NuCore Cocoa Oak Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank
NuCore Cocoa Oak delivers the rich, medium-brown character of natural oak in a 100% waterproof rigid core plank. This 6.5mm luxury vinyl flooring features a pre-attached 1mm IXPE foam underlayment for sound dampening and comfort underfoot, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where moisture is a concern.
What makes Cocoa Oak stand out
Construction & waterproof core technology
NuCore Cocoa Oak is built on a stone-plastic composite (SPC) rigid core that locks moisture out at every layer. Unlike traditional laminate or engineered hardwood, the SPC construction will not swell, warp, or delaminate when exposed to standing water, making it a true waterproof solution for wet areas.
Installation method & subfloor compatibility
The Uniclic click-lock edge system lets you install NuCore Cocoa Oak as a floating floor without adhesive, staples, or nails. Planks snap together at a low angle and lock into place with light pressure, so most DIYers can complete a 200-square-foot room in a single afternoon with basic tools — a utility knife, speed square, and tapping block.
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Common questions about NuCore Cocoa Oak
Yes, the 100% waterproof SPC core makes Cocoa Oak safe for full bathrooms including walk-in showers and around tubs. Water will not penetrate the planks or cause swelling. Just ensure the subfloor is dry before installation and leave the required 1/4-inch expansion gap along walls. Seal the expansion gap with 100% silicone caulk in wet areas to prevent water from running underneath the floor during cleaning.
Cocoa Oak replicates the look of natural oak with photographic grain and embossing, but it outperforms solid hardwood in moisture resistance, dent resistance, and maintenance. Real oak requires refinishing every 7 to 10 years and can warp in humid basements or near water sources. NuCore is 100% waterproof, never needs refinishing, and resists scratches from pets and furniture better than most hardwoods. The tradeoff is that you cannot sand and restain luxury vinyl the way you can with solid wood.
Removing baseboards is the cleanest approach because it lets you tuck the plank edges under the trim and hide the expansion gap without adding quarter-round. If you prefer to leave baseboards in place, you can install the planks up to the wall and cover the 1/4-inch gap with vinyl quarter-round or shoe molding in a matching finish. Either method works as long as you maintain the required expansion space around the perimeter.
The rigid SPC core resists denting far better than flexible vinyl or laminate, but extremely heavy appliances concentrated on small feet can still leave impressions over time. Place furniture coasters or plywood pads under refrigerators, washers, and other heavy items to distribute the weight. Avoid dragging appliances across the floor during cleaning or remodeling; lift and carry or slide them on cardboard to prevent surface scratches.
Yes, NuCore rigid core planks are compatible with low-temperature radiant heat systems as long as the surface temperature does not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the system off 48 hours before installation to let the subfloor cool, and gradually increase the temperature by 5 degrees per day after installation until you reach your desired setting. Rapid temperature swings can cause expansion or contraction, so avoid cranking the heat up all at once.
Each carton contains approximately 19.8 square feet of flooring, which translates to nine planks at 7.25 inches by 48 inches each. Plan for 5 to 10 percent extra material to cover cuts, waste, and future repairs. Measure your room’s length and width, multiply to get total square footage, and divide by 19.8 to estimate the number of cartons needed.
The IXPE foam underlayment provides cushioning and sound dampening, but it is not a vapor barrier. On concrete slabs that show moisture through a plastic-sheet test or calcium-chloride reading above 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet per 24 hours, lay a 6-mil polyethylene sheet with overlapped seams before installing Cocoa Oak. This extra step prevents long-term moisture transmission that could affect indoor air quality or subfloor materials even though the planks themselves are waterproof.