Fusion Vinyl Plank Flooring Review

Fusion Vinyl Plank Flooring offers the look of real hardwood without the high price or maintenance headaches. As part of the COREtec family, Fusion is built with waterproof, scratch-resistant technology that holds up well in busy homes — including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

If you’re choosing between vinyl plank and real hardwood, cost will likely play a major role. Fusion’s luxury vinyl planks typically cost $4–$7 per square foot, which comes out to $2,800–$4,900 for a 700-square-foot space, including materials. That’s roughly half the cost of real hardwood, and installation is easier too — many homeowners can tackle it themselves.

In this review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Fusion’s vinyl flooring, including durability, pricing, style options, and how it compares to hardwood. We’ll also dig into installation, maintenance, and what real customers are saying about the product.

Read our article on the top-ranked vinyl plank flooring to learn more about top flooring brands.

What Is Fusion Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Fusion Vinyl Plank Flooring is a luxury vinyl product from the COREtec family, known for combining style, strength, and easy maintenance. It’s designed to mimic the look of real hardwood but built with a durable, waterproof core that holds up to daily wear — even in moisture-prone rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

Fusion’s hybrid core is made from a blend of virgin PVC, limestone, wood, and bamboo dust, giving it impressive stability and strength. All Fusion vinyl planks use COREtec’s proprietary technology, which includes a sound-dampening layer and a rigid core for added comfort underfoot.

You’ll find Fusion planks in a variety of sizes — most commonly 6.5 mm thick, 6 to 7 inches wide, and 18 to 48 inches long — with textured finishes that look and feel like real wood. The brand offers 15+ color options, from light oaks to rich, dark tones, across several product lines for both residential and light commercial use.

How Much Does Fusion Hybrid Vinyl Plank Cost?

Fusion vinyl plank flooring typically costs between $4 and $7 per square foot, depending on the collection and finish. That puts total project costs in the ballpark of:

• $2,800–$4,900 for a 700-square-foot space (like a large living room or small apartment)
• $4,000–$7,000 for a 1,000-square-foot area (such as a full main floor or basement)

Keep in mind, these figures cover materials only. If you hire a professional installer, expect to add $2–$5 per square foot for labor, bringing your total to $6–$12 per square foot installed.

Fusion sits in the midrange of luxury vinyl flooring — pricier than big-box budget brands, but more affordable than high-end hardwood. For many homeowners, it strikes the right balance between price and performance.

You’ll also need to budget for underlayment (if required), trim pieces, and tools if you’re going the DIY route. If your subfloor needs repair or leveling, that can add to the total cost.

Fusion Plank Flooring Durability

Fusion Hybrid vinyl plank flooring is built to handle heavy daily use. Its rigid core and thick wear layer make it a solid choice for homes with kids, pets, or high foot traffic. It’s waterproof, dent-resistant, and scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about spilled drinks, running dogs, or dragged furniture ruining your floors.

Because it’s fully waterproof, Fusion vinyl is ideal for moisture-prone spaces like basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. The protective top layer resists stains and chips, and it holds up well to rolling chairs, dropped toys, and the general chaos of everyday life.

The flooring is also easy to clean — dirt and spills wipe up fast, and the surface won’t absorb moisture or odors like some natural materials.

Fusion Flooring Warranty

Fusion flooring comes with a strong warranty package that reflects its durability:

• Lifetime residential wear warranty
• Lifetime waterproof warranty
• Lifetime pet warranty
• Lifetime structural warranty
• 10-year medium commercial wear warranty

These warranties cover common issues like surface wear, pet accidents, and water damage — but only if the product is installed and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines.

Like many flooring warranties, Fusion’s coverage doesn’t include labor for repairs or replacements. And if installation isn’t done properly — or if unapproved cleaning products are used — your warranty could be voided.

Can Homeowners Install Fusion Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Yes — Fusion Hybrid vinyl plank flooring is DIY-friendly, especially if you’re comfortable with basic tools and measuring. It uses a click-lock system that doesn’t require glue, nails, or special equipment, which makes installation faster and easier than tile or hardwood.

You can install Fusion planks directly over most existing floors, including concrete, plywood, and even some old vinyl. The rigid core helps smooth out minor imperfections in the subfloor — but large dips or damage still need to be repaired before installing.

Fusion’s click system doesn’t require transition strips, and most planks are pre-attached with an underlayment layer, which simplifies the process even more.

Take your time and follow the manufacturer’s installation guide closely. If something goes wrong during install, it can void your warranty. And while the project is DIY-able, don’t underestimate how long it takes — plan for at least a full weekend if you’re covering a large space.

Fusion Vinyl Plank Colors and Styles

Fusion offers three main vinyl plank collections for residential and light commercial use:

• Fusion Hybrid Floor: 6-inch wide planks in a variety of wood-look finishes, including oak, cherry, and maple tones. Great for families needing durable flooring with classic styling.
• Fusion Summit Hybrid Floor: Slightly wider 7-inch planks, available in richer colors like Glacier Bay and Sequoia — a good pick if you want a bolder, more modern look.
• Fusion Max Hybrid Floor: Similar in size to the Summit collection, but with deeper tones like Courcy and Roussillon for a dramatic, high-end finish.

Planks are typically 6.5 mm thick and come in multiple lengths to create a more natural, hardwood-like appearance. Each style includes embossed textures to match the wood grain for added realism.

Fusion’s color range isn’t the widest on the market, but it offers enough variety to suit most styles — from bright and airy to warm and rustic.

Cleaning and Maintaining Fusion Vinyl Plank Flooring

Fusion vinyl plank flooring is low-maintenance, which is a big reason homeowners love it. For daily cleaning, a broom or hard-floor vacuum is all you need. For deeper cleaning, use a neutral pH cleaner diluted with water — Fusion recommends the Bona Professional Series or similar no-residue products.

Avoid harsh chemicals, steam mops, or wax-based products — they can damage the wear layer and void your warranty.

Protect Your Floor:

• Place mats at entryways to catch dirt and grit.
• Use felt pads under furniture legs.
• Never drag heavy items — use plywood sheets or furniture sliders to move large pieces.

If the floor starts to lose its shine over time, you can apply a vinyl-safe polish like Hilway Direct for a refreshed look and up to a year of added protection.

Keep a few extra planks from your installation in case of future damage. If a board gets scratched or dented, it’s easier to replace a single piece than redo the entire floor.

What Customers Say About Fusion Vinyl Plank Flooring

Here are some of the biggest complaints customers have.

Warranty Disputes: Many customers express frustration over denied claims and vague warranty terms.

“Your attempt to blame cleaning products for the slipperiness is a deliberate misrepresentation…” — Customer response, Feb 4, 2025

Partial Remediation: Shaw Industries (which acquired COREtec in 2016) often only covers the cost of replacement materials — not removal or reinstallation.

“Shaw agreed to provide new replacement flooring…only covers the flooring…it does not cover the cost of deinstalling…reinstalling…” — Andrew C, Dec 17, 2024

Positive Feedback (Though Limited):

Some customers are happy with the floor’s initial look and ease of installation.

“While the floor was beautiful and it installed wonderfully…” — Kara A, Apr 18, 2024

A few warranty claims are honored after escalation, especially when retailers got involved.

“Our initial contact with your store was met with excellent service, and **** was helpful in escalating our concerns.” — Richard D, Feb 23, 2025

Is Fusion Vinyl Flooring a Good or Bad Flooring Option?

If you want the look of hardwood without the cost, maintenance, or moisture worries, Fusion Hybrid Vinyl Plank is a solid choice. It’s durable, waterproof, and DIY-friendly, making it ideal for families, pet owners, and busy households.

That said, warranty support can be hit or miss, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation and care instructions to protect your investment. Keep records, use approved cleaning products, and consider professional installation if you’re unsure about tackling it yourself.

Overall, Fusion offers a good balance of performance and style at a mid-range price — especially if you’re flooring a kitchen, basement, or full home on a budget.