Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring has become one of the most sought-after products by modern homeowners and entrepreneurs. It is resistant to wear and tear and stylish, thus relatively affordable. SPC comes in the same category as LVP. So does WPC: Wood Plastic Composite. It’s one of the two popular kinds of rigid core flooring, but which isn’t the same as the other.
Choosing between SPC and WPC might be quite a difficult task if you do not know what differentiates them. This is the guide that breaks it all down, so you may decide with full confidence which flooring type will suit your needs best.
What Is SPC Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
SPC, or Stone Plastic Composite flooring, is a form of luxury vinyl plank having a rigid core. The mix of limestone powder and plastic in the core makes it dense and strong.
Key Characteristics of SPC Flooring:
- High Durability: SPC resists dent, scratch, and impacts.
- Waterproof: It can withstand spills, moisture, and even slight flooding as well.
- Thin But Strong: It can hold a lot of weight even though it is thinner than other types.
- Temperature Resilience: SPC does not expand or contract when the temperature changes, making it ideal for heavily climatically changing zones.
SPC is excellent for areas with heavy foot traffic, such as kitchens, halls, or a retail space. Its strength and stability cannot be matched in its product line.
What is WPC Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
WPC, or Wood Plastic Composite flooring, is another form of rigid core luxury vinyl plank. Unlike the SPC, the core of WPC contains wood pulp and plastic composite. It has a softer, more cushioned feel underfoot.
Key Characteristics of WPC Flooring:
- Comfy Feel: Due to its softer core, it will give more padding as one walks on the floor.
- Noise Absorption: WPC has a far better damping of noise and thus proves itself an excellent choice for multi-story houses or apartment buildings.
- Forgiving Installation: Its slight flexibility allows it to be installed perfectly over imperfect subfloors. WPC is ideal for residential spaces like bedrooms or living rooms where comfort and style are prioritized.
Key Differences Between SPC and WPC
Understanding the distinction between SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) and WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) about luxury vinyl plank flooring is important to making an informed choice. It’s something more than just features: aspects of core composition, durability, comfort, waterproofing, installation, or even cost. Here’s an in-depth comparison for you to choose the right option for your space.
Core Composition
The core is the heart of both SPC and WPC flooring, which defines most of their key properties.
- SPC Flooring Core: The core of SPC flooring is made up of a mixture of limestone powder and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This makes it denser, harder, and more rigid compared to WPC.
- WPC Flooring Core: The core of WPC flooring is made from a mix of wood flour, plastic, and a foaming agent. This gives it a softer, more flexible core with a lighter structure.
Impact: The difference in the composition of the core impacts anything and everything, ranging from durability to comfort. SPC’s denser core provides unmatched resilience, and WPC’s softer core assures comfort underfoot.
Durability and Rigidity
Durability plays a big role when it comes to high-traffic regions, and SPC has the upper hand.
- SPC Flooring: This is extremely durable. It has tremendous strength and can tolerate heavy furniture, foot traffic, and everyday wear. Moreover, it does not dented and scratched easily so it’s ideal for commercial settings as well as for people who live with pets and kids.
- WPC Flooring: Though strong, WPC is far from as tough as SPC. It is designed more so for the comfort of residential homes than being extremely durable.
Impact: If you’re flooring a busy area like a kitchen or hallway, SPC is the better choice. WPC is ideal for spaces like bedrooms and living rooms where softness and warmth are priorities.
Comfort and Soundproofing
Comfort and sound absorption are where WPC shines.
- SPC Flooring: Its rigid stone-plastic core makes SPC harder underfoot. While this ensures durability, it can be less comfortable to stand on for long periods.
- WPC Flooring: WPC contains a wood-plastic composite core with a softer, cushioned feel. It’s very effective in sound absorption, so it is well suitable for multi-level homes or flats.
Impact: If noise reduction or a softer walking surface is a priority, then WPC is a better choice. SPC’s harder surface is less forgiving but perfect for utility areas.
Waterproof Properties
Both SPC and WPC are waterproof. However, there is a slight difference in the cases of handling moisture.
- SPC Flooring: With the dense core, SPC has a high level of resistance to water even at extreme conditions. It is less likely to warp or swell when exposed to moisture.
- WPC Flooring: WPC is also waterproof but more vulnerable to swelling in cases of extended exposure to water compared to SPC.
Impact: For spaces that include basements, bathrooms, or kitchens, the safest long-term option for moisture resistance will be SPC.
Temperature and Humidity Resistance
- SPC Flooring: When it comes to temperature fluctuations and humidity, SPC is highly resistant. It does not expand or contract easily and is well suited for spaces that experience extreme weather conditions or fluctuating indoor temperatures.
- WPC Flooring: WPC is not as resistant to extreme temperature. However, it will perform better in climate-controlled areas.
Impact: SPC can be a better solution for regions with seasonal extremes, while WPC suits well in indoor climates that are stable.
Installation Over Uneven Subfloors
WPC is flexible for installation spaces with imperfect subfloors.
- SPC Flooring: For perfect installation, it requires its rigid core to be positioned over a really level subfloor.
- WPC Flooring: This can hide minor imperfections in the subfloor because of the slightly softer and more forgiving tendency of WPC.
Impact: When your subfloor’s not perfectly level, WPC is much more forgiving and easier to install.
Thickness and Weight
- SPC Flooring: SPC planks are thinner but denser. This makes them more heavy-duty and more robust.
- WPC Flooring: WPC planks are thicker and less heavy because they have a foamed core.
Impact: SPC’s slimmer profile plays well for that modern, streamline look. WPC has a thicker look that can feel more substantial underfoot.
Design Options
Both SPC and WPC have a wide range of designs, including emulations of natural wood, stone, etc.
- SPC Flooring: Because of the dense core of SPC, it can create high-definition textures with close accuracy.
- WPC Flooring: WPC is also highly visual but can sometimes lack the sharp detailing that SPC contains.
Impact: Both of them offer highly stylish visions, but SPC provides a slightly more realistic finishing touch for modern designs.
Cost Comparison
Cost is often a deciding factor, and SPC is generally more affordable.
- SPC Flooring: Usually less expensive because of its less complex core materials.
- WPC Flooring: More expensive due to the wood composite core and comfort factors.
Effect: For budget-conscious consumers, SPC is a great value. WPC, while more expensive, does justify the added comfort and acoustic enhancements.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Both SPC and WPC are ecologically friendly if sourced from manufacturers with third-party certifications.
- SPC Flooring: Often uses recycled materials in its production.
- WPC Flooring: May include more sustainable wood-based components.
Impact: Check for eco-certifications like FloorScore or GreenGuard to ensure your flooring is safe and sustainable, regardless of type.
Pros and Cons of SPC Flooring
Pros:
- Strong and durable, great for busy spaces.
- Resistant to wear and tear, even in commercial areas.
- Handles moisture and temperature changes well.
Cons:
- Hard underfoot, which can be uncomfortable over long periods.
- Lower noise reduction compared to WPC.
Pros and Cons of WPC Flooring
Pros:
- Practical and silent, ideal for homes.
- Performs nicely over uneven substrates.
- Warms and styles up the interiors
Cons:
- Costlier than SPC
- Not as durable in heavy-traffic or for business purposes.
Local Views: Selecting Safer LVP Flooring in Charlotte, Greensboro, Salisbury, and Winston-Salem
Vinyl Flooring in Charlotte
SPC flooring makes great sense if you are planning to install Vinyl flooring in Charlotte, which endures hot, humid summers. It stands firm and doesn’t absorb moisture, making it very suitable for kitchens and entryways. WPC is suitable for bedrooms and living rooms.
Vinyl Flooring in Greensboro
Greensboro’s seasonal fluctuations make SPC’s temperature-related strength stand out. Because SPC is so durable, houses with kids or pets will appreciate it. WPC is good for quieter areas, such as home offices. So, if you are planning to have Vinyl flooring in Greensboro, choose the right option.
Salisbury Vinyl Flooring
Salisbury’s blend of older homes and newer builds calls for adaptability. WPC can bring a stylish, warm atmosphere to older houses, whereas SPC copes with the demands of new lifestyles easily. Choose your required style while planning to get Vinyl flooring in Salisbury.
Winston-Salem Vinyl Flooring
A lot of residents in Winston-Salem prefer to utilize SPC for busy areas such as kitchen halls and hallways. WPC, on the other hand, stands out well in living rooms and upstairs spaces because of their excellent soundproofing capabilities. Decorate your home with right Vinyl flooring in Winston-Salem in the right section.
Conclusion
Each SPC and WPC luxury vinyl plank has its strengths. Be it comfort or durability, there’s an option for every one’s need. Consider your lifestyle, budget, and space to make the right choice. Whatever you pick, you will enjoy the benefits of beautiful and long-lasting flooring.
At FurnishMyPlace, we offer a wide range of high-quality SPC and WPC flooring to fit every home or business need. Our experts are ready to help you select the best flooring and provide seamless installation. For durable, stylish, and reliable vinyl flooring, trust FurnishMyPlace. Contact us today for expert advice and to explore our collection.
