NuCore Performance Waterproof Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank Review (2026)
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
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- Budget
- Waterproof
- Basements
- Bathrooms
- Diy
A budget-leaning waterproof rigid-core plank that punches above its price on the Performance line, but demands you verify the exact spec before buying.
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 |