Having a beautiful home is important. You want your floors to look great and long-lasting, but you don’t want them to cost too much. So, when shopping around for new floors, consider vinyl flooring, which is both affordable and durable.

Allure Isocore vs. Allure Ultra vinyl floors are two of the most popular vinyl home flooring options on the market. They’re both excellent products that offer great value for money when it’s time to buy new floors for your house.

Both products have their strengths and weaknesses, so take a look at them side by side. Features such as durability, cost, warranty, wear layer, and more will be compared. This way, you can make an informed decision about which is best for your needs when choosing between these two types of vinyl flooring.

Allure Isocore

Vinyl floors are the best option if you want to have some of the most premium-looking floorings in your house. In this regard, TrafficMaster manufactures resilient flooring for home, commercial, indoor, and outdoor use. TrafficMaster Shaw Industries, Inc. manufactures TrafficMaster and is marketed via Home Depot Stores.

Allure Isocore is one of TrafficMaster’s lines, and it employs a different technology than most other types of flooring. Its unique construction makes it very sturdy and durable. Aside from that, the boards for this model are rather large and lightweight. People will find it easier to put them in their houses as a result of this.

Allure Ultra 

Allure Ultra is a popular TrafficMaster vinyl flooring product that is both cheap and highly durable. While some products emphasize up to seven different layers, Allure Ultra keeps it simple. They have a base layer, core layers, and a wear layer.

The planks’ core layers are composed of a solid stone plastic core, which adds durability. These are the thickest layers of the structure, bonded together by TrafficMaster’s Grip Strip layer. It connects the body to the base layer and aids in the planks and tiles to the floor. Because of this, you may put your floating boards over any subfloor, including plywood and concrete.

The base layer is a strong plastic and rubber structure that offers the planks and tiles strength and adhesion. It eliminates the need for glue or nails when installing flooring, and the floating installation style makes things easier and cleaner.

Furthermore, the TrafficMaster Allure collection is divided into luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). The tile is stone-look luxury vinyl, while the plank is wood-look luxury vinyl.

Allure Isocore Vs. Allure Ultra: Cost Comparison

Allure Series is one of the most reasonably priced LVT and LVP lines available in the market. The Allure Ultra series is typically priced between $2 and $3 per square foot. 

Additionally, pricing is reasonable for Allure Isocore for $3.59 per square foot. It is because you are paying for the isocore technology that makes the vinyl flooring more durable. 

If you are only dependent on the cost of materials, Allure Ultra is the ideal option for you. However, if you’re willing to invest an extra dollar for higher quality, you can go for the Allure Isocore.

Allure Isocore Vs. Allure Ultra: Warranty Comparison

Even though Allure Ultra comes with a lifetime guarantee for residential installations, it has no commercial warranty at all. But, like other vinyl planks, it is a little deceptive. 

The lifetime guarantee does not cover wear and tear to the planks. Instead, it protects the purchase against manufacturing flaws for up to two years from the date of purchase, which begins the moment the flooring is placed.

On the other hand, Allure Isocore also comes with a lifetime residential and a 5-year commercial warranty. 

Interested in other types of flooring? Get a quote from flooring experts near you.

Allure Isocore Vs. Allure Ultra: Wear Layer Comparison

The Allure Isocore features a 6-mil wear layer. While on TrafficMaster Allure Ultra boards, the wear layer is 12mil thick making it exceptionally robust and durable. Its thick wear layer should keep the flooring bright and scratch-resistant for many years.

The photogenic layer, which appears like wood grain on the Allure Ultra planks and tiles, is worn. The 12 mils ceramic bead layer is also textured to give grip and make the planks feel more like wood or stone.

Allure Isocore Vs. Allure Ultra: Durability Comparison

Allure Isocore and Allure Ultra are water-resistant. You can use them in the kitchen, bath, and laundry with confidence. Although some Allure Ultra marketing refers to it as waterproof, standard water precautions are still advised. 

Also, install Allure Ultra boars only in a temperature-controlled environment. Otherwise, expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes will cause the planks or tiles to separate.

Additionally, Allure Isocore has a ScratchProtect coating which provides the highest level of scratch and stain protection. It makes it highly durable that you can put on most applications in your house (above, on, or below grade)

Get a Flooring Installation Estimate From Local Experts
Typical Cost: $6 – $24 per sq foot

Allure Isocore Vs. Allure Ultra: Which vinyl flooring will work best for you?

You already know which vinyl flooring is better in cost, warranty, durability, and wear layer. So, continue reading below for more information on the Allure Isocore and Allure Ultra’s other features to help you decide which vinyl flooring is best for you. 

  • Applications: Allure Ultra is not used on stairs, garages, and similar structures because the parts are not bonded. In comparison, Allure Isocore can be used in the basement, bathroom, kitchen, living areas, and mudroom. 
  • Installation: Both TrafficMaster vinyl flooring installations may be done by yourself. All planks and tiles are simple to install and need minimal expertise.
  • Maintenance: Allure Isocore and Ultra are simple to maintain and clean with a dust mop, vacuum, or pH neutral cleaner.
  • Surface Finish: The surface finish of Allure Isocore is a low gloss, whereas Ultra offers a high glossy appearance.
  • Underlayment: Allure Ultra is a free-floating vinyl plank floor that does not require adhesive or underlayment. It is suitable for use on uneven surfaces and in bathrooms. On the other hand, Isocore flooring has incorporated locking profiles, making installation easy for the user.

If you’re looking for an affordable, durable, long-lasting option, then Allure Isocore might be the right choice for you. This vinyl flooring brand comes in various colors and styles, so it’s easy to find something that fits your space’s design scheme. 

But, if durability isn’t at the top of your list when choosing a new floor, then Allure Ultra might be better suited for your needs. With its lifetime limited warranty against defects and thicker wear layer than other brands, this type of vinyl flooring is perfect if beauty and cost are more important than longevity.

Indeed, with so many choices that it can be hard to decide what vinyl flooring is best for you. So when choosing between allure isocore vs. allure ultra vinyl flooring, identify what you need first and determine what flooring will best suit your home. 

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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