As with any choice in a home remodel, we always seek the ideal fusion of durability, aesthetics, and affordability. One flooring innovation has come to the forefront in recent years – SPC flooring. SPC, an acronym for Stone Plastic Composite, is a state-of-the-art flooring material with widespread acclaim for its versatility and outstanding performance. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
What is SPC Flooring?
SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite, and SPC flooring is rigid core vinyl flooring. It is constructed using a combination of natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and stabilizers. The result is a highly durable, water-resistant, and visually appealing flooring option that can mimic the appearance of various materials, including wood, stone, and ceramic tiles.
Set to see your options?
Here are a few of our favorite SPC flooring brands to start your remodeling journey. Be sure to order samples so you can see the beauty and durability of SPC in person.
Doma Visit Their Site Find a Retailer Liberty Home Visit Their Site Find a Retailer Proximity Mills Visit Their Site Find a Retailer
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Layers of SPC Flooring
Understanding the layers of your chosen material is crucial to appreciate its quality and durability. Typically, SPC consists of the following layers:
Wear Layer: The topmost layer, also known as the wear layer, is a clear, transparent layer protecting the flooring from stains, scratches, and UV damage. It’s designed to keep the floor looking new for years.
Vinyl Decorative Film: Beneath the wear layer lies a high-resolution photographic layer that gives the flooring its realistic appearance. This layer can precisely mimic the look of hardwood, stone, or tile.
SPC Core: The core of SPC flooring is composed of a stone plastic composite layer, which includes natural limestone powder mixed with PVC resin. This layer provides the flooring with exceptional rigidity, stability, and water resistance.
Backing/Underlayment Layer: The backing layer, often made of EVA foam or cork, provides additional cushioning and sound insulation. It also helps with temperature regulation and reduces the chance of the floor feeling too cold underfoot.
SPC Flooring Benefits
Stone plastic composite flooring comes with a plethora of advantages that make it a desirable choice for both residential and commercial spaces:
Durability
One of the standout features of SPC is its remarkable durability. Thanks to the stone composite core and wear layer, it can withstand heavy foot traffic, resist scratches, and remain impervious to stains. This durability ensures that your flooring investment lasts for years.
Waterproofing
SPC flooring is inherently waterproof, making it suitable for moisture-prone areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basem*nts. Unlike some other flooring materials, it won’t warp, swell, or get damaged when exposed to water.
Easy Maintenance
Maintaining SPC is a breeze. Sweeping and occasional mopping are all that’s required to keep it pristine. The protective wear layer also makes it resistant to stains and spills.
Realistic Appearance
The high-resolution decorative film layer allows SPC to closely mimic natural materials like wood, stone, or tile. This means you can achieve the desired look without the maintenance and cost associated with those materials.
Easy Installation
Most SPC flooring products feature a click-lock installation system. This means a quick installation from professionals or even an easy enough installation process for some to tackle themselves.
Choosing the Right Core Thickness
Selecting the appropriate thickness of SPC flooring cores depends on the specific needs of your space and your personal preferences. Generally, it’s available in thicknesses ranging from 3mm to 8mm. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
3mm to 4mm: These thinner options are suitable for low-traffic areas or spaces where height clearance is an issue. They are less expensive but may offer a different level of sound insulation and comfort than thicker variants.
5mm to 6mm: This mid-range thickness is ideal for most residential applications. It provides a good balance of durability, comfort, and sound absorption.
7mm to 8mm: Thicker SPC options are better suited for commercial spaces or areas with exceptionally high foot traffic. They offer enhanced durability and sound insulation.
Where to Use SPC Flooring
Versatility makes this option suitable for a wide range of applications. Here are some of the best places to use SPC flooring:
Kitchens & Bathrooms
SPC’s water-resistant and easy-to-clean properties make it an excellent flooring option for kitchens. While bathrooms are typically even more of a moisture-prone space, this option will still thrive there.
Even Basem*nts
Basem*nts are one of the most challenging spaces to install flooring. Its remarkable ability to resist water damage makes it a perfect fit, ensuring a durable, long-lasting flooring solution.
Really Anywhere
In addition to the capabilities we’ve talked about, SPC flooring’s realistic wood and stone designs make it versatile for various living spaces, including living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. In addition to residential spaces, SPC is even well-suited for commercial environments. This flooring can maintain its appearance even in high-traffic areas, ensuring a lasting and attractive flooring solution for any space.
SPC vs. WPC: What’s the difference?
As we’ve covered, SPC flooring has a core composed of stone-based materials, specifically limestone powder and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. On the other hand, WPC flooring features a core made of wood-based materials (usually wood flour or wood pulp) and PVC resin. Generally speaking, SPC is more rigid and dense than WPC, resulting in slightly more durable flooring and a slightly higher price tag.
Best SPC Flooring Brands
Selecting the right brand is crucial when investing in flooring. Here are some of the top brands featuring SPC core’s in their vinyl plank flooring
1. Doma
Doma’s fitting tagline, ‘where fashion meets flooring,’ is clear when you browse their vinyl plank flooring collection featuring SPC cores. You get the benefits we’ve discussed, and you don’t have to sacrifice the truly authentic look of wood and stone.
2. Liberty Home
We mentioned how easy it is to install SPC flooring, and if you’re taking it on DIY, you’ll want to consider Liberty Home. Their products ship quickly and feature installation instructions for the perfect weekend project.
3. Armstrong
Armstrong is a household name in the flooring industry, known for its reliability and innovation. Naturally, they feature SPC options that cater to nearly everyone’s budget and preferences.
4. Proximity Mills
For the ultimate performance in flooring, choose an SPC option from Proximity Mills. They believe people deserve high-quality flooring without a high-quality price tag. Order a sample today and see for yourself!
5. Mohawk
Mohawk is a well-respected name in the flooring industry, featuring nearly every flooring option you’ve heard of. While they might not specialize in one thing, there’s a strong chance they offer an SPC flooring option that fits your needs.
SPC Flooring Is a Great Option
With its remarkable durability, water resistance, and versatility, SPC flooring has become a top choice for homeowners and businesses. When choosing flooring, consider all the factors we covered today, and even consider visiting a local flooring store for professional advice. Regardless of your choice, with proper care, your rigid core flooring can provide you with a beautiful and durable foundation for many years.
