NuCore Paloma Herringbone Luxury Vinyl Plank
Our Paloma Herringbone flooring combines the timeless elegance of European chevron patterning with 100% waterproof construction engineered for real-world performance. Each plank features embossed-in-register oak grain texture that follows the wood's natural contours, creating a tactile surface you'll notice underfoot.
The 12 mil wear layer protects high-traffic areas from scratches, scuffs, and daily wear while the attached foam underlayment reduces sound transmission and provides comfortable cushioning. We designed Paloma with a warm gray wash finish that complements both modern minimalist and classic transitional interiors, making it versatile enough for living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and commercial spaces rated for light foot traffic.
Installation is DIY-friendly thanks to the rigid core construction and precision click-lock edges that create a floating floor system over most existing subfloors. The waterproof core means you can install Paloma in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements without worrying about moisture damage or mold growth.
Construction & performance specs
Construction & Waterproof Technology
NuCore Paloma Herringbone uses stone-polymer composite core technology that fuses limestone powder with stabilizing polymers to create a rigid, dimensionally stable plank. This SPC construction makes the floor 100% waterproof through the entire thickness, not just surface-coated like some laminate products.
The 12 mil wear layer is a clear aluminum oxide-enhanced urethane finish that ranks among the thickest in the luxury vinyl plank category for residential applications. We apply this protective coating after the embossing process, so the texture remains crisp while gaining scratch resistance equivalent to commercial-grade flooring.
Installation Requirements & Subfloor Prep
Subfloor Compatibility
Paloma Herringbone installs as a floating floor over concrete slabs, plywood, OSB, existing vinyl, ceramic tile, and terrazzo. The subfloor must be flat within 3/16 inch over a 10-foot span and structurally sound with no excessive deflection. We recommend removing carpet and padding before installation, though you can install over single-layer sheet vinyl if it’s fully adhered.
Acclimation & Site Conditions
Store unopened cartons in the installation room for 48 hours before beginning work, maintaining temperatures between 65-85°F. The rigid core construction is less sensitive to temperature fluctuation than WPC (wood-plastic composite) planks, but proper acclimation ensures the click-lock system engages smoothly during assembly.
Maintenance & Long-Term Care
Daily maintenance involves sweeping or vacuuming with a hard-floor attachment to remove grit that can dull the wear layer over time. For wet cleaning, use a damp microfiber mop with pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner—avoid oil-based soaps, wax products, and steam mops that can leave residue or compromise the click-lock joints.
The embossed texture on NuCore Paloma Herringbone naturally hides minor scratches and surface wear better than smooth gloss finishes. For deeper scratches that penetrate the wear layer, use a color-matched vinyl repair compound available from flooring retailers.
More herringbone and chevron patterns in our waterproof collection
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Common questions about Paloma Herringbone installation and care
Yes, the 100% waterproof SPC core construction makes Paloma Herringbone suitable for full bathrooms, laundry rooms, and below-grade basements. The rigid core won't swell, warp, or support mold growth when exposed to moisture.
For basement installations over concrete, ensure the slab is cured and free of active moisture issues. You can install directly over concrete without a separate vapor barrier because the vinyl planks themselves act as a moisture barrier.
Herringbone requires more planning and generates about 15-20% more waste due to angled cuts at walls and transitions. You'll need to establish a centerline and work outward to keep the pattern symmetrical.
The click-lock system works the same as straight-lay NuCore products, so the physical assembly is equally easy—you're just approaching it at 45-degree angles. First-time installers should budget an extra day compared to straight plank installations for the same square footage.
Paloma Herringbone measures 6.5mm total thickness with a 12 mil wear layer. The wear layer is the clear protective coating on top that resists scratches, stains, and UV fading.
This 12 mil rating qualifies as commercial-grade for light traffic applications like offices and retail fitting rooms, making it more than adequate for the heaviest residential use in kitchens, entryways, and hallways.
Removing baseboards makes installation cleaner and allows you to tuck the flooring edge underneath for a finished look. If you leave baseboards in place, you'll need to undercut them with a jamb saw so planks slide beneath, or cover the expansion gap with quarter-round or shoe molding.
The required 1/4 inch expansion gap around the room perimeter must be maintained either way. Most installers find it faster to remove and reinstall baseboards rather than cutting and fitting trim pieces after the floor is down.
Yes, NuCore Paloma Herringbone is compatible with radiant heating systems as long as the surface temperature doesn't exceed 85°F. The rigid SPC core handles temperature fluctuation better than WPC products that contain wood flour.
Turn off the heating system 48 hours before installation and leave it off until installation is complete. Gradually increase temperature over several days after installation rather than cranking it to maximum immediately.
Sweep or vacuum daily to remove grit from the embossed grain texture, then damp mop weekly with pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner diluted per label instructions. The texture actually helps hide minor scratches and scuffs better than smooth finishes.
Avoid steam mops, oil soaps, and wax products—these leave residue that dulls the finish and can accumulate in the embossed grain. For stubborn dirt in textured areas, use a soft-bristle brush with your vinyl cleaner and wipe dry immediately.
NuCore backs Paloma Herringbone with a lifetime residential warranty covering wear-through of the wear layer, staining, and fading. The warranty also includes protection against manufacturing defects like delamination or click-lock failure.
Commercial installations receive a 10-year light traffic warranty. The waterproof core is warrantied against water damage for the life of the floor in residential settings. Warranty claims require proof of purchase and proper installation according to manufacturer guidelines.