SPC vs. WPC Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Learn the Difference

While searching for the perfect vinyl flooring, you've probably come across the terms SPC and WPC. Wanting to learn the differences and compare SPC vs. WPC vinyl? You're in the right place.

Both options are known for being 100% waterproof. SPC is a newer product with a signature rigid core that is virtually indestructible. WPC has been the gold standard for vinyl flooring and features a waterproof core that's comfortable as well as functional.

Discover the pros and cons of SPC and WPC, learn how they're made, and even compare the cost, durability, and comfort.

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What is SPC?

Layers of Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring

So what is giving this thin plank such heavy-duty performance? It's the layered construction. SPC rigid core luxury vinyl flooring is typically composed of four layers, but this can vary between manufacturers.

Let's find out what you can expect from SPC layers:

Backing layer: This is the solid foundation of your plank. Often, the backing will also come with a pre-attached underlayment.

SPC core: SPC flooring contains a solid, waterproof core that won't ripple or swell. This core is ultra-dense with no foaming agents like you'll find in traditional WPC flooring. It gives you slightly less softness underfoot, but it makes the flooring extra durable.

Printed vinyl layer:This layer features hyper-realistic photo imagery that makes the vinyl look so much like stone and wood.

Wear layer: The wear layer is like the bodyguard of the plank; it protects your floor from wear and tear. SPC flooring often comes with thick wear layer options for heavy-duty protection.

Pros of Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring

• Waterproof: This is what makes both rigid core and WPC vinyl so popular. It's perfect for business owners, pets, and water-prone areas.
• Great for uneven subfloors: Rigid core is designed to be installed over any existing hard surface, including tile, even if it's imperfect or not completely level.
• Ultra-durable: That SPC core makes this vinyl flooring the most durable vinyl flooring option out there.
• Realistic wood and stone looks: Top-end vinyl floors mimic natural materials better than ever before.
• Low-maintenance: Keeping your floor looking fabulous is simple. Occasionally vacuum and mop, and you're all set.
• Easy installation: Rigid core luxury vinyl tiles and planks are easy to install yourself with most options interlocking and floating over your existing surface.

Cons of Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring

• Less comfortable than WPC: Manufacturers designed rigid core vinyl to be sturdy, not comfortable. That's why it's so popular in commercial environments.
• Colder than WPC: That stone composite core doesn't hold a lot of heat, so you're going to have some chilly floors when it's cold out.

What is WPC Vinyl Flooring?

Layers of WPC Flooring

WPC waterproof flooring is typically composed of four layers, but that can vary between manufacturers. In general, here's what you can expect to find:

Backing layer: This is the bottom layer of your plank. It provides a sturdy base and sometimes comes with an attached underlayment for added convenience.

WPC core: This is where the magic happens. WPC flooring contains a solid, waterproof WPC core. No matter how much water it encounters, it won't swell, stain, or warp.

Printed vinyl layer: This layer features the gorgeous photo imagery of wood or stone that makes vinyl so popular as an alternative to natural materials.

Wear layer: This layer protects your floor's surface from the wear and tear of everyday life. The thicker the wear layer, the better that protection!

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Pros of WPC Vinyl Flooring

• Completely waterproof: From both the top and bottom, WPC vinyl is designed to withstand moisture and prevent water damage to your floor.
• Comfort: It's true, you could just get a wood or stone look tile or SPC plank and it would also be waterproof. But those options are hard. Standing on a hard floor all day isn't great for your joints or feet. WPC is more resilient and much more comfortable.
• Style: Luxury vinyl can come in those highly sought-after wood-look and stone-look styles that people can't stop talking about.
• DIY installation: If you like doing things on your own, you will love how easy it is to install WPC flooring. Many come with interlocking tongue-and-groove systems that can float over your existing floor.
• Low-maintenance: With the occasional sweep and mop, you can easily keep your floor looking as good as new.

Cons of WPC Vinyl Flooring

• More likely to dent: Compared to SPC rigid core vinyl, WPC isn't quite as durable. That slightly softer core is more comfortable, but it's also more likely to dent if you drop something heavy.
• Slightly less affordable: The cost of WPC is just a bit higher than SPC. However, we are starting to see WPC flooring prices drop and become more affordable. Also, it's still less expensive than solid hardwood with way less maintenance.

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What is the difference between SPC and WPC?

So what is the difference between SPC Rigid Core and WPC waterproof vinyl? The answer to that lies in their different cores.

The waterproof core is the star of the show for both WPC flooring and rigid core flooring. A WPC core is made from wood plastic composite and contains an added foaming agent to increase resilience and comfort.

Meanwhile, an SPC core is made from stone plastic composite with no foaming agent, which makes it stiffer, sturdier, and less resilient.

Because SPC is so durable and unbending it's often used for high-traffic commercial spaces. That rigid core also makes it less susceptible to dents.

So now that you know the basics of SPC and WPC, it's time for the ultimate comparison of SPC and WPC vinyl.

Which is Better: SPC Vinyl or WPC Vinyl?

In the end, there's no way to say that either SPC or WPC flooring is better than the other. It all depends on where you plan to install it, and what you want out of your flooring.

Both options have a lot to love, and now that you know the differences, you're certain to be happy with your choice. So, are you ready to shop?

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