So: is NuCore waterproof flooring worth purchasing? NuCore is waterproof. Since NuCore planks have a larger tongue, they are easier to install. When you install LifeProof in your home, it comes with a lifetime warranty. The luxury vinyl plank is revolutionary in its construction, and the result is a rigid plank that is waterproof and soft to walk on. The two highest-selling sizes are 6 mm and 12 mm. NuCore states that if a product is damaged, stained, or discolored, NuCore will, at its sole discretion, replace the affected area of the floor. Whats the wear layer made of? Durability. While there isnt a way to repair the plank, you can replace them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Katie Green was born in Montreal, Quebec. I consideredCottage OakandHuntington Oak, ultimately favoring Cottage Oak because it had a bit more gray in it. Were not sure. Unlike a lot of the other vinyl planks, these require a 48-hour acclimation time, I assume before installation. Highly durable. However, you can accomplish the task with pliers and a razor knife if you dont have one of those saws. Before we dive into the texture options, though, its important to highlight that NuCore Performance is only offered in the Textured and EIR finishes. That being said, if your Allure flooring is still under warranty, Home Depot will honor it. NuCore waterproof flooring generally ranges between $2.50 and $3.80/sq. Ocala and Choice ended up being way too light and dark, respectively. Moreover, choosing durable and stylish flooring for your home is always a wise decision. Both the brands score a 100/100 in this feature. This works as a resistance shield against scratches and strains. So what is Techtanium Plus? Once the floor was laid, we added base cap molding around the edges where the floor meets the baseboard. Additionally, the warranty only applies to the original buyer and wont cover labor costs. It's only my fiance, our small dog and myself and we don't plan on living here more than 5 or so years. 6 years ago. You will get a guaranteed finished product and not have to worry about cleaning up or damage. How to Move Your Fridge without Scratching the Floor? Installing new flooring for your home or any using space can be tricky. So what makes NuCore cores Nu? However, I had some trouble finding the perfect color. Covering a gap between the floor and the wall is not an easy task. Allure is the name given the flooring before it was changed to LifeProof. However, the construction does not include formaldehyde or phthalates which is found in some other brands. For residential flooring, both companies offer a limited lifetime warranty. Method vs Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent, 5 Safety Tips To Remember When Moving Out, Why Hire An Electrician Hartford CT For Your Home Remodel. ft., which is below average for quality LVP. I asked friends at work and grilled flooring store employees (nicely) about the pros and cons of each option. NuCore is another exclusive LVP. And while it seems odd to us that a product called NuCore would have a generic core, were not here to judgewere here to review! LVP is relatively simple to install, if you have any DIY experience at all. With more qualities, it goes higher. Like, hipster-fabulous, Brooklyn-bound, ultra-chic cool. Moreover, choosing durable and stylish flooring for your home is always a wise decision. For one, its one of the very few LVP options thats recyclable. , Photographing Interiors and Products Part 8: Adobe Lightroom Workflow, Copyright by Brittany Goldwyn, 2015-2022 | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, DIY or Hire Out: Lessons from the Staircase, Cost. NuCore flooring reviews often mention that the seams of this product can pop up under certain conditions, rendering the floor not waterproof. . However, any comparison is incomplete without a real-time difference. LifeProofs commercial warranty isnt very robust. They tend to hold on to their qualities and satisfy the customers. Shaw is in the same boat as CORETec (it actually owns CORETec). And obviously, thats not good for a vinyl plank floor. Now that we know all about NuCores basics, lets talk about its specific advantages. And about how Floor & Decor offers zero info on what their wear layers are made of? Final Thoughts We feel COREtec luxury vinyl flooring is the winner in more areas than the other brands and your best option overall when quality and style is a concern. It has a rigid core feature and claims to be 100% waterproof. Not many brands make this claim. The top layer is made from stains and textures to give the plank the natural wood or stone finish it is famous for. Lifeproof Vinyl flooring is known for its easy installation. Again, not a deal breaker, but something else Id have to do and something else Id have to factor in to my costs. There are only 20 colors and styles to choose from. Also See: How to Choose the Best Rigid Core Floor? These are some of the pros and cons you would like to know before purchasing NuCrore and Lifeproof vinyl flooring. But like some of the others, I thought they were too flimsy for my needs. Im wondering if that means phthalate-free or is a tricky way of saying they have some but not much? This doesnt cover gouges and damage caused by misuse (pet claws, dropping things sliding furniture, etc.). Turns out, anything above a thickness level of 12 mils will provide the best rough use durability. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'houzztalks_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_24',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-houzztalks_com-medrectangle-3-0');There are advantages and disadvantages to these floors, which I have outlined in my comparison of NuCore vs. Lifeproof. You will also find that both brands are 100% waterproof across their entire line . And to be honest, NuCore waterproof flooring doesnt seem to do much to break out of that pattern. LifeProof Flooring Is Certified Low-VOC Low-VOC flooring, or flooring with a smaller concentration of volatile organic compounds, is becoming more popular than ever. Interlocking systems make it easier for DIY installation. I looked at all of them, but most were out of my price range. The content on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Buckle up and get ready to take some notes! Embossed-in-register, hand scraped, high-gloss, smooth, and textured are the options to choose from. NuCore vs LifeProof. In the flooring world, thats super inexpensive. I was really impressed by how realistic the samples looked and how substantial the planks felt, especially with the attached pad. It's because Smartcore has specs. I need to put some kitchen flooring in an I'm pretty set on vinyl plank. OptiMax Eco Resilient Flooring. This only applies to some products, but a few NuCore flooring reviews point out that it can be extremely hard to clean in between planks. In this section I will cover some of the most common questions about LifeProof LVP flooring. Your call for what youre looking for, but both are great. But if not, you should know: tile is cool now! Proximity Mills is the newest LVP option on this list and arguably the most intriguing. NuCore average around $2.38 - $3.79 per square foot while SmartCore is between $2.89 - $3.69. So how does it compare to NuCore? When installing flooring of any type it is important to decide if you want to attempt the install yourself, or hire a professional. Besides being affordable, it is easy to clean and has waterproof technology. Additionally, its innovative technology makes Lifeproof vinyl flooring impervious to stains and scratches. The store associate also said I neededan additional underlaymentno biggie, but adds to the cost calculations. That said, it seems to be an okay vinyl plank floor for the (very low) price. NuCore Vinyl flooring Is quite user-friendly. First and foremost: NuCore flooring reviews often mention that the floor is actually super easy to scratch and dent. It has a waterproof feature and an easy to install guideline. However, if you want something more permanent, something that will last for many years, and want to invest in something that will improve the look of your home, then you should consider the Lifeproof. So: is NuCore Performance actually any different from regular NuCore? I had a lovely experience at my local Lumber Liquidators, where I was able to see larger samples of the floors and chat with the store associate about the differences. )Continue, Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain its attractive appearance, and thus many homes are installing it. LifeProof has quite a few standout features that make it a top choice for many flooring DIYers and professionals, alike. So the fact that theres no actual information on Techtanium Plus isnt a great sign. So, Nucore is offering cheaper floor tiles than Optimax. All of that to say: there is one big issue here with the NuCore waterproof flooring designation. The top layer (known as the wear layer) also consists of ceramic beads to prolong the wear of the planks. Its half the price of the engineered hardwoods we thought about trying to match. But for how long? If youre looking for performance LVP on a budget, its the one wed suggest. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carolyn Riss gained plenty of experience in the housekeeping field. With frequent changes in style, finding a matching replacement can be difficult. A: NuCore is a floating tongue and groove installation. The colors looked lovely online, and the reviews were great. NuCore vinyl flooring offers durability with scratch and stain resistance up to some extent. And given that Floor & Decor doesnt offer any information on who actually manufactures NuCore flooring or whats in its core or wear layers well, you do the math. Why does it seem to have issues with warping? Both LifeProof and NuCore are 6.5mm thick. While I hope you found this post helpful and can use it to help guide your search, definitely ask store associates and read a variety of reviews to ensure you make the best decision for your home. They will also answer your questions. (Note: I question this because its core layer is MDF. Not many brands can offer that. It is also worth noting that both the top and bottom layers are treated with an antimicrobial coating that helps prevent moisture build up and resists stains, mold and mildew. Showrooms stress me out. Thanks to the drop and lock install method, removing a plank is made easier. I'm not sure how much that matters. And remember that NuCore Performance occupies the higher end of that range. I also didnt like that a separate moisture barrier was required, and the store was also selling an insulated underlayment; these things would push me up over my $3/sq ft budget. And while NuCore is a relatively low-VOC vinyl flooring option, it cant be recycled. And Thats Not a Good Sign. The gentleman at Lowes said this is the best option to hide very minor imperfections in subflooring. It is a vinyl plank flooring manufactured by Halstead New England Industries exclusively for Home Depot. Moreover, choosing durable and stylish flooring for your home is always a wise decision. Scroll down to see how LifeProof looks 2 years after installation. How does NuCore flooring stack up against other brands? Our Pergo Extreme reviews explain why this LVP option is tough to beat, at least when compared to NuCore. Ease of Installation. Is NuCore flooring good compared to top brands like CORETec? The backing layer is also made of cork, so its quiet and has a tiny amount of give that reduces impact force. Sidenote: if you have a concrete subfloor and want an easy-to-clean, crazy-durable floor, think about concrete flooring that looks like wood! But LifeProof resists any type of slipping, even while running to and fro. 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