Even though NuCore and Lifeproof vinyl flooring are both budget-friendly, you will want to choose one. If, on the other hand, you want a longer warranty, less options to wade through and a softer feel underfoot, then LifeProof is the brand to go with. Covering a gap between the floor and the wall is not an easy task. A noise-reducing pad is attached to the underlayment made of HDPE plastic with this core. Why does it seem to have issues with warping? LifeProof has a wear layer of 6 while NuCore sits at 22. The replacements are pretty straightforward with these methods. So what makes NuCore cores Nu? So that left us with LifeProof. Durability and ease of cleaning are the top criteria for finalizing flooring for kitchen flooring. Or, if youre set on vinyl plank, go with a zero-VOC, recyclable brand like Proximity Mills. Lifetime warranty. To provide a moisture barrier, there is a layer of cork between the subfloor and plank. While the Mohawk Luxury Vinyl Plank was thinner than the SMARTCORE, it has a thicker wear layer, so I thought it was worth checking out. So, let us look into why one clashes superior to the other. The Lumber Liquidators website says the planks are also phthalate-safe. Antimicrobial. NuCore and LifeProof both have their uses and demerits. Some reviewers note that after moving furniture or cleaning their NuCore flooring, they noticed damaged planks. The noteworthy difference between Lifeproof and Coretec vinyl plank is the beveled edge. The planks look amazing and felt substantial. When it comes to features, beating the LifeProof flooring is kinda hard for NuCore. It's because Smartcore has specs. Maybe its just manufactured using an EIR (embossed-in-register) process rather than whatever process is used to create NuCore Textured? Floor & Decor updates their selection every so often too, so if you dont care for any current styles, you may find something in the future. When hopping for the planks, you will pay for the square foot. Lifeproof vinyl plank isn't bad, but the Smartcore is just better. And given everything weve seen and read, were not totally prepared to do that. NuCore isnt harmful. NuCore claims to be able to lay flat and stay solid with up to 6,400 feet of planks without transitions. LifeProof flooring reviews are filled with DIY damage. If you have a large space to lay, want an extra cushion while you walk and prefer a warmer floor, NuCore is worth looking into. OptiMax Eco Resilient Flooring. But: like we said earlier, there may be a reason to question this claim (more soon). These are some of the pros and cons you would like to know before purchasing NuCrore and Lifeproof vinyl flooring. For comparison, any wood flooring cost is going to be double that amount, easy. Yes! These stores will usually contract with a well-known manufacturer, and simply slap their label on a certain product line. NuCore Vinyl flooring has some basic qualities that draw the customers attention. But: these warranties have a huge downside that well get into in a second . However: as we said before, a thick wear layer doesnt always mean a good wear layer. Therefore, Lifeproof vinyl flooring is suitable for any temperature and weather condition. LifeProof is a Home Depot LVP line available in more than 20 different colors and styles. NuCore vinyl flooring is one of the cheapest vinyl floorings. Good luck on your search! Instead of Home Depot, though, NuCore is sold exclusively through Floor & Decor. With NuCore LVP, you dont have to worry about the cost to refinish hardwood flooring (or refinish bamboo flooring, if thats the look you go with). It is a popular range of flooring notable as an affordable option rather than . A Shaw Vinyl Plank Floor is one of the elegant floors that you can have. Well, yes and no. ft. (if you hire a contractor). Again, not a deal breaker, but something else Id have to do and something else Id have to factor in to my costs. Embossed-in-register, hand scraped, high-gloss, smooth, and textured are the options to choose from. If a plank is damaged, it isnt the end of the world. It can cause issues with soundproofing, insulation, and moisture control. It has a rigid core made of Stone Polymer Composite (SPC). The styles have a 20 mil or greater wear layer, which means that it should stay in tip-top shape even under heavy use, such as from the paws of pets or in commercial areas. LifeProof planks are constructed from three layers. The brand is considered mid-range, but offers a durability found in higher-end LVP brands. 1800sqft fell apart in less than 6 months, Your email address will not be published. In kitchens, the food can spill down and make a whole bunch of mess. Like LifeProof, NuCore is soft underfoot and easy to install. So, its likely that NuCores core consists of just vinyl. The three layer construction with PVC composite core means a lower cost with a top-tier durability. The bottom, or base layer is a padded underlayment made mostly of rubber and PVC foam composite. It will help us earn a small commission that pays for the aftercare of the website. 15-20% is safer. This is an odd issue for a product thats supposed to be good for sunrooms. Not all cleaners are created equal and some harsher chemicals can eventually remove the protective wear layer. NuCore vinyl flooring is one of the most budget-friendly brands in the market. How does LifeProof compare to other top-rated brands? Since NuCore planks have a larger tongue, they are easier to install. Moreover, when it comes to installation around door jambs and door casings. But the main difference is: NuCore is an affordable . **Please know that your particular preferences, situation, room, and handiness may differ from mine. The luxury vinyl plank flooring measures 4 inches wide by 36 inches long with a 4 mm or greater thickness. Even with wear layers and tear layers, it is not 100% scratch-resistant. Since were here to help you choose the right floor for you, we took a deep dive into NuCore flooring reviews, outlined the brands pros and cons, and compared it to some other big LVP brands like LifeProof and SmartCore to see how it stacks up. SMARTCORE is exclusively sold at Lowes and is marketed as their best vinyl plank. When you purchase the planking, you can expect an easy to install flooring that will hold up for many years. Also See: How to Choose the Best Rigid Core Floor? 3/8 Inch vs 1/2 Inch Engineered Hardwood Flooring. Im wondering if that means phthalate-free or is a tricky way of saying they have some but not much? Both flooring materials are very similar in terms of rigidity and waterproofness. NuCore LVP is developed to be completely waterproof, doesn't need transitions, and fights against allergens and bacteria. When compared to your average flooring, its width is quite large. Bye for now. Installation uses grip strips but is still a floating floor. The Smartcore, with all its additional features, is always better than the Lifeproof Vinyl plank flooring. The planks can expand and contract easily. For Lifeproof warranty service, you must go to the Home Depot store that sold you the floor covering material. If you are considering taking on the job yourself, lets look at what you will need to do. It also has 22 mm, but thats not found in all designs. Its stylish, durable, and made to last. Many types of common damage arent covered by the warranty either, including scratches and dents (despite claims that the product is resistant to both). It is very easy to clean NuCore vinyl floors, but there is always a sticky residue left after cleaning. The NuCore planks are a bit softer to walk on, and some report an almost giving, or squishy feeling that is welcomed to bare or socked feet. Interlocking systems make it easier for DIY installation. Christian is a freelance everything-writer, editor, & SEO guy. Lifeproof vinyl flooring comes with a very comprehensive residential warranty. However, should anything go wrong with the planks, discoloration, moisture barriers compromised, bowing or cracking, you can have the planks replaced under warranty. A miracle, right? NuCore flooring comes with a back layer that you can place directly atop your subflooring (learn what subflooring is here). NuCore average around $2.38 - $3.79 per square foot while SmartCore is between $2.89 - $3.69. I consideredSterling Oak,Ocala Oak, andChoice Oak. Well, LifeProof is all the protection you need. Decide your brands depending on your necessities. Domas LVP is also eco-friendly, as they only sell low-VOC or VOC-free products. As an addition, it has soundproof quality. Give Sometimes to Dry Alternatives ways to Fix the Gaps on Glued or Clicked-In Vinyl Flooring Use Epoxy Resin There are advantages and disadvantages to these floors, which I have outlined in my comparison of NuCore vs. Lifeproof. This is what one reviewer said: I redid my floors a year ago with this product. Shaw is in the same boat as CORETec (it actually owns CORETec). In addition, it helps to maintain durability. Many beginner DIY:ers are installing it themselves and are happy with the result. Still, it is better to be cautious than to replace. Like LifeProof, NuCore is soft underfoot and easy to install. As it sounds, NuCore High-Gloss simply ups the glossiness of the finish. While installing the long planks, it would be helpful to tap them every so often with the rubber mallet. Does anyone have a preference between the two or does it just come down to looks? To claim NuCores warranty service, you must contact your NuCore retailer within 30 days of discovering the defect. A precut design lets you fit these flooring with ease with minimum effort and wastage. I need to put some kitchen flooring in an I'm pretty set on vinyl plank. Below I compare the LVP to a few of the highest selling, best reviewed brands to find out. Is it truly waterproof?). (Note: I question this because its core layer is MDF. The planks arephthalate- and formaldehyde-free. In particular, they noticed that the seams had popped up. LifeProof, on the other hand, doesnt lower the warranty because you decide to install it yourself. Does NuCore offer the features youd expect from the best vinyl plank flooring brands? LifeProof planks have an innovative highly engineered closed-cell foamed PVC core (ISOCORE) that makes them very rigid. ft, you can save up to $500 by switching to NuCore. To be honest, NuCore offers a super thick 22-mil wear layer for any decorative usage. Household Advice is an independent website. NuCore is waterproof. It is an affordable flooring material sold exclusively by Floor & Decor. Therefore, if the subfloor is not in too bad condition, Lifeproof vinyl flooring can be installed. However: wear layers made of simple vinyl are not particularly durable, regardless of how thick that wear layer is. Keep in mind that were not talking about the cost to install vinyl plank flooring here. Both LifeProof and NuCore are 6.5mm thick. There are some really great higher end vinyl plank flooring brands that can cost upwards of over $5/sq ft. Mannington, Karndean, Congoleum, Cali Bamboo, and some of the brands I looked at have higher-end vinyl plank lines. If the LVP is properly maintained it can last over 15 years. Newtons products are cheaper, they have better cores (just check out the specs of their vinyl products) they have comparable wear layers, the list goes on. Like we said, most other LVP brands infuse their cores with other materials to make them more durable or comfortableeven floors in NuCores super-budget price range. I am Brian founder of HouzzTalks. LifeProof flooring, for example, is low-VOC-certified. Theres a pattern here and, well, the silence seems to be an answer. However, it also required a separate moisture barrier, and the salespeople were really pushing an insulated underlayment as well. Thickness ranges from 12-30 mils. Do you have any opinion on the matter? Moreover, NuCore Floorings are $1 cheaper per square foot than LifeProof. Having more wear layers between your topcoat and the decorative layer will extend the floors life. But when it comes to vinyl flooring, not all brands give the best sweet spot. This is the second part in my serie. ON SALE - UP TO 75% OFF. Is it as easy to install as magnetic flooring? NuCore is floating tongue and groove flooring. Yes. You will get a guaranteed finished product and not have to worry about cleaning up or damage. The LifeProof vinyl plank flooring is 100% waterproof. If youve been looking into different vinyl plank flooring brands, you probably know that a materials core construction plays a big role in its durability and quality. Well, here, the NuCore is clearly the winner. NuCore flooring gives you the appearance of hickoryin whatever finish you wantbut without the disadvantages of hickory flooring (like the price). And like it may just be the most durable option here. However, any comparison is incomplete without a real-time difference. Add this to the quickly-piling list of durability concerns. 2023 FlooringStores, Inc. All rights reserved. You can also check out more detailed posts on installing LifeProof luxury vinyl plank flooring and our review of LifeProof floors 1 year later. Coretec has fancy beveled edges, real texture, and graining to bring back the natural hardwood look. On the other hand, Lifeproof vinyl flooring is budget friendly. But the main difference is: NuCore is an affordable . And NuCore has an angle-and-tap locking system. Nora has more than 5 years experience in the floor covering industry, acquiring vast knowledge about installation and material selection. Because it's, well, healthier. This LVP range is designed for DIY installation and arrives with a PVC composite core, and wont need underlay. But if not, you should know: tile is cool now! That said, you can still find plenty of rigid core options at or around $4.00 per square foot (which can be half as much as normal wood flooring costs or less). What Kind of Core Does NuCore Flooring Actually Have? To make your choice easy, look in NuCore vs. Lifeproof vinyl flooring. But info on who actually makes NuCore flooring is pretty hard (read: impossible) to find on the internet. I also thought the planks felt very flimsy, much like the Mohawk planks. Most use an easy click-lock floating method and only require a few tools. First I want to cover why were going with vinyl plank floor for our basement. Colorthe perfect gray-brown to tie in our existing coffee-colored flooring without looking like we were trying to match. The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem at first. One of the most cost-efficient Vinyl planks in the market. Also, surprisingly, the Lifeproof resists scratching the best compared to NuCore, making Lifeproof an ideal flooring to install in halls. Slip and scratch protection for elders and kids. The starting price is $2.59. Learn more. For this reason, all LifeProof products have a stain proof feature that can block all stains. NuCore is an affordable flooring material that is easy to install and looks gorgeous when installed in a home. Exclusive retailer. The installer came today for a measuring and estimate and also spoke highly of Aquaguard (from Floor & Decor) since its thicker and also water resistant. So if this vinyl plank isnt actually scratch-resistant well, thats a big problem. The more you snap together, the heavier it becomes, which helps to keep it in place. Typically, you can expect to pay an average of $3 per square foot for LifeProof flooring. The brand offers features which you might find attractive. Step 1: Clean the Floor Step 2: Mask the Edges of Vinyl Planks Step 3: Add Some Caulking in the Gaps Step 4: Remove the masking tape Step 5: It's Done. Whoever makes NuCore is keeping it on the DL. Easy: a floating floor (also known as click-together flooring) is snapped together via tight-fitting grooves in each plankmeaning its held down by gravity and friction instead of by nails or glue (so it floats on the subfloor). Have a good day. Now that we know all about NuCores basics, lets talk about its specific advantages. 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