COREtec Floors — Waterproof WPC & SPC Vinyl Plank Flooring

COREtec, part of Shaw Industries, pioneered the rigid-core waterproof vinyl plank category. Kapriz carries the full COREtec range in two lines: COREtec Originals — the WPC (wood-plastic composite) line, warmer and quieter underfoot with a pre-attached cork pad — and COREtec Pro — the SPC (stone-polymer composite) line, built on a denser, harder, more dent-resistant core in a slimmer profile. Every plank is 100% waterproof against topical moisture and GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions. In all, 232 colors across seven collections — 182 WPC Originals and 50 SPC Pro — available to order through our Santa Clara showroom.

COREtec Originals — the WPC line (182 colors)

Wood-plastic composite cores with a pre-attached cork underlayment for a softer, quieter, warmer step. Wear layers run from 12 to 30 mil; every collection is backed by a Lifetime Residential and 10-Year Medium Commercial limited warranty.

COREtec Pro — the SPC line (50 colors)

Stone-polymer composite cores — denser and harder than WPC, in a slimmer 5–6mm profile that resists dents and indentation and works well over slightly less-than-perfect subfloors. Also 100% waterproof and GREENGUARD Gold certified, with an attached underlayment.

What makes COREtec different

• Rigid core, two ways. COREtec Originals uses a WPC (wood-plastic composite) core for a warmer, softer, quieter step; COREtec Pro uses an SPC (stone-polymer composite) core that is denser, harder, and more dent-resistant in a slimmer build. Both are dimensionally stable and 100% waterproof against topical moisture.
• Attached underlayment. The Originals line comes with a pre-attached cork pad; the Pro line ships with an attached pad — no separate underlayment to buy on either. Adding a second pad underneath can void the warranty.
• Wear layers for every room. Across the range, wear layers span from an everyday 12 mil up to a heavy 30 mil on the Premium tiers, so you can match protection to traffic.
• GREENGUARD Gold certified. Independently tested for low chemical emissions — a meaningful assurance for bedrooms, nurseries, and homes with kids or pets.
• Residential + commercial warranties. The Originals line carries a Lifetime Residential and 10-Year Medium Commercial limited warranty; every COREtec floor is built to hold up in homes and light-commercial spaces alike.
• COREtec, by Shaw Industries. COREtec invented the WPC category and remains one of the most recognized names in waterproof flooring, backed by one of the largest flooring manufacturers in the world.

Best uses for COREtec flooring

• Kitchens & bathrooms — 100% topically waterproof on both lines, so spills and splashes wipe up without harming the planks.
• Basements & below-grade rooms — the rigid WPC and SPC cores stand up to concrete-slab humidity once the slab passes a moisture test.
• Pet homes & high-traffic areas — thicker wear layers and the dent-resistant SPC Pro core handle claws, chair legs, and daily traffic.
• Rentals & flips — waterproof, low-maintenance, and value-priced across the Classics tiers for a durable, easy-care result.
• Open-plan & whole-home installs — long planks up to 9″ × 72″ (Originals Premium) give a continuous, contemporary look across large spaces.
• Uneven subfloors — the denser SPC Pro core is a good choice where the subfloor is slightly less than perfect.

Choosing the right COREtec floor

Start with the core: choose Originals (WPC) for a warmer, softer, quieter floor underfoot, and Pro (SPC) for the hardest, most dent-resistant surface in the slimmest build. Then match the tier to the room — Premium’s thicker cores and 30 mil wear layer for the busiest spaces and the most realistic visuals; Classics for bedrooms, rentals, or a tighter budget. Color drives the feel of a room: lighter beiges and blondes keep a space open and airy, while medium and dark browns and rustic multi-tones add warmth and hide everyday wear. Because screen color never matches real light, order a sample and view it in your own room; our Santa Clara showroom team can help you compare tones and confirm dye lots before you commit.

Frequently asked questions about COREtec Floors

What is the difference between COREtec Originals and COREtec Pro?

COREtec Originals is the WPC (wood-plastic composite) line — a warmer, softer, quieter core with a pre-attached cork pad. COREtec Pro is the SPC (stone-polymer composite) line — a denser, harder, more dent-resistant core in a slimmer profile. Both are rigid, 100% waterproof, and GREENGUARD Gold certified; the choice comes down to feel underfoot (Originals) versus maximum hardness and dent resistance (Pro).

Is COREtec waterproof and good for bathrooms?

Yes — every COREtec floor is 100% waterproof against topical moisture, so kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries are all appropriate. In wet areas, caulk the perimeter with a flexible silicone; the planks are not intended for installation inside a shower or in standing water.

Can I install COREtec in a basement or below grade?

Yes. Both the WPC and SPC cores are stable against slab humidity and suited to below-grade rooms, provided the concrete is clean, flat, dry, and passes a moisture test.

How is COREtec installed?

COREtec installs as a floating angle-lock floor or glue-down over a clean, flat subfloor (flat to 3/16″ in 10′). Leave a 1/4″ expansion gap at the walls, stagger end joints, and do not install over carpet. The attached pad means no separate underlayment is needed.

What warranty comes with COREtec?

The COREtec Originals collections carry a Lifetime Residential limited wear warranty plus a 10-Year Medium Commercial limited warranty. Installing an additional underlayment beneath the attached pad can void coverage.

How many COREtec colors does Kapriz carry?

Kapriz carries 232 COREtec colors across seven collections — 182 in the WPC Originals line (base, Classics, Enhanced, and Premium) and 50 in the SPC Pro line (Classics, Enhanced, and Premium). All are available to order through our Santa Clara showroom.