NuCore Performance Waterproof Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank Review (2026)
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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- Budget
- Waterproof
- Basements
- Bathrooms
- Diy
A value waterproof rigid-core plank whose Performance line pairs a 20-22 mil wear layer with an SPC core at ~$2.99/sq ft, plus a cork pad and antimicrobial coat for damp basements. It's a Floor & Decor exclusive and quality varies widely across NuCore sub-lines, so read the spec sheet; cheaper non-Performance tiers scratch faster.
Pros
- Strong value: the Performance line pairs a 20-22 mil wear layer with a waterproof core at roughly $2.99/sq ft
- Attached natural cork pad and antimicrobial top coat suit damp basements and bathrooms
- Wide, DIY-friendly click planks install directly over many existing hard floors
Cons
- Floor & Decor exclusive, and quality varies widely across NuCore sub-lines (5.5-8 mm cores and different wear layers), so you must read the spec sheet
- Thicker rigid planks are heavier and a bit awkward to handle and cut solo
- Cheaper NuCore (non-Performance) tiers use thinner wear layers that scratch faster - the entry price can be misleading
Specifications
| Type | Rigid core LVP (SPC) |
|---|---|
| Wear Layer | 20-22 mil (Performance line) |
| Thickness | 6.5-8 mm |
| Waterproof | Yes / 100% |
| Install | Click-lock floating (attached cork pad) |
| Warranty | Lifetime residential |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is NuCore Performance actually waterproof?
- Yes. It is a rigid SPC core rated 100% waterproof, with an attached natural cork pad and an antimicrobial top coat, which is why it gets specified for damp basements and bathrooms. That rating is for the plank itself, so it does not excuse a wet subfloor underneath.
- Is NuCore good flooring, or does quality vary?
- It varies a lot, and that is the single most important thing to know before buying. Quality spans several NuCore sub-lines with 5.5-8 mm cores and different wear layers. The Performance line pairs a 20-22 mil wear layer with the waterproof core at about $2.99/sq ft, while cheaper non-Performance tiers use thinner wear layers that scratch faster. Read the spec sheet on the actual SKU rather than trusting the brand name.
- Where can you buy NuCore flooring?
- It is a Floor & Decor exclusive, so you cannot price-shop it across retailers the way you can with national brands. That also means availability depends on your local warehouse.
- Can NuCore be installed over an existing floor?
- In many cases yes. It is a wide, DIY-friendly click-lock floating plank that installs directly over many existing hard floors. The trade-off is handling: thicker rigid planks are heavy and a bit awkward to cut and place if you are working alone.