By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
Click and lock laminate flooring is one of the easiest floors to install yourself, because the planks snap together at the edges and float over the subfloor instead of being glued or nailed down. The three options below were selected by comparing product listings, brand reputation, and the patterns owners tend to mention in their feedback, with attention to plank size, core construction, and how each one handles moisture. We did not install or test these ourselves.
Best overall: Click Lock SPC Luxury Vinyl Flooring Plank – View on Amazon
Best for busy rooms: SPC Click Lock Luxury Vinyl Flooring Plank – View on Amazon
Best for soft underfoot comfort: 6mm PVC Vinyl Flooring 18-Pack Planks – View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Click Lock SPC Luxury Vinyl Flooring Plank | Kitchens and basements | 5mm rigid SPC core |
| SPC Click Lock Luxury Vinyl Flooring Plank | Offices and commercial spaces | 21.4 sq ft per box |
| 6mm PVC Vinyl Flooring 18-Pack Planks | Apartments and bedrooms | Cushioned core for quiet |
Click Lock SPC Luxury Vinyl Flooring Plank
Click Lock SPC Luxury Vinyl Flooring Plank | 5mm Thick | 40.8 x 7 Inch | Wood Textured | Rigid Surface Hard Core | Waterproof LVP Flooring for Kitchen/Basement | (20 Sq.Ft, Charcoal Black)
Best for: Kitchens, basements, and other rooms where moisture is a concern.
This plank suits homeowners who want a rigid floor that will not swell if a spill sits for a while. Its 5mm thickness and 40.8 x 7 inch format keep the number of seams low, and the wood-textured surface is meant to look close to real planks.
Pros
- Rigid SPC core resists dents from furniture legs
- Sold in 20 sq ft quantities for planning room sizes
Cons
- Hard core can feel less cushioned underfoot
SPC Click Lock Luxury Vinyl Flooring Plank
SPC Click Lock Luxury Vinyl Flooring Plank | 21.4 Sq.Ft | Thick 5 mm | Wood Floating LVP Floor Tile| 100% Waterproof |Rigid Core|Use for Indoor/Commercial/Office | (Oak-2)
Best for: Busy rooms, offices, and light commercial use.
Owners who need a floor that handles foot traffic and furniture rolling across it will likely appreciate the rigid build. The larger coverage per box makes it practical for open-plan spaces.
Pros
- Listed as fully waterproof for indoor use
- 21.4 sq ft per box covers larger rooms
Cons
- Limited color options in the listing
6mm PVC Vinyl Flooring 18-Pack Planks
6mm Thick PVC Vinyl Flooring 18-Pack Planks (6×36 Inch), Cushioned Core for Superior Comfort & Quiet, Waterproof Click Lock for Home, Apartment, Office
Best for: Apartments, bedrooms, and rooms where quiet and comfort matter.
This option fits renters and anyone who spends long periods standing or walking on the floor. The cushioned core is the main selling point for sound and comfort.
Pros
- Cushioned core reduces footstep noise
- Waterproof click lock design for everyday spills
Cons
- Softer core can show indentations under heavy furniture
Buying Guide
Core Material
Rigid cores such as SPC resist dents and hold their shape under heavy furniture. Cushioned cores add comfort and sound absorption but can compress over time, so match the core to how you use the room.
Moisture Resistance
Check whether the listing describes the plank as waterproof through the core, not just the surface. Rooms like bathrooms and basements need a plank rated for standing moisture. For more on this, see Waterproofing for Laminate Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners.
Underlayment and Subfloor Prep
A moisture barrier and underlayment affect sound, comfort, and warranty coverage. Read Vapor Barrier for Laminate Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and Underpad for Laminate Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners before you buy the planks.
Plank Size and Seam Count
Longer, wider planks mean fewer seams and a more open look. Shorter planks suit small rooms and make it easier to work around doorways.
Good picks for this: Click Lock SPC Luxury Vinyl Flooring Plank and 6mm PVC Vinyl Flooring 18-Pack Planks
FAQ
Can I install click and lock laminate flooring over concrete?
Many manufacturers allow it with a moisture barrier and proper underlayment. Check the product specifications before you start.
Do I need to glue click lock planks together?
No. The locking edges hold the planks together while the floor floats. Some installers add a small amount of glue at specific edges in high-moisture areas, as described in Laminate Glue for Flooring: How to Bond Floating Planks the Right Way.
How do I know whether my floor is laminate or vinyl?
Laminate usually has a wood-fiber core and a photographic layer under a clear wear layer, while vinyl is made from plastic. Look at the edge and cross-section of a scrap piece to compare.
Conclusion
For most kitchens and basements, the rigid SPC plank is the safest pick. Offices and busy commercial spaces suit the larger-format SPC box, while the cushioned PVC option works best for apartments and bedrooms where comfort and quiet matter most. Consult a flooring professional if your subfloor has moisture or structural concerns.
Sources
- Moisture and building material guidance from federal research (nist.gov)
- Indoor air quality and moisture control tips for homes (epa.gov)
- Workplace safety guidance for tools and floor installation (osha.gov)
Related reading
- Wooden Laminate Flooring Identification: How to Tell What You Have
- Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring
- Laminate Flooring Prices with Installation: What to Expect
- Laminate Flooring Installation Rates: What DIY and Pros Charge (2026)
- Laminate Flooring Installation Kits: What to Buy and How to Use Them
- How to Installation Laminate Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our DIY home renovation guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
