The Difference Between SPC & WPC Flooring
This article explains the differences between WPC and SPC luxury vinyl flooring in detail:
- SPC has a stone plastic composite core with added durability
- WPC has a wood plastic composite core that provides greater comfort
Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, is beautiful and functional. It delivers the look of hardwood flooring, but it’s easier to maintain and less expensive to install. What are the differences between SPC and WPC luxury vinyl flooring?
Understanding Luxury Vinyl Tile Layers
Unlike hardwood floors, stone or ceramic tile, LVT has multiple layers that serve different purposes:
- Wear layer: The wear layer is clear yet durable, resisting scratches, impacts, and everyday use for ages. You never need to refinish LVT flooring.
- Image layer: This layer uses photorealistic images to give floors a natural appearance, including light and dark hardwoods, marble, granite, and other looks.
- Core layer: The core is what makes LVT special. The composite is fully resistant to moisture so that it won’t swell or distort.
- Underlayment: This layer helps with leveling and adds sound dampening for a quiet floor.
SPC rigid core and WPC vinyl flooring are identical in most of these layers. Where they differ is in the core. That may seem like a minor difference, but it’s pretty huge for the feel and performance of your flooring.
What Is WPC Vinyl Flooring?
WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite. This combination of advanced polymers and recycled wood pulp creates a strong and practically waterproof core yet also lightweight and flexible.
For homes, WPC is usually the luxury vinyl tile of choice. It provides a certain amount of “give” that is comfortable whether you’re walking barefoot or in your socks.
What Is SPC Rigid Core?
SPC vinyl tiles are also called rigid core flooring. Stone Plastic Composite core is durable and inflexible. SPC flooring delivers the same incredible moisture resistance as WPC but with an overall harder feel. This also lets SPC handle impacts without scratching or denting, so metal objects don’t leave a mark.
Rigid core flooring is popular in commercial locations. It’s not as comfortable as WPC, but it can stand up better to the added traffic that commercial businesses get.
Comparison for LVT, LVP, and Other Flooring Options
Luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring offers an amazing list of strengths. It combines the advantages of traditional vinyl floor coverings, tile flooring, and hardwood.
Plank or tile flooring is more comfortable than traditional vinyl flooring and more durable. It can last up to 25 years, compared to a max of 15 years for standard vinyl. With extra layers of padding, LVT cushions your feet better.
Luxury vinyl floors are less expensive than hardwood floors and easier to maintain. It may not have that warm charm you get with real hardwood, but you also don’t need to worry about sanding or refinishing ever.
How Can You Decide Between WPC and SPC Rigid Core Flooring?
Either type of luxury vinyl flooring is going to be a great choice for remodeling projects. WPC offers greater comfort, so that’s what we usually recommend in Colorado Springs homes. Its moisture resistance shines in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, basement, and outdoor areas, and it looks gorgeous in the rest of the house, too.
For commercial businesses, your choice depends on the type of ambiance you want. SPC is going to provide greater durability, so it’s smart for malls and office buildings. On the other hand, spas and health clinics in Colorado Springs, CO, may want the extra cushioning of WPC for clients.
Need expert recommendations for choosing the ideal LVT floor? Contact our team right away at Curt’s Flooring for help. You can also reach out by calling (719) 599-4558.
Comparison for LVT, LVP, and Other Flooring Options
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Image Credit: Shutterstock/ Adisorn Sukhamwang
Comparison for LVT, LVP, and Other Flooring Options
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