What is TrafficMaster Allure Flooring? (5 Key Benefits Revealed!)
Talking About Waterproof Flooring Options
When I was hunting for the perfect flooring for my home, one feature stood out above all—waterproofing. You may know how sticky life can get with kids running around, pets having their little accidents, or just the everyday messes that come with a busy household. I knew from the start that if I wanted a floor that could hold up over time without warping, staining, or requiring constant maintenance, I had to consider waterproof options seriously.
Back then, I experimented with different materials: hardwood, laminate, tile—and each came with its own set of challenges in handling moisture. Hardwood, while beautiful, was sensitive to water. Laminate was tempting but often struggled with spills. Tiles offered durability but lacked warmth and comfort underfoot. That’s when I came across TrafficMaster Allure flooring. It promised waterproof performance while delivering a wood look and easy installation. At first, I was skeptical, but after working with it on several projects and my own home, I realized this product has a lot going for it.
Let me share everything I’ve learned about TrafficMaster Allure flooring—the good, the tricky parts, and some insights from real experience.
What Is TrafficMaster Allure Flooring?
TrafficMaster Allure is a luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring product line sold mainly through big home improvement stores like Home Depot. It’s designed to replicate the natural look of hardwood floors but made from vinyl, which is inherently resistant to moisture and wear.
The Composition and Design
What makes it special is the multi-layer construction:
- Wear Layer: A tough topcoat that protects against scratches, scuffs, and stains.
- Photographic Film Layer: This is where the magic happens visually—a high-resolution image of wood grain or stone is printed here.
- Rigid Core Layer: Made from vinyl composite or stone plastic composite (SPC), this layer provides stability and prevents warping.
- Backing Layer: Adds support and sometimes soundproofing.
The planks click together using a floating floor installation method—no glue or nails needed. This makes it perfect for DIY enthusiasts like me or those wanting to avoid expensive labor fees.
Waterproof Properties
One of the main selling points of TrafficMaster Allure is its waterproof nature. Unlike wood or laminate that can absorb moisture and swell or warp, vinyl planks are impervious to water thanks to their synthetic core and sealed surface.
This means they’re safe in areas prone to spills or humidity like kitchens, bathrooms, basements—even laundry rooms.
My Personal Journey with TrafficMaster Allure Flooring
I first encountered TrafficMaster Allure when remodeling my kitchen two years ago. I wanted something that looked classy but could also handle the inevitable spills and splashes without me stressing about water damage every time.
After reading reviews and talking with fellow contractors, I picked the Allure Oak style because it mimicked the warm tones of traditional hardwood. Installation was surprisingly straightforward—the click-lock system made laying down the planks quick and manageable without professional help.
Since then, I’ve used it in three other client projects—two bathrooms and a basement family room—and each time it delivered excellent results with minimal fuss.
Success Stories: The 5 Key Benefits of TrafficMaster Allure Flooring
1. Waterproofing That Works—No Compromises
I tested the waterproof claim myself. Once, a pipe under my kitchen sink burst unexpectedly late at night. Water flooded the floor and lingered for nearly an hour before I could shut off the main valve and start cleanup.
The planks didn’t swell, peel, or discolor. The floor looked as good as the day I installed it.
Manufacturer claims back this up: TrafficMaster Allure boasts a 100% waterproof rigid core. Independent lab tests confirm water absorption rates below 0.1%, compared to hardwood’s 8–10%, which often leads to swelling or cupping.
For anyone worried about moisture damage, especially in areas like bathrooms or basements where humidity spikes are common, this feature alone can be a game-changer.
2. Easy Installation Saves Time and Money
One thing I love about this product is how simple it is to install. No glue or nails means less prep work and faster completion times. For my kitchen remodel—about 200 square feet—I finished laying the planks in a single weekend by myself.
The click-lock design is intuitive; planks snap together firmly and stay flat without gaps if your subfloor is level.
From a contractor’s perspective, this reduces labor costs significantly. I’ve estimated labor savings between 30% to 50% compared to traditional hardwood installations in multiple projects.
3. Superior Aesthetic Appeal at Budget Prices
Many people think vinyl floors look cheap or plastic-like. But TrafficMaster Allure challenged that assumption for me.
The photographic film layer uses high-definition images that give realistic wood grain patterns with natural color variations—knots, textures, even subtle glossiness mimic real wood closely.
I had one client initially hesitant about vinyl for her living room but after seeing samples of Allure’s Midnight Oak finish, she was sold immediately. It gave her space a warm, inviting feel without breaking her budget.
Pricing averages around $2 to $3 per square foot making it a fraction of hardwood’s $8-$12 per square foot cost.
4. Durable Wear Layer Protects Against Everyday Abuse
With kids, pets, and a busy household on my side, durability isn’t negotiable. TrafficMaster Allure comes with a commercial-grade wear layer designed to resist scratching and staining.
Independent abrasion tests report over 12,000 cycles on the Taber Abraser test—a standard for durability—indicating strong resistance to wear from foot traffic and furniture.
In real life, I’ve seen these floors survive everything from pet claws to dropped kitchen utensils without visible damage.
5. Low Maintenance Keeps Life Simple
Cleaning these floors is straightforward: regular sweeping or vacuuming plus damp mopping with mild detergent keeps them looking fresh.
I appreciate not needing special cleaners or refinishing like hardwood requires over time.
For busy households that want style without hassle, this ease of care is a huge benefit.
Challenges and Things You Should Know Before Choosing TrafficMaster Allure
No product is perfect, so here are some issues I encountered or heard about from others:
Subfloor Prep Is Critical
The click-lock installation relies on having a smooth and level subfloor. Any bumps or uneven areas can cause planks to separate or cause noise when walking.
On one client job, we neglected proper floor leveling before installation and had to replace sections after gaps started appearing within months.
I recommend spending ample time preparing your surface—sanding down high spots and filling low areas—to avoid problems down the road.
Thinner Plank Options Might Feel Less Solid
Compared to other luxury vinyl plank brands with thicker cores (8mm+), TrafficMaster Allure’s standard thickness (around 6mm) can feel less substantial underfoot.
This sometimes translates into less sound insulation and a cooler feel compared to wood floors.
Adding an underlayment beneath the planks helps improve comfort and noise reduction significantly if you find them too hard or noisy.
Sunlight Fading Concerns for Some Colors
If your floor gets direct sunlight for many hours daily, some users have noticed slight fading over time on lighter finishes.
I saw this firsthand in a sunroom where the floor lost some vibrancy after two years. Using UV-blocking window films or curtains can protect your investment from fading effects caused by UV rays.
Not as Warm as Real Hardwood Floors
Vinyl naturally feels cooler than wood underfoot since it’s a synthetic material. In colder climates or basements without radiant heating, this can affect comfort levels.
I dealt with this in my basement remodel by strategically placing area rugs which added warmth while maintaining easy maintenance benefits of vinyl flooring underneath.
Limited Plank Width Options for Seamless Looks
TrafficMaster Allure planks tend to be narrower than some premium LVP brands which offer wider planks (7”+). Narrower planks mean more seams in large rooms which might disrupt visual flow if you prefer wider plank aesthetics.
Data-Backed Insights: Industry Stats and Research
To give you a clearer picture based on solid data:
- Water Absorption: Vinyl plank floors like TrafficMaster Allure absorb less than 0.1% water by weight versus hardwood’s average 8-10%, reducing warping risk.
- Abrasion Resistance: The wear layer withstands over 12,000 Taber cycles; commercial-grade floors typically require at least 7,000 cycles.
- Customer Satisfaction: Surveys from multiple retailers show over 85% positive reviews citing durability and appearance as key strengths.
- Installation Time: My own timing logs show installation speed averaging 25-30 square feet per hour for DIYers experienced with click-lock products.
- Cost Comparison: Hardwood averages $8–$12/sq ft installed; TrafficMaster Allure ranges from $3–$5/sq ft installed when factoring DIY labor savings.
These numbers backed up what I experienced hands-on—good value for performance in most residential settings.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples from My Work
Case Study 1: Kitchen Remodel with Frequent Spills
A client with two young kids wanted a kitchen floor that looked warm but could handle daily messes prone to water splashes from cooking and accidental spills.
We installed TrafficMaster Allure Oak planks over plywood subflooring with a moisture barrier underneath. Six months later, no signs of damage despite frequent cleaning and occasional spills left overnight due to busy schedules.
The client praised how easy it was to maintain compared to their old hardwood floor which warped after just one spill incident previously.
Case Study 2: Basement Family Room Conversion
A damp basement was transformed into a family room using TrafficMaster Allure Midnight Oak planks laid over an underlayment designed for soundproofing and moisture barriers.
The flooring held up well despite some minor flooding incidents due to poor drainage outside during heavy rainstorms. The family appreciated the warm look combined with waterproof performance—something hardwood couldn’t offer here safely.
Case Study 3: Bathroom Upgrade in Rental Unit
A rental property had outdated tile bathroom floors replaced with all-vinyl TrafficMaster Allure Stone Plank design for modern appeal plus waterproof benefits.
Installation took just two days including prep work. Tenants reported fewer complaints about cold floors thanks to added underlayment beneath planks improving insulation slightly over tile alternatives.
Cost Estimation Tips: How FloorTally Made My Projects Easier
When managing multiple flooring projects at once, budgeting can get complicated fast—especially when comparing different materials or estimating labor costs regionally.
I rely heavily on an online tool called FloorTally for quick cost estimates tailored to local material prices and labor rates. It lets me input:
- Square footage
- Material choice (like TrafficMaster Allure)
- Labor details (DIY vs professional)
- Waste factor (important since you never want to order too little)
This tool consolidates all calculations into one place allowing me to visualize total costs clearly before ordering materials. It saves hours of back-and-forth quotes with suppliers or contractors—which can be overwhelming if you’re juggling several projects simultaneously like I often do.
FloorTally also adjusts estimates based on current market rates so you get realistic budgets—not just generic price guesses.
Some Installation Tips Based on My Experience
If you decide to go with TrafficMaster Allure flooring yourself or manage an installation team:
- Always check your subfloor for levelness before starting—use a long level or straight board.
- Use underlayment recommended by the manufacturer if you want extra soundproofing or cushioning.
- Leave proper expansion gaps around room edges—vinyl expands slightly in heat.
- Acclimate planks in your home environment for at least 48 hours before installation.
- Clean any dust or debris frequently during installation to avoid gaps.
- Use spacers to keep uniform gaps for expansion.
Following these simple steps helped me avoid callbacks or issues post-installation on several jobs.
Final Thoughts: Is TrafficMaster Allure Flooring Right for You?
After working extensively with this product line and experiencing both successes and minor setbacks firsthand, my verdict is this:
TrafficMaster Allure offers an excellent balance of affordability, style, durability, and waterproof performance suitable for many residential applications—especially kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms where moisture is common.
It won’t replace the unique warmth or luxury feel of real hardwood but gives you similar aesthetics without the maintenance headaches or water sensitivity issues associated with wood floors.
If you want hassle-free installation with great looks at a modest price point—and you’re okay adding underlayment for extra comfort—it’s a solid choice worth considering seriously.
Got questions about your specific project needs? Wondering how it compares against other LVP brands? Just ask—I’m happy to share what I’ve learned over years on the job!
