What is SPC Flooring? A Complete Guide to Stone Plastic Composite Floors

Posted on August 18th, 2023 10:23 PM

Are you looking to upgrade the floors in your home but want something durable, waterproof, and easy to maintain? If so, SPC flooring may be the perfect solution for you.

SPC, which stands for stone polymer composite, is a type of rigid core luxury vinyl flooring that is taking the flooring world by storm. Made from a mixture of limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride polymers, and stabilizers, SPC flooring provides the beauty of natural wood or stone with incredible resilience.

Unlike laminate or engineered wood floors, SPC flooring is 100% waterproof thanks to its dense core and layered construction. This makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other areas prone to spills and moisture. And with SPC flooring’s protective wear layer, it can withstand scrapes, scratches, and heavy foot traffic while retaining its like-new appearance for years.

SPC flooring is also incredibly stable, meaning it does not expand and contract like solid hardwood. This prevents gapping between boards and makes installation a breeze. SPC floors can be installed right over your existing flooring, saving you time and money on the installation process.

Other benefits of SPC flooring include:

  • Extreme durability and scratch resistance
  • Stunningly realistic wood and stone looks
  • Noise reducing underlayment built-in
  • Does not require acclimation
  • Easy floating click-lock installation

In this guide, we’ll give you a deep dive into everything you need to know about this exciting new flooring. We’ll cover what SPC flooring is made of, how it compares to other types of flooring, installation and care, as well as the pros and cons. Let’s get started!

SPC Flooring vs. Other Types of Flooring

Flooring TypeWaterproof?Scratch Resistant?Stable?DIY Install?Refinishable?
SPCYesYesYesYesNo
LaminateNoNoNoYesNo
LVTNoSomewhatYesYesNo
HardwoodNoNoYesDifficultYes
TileYesYesNoDifficultNo

SPC flooring stands out from other popular flooring options because of its unique combination of performance, durability, and style. How does it compare to choices like laminate, LVT, and hardwood?

SPC vs. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has long been valued for its affordable pricing and ease of installation. However, SPC flooring has some notable advantages:

  • SPC is 100% waterproof, while laminate flooring can swell, warp, and be damaged by moisture. This makes SPC a better choice for kitchens, baths, basements, and laundry rooms.
  • SPC flooring is significantly more scratch and dent resistant due to its stone composite core. Laminate floors tend to show marks more easily.
  • SPC flooring maintains its shape and dimensions far better than laminate, which can expand and contract with fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

Overall, SPC provides better durability and water resistance compared to traditional laminate flooring.

SPC vs. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

SPC flooring and LVT are both types of rigid core vinyl flooring. However, there are a few differences:

  • SPC is completely inflexible and cannot bend or dent, while LVT has a bit more flex.
  • LVT relies on a urethane coating for scratch resistance. SPC’s core is inherently scratch resistant.
  • LVT joints are more prone to moisture penetration. SPC seams are highly water resistant.

For most homes, SPC offers greaterscratch protection and watertight performance compared to LVT.

SPC vs. Solid Hardwood Flooring

Natural hardwood is prized for its elegance and warmth, but SPC floors have some distinct advantages:

  • SPC is waterproof, while hardwood can become warped or damaged by moisture.
  • Hardwood requires periodic refinishing due to scratches and wear. SPC retains its finish for decades.
  • SPC flooring is more affordable than most premium hardwood options.
  • Hardwood floors may have installation challenges over concrete. SPC can be installed directly over most existing surfaces.

For those seeking hardwood beauty without the maintenance, SPC is an excellent option. It provides the rich look of wood without the headaches.

SPC vs. Ceramic Tile

Tile is naturally waterproof and durable. However, SPC flooring offers a few benefits:

  • SPC flooring is more comfortable underfoot and warmer than hard tile floors.
  • Tile is prone to cracked and chipped grout over time. SPC seams stay tight.
  • Professional tile installation is very labor intensive. DIYers can easily install SPC flooring.

For those seeking an impervious floor covering that’s cozy on bare feet, SPC flooring beats out cold ceramic tile.

As you can see, SPC flooring combines the best attributes of laminate, LVT, hardwood, and tile into one high-performing, easy-care flooring option. That’s what makes it such a game-changing product for residential and commercial spaces.

Installing and Caring for SPC Flooring

One of the best things about SPC flooring is how easy it is to install and maintain compared to natural stone, hardwood, or tile. Here’s what you need to know:

Installation

SPC flooring can be installed using either the floating or glue-down method:

  • Floating installation is the easiest DIY option. Pieces click together without glue. An underlayment is recommended for sound dampening.
  • Glue-down provides the most stability and sound insulation, but is trickier for DIYers. Flooring is glued directly to the subfloor.

Other installation tips:

  • SPC flooring is not susceptible to moisture damage, so it can be installed in basements and bathrooms.
  • An expansion gap of 8-10mm should be left around the perimeter.
  • SPC can be installed over most existing hard surface flooring.

Overall, SPC flooring installation is straightforward enough for DIYers to tackle over a weekend.

Maintenance and Care

To keep SPC floors looking like new:

  • Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt.
  • Damp mop as needed using clean water or mild vinyl floor cleaner. Harsh chemicals may damage the protective finish.
  • Place mats at exterior doorways to prevent tracking in dirt and moisture.
  • Use felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches.
  • Avoid excessive water on the floor. Quickly wipe up any spills.

With proper care, SPC flooring will retain its beauty and perform like new for decades. It’s one of the lowest maintenance types of flooring available today.

Pros and Cons of SPC Flooring

ProsCons
Extremely durableNot as sustainable as hardwood
100% waterproofCan show furniture impressions
Huge range of stylesCannot be refinished
Stable, no gapsNot for outdoor use
Easy DIY installation
Soft and quiet

Like any flooring material, SPC has both advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Pros

  • Extremely durable and scratch resistant - The rigid core and protective top layer prevent dents, gouges, and surface damage.
  • 100% waterproof - No moisture damage even in the wettest areas like bathrooms and basements.
  • Huge range of colors and styles - SPC can convincingly mimic wood, tile, and stone in a variety of colors and grains.
  • Stable and dimensionally accurate - Resists expansion and contraction and won’t gap.
  • Easy DIY or pro installation - Floats over existing floors or glues down easily.
  • Soft and quiet underfoot - Underlayment layer provides comfort and sound absorption.

Cons

  • Not as sustainable as hardwood - Made from synthetic materials versus renewable woods.
  • Can show impressions - Heavy furniture over time may leave slight impressions.
  • Limited ability to refinish - Sanding and refinishing is not really possible like with hardwood.
  • Not suitable for outdoor use - Made for indoor climate-controlled spaces only.

When weighing the pros and cons, SPC offers outstanding benefits in terms of durability, water resistance, and ease of installation. For homeowners wanting beautiful, worry-free flooring, SPC is an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about SPC flooring:

Is SPC flooring good with pets?

Yes, SPC flooring is an excellent choice for homes with pets. The scratch-resistant wear layer prevents damage from claws and the waterproof core won’t be harmed by accidents.

Can you install SPC flooring in bathrooms?

Absolutely! SPC is 100% waterproof, making it the perfect flooring for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.

Does SPC flooring need underlayment?

Underlayment is recommended but not required. It helps reduce sound transmission but SPC can be installed directly over most hard surfaces.

How long does SPC flooring last?

With proper care and maintenance, SPC floors can last 30 years or longer. The wear layer prevents the floor from wearing out over decades of use.

Can you refinish SPC flooring?

No. The protective top layer of SPC flooring cannot be sanded down and refinished like solid hardwood. One of the trade offs for the extreme durability of SPC is that it cannot be renewed by sanding and refinishing over time.

Conclusion

SPC flooring offers a unique combination of beauty, durability, and waterproof performance that makes it an excellent choice for any home. With its scratch-proof wear layer, stable construction, and realistic wood and stone looks, SPC provides a worry-free flooring option suitable for the busiest households.

While no flooring is perfect, SPC comes remarkably close for those seeking high resilience, easy maintenance, and lovely aesthetics. Installation is simple enough for DIYers, and SPC floors can be cared for with basic sweeping and damp mopping.

As you shop for new floors, be sure to seriously consider SPC as an alternative to traditional laminate, LVT, hardwood, and tile. Its advantages in terms of waterproof technology, scratch resistance, and overall convenience make it one of the smartest flooring solutions available.

To see a wide selection of SPC floors for your home improvement project, visit Sivilima.lk. Our knowledgeable customer service team can also answer any other questions you may have. Investing in SPC flooring is a great way to add lasting beauty to your home while avoiding so many of the headaches and hassles of other types of flooring.

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