SPC Flooring Reviews – Have you ever wondered what SPC flooring is? Though you may have been familiar with flooring types, you may not know this variant yet.
This is because the types of flooring are not likely changing from years to years though the companies always introduce the new styles and colors each year instead.
Truly, innovations slowly crawl aside without anyone realizes. This way, SPC flooring is one of the most popular flooring types of multilayer flooring that is currently available in the production today.
In this review, you will be explained by the types of SPC flooring layers, the comparison of WPC and SPC, the installation methods of SPC flooring, pros and cons as well as the frequently asked question.
So let’s check out more about SPC flooring in order that you may be inspired to use this flooring type for your next project.
Explanation of SPC Flooring
As you see, there no “V” in the name. It is SPC, not SPV. So don’t name it interchangeably. SPC flooring is basically a form of vinyl. SPC stands for “Stone Plastic Composite”. This way, the name is related to the core composition.
Simply to understand, this flooring type comes with the rigid core that makes it an excellent option for high traffic areas in your home including living room and kitchen as well as stairs.
Dealing with the way of constructing it, some reviews, SPC flooring is similar to luxury vinyl. However, there are a few differences that you’ll importantly need to know before comprehensively comparing the brands.
So here are the layers you must know in SPC flooring from the top to the bottom.
UV Topcoat
UV topcoat is a must-apply layer in order to avoid the significant issues caused by the UV rays. It is ideal for hardwood flooring but not for surfaces like SPC boards or linoleum.
For the premium class of SPC flooring, UV topcoat is necessary to protect the boards and prevent the discoloration due to the UV rays of the sun.
Wear Layer
In fact, you may not find UV protection on all the brands of SPC flooring. Thus, find some boards with wear layer.
In relation to the boards’ protection, wear layer is crucial to keep the flooring looks like new though it has been installed for years. The thicker the wear layer, the better quality the flooring will be.
Image Layer
Though SPC flooring has already a unique core, image layer is still very much necessary to give the flooring looks of wood or stone. Some more expensive brands for SPC flooring come with the realistic products applied with this kind of layer.
The Core
Believe it or not, the core is the element that makes a flooring look so unique. The core also provides the flooring with extra stability underfoot. The core from SPC flooring is constructed from a combination of limestone and stabilizer. This is aimed to increase the rigidity.
SPC flooring is designed as the dense board to withstand the impacts that would probably dent the regular LVP. This will make the flooring perfect for the high traffic areas in your home and even in commercial applications.
Backing Layer
Backing layer is on the bottom of the board. Backing layer is usually made from cork. The high quality backing layer will price more. However, the boards with the backing layer provide more insulation and comfort.
WPC Flooring
WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite. Though the name “WPC” is different from “SPC”, the construction is just similar.
The big difference lays on their core. One thing to importantly remember is the fact that SPC flooring is rigid while WPC flooring is a little quieter and softer underfoot.
Here are the table of comparison of WPC and SPC flooring to easily differentiate both of them.
| SPC Vinyl | WPC Vinyl | Winner | |
| Cost | Slightly more affordable than WPC vinyl | More affordable than real stone or wood but more expensive than SPC | SPC |
| Feel | Dense and rigid, no give underfoot, easily gets cold | Less dense, resilient underfoot The core retains some warmth | WPC |
| Use | Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, commercial spaces | Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, all levels of home | SPC |
| Durability | Highly durable | Durable | SPC |
| Moisture Resistance | 100% waterproof core Waterproof from above and below | 100% waterproof core Waterproof from above and below | Tie |
| DIY installation | Easy DIY installation Interlocking tongue and groove system | Easy DIY installation Interlocking tongue and groove system | Tie |
Based on the table above, SPC vinyl wins more than WPC. It is more affordable. It is also denser though it easily gets colds. SPC is highly durable. WPC is also durable but SPC is little bit above. WPC is only available for home use while SPC is design to suit not only home applications but also commercial settings.
So if you plan to find a flooring that suit both your home and your small cafeteria in front of your house, well SPC flooring is the perfect choice to consider.
SPC Flooring Installation
If you have been experienced in easily using power tools such as a circular saw and there is no problem in the end, you seems good at installing SPC flooring without hiring a professional.
Due to the fact that this flooring type comes with click-lock edges, the installation is just breezing. Depending on the core, installing SPC flooring is like you are doing the luxury vinyl installation but it can be little heavier because of the core.
The installation cost of this flooring type can be much expensive. However, it also depends on how much flooring the installer are about to lay. Pricing is usually charged based on the square foot. It must also be in line with the installation cost of LVP flooring.
If you decide to hire a professional, consider an extra cost that may include moving furniture or prep work.
Pros and Cons of SPC Flooring
SPC flooring will be a great option when you like the appearance of Vinyl flooring but you want also something rigid like an engineered plank.
Here are the pros and cons of SPC flooring that are necessarily taken into consideration before finally purchasing the items.
Pros of SPC Flooring
- Durability
SPC offers the high durability which is the most significant benefit. A dent won’t occur just because of a dropped coffee. Further, SPC flooring fits your traffic home better. It is also a good alternative to traditional LVP.
- Water Resistant
Believe it or not, SPC flooring is 90% waterproof. The core plays the big role in providing the water resistance. However, you’ll still need to carefully read the paint instruction when you are installing it in the kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas in your homes.
- Easy Installation
As we have mentioned, SPC flooring is easy to install. The only most challenging in installing it is moving the boxes themselves. Clean cuts are possible due to the rigidness or the material. This way, you need only to use power saw. Trust, most of homeowners can easily handle a medium-sized room in not more than a day.
- Easy Maintenance
Vacuum cleaner is good to clean this flooring due to its smooth surfaces. The water resistance allows you to use spray mops along with the other liquid cleaners fearlessly.
Cons of SPC Flooring
There are only two cons of SPC flooring; price and selection. You know the top notch luxury vinyl flooring is expensive, however, from reviews, SPC flooring is much more expensive. Actually, it is not uncommon to see the price of this flooring type in $4.00 to $7.00 per square foot.
There might be a large display of Luxury vinyl planks and laminate when you are walking into the hardware stores, you will not easily find SPC flooring based on reviews.
Since it is a new variant, it is quite hard to find. It is even difficult to track it down locally. However, it is just easy to find SPC flooring online.
FAQs SPC Flooring Reviews
Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that may enrich you with the additional knowledge. Perhaps, you will have the similar question with some of the list below:
Can I install SPC flooring with radiant heating system?
Yes, but you need to consult the manufacturer first. It is because not all of the companies have products that are safe to use along with the radiant heating system.
Is SPC flooring more durable than the luxury vinyl?
The durability basically depends on the core of the products. This way, the core does impact to the durability and overall resistance.
Can I install SPC flooring over tile or laminate flooring?
Tile will not be a problem as long as you free up the space from debris before you begin with the installation. However, laminate can be a problem due to the fact that it cannot be installed over another flooring type.
Is SPC or WPC better for uneven floor?
WPC will be better if your floor is slightly out of level but it is still in its installation parameters. This way, SPC will probably creak underfoot in spots.
Table of Contents
FAQs
Is SPC flooring a good option? ›
There's a reason many of the best vinyl plank flooring brands carry SPC: it's easily one of the most durable flooring options around. Compared to other types of faux wood flooring, the only floors that perform similarly are the very best laminate flooring products and concrete flooring that looks like wood.
What do I need to know about Spc flooring? ›Stone plastic composite, solid polymer core, or SPC flooring, is a vinyl flooring material that has a rigid core made from powdered limestone, polyvinyl chloride and stabilizers. Sometimes, you might see it referred to as “stone polymer composite flooring.” It is dense, dimensionally stable, quiet and strong.
Does SPC flooring dent? ›WPC/SPC is durable, often even more durable than LVP. It's scuff, dent and scratch resistant and can take the traffic of active households.
How long can Spc flooring last? ›Durable And Long-lasting
Don't be surprised to find SPC flooring can actually last 20 years over if it's well maintained. That is also why some big brands of SPC flooring is able to provide warranties of 15 years and above.
SPC by American Luxury Vinyl does not require an underlayment pad. It is important that the sub floor is clean and free from dirt or debris. All wood floors must be suspended at least 18” (457.2 mm) above the ground. It is important to provide adequate cross-ventilation.
Does SPC flooring feel cold? ›SPC gets its extra durability from the rigid stone composite core, but that also makes it inflexible and cold.
Does SPC flooring warp? ›SPC will warp if subject to excessive heat and will shrink if exposed to excessive cold. We also highly recommend you do not install in rooms or homes in which the temperature is not controlled. Exposure to long term direct sunlight can cause expansion damage to your floor.
Which is better vinyl or SPC flooring? ›Both are durable and stable, however SPC is more durable and dense overall due to its limestone composition. Both work well in commercial interior spaces. WPC is softer and quieter underfoot, while SPC offers better resistance from scratches or dents.
How do you maintain SPC flooring? ›SPC Floor Cleaning Tips:
Clean with a damp mop for everyday care. Wash the floor occasionally with a gentle (non-abrasive) floor cleaner – always follow cleaning product instructions and adhere to cautions before use. Do not use detergents, abrasive cleaners or “mop and shine” products.
Also referred to as “stone polymer composite flooring” or “solid polymer core,” SPC vinyl planks are dense, dimensionally stable, quiet, and strong. Designed to be 100 percent waterproof, not even topical humidity or moisture can cause planks to swell or damage your SPC rigid core vinyl flooring.
Does SPC flooring need an expansion gap? ›
Always allow a 1/4” expansion gap around the entire perimeter of the room and at all fixtures and pipes. Cover the exposed edges with trim or fill the gap with a high quality silicone caulking. SPC floors can be installed in rooms up to 40' long x 40' wide.
Is SPC suitable for kitchen? ›Unlike the standard vinyl flooring and hardwood floors, SPC has a 100% waterproof quality, contributing to its durability. It can also be comfortably installed in moisture-heavy areas like the bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen.
Is SPC flooring rough? ›It's engineered to be installed over any existing hard surface, including tile. Ultra-durable: SPC vinyl flooring is the toughest, most durable vinyl flooring option on the market. Realistic wood and stone looks: This flooring can mimic natural materials better than ever before.
Do you need to glue SPC flooring? ›Flooring must be acclimated and installed in a temperature controlled environment, only allowing temperature changes after install is fully completed. NOTE: SPC is meant to be installed using a floating method only. Adhesive is not to be used with this product.
Does SPC vinyl flooring expand? ›SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite, due to its composition, the SPC click will not expand or contract and remain stable in high/low temperature. More rigid than LVT Click, the SPC click vinyl plank is easier than ever to install.
Can you put underlay under SPC flooring? ›Thankfully, there's an easy answer that allows you to take advantage of all the benefits of SPC flooring and avoid the sound issue: an underlayment.
Does SPC flooring fade? ›While WPC, LVT and SPC floorings will eventually fade, they do not do so fast. As a matter of fact, these flooring score moderately when it comes to fade resistance. This is because they have a UV coating treatment that keeps their color from fading fast.
Can you use a steam mop on SPC flooring? ›Tips to Maintain SPC Flooring 3: Say 'No' To Steam Cleaning
The hot steam is actually doing more harm than good to SPC flooring. It is so serious that some damage that it causes are beyond repair.
The SPC flooring for commercial use should choose thicker wear layer because of high frequency use.
Can you use vinegar on SPC flooring? ›Abrasive or chemical cleaners will dam- age the vinyl. Do not use Vinegar, “Mop and Shine” products, Soap Based Detergents or Oil Soaps, Abrasive Cleaners or Compounds, Floor Wax, Vacuum with a rotating beater bar, One-step cleaner/polishes, Steam mops, Harsh scouring or buffing pads or tools.
How thick should SPC flooring be? ›
SPC floors usually have a thickness between 3.2 and 7 millimetres. Foot Feel: Because of the thicker core, WPC has the advantage over SPC. The thicker core makes it feel more stable and cushioned underfoot.
Which is better vinyl or SPC flooring? ›Both are durable and stable, however SPC is more durable and dense overall due to its limestone composition. Both work well in commercial interior spaces. WPC is softer and quieter underfoot, while SPC offers better resistance from scratches or dents.
Is SPC or vinyl better? ›Durability. SPC is more durable and resilient compared to vinyl. They are dent-resistant. Since vinyl is softer, it is susceptible to wear and tear.
Which is better LVP or SPC? ›SPC has many advantages over LVP, but it does have one drawback. Its rigid, composite construction makes it more expensive than vinyl. While both are still cost-effective compared to wood, stone, or tile, if you're on a tight budget, LVP is likely a better bet.
Which is better SPC or LVP flooring? ›Regular planks have a simple PVC center that is flexible. The SPC vinyl planks have a rigid core made of stone polymer composite. SPC flooring is more durable than regular LVP making it an ideal flooring for commercial and high traffic areas - and a safe solution for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.