SmartCore Rustic Hickory Vinyl Plank Flooring
Our SmartCore Rustic Hickory flooring brings the warm, weathered character of reclaimed hickory into your home without the maintenance demands of solid hardwood. This waterproof luxury vinyl plank features authentic hand-scraped texture and natural color variation that captures the rustic beauty of aged hickory barn wood.
Designed for everyday life, each plank includes pre-attached SoundBarrier™ underlayment to reduce sound transmission and provide cushioned comfort underfoot. The precision click-lock system allows DIY installation over most existing floors, while the 100% waterproof construction makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and high-traffic areas where traditional hardwood wouldn't survive.
The extra-thick wear layer resists scratches, stains, and dents from pets, furniture, and daily foot traffic. We've engineered this collection to deliver the timeless appeal of rustic hickory with the durability and easy maintenance modern families need.
- 100% waterproof core protects against spills, splashes, and moisture
- Pre-attached SoundBarrier™ underlayment for acoustic comfort
- Hand-scraped texture with authentic hickory grain patterns
- 20-mil wear layer for superior scratch and stain resistance
- Click-lock installation—no glue or nails required
Authentic Rustic Hickory Construction
Every SmartCore rustic hickory flooring plank begins with a rigid composite core that combines limestone and polymer for dimensional stability. This engineered core won’t expand or contract with temperature changes the way solid wood does, which means your floor maintains consistent gaps and stays flat even in climate-controlled environments.
The photographic layer captures the natural color variation found in reclaimed hickory—from golden honey tones to deeper chestnut browns with charcoal knots. We apply a registered embossing process that aligns the texture precisely with the printed grain, so when you run your hand across the surface, the grooves match the visual wood pattern exactly.
Installation Over Existing Floors
Subfloor Compatibility
The click-lock design allows you to install SmartCore Rustic Hickory directly over ceramic tile, existing vinyl, concrete, and most solid flooring types without removal. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level within 3/16″ over 10 feet. Minor imperfections transfer through vinyl, so we recommend filling cracks and grinding high spots before installation.
You can begin installation immediately—no acclimation period required. The planks lock together at an angle with gentle downward pressure, creating a floating floor that moves as one cohesive unit. This flexibility makes it ideal for basement installations where seasonal moisture levels fluctuate.
Waterproof Performance and Care
Unlike the natural hardwood options that require careful moisture management, the 100% waterproof construction of SmartCore Rustic Hickory handles standing water without warping, cupping, or staining. We’ve tested these planks under 48-hour water exposure with zero penetration to the core—making them suitable for full bathrooms, laundry rooms, and mudrooms.
The sealed surface prevents liquids from seeping into seams or edges. Pet accidents, spilled drinks, and tracked-in rain wipe away without leaving residue or water marks. This waterproof protection extends to the underlayment layer, which acts as an additional moisture barrier over concrete slabs prone to hydrostatic pressure.
More Natural Hardwood-Look Vinyl Planks
What people are saying
Common Questions About Rustic Hickory Flooring
Yes, the 100% waterproof construction makes SmartCore Rustic Hickory suitable for full bathrooms including around tubs, showers, and toilets. The sealed edges prevent moisture from penetrating the core or underlayment. Use 100% silicone caulk where the floor meets fixtures and vanities to create a water-tight seal. The surface won't warp or stain from standing water, making it more reliable than traditional hardwood or laminate in high-humidity environments.
The hand-scraped embossing creates subtle valleys and ridges that match the visual grain pattern, giving it a textured feel similar to wire-brushed hardwood. The pre-attached underlayment adds cushioning, so the floor feels softer and quieter than vinyl installed directly over concrete or tile. Most people describe it as comfortable for barefoot walking with just enough texture to feel authentic without being rough or uneven.
SmartCore Rustic Hickory uses a waterproof vinyl core while laminate has a wood-fiber core that swells when exposed to moisture. Our flooring can handle standing water, pet accidents, and wet mopping without damage, whereas laminate requires immediate cleanup of spills. The pre-attached underlayment in SmartCore is permanently bonded, while laminate typically requires a separate underlayment roll. Both use click-lock installation, but vinyl offers superior moisture protection and durability.
No, SmartCore Rustic Hickory does not require acclimation because the rigid core doesn't expand or contract with temperature and humidity changes the way wood-based products do. You can install planks immediately after delivery. The subfloor must be between 50-100°F during installation, and the space should maintain those temperatures for 48 hours before and after installation, but the planks themselves don't need to sit in the room beforehand.
Yes, you can install directly over ceramic tile as long as the surface is level, clean, and all tiles are firmly adhered. Fill deep grout lines wider than 1/8 inch with floor patch compound to prevent the vinyl from telegraphing the grout pattern over time. Grind down any cracked or raised tiles, and ensure the overall floor is level within 3/16 inch over 10 feet. The click-lock system creates a floating floor that moves independently from the tile underneath.
Individual plank replacement requires disassembling the floor from the nearest wall to the damaged piece, since the click-lock system only allows planks to separate by lifting at an angle. For small surface damage like minor scratches or scuffs, use a vinyl floor repair kit with color-matched filler. For significant damage, we recommend keeping spare planks from installation for future repairs. Alternatively, a flooring professional can cut out and replace a single plank using specialized tools without disassembling the entire floor.
Use pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaners or a simple solution of warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, bleach, abrasive scrubbers, and wax products that can dull the finish or leave residue. Never use a steam mop, as excessive heat can soften the adhesive layer over time. For tough stains like marker or crayon, use isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth. The wear layer resists most household chemicals, but always wipe up spills promptly to maintain the finish.