flooring is actual hardwood until informed otherwise.

Critical Feedback Patterns

Common criticisms in reviews include:

Locking mechanism issues: Some users report difficulty with the click-lock system, particularly in getting the end joints to fully engage without gaps.

Scratching in some circumstances: While generally scratch-resistant, some reviewers note that heavy furniture dragging or particularly large dogs can still leave marks.

Limited thickness options: Compared to some premium vinyl plank brands, Style Selections offers fewer options in total thickness, which can affect the solidity and comfort underfoot.

Batch variation: A few reviewers mention color variation between batches, emphasizing the importance of purchasing all needed material at once rather than in stages.

It’s worth noting that many negative reviews relate to installation problems, suggesting that proper preparation and technique significantly impact satisfaction with the final result.

Comparison to Other Vinyl Plank Brands

The flooring market offers numerous vinyl plank options across various price points. Understanding how Style Selections compares to alternatives helps put its value proposition in context.

Budget Alternatives

On the more affordable end of the spectrum, brands like TrafficMaster (Home Depot’s house brand) and some basic lines from manufacturers like Armstrong offer vinyl plank at slightly lower price points than Style Selections. While these can be tempting for tight budgets, they typically offer:

• Thinner wear layers (often 6-8 mil vs. 12-20 mil for Style Selections)
• Less realistic visuals with more pattern repetition
• More basic locking systems that may be less secure
• Shorter warranty periods

For very light-use areas or temporary solutions, these budget options might suffice, but Style Selections typically offers better long-term performance for just a modest price increase.

Premium Competitors

On the higher end, brands like COREtec, Karndean, and Shaw’s premium lines offer vinyl plank products at significantly higher price points – often $4-7 per square foot. These premium options typically provide:

• Thicker overall planks with enhanced dimensional stability
• Superior wear layers (20+ mil) for commercial-grade durability
• More sophisticated visual effects and surface texturing
• Enhanced backing systems for comfort and sound absorption
• Extended warranty coverage

For luxury applications or extremely high-traffic commercial environments, these premium options may justify their additional cost. However, for typical residential use, Style Selections offers a compelling middle ground that delivers much of the performance at a fraction of the premium price.

Conclusion: Is Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank Right for You?

After this comprehensive exploration of Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank flooring, the key question remains: is this the right choice for your home? While individual circumstances vary, certain patterns emerge that can guide your decision.

Style Selections is likely an excellent choice if:

• You want the look of hardwood with superior water resistance
• Your household includes children, pets, or high-traffic areas
• You’re working with a moderate budget that precludes premium flooring options
• DIY installation is preferred to save on professional installation costs
• Low maintenance is a priority for your busy lifestyle
• You need flooring for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or basements

On the other hand, you might want to consider alternatives if:

• You’re seeking the absolute peak of luxury vinyl plank performance and are willing to pay substantially more
• You strongly prefer natural, renewable materials for environmental reasons
• Your project is in an unheated space subject to extreme temperature variations
• You’re looking for the absolute lowest-cost solution regardless of durability

For the majority of homeowners, Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank flooring represents an outstanding balance of performance, aesthetics, and value. Its combination of genuine waterproof construction, realistic visuals, and reasonable pricing makes it a standout option in the mid-range flooring market.

Whether you’re renovating a single room or updating an entire home, Style Selections offers a practical solution that doesn’t require compromising on appearance or durability. With proper installation and minimal maintenance, these floors can provide years of beautiful, worry-free service – allowing you to focus on enjoying your home rather than maintaining your floors.

As with any significant home improvement decision, take the time to evaluate samples in your actual space, consider your specific needs and priorities, and plan your installation carefully. With these thoughtful steps, Style Selections Waterproof Vinyl Plank flooring can be the foundation for beautiful, functional rooms that stand up to all your life throws at them.