Proximity Mills Peace River Collection Review: Is This the Right Floor for You?

Proximity Mills’ Peace River is a premium SPC (stone-plastic composite) vinyl plank collection with extra-long 9″×70.75″ boards and an embossed-in-register (EIR) wood texture. 

Peace River LVP collection blends “rustic charm and modern elegance” with “robust engineering and impeccable features”. But, unlike real hardwood, Peace River’s rigid SPC core resists moisture and wear, so it’s built to “stand strong” in busy homes. 

Let’s take a closer look at what the Peace River Collection offers and how it looks and feels in real-life spaces.

Peace River LVP Quick Facts

The Peace River Collection by Proximity Mills is a high-performance luxury vinyl plank (LVP) designed for style, durability, and everyday resilience. Below are the key specs that define its construction, comfort, and performance:

Feature	Details
Construction	SPC (Stone-Plastic Composite)
Wear Layer	22 mil (commercial grade)
Dimensions	9″ x 70.75″ planks
Installation	Floating, click-lock with attached underlayment
Waterproof	Yes
VOC Emissions	Zero / FloorScore & GREENGUARD Gold certified
Pet Friendly	Yes
Durability Rating	5/5
MSRP	$7.53 / sq. ft.
Environmental Impact	100% recyclable

SPC Rigid Core (Durability 5/5): 

Peace River planks use a stone-plastic composite core. This limestone-PVC core is extremely stable and impact-resistant, giving the floor industrial-strength durability. Rated 5/5 for durability, it’s among Proximity Mills’ most durable LVP options, meaning it’s engineered for very heavy foot traffic. 

In practice, the SPC core prevents warping or buckling (even with temperature changes), so the floor can last decades in homes or light commercial spaces.

22 mil Wear Layer (Heavy-Duty Protection): 

The Peace River line has an exceptionally thick 22-mil (0.022″) wear layer. A thicker wear layer acts as a stronger shield against scratches, dents, and stains. Flooring experts note that 22 mil is a commercial-grade thickness, suitable for high-traffic areas and harsh conditions. 

In practical terms, this means Peace River will stay looking new much longer than cheaper vinyl floors. Homeowners with active families or pets can expect decades of life out of this floor.

100% Waterproof & Pet-Friendly: 

This vinyl plank is fully waterproof. The SPC core and vinyl layers do not absorb water, so spills, steam, and even flooding won’t warp or buckle the planks. This makes Peace River safe for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. It’s also labeled as 100% pet-friendly flooring, meaning the thick wear layer plus waterproof core stand up to claw scratches and pet accidents. 

Proximity Mills highlights that its SPC vinyl can handle “muddy paws” and stains without lasting damage. In short, pet owners benefit from flooring that won’t be ruined by claws, urine, or messy paws.

Extra-Large Planks & Rigid Thickness: 

Peace River boards are 9 inches wide by 70.75 inches long, much larger than typical vinyl planks. Such extra-long planks create very few seams, giving a sleek, open look that makes rooms feel bigger. 

These dimensions mimic real hardwood and suit large, modern spaces (living rooms, open-plan kitchens). The total thickness is 7 mm, which is relatively substantial for LVP. The thicker LVP profile (including a built-in pad layer) adds rigidity underfoot and improves sound insulation. In practice, a 7 mm SPC plank feels solid and plusher than ultra-thin vinyl, while maintaining maximum stability.

Authentic Wood Texture & Edges (EIR + Painted Bevel): 

The surface of Peace River is embossed-in-register (EIR), meaning the embossed grain texture aligns exactly with the printed wood image. This premium technique makes the floor look and feel like genuine wood. 

Every knot, groove and grain is rendered so realistically that it’s hard to tell it’s vinyl. The edges of each plank have a painted micro-bevel (a tiny V-groove that’s color-matched to the plank). This subtle bevel adds visual depth, mimicking a real wood joint, and hides any slight height differences between boards. Together, the EIR finish and micro-bevel give Peace River a very natural, upscale wood appearance compared to flat vinyl.

Floating Click-Lock Installation (Built-In Underlayment): 

Peace River uses a snap-together click-lock system, so it installs as a floating floor with no glue required. Each plank has a factory-attached underlayment, saving installers from buying extra padding. 

This built-in underlayment simplifies DIY installation (good for handy homeowners) and improves performance: it cushions the floor, reduces noise, and smooths out small subfloor imperfections. 

Reviewers note that Proximity’s LVP is “ready to install out of the box” with high sound insulation thanks to the attached pad. Overall, buyers get an easy, cost-saving installation process.

Indoor Air Quality & Eco-Friendly Certification: 

Peace River is certified FloorScore® and GREENGUARD Gold. These are leading indoor air quality (IAQ) standards that limit volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. In practice, this means the flooring is extremely low-VOC and safe for people (including children or allergy sufferers). 

Proximity Mills emphasizes that all its products meet the strictest IAQ criteria, so “you can have complete peace of mind” about air quality. In addition, this vinyl is 100% recyclable and free of heavy chemicals. Eco-conscious buyers will appreciate that Peace River achieves premium performance without compromising environmental or health standards.

Value & Comparison: 

The Proximity Mills Peace River Collection is a premium luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring option, priced at approximately $7.53 per square foot. This positions it at the higher end of Proximity Mills’ offerings, reflecting its superior specifications, including extra-long planks (9″ x 70.75″), a 22 mil wear layer, and an embossed-in-register (EIR) finish.

For comparison:

• Yukon River Collection: Features 7″ x 48″ planks with a 22 mil wear layer, priced around $5.53 per square foot. While it offers similar durability, the shorter plank length and different aesthetic may appeal to different preferences.
• Appalachian River Collection: Offers 7″ x 48″ planks with a 20 mil wear layer, available at approximately $5.09 per square foot. This collection provides a balance between cost and performance, suitable for value-conscious buyers.
• Lifeproof (Home Depot): A widely available option with 8.7″ x 48″ planks and a 22 mil wear layer, priced at about $3.28 per square foot. While more affordable, it may not match the premium features and aesthetics of the Peace River Collection. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the click-lock mechanism, citing concerns about durability and installation challenges.

In summary, while the Peace River Collection comes at a higher price point, its enhanced features and design elements offer long-term value for those seeking long-term quality and peace of mind.

Peace River Collection Designs

The Peace River Collection by Proximity Mills combines the resilience of SPC flooring with the elevated aesthetics of natural hardwood. Each design features rich wood textures, realistic grain detailing, and timeless color tones, making it easy to find the perfect match for your space. Whether you prefer light, airy neutrals or bold, sophisticated hues, this collection offers a style to suit every taste.

Arcadia

A warm, honey-toned oak look with subtle grain patterns, Arcadia brings a cozy and inviting ambiance to any space. Its natural hues and low color variation make it versatile for both traditional and contemporary interiors. 

Avon

Featuring a rich, medium-brown hue with intricate wood grain detailing, Avon exudes classic elegance. This timeless design pairs well with a variety of color palettes and decor styles. 

Bowling Green

A deep, espresso-toned finish that offers a bold and sophisticated look. Bowling Green’s dark shades and realistic texture add depth and luxury to formal living areas or offices. 

Placid

A light, neutral wood tone reminiscent of natural maple, Placid provides a clean and airy feel. Its subtle grain and low variation make it ideal for minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired spaces. 

Sebring

Showcasing a balanced blend of gray and chocolate tones, Sebring offers a modern twist on traditional wood flooring. Its versatile color palette complements both cool and warm interior schemes. 

Sylvan

Sylvan showcases a medium-toned wood aesthetic with subtle grain patterns, offering a harmonious blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance. The low color variation and realistic texture make it a versatile choice for various interior styles, from traditional to modern.

Ideal Use Cases and Buyer Fit

High-Traffic Homes & Commercial Use: 

With a 5/5 durability rating and a very thick wear layer, Peace River excels in busy environments. It’s well-suited for family rooms, entryways, or even retail/office use where foot traffic is heavy.

Pet Owners: 

scratch- and stain-resistant surface combined with a waterproof core makes this a great pick for pet-friendly households. Dogs and cats (even with long nails or occasional messes) are no problem – the floor endures claw marks and accidents without damage.

Wet Areas (Kitchens, Baths, Basements): 

Since it is 100% waterproof, Peace River is ideal in moisture-prone rooms. It can safely be installed under sinks, behind appliances, or on any level of the home without special sealing.

Large, Open Spaces: 

The extra-long 9′ planks look especially good in spacious rooms. Fewer seams and a continuous wood look enhance large living rooms or open-plan areas, creating a modern, seamless aesthetic.

DIY Installers: 

Because the planks float and have built-in padding, even beginners can tackle Peace River. A homeowner with basic skills can install it in a weekend (no glue or extra underlayment needed).

Health- and Eco-Conscious Buyers: 

Those concerned about indoor air will value the FloorScore/Greenguard certification. The flooring emits very low VOCs, making it safer for homes with children, seniors or chemically sensitive individuals.

Design-Focused Buyers: 

Anyone who loves the look of genuine wood but needs vinyl durability will appreciate the realistic EIR texture and micro-bevel details. The range of colors (low-variation wood tones) fits both rustic and contemporary decors while avoiding the maintenance of real wood.

In short, Peace River is a top-tier SPC vinyl plank aimed at discerning buyers: those who want the warmth and scale of hardwood with worry-free performance. Its feature set (waterproof SPC, 22 mil wear, EIR finish) makes it overkill for a casual spare bedroom but perfect for main living areas, pet-friendly homes, and light commercial spaces where longevity and low maintenance are priorities.