NuCore Vinyl Plank Flooring: Is It Worth The Premium Cost?

Kenneth Wilson

With so many luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring options in the market today, how do you pick the best one for your next flooring project?

We're here to simplify the selection process by narrowing down your choices. In particular, let's cast the spotlight on the NuCore Flooring brand, a luxury product line sold exclusively by Floor & Decor.

Many homeowners continue to wonder, is NuCore vinyl plank flooring any good? Is it worth the premium price tag?

Let's take a deep dive into NuCore's features, pros and cons, and reviews to see if it is a perfect fit for you.

What is NuCore Vinyl Plank Flooring?


This luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is exclusively available at Floor & Decor, a company founded in 2000 by the former executive of The Home Depot.

With that said, the brand continues to impress homeowners and professionals with innovative flooring finishes and types– as seen in the growing line of NuCore flooring products. Their exclusive premium flooring offerings set it apart from dozens of competitors in the market.

NuCore Vinyl Plank Flooring, in particular, is known for its aesthetically pleasing attributes. It also incorporates antimicrobial properties in the flooring, which keeps your home clean and safe from any harmful bacteria, fungus, or viruses.

As NuCore LVP material is both visually appealing and effective, it's no surprise that more homeowners are considering this choice for their flooring projects.

NuCore Vinyl Flooring Costs


Simply put, these luxury vinyl planks also come at a premium price. NuCore vinyl flooring planks start from $2.50 to $4 per square foot. The total price will depend on your chosen style, with the high-quality textured wood finish costing you the most.

Nonetheless, this brand gives you value for your money. These are usually available in cartons enough to cover 19 to 30 feet of flooring.

Before you make any purchase, secure some samples first (at $3 each, including the shipping fee). Doing so assures you of the quality of your new luxury vinyl plank floors.

Why Should You Choose NuCore Vinyl Plank Flooring?


The NuCore brand has a lot to offer. Let's discuss the several reasons why homeowners prefer NuCore luxury vinyl plank flooring.

For one, it gives a beautiful, genuine hardwood floor finish after installation. Thanks to the cork underlayment, it's also more comfortable to walk on as it muffles any creaking sounds. The brand also boasts a 22 mil wear layer – providing you the durability and scratch/stain resistance you are looking for in your new floors.

It's an excellent option for light-traffic areas in the home, where there's not much heavy furniture around. The easy installation also makes this option a worthy consideration for your next residential flooring project.

Pros:

  • Easy, hassle-free installation. Opting for a DIY install doesn't void the brand's lifetime warranty.
  • Resembles beautiful hardwood and natural stone floors.
  • It can be bought online for your convenience. Floor & Decor also has 100+ retail stores across the country.
  • Lifetime residential warranty on their LVP flooring products. Although, terms vary depending on the collection.
  • These floors have low maintenance needed. You can keep them in their prime by simply sweeping or mopping.
  • No need for transitional molding (unlike other major brands in the market).
  • The entire NuCore collection is 100% waterproof. Each plank is built with a waterproof wear layer and a durable SPC (stone plastic core) waterproof middle layer.
  • The cork underlayment of each plank absorbs excess sound, and it feels softer on foot.
  • You can choose from over 100 designs featuring different colors and sizes. The brand offers more creative options compared to other leading LVP brands.
  • Choose from two main NuCore lines, the standard one, and the NuCore Performance. The latter is more expensive, but the products are reinforced with "Techtanium Plus," a wear layer that improves its natural resistance to dents and scratches.

Despite all the excellent features, NuCore LVP is vulnerable to scratches and stains, according to some of its long-time customers.

This flooring option also has a notably frequent dirt build-up in the grooves between the flooring planks. It makes cleaning your floors become quite a challenge in the long run.

Cons:

  • Despite its popular wear layer, the vinyl plank floors are reported to dent or scratch easily.
  • The grooves in-between the planks may accumulate dirt, which can become a challenge in your usual cleaning process.
  • Floors may lose their sheen over time.
  • NuCore's LVP flooring styles often change. You may face difficulty in finding exact replacement planks after several years.
  • The Techtanium, the additional wear layer protection, is only found in the Premium line.
  • Exclusively sold through Floor & Decor stores.
  • You can only check their available vinyl planks through one website.

NuCore Vinyl Planks Collections


Today, NuCore vinyl planks are available in five different collections with two options for its finishing. It gives homeowners lots of choices when picking a new LVP flooring for their houses.

Here are five lines you can expect to find in your local Floor and Decor store.

  1. 1
    NuCore Textured
  2. 2
    NuCore EIR
  3. 3
    NuCore Handscraped
  4. 4
    NuCore High Gloss
  5. 5
    NuCore Smooth

Remember, these lines have different prices and warranty conditions, so it's best to do your research before buying one from a particular collection.

Warranty


According to their official website, NuCore vinyl planks also have good warranty conditions. If anything, this is an excellent selling point among their long-time customers and home improvement enthusiasts.

As previously mentioned, the warranty will vary depending on the collection. It covers the following factors:

  • The new LVP flooring will pose no health risk or ill-effects to your well-being.
  • Lifetime residential warranty and a 15-year commercial warranty.
  • Unfaded planks if shielded or protected from consistent exposure to sunlight.
  • Not susceptible to wear or tear.
  • There will be no visible stains if you give it a cleaning immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


How long do vinyl floors last?

NuCore LVP comes with a lifetime warranty. It covers the everyday wear and tear, cracking or peeling of wear layers, and non-emergency water damage situations as long as the floor is installed and under your ownership. Generally, expect around 20 years for the majority of LVP to hold up and look good as new, given that you maintain and clean the planks regularly.

Does NuCore flooring scratch and dent rather easily?

No, it is the type of flooring with one of the best scratch-resistant ratings. Most styles consist of a 22 mils wear layer that will allow it to stay in tip-top shape despite the heavy use, such as in commercial areas or your pet's paws. However, scratch-resistant does not make it scratch-proof; sharp and heavy objects may still scratch or leave a mark when they come in contact with your floor.

Is NuCore luxury a vinyl?

Internet images of NuCore may confuse you that it is a hardwood floor line. However,  it is a line of vinyl floor planks designed to imitate the feel and look of hardwood floors with only a fraction of the cost.

Final Thoughts


If you're looking for a solid vinyl flooring choice, NuCore vinyl is an excellent option to consider. It features a lifetime residential warranty, easy installation, and cork underlayments.

Perhaps the only thing you'll struggle with is choosing among the 100 available colors and styles of NuCore LVP material. (Related: EVP and LVP: Why Vinyl Plank is Right for Your Project?)

Kenneth Wilson
December 8, 2021
Flooring, Reviews

Kenneth Wilson

Retired contractor. Currently residing in Southwest Florida. Now in semi-retirement, I write and manage this blog focused on helping home owners make savvy decisions when it comes to finding contractors and getting their projects done. I also operate remodeling design service for homeowners.

Ask The Author Your Question In The Comments!


{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

More From This Author


9 of the Best Ring Security Cameras: Home Security 101
Where You Should Place Security Cameras Around Your Home: Best Locations
How Long Do SimpliSafe Camera Batteries Last?
SimpliSafe vs. Ring: Which Home Security System is Best Suited for Your Needs?
The Best Plug-in Outdoor Security Lights to Keep Your Home Safe
Everything You Need to Know About Residential Laser Grid Security Systems
>