What you need to know before purchasing luxury vinyl flooring

When searching for vinyl flooring, you may have come across terms like SPC and WPC. Let’s take a look and compare so you can choose the best option in flooring for you and your lifestyle. We will take a look at the pros and cons, learn how they’re made and compare cost, comfort and durability.

Both SPC and WPC are 100% waterproof with the SPC being a newer rigid core that is virtually indestructible. WPC has been the gold standard that offers comfort as well as function.

WHAT IS SPC?

SPC is the most durable waterproof vinyl flooring option on the market. The construction is similar to WPC, but comes with an ultra-tough core, thus the name “rigid core”. SPC stands for stone plastic composite or stone polymer composite. The core is what makes this flooring so incredibly durable while maintaining its form even over uneven subfloors. The thought was that the thicker the vinyl is the better but with rigid core, thickness does not matter. The flooring manufacturers have now created an ultra-thin, super-durable option measuring no thicker than 6mm.

So, what gives this thin plank such a heavy-duty performance? You might think it’s too flimsy just looking at it but give it a bend. It’s the layered construction that really makes it tough to budge. It typically is composed of four layers but this can vary between manufacturers.

Let’s talk about the SPC layers

WEAR LAYER: This is the bodyguard of the plank; protects wear and tear. In the case of wear layers, thicker is still better.

PRINT VINYL LAYER: This layer features hyper-realistic photo imagery that makes the vinyl look so much like stone or wood.

RIGID CORE: This is a solid, waterproof core that won’t ripple or swell no matter how much liquid you subject it to. It is ultra-dense with no foaming agent like you’ll find in WPC. It gives you slightly less softness underfoot, but it makes floor extra durable.

UNDERLAYMENT: This is the pre attached solid foundation of your plank.

PROS AND CONS

WATERPROOF: This is what makes both rigid core and WPC so popular. Its perfect for business owners, pets and water-prone areas.

GREAT FOR UNEVEN SUBFLOORS: It is designed to be installed over any existing hard surface even if not completely level.

ULTRA-DURABLE: SPC is the most durable vinyl flooring option available

REALISTIC WOOD AND STONE LOOK: Vinyl flooring can mimic natural materials better than ever before.

LOW-MAINTENANCE: Occasionally vacuum and mop, you are good to go.

EASY INSTALLATION: Easy to install yourself with most options interlocking and floating over your existing surface.

LESS COMFORTABLE AND COLDER THAN WPC: SPC was designed to be sturdy not comfortable making it popular for a commercial environment. The stone composite core does not hold a lot of heat, so you will have chilly floors when it’s cold.

WHAT IS WPC?

WPC vinyl flooring best known for being 100% waterproof. This luxury flooring is amped up a notch with a special waterproof core that makes it perfect for any room in your home.

WPC stand for wood-plastic composite that is enhanced with a foaming agent making it slightly softer and more comfortable in addition to being waterproof. This flooring is popular amongst homeowners that want the traditional hardwood look without the maintenance. It’s so easy to install it is a dream come true for DIYers.

This waterproof flooring is typically composed of four layers but that can vary between manufacturers. Here’s what to expect to find in the WPC layers.

WEAR LAYER: This layer protects your floor’s surface from the wear and tear of everyday life. The thicker the wear layer, the better protection.

PRINTED VINYL LAYER: This layer features the gorgeous photo imagery of wood or stone that Makes vinyl so popular as an alternative to natural materials.

CORE: This is where the magic waterproof happens. No matter how much water it encounters, It won’t swell, stain or warp.

UNDERLAYMENT: the pre-attached solid foundation of your plank.

PROS AND CONS

WATERPROOF: From top to bottom, this is designed to withstand moisture and prevent water damage to your floor.

COMFORT: If standing on a hard floor all day isn’t great for your joints or feet, WPC is much more comfortable as well as resilient.

STYLE: Vinyl is trending right now and can come in those sought-after wood and stone looks.

DIY INSTALLATION: If you like doing things on your own, you will love how easy it is to install this flooring. Many come with interlocking tongue-and-groove systems that can float over existing floors.

LOW-MAINTENANCE: Occasional sweep and mop, you can easily keep your floors looking new.

MORE LIKELY TO DENT: WPC isn’t quite as durable as SPC. That slightly softer core is more comfortable, but is likely to dent if you drop something heavy.

SLIGHTLY LESS AFFORDABLE: The cost of WPC is just a bit higher than SPC. However, as more and more companies develop their own lines, we are starting to see WPC prices drop and is still less expensive than solid hardwoods with less maintenance.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SPC AND WPC

The difference lies in the core. The waterproof core is the star of the show for both WPC and the Rigid Core SPC. WPC core is made from wood plastic composite that contains an added foaming agent to increase resilience and comfort while SPC core is made from stone plastic composite which is stiffer, sturdier and more resilient. The robust core is so durable it is often used for high traffic and commercial spaces and is less susceptible to dents which is a plus in areas with heavy furniture or high traffic.

WPC can be higher in price when compared to other flooring options, but comes with several benefits such as being 100% waterproof. SPC is typically lower in price and comes with the same features.

SPC is very durable from the stone core, that can make it less flexible and cold under the feet. WPC has more give, comfortable under your feet and retains some warmth. WPC is the better option for a residential home making SPC best for high traffic or commercial spaces. While both are incredibly durable and 100% waterproof, SPC won’t dent and can out do the competition when it comes to traffic and furniture.

Because they both offer a convenient interlocking tongue-and-groove system, they both are easy to install. There is no way to say that either flooring is better than the other, it all depends on what you want out of the flooring and where you plan to install it. Both options have a lot to love, now you are ready to shop!