Are Costco's Budget-Friendly Vinyl Flooring Options Worth Buying? Here's What Reviews Say

With proper planning and good execution, vinyl flooring can replicate the beauty of natural wood grain at a fraction of the cost. This practical style of flooring has gained popularity thanks to its easy maintenance, affordable price tag, and reputation for durability. Another potential positive is the long-term effects of vinyl flooring on your home's resale value. 

One popular vinyl flooring option can be found nestled on the shelves of Costco warehouses across the states. If you're in the market for a vinyl plank floor brand that looks the most like real wood, Costco's Matrix by Shaw vinyl plank flooring comes in both walnut and oak shades with natural bevel edges for a more authentic look. The discount retailer sells the Matrix luxury planks for $74.99 a bundle. One pack of the vinyl planks can cover nearly 19 square feet of floor space, and the LVP material is conveniently waterproof. 

But before you kick off your renovations and add bundles of material to your cart, you want to be sure you're committing to the right product for your home. Looking to firsthand reviews from buyers is a great way to feel confident about your flooring choice and avoid a lengthy or expensive remodeling experience. Here are the pros and cons to Costco's Matrix vinyl plank flooring, and whether or not it's a good match for you. 

The Matrix vinyl flooring from Costco has overall positive reviews on the Costco website, where it's rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in customer satisfaction. Many buyers shared that they were impressed with the quality of the product, and the installation process was relatively easy. Some reviewers also shared that the planks' texture and appearance were comparable to genuine wood. "Very nice quality, very thick. Love the beveled edge, looks so much better than the flat. Easy install. Really nice product and I don't even like LVP!" one five-star reviewer shared on the Costco website. 

Another draw to this particular product is the material's reputation for sturdiness. Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP, is one of the most common types of vinyl flooring and one of the most durable. Reviewers report being impressed with the product's high-quality performance. One satisfied Costco shopper shared, "I can honestly say I am very impressed on how realistic this material is compared to others. The quality of the locking system and feel of the material is amazing! I especially like how realistic the grain is embossed into the material." As a whole, verified buyers frequently stated that they were satisfied with their purchase and that it was worth it, especially given the affordable price tag.

One common concern with the Matrix vinyl flooring according to Costco reviewers is there are some color discrepancies between the product's photos and what actually arrived in the box. The flooring is available in two different colors, "Tiburon Walnut" and "Newland Oak," both of which have warm, welcoming undertones in the listing's photos. But a handful of one-star reviewers revealed that when they unboxed their oak-hued planks, the color looked entirely different as to what was advertised, leaning more gray. "I purchase the Newland Oak color plank. The color comes with the same greenish grey color the other customer mentioned, very unpleasant color. I don't suggest buying this product if you want the light warm color from natural oak, it is totally not match to oak," one Costco buyer complained. 

Another point to consider is the potential downsides that come with vinyl flooring in general. Despite their durability, LVP planks still have less longevity than natural wood floors, which can last a century with proper care. They can also be difficult to remove or repair if you decide it's time to give your floors a refresh. However, Costco members that took a chance on the Matrix luxury vinyl planks mostly reported positive experiences with the product. Overall, they are a budget friendly alternative to traditional wood flooring that's both more convincing and more durable compared to other brands.