What are the worst vinyl plank flooring brands in the USA?

The worst vinyl plank flooring brands in the USA are generally considered to be ultra-budget brands with thin wear layers, poor durability, and weak warranties, often sold at discount retailers or online marketplaces. Brands that frequently receive complaints include TrafficMaster from Home Depot budget line with 6 to 12 mil wear layers that scratch and dent easily, Select Surfaces from Costco budget line with reports of poor click-lock breaking, and various unknown Amazon brands like Achim, FunStick, and other peel-and-stick brands that have very thin 4 to 8 mil wear layers, poor realism, and no meaningful warranty. Other brands considered low quality include some private label brands from discount stores that lack FloorScore certification for low VOCs and have high failure rates. Common complaints about worst vinyl plank brands include thin wear layers under 12 mil that wear through quickly in high-traffic areas, poor click-lock systems that break during installation, unrealistic wood looks with repeating patterns, poor water resistance with swelling at seams, strong chemical odors indicating high VOCs, and warranties that are difficult to claim. Professional installers recommend avoiding vinyl plank with less than 12 mil wear layer and without FloorScore certification. For best quality, choose Shaw, COREtec, Mohawk, LifeProof, or SMARTCORE with 20 mil wear layer and lifetime warranty rather than ultra-budget brands.