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Looking for durable, budget-friendly flooring that handles spills, pets, and daily wear? The SmartCore by Natural Floors Bamboo 609LS delivers with a 72/100 score, lifetime warranty, and $4.49/sq ft price. Very good scratch/stain resistance makes it ideal for busy homes—explore features, tests, and buying tips.
Quick Pick
SmartCore by Natural Floors Bamboo 609LS
Our top recommendation for waterproof, pet-friendly vinyl plank flooring.
- Overall Score: 72/100
- Price: $4.49 per sq ft
- Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic homes
Lifetime residential warranty and easy click-lock install. Perfect balance of style and toughness.
In the world of home flooring, finding a product that combines affordability, durability, and style can be challenging. The SmartCore by Natural Floors Bamboo 609LS, available at Lowe's, emerges as a strong contender. This vinyl plank flooring mimics the warm tones of bamboo while offering superior performance in real-world conditions. Priced at just $4.49 per square foot, it scored 72 out of 100 in independent lab tests, excelling in scratching, staining, fading, and scuffing resistance—all rated "very good."
Whether you're renovating a kitchen prone to spills or outfitting a pet-filled living room, this 6mm-thick plank with a 12-mil wear layer provides waterproof protection and hassle-free floating installation. Unlike traditional hardwood, it won't warp from moisture, and its attached padding ensures comfort underfoot. In this review, we'll break down its specs, test results, pros/cons, and how it stacks up—helping you decide if it's right for your space.
To put the SmartCore Bamboo 609LS in context, here's how it measures up against typical vinyl planks, laminate, and entry-level hardwood based on key metrics like durability, cost, and maintenance. Data draws from lab standards and industry averages.
| Feature | SmartCore Bamboo 609LS | Standard Vinyl Plank | Laminate Flooring | Entry-Level Hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 6 mm | 4-5 mm | 8-12 mm | 10-15 mm |
| Wear Layer | 12 mil | 6-20 mil | N/A | N/A |
| Scratch Resistance | Very Good (furniture, keys) | Good | Fair | Poor |
| Stain Resistance | Very Good (coffee, ketchup) | Good | Good | Fair |
| Waterproof | Yes | Sometimes | No | No |
| Price per Sq Ft | $4.49 | $3-5 | $2-4 | $6-10 |
| Warranty (Resi) | Lifetime | 10-25 years | 15-30 years | 25 years |
| Installation | Click-lock floating | Click-lock | Click-lock | Glue/nail |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes | Yes | No | Sometimes |
This table highlights why SmartCore edges out competitors: unmatched waterproofing and durability at a competitive price, without the upkeep hassles of wood.
Lab evaluations from September 2021 (still relevant for current models) subjected the SmartCore 609LS to rigorous tests. Here's the breakdown:
Rated "very good," it shrugged off scratches from furniture legs, keys, and dropped tools. The 12-mil wear layer acts as a tough shield, outperforming thinner vinyls that show wear after months.
Spills like coffee, ketchup, and mustard? No problem—"very good" rating means quick wipe-ups prevent permanent marks. Ideal for families or coffee lovers.
Shoe soles, furniture drags, and sunlight exposure caused minimal fading or scuffs. The low-gloss finish maintains its bamboo aesthetic over time, resisting UV damage better than glossy alternatives.
In real homes, users report it holding up in high-traffic areas for 5+ years without visible wear, thanks to the resilient vinyl core and attached pad for stability.
No glue, no mess: The click-lock system lets a DIYer cover 200 sq ft in a weekend. Each carton yields 23.82 sq ft, sold by the carton at Lowe's. At 6mm total thickness (including pad), it fits over most subfloors.
Key Specs Recap:
Pro Tip: Acclimate planks for 48 hours before install for best results. Pair with a quality underlayment if subfloor is uneven.
Overall, pros dominate for residential buyers seeking value.
At $4.49/sq ft, it's mid-range for premium vinyl but beats hardwood installs by 50%+. Factor in no refinishing costs (unlike wood) and waterproofing saves on flood repairs—potentially $1,000s over time.
Total Cost Example (400 sq ft kitchen):
Budget-savvy homeowners love it for flips or rentals.
With proper care, expect 20+ years of service.
Yes if: You need waterproof, low-maintenance flooring for kitchens, baths, or playrooms. Families with kids/pets will appreciate the toughness.
No if: You prefer authentic wood grain/feel or have radiant heat (check compatibility).
Compare to our Best Home & Kitchen Deals for bundle savings.
Elevate your space with these guides:
Yes, it's 100% waterproof, resisting standing water and spills—perfect for humid areas or pet accidents.
Lifetime for residential use, 5 years commercial. Covers manufacturing defects under normal conditions.
Absolutely. Click-lock floating install requires no special tools; most DIYers finish a room in hours.
Far superior—waterproof and scratch-resistant, unlike laminate which swells from moisture.
Typically 90 days; check locally. Cartons are returnable if unused.
Yes, as long as the subfloor is level and stable—no removal needed.
