Difference Between SPC vs WPC Flooring – Detailed Comparison

Planning to upgrade your flooring but don’t know which one is the best? You have come to the right place to choose the best option of vinyl flooring. SPC vs WPC: they are the two well-known and water-resistant options for vinyl flooring.

SPC vinyl is the latest model with an almost unbreakable rigid core. In contrast, WPC is the perfect option for residential use and has efficient, comfortable, and water-resistant core.

In this article, we will discuss how SPC and WPC are made, study their pros and cons, and compare their comfort, cost, and durability.

Layers of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

In ancient times, thicker vinyl flooring was considered to be more durable. But in the latest models, a rigid vinyl core is used, so the thickness of the flooring does not matter.

Today, different flooring brands have manufactured more long-lasting and ultra-thin options. The rigid core of LVP and tiles are made super-thin. Its thickness does not exceed 6mm.

You might think that so extra thin floor will break soon and last for a limited time, but you can check it by bending its board. You will feel it so hard. They provide so strong performance because of their layered construction.

Layers of SPC Flooring

SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite, and four layers make its rigid core. However, different brands manufacture core of different layers.

The four layers are explained below:

Backing layer

This layer is the firm foundation of your vinyl boards. In most cases, the backing layer comes with an attached underlayment.

SPC Core

There is a water-resistant and solid core in SPC flooring. Due to this feature, no matter how much water it experiences, it never swells or creases. Unlike traditional WPC flooring, its core is ultra-thin.

So, the solid rigid core makes your flooring more durable and sturdy.

Printed Vinyl Layer

A printed layer on its top makes it look like stone or wood.

Wear Layer

It protects the plank from damage and breakage and works like a bodyguard. Thicker wear layers are best because they provide more protection and SPC flooring has a thicker wear layer.

Layers of WPC Flooring

WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite, and this option of vinyl flooring also has four layers, but different brands make different layers.

Some layers are described below:

Backing Layer

This layer is located at the lowest part of the plank. It delivers a strong base for the flooring; sometimes, they come with attached underlayment, which provides more comfort.

WPC Core

WPC flooring has a firm water-resistant WPC core. It effectively works in a highly moist environment.

Printed Vinyl Layer

This flooring part looks like stone or wood, so you can enjoy a hardwood look by spending less.

Wear Layer

It has a thick wear layer that protects your floor from wear and tear. The thickness of the wear layer is important because the thick the floor, the more it can be protected from damage.

Feature Wise Comparison of SPC vs WPC

Here is a detailed comparison of both floorings according to their features:

Cost

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WPC is an expensive option, but it has many benefits. It is 100% safe and can not be damaged by moisture. SPC vinyl plank flooring is less costly than WPC flooring and has similar features to WPC.

Feel

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SPC is more long-lasting due to its solid rigid core; however, it is still inflexible and cold. WPC’s rigid core has more flexibility, providing more comfort underfoot. It also makes your space warm, which is especially required in winter.

Use

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WPC can be installed in your home’s areas, such as a bathroom, kitchen, basement, etc. Homeowners like to install it in their homes because it is comfortable.

On the other hand, SPC flooring is so sturdy that it can be used for commercial applications with a lot of foot traffic.

Durability

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WPC and SPC are long-lasting, but SPC wins in this competition because its core is made from a combination of stone and plastic, so its surface will not break with the heaviest traffic and furniture.

Moisture Resistance

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The moisture resistance feature is the same in both SPC and WPC; both are 100% water resistant. The manufacturers have designed them so that water and other moisture problems cannot damage these planks. Both of them have a waterproof protective layer.

DIY-Friendly

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You can easily install SPC and WPC flooring using a DIY route because its installation is very easy with an interlocking tongue and groove system. You have to click them with each other, and the floor installation is complete.

Advantages and Disadvantages of SPC

Pros

• It is a good option for water-prone spaces, pets, and business owners.
• SPC flooring is a great option for subfloors with uneven surfaces.
• Due to its rigid core, it becomes the most long-lasting flooring.
• They provide an appearance of wood and stone in your space so you can achieve a gorgeous look.
• Its maintenance is easy, and you can clean your floor by sweeping and mopping.
• Its installation is very easy, with just interlocking the planks together. You can also install them above your current floor.

Cons

• The brands of SPC manufacture it to make it strong, but they didn’t pay attention to making it comfortable. This is why homeowners don’t like them to install.
• SPC does not absorb heat, so homeowners experience difficulty walking on it in cold seasons.

Advantages and Disadvantages of WPC

Pros

• WPC floors are also 100% water-resistant and do not get damaged even if installed in a highly humid place.
• The manufacturers of WPC have made them comfortable. You can easily work all day standing on this flooring, and you will not get tired
• The style of WPC has become very popular now. Installation of stone, tile, or wood is difficult and costly, but you can achieve that gorgeous look by installing WPC.
• It is so easy to install that you can do it by adopting a DIY route. The only thing you have to do is to lock the planks with each other to install them.
• You can keep it clean and protect it from damage with sweeping and mopping only. No extra cleaning is required.

Cons

• WPC is not so durable; its soft core makes it comfortable, but when you use heavy furniture on it, it breaks.
• The prices of WPC are high, and they are not affordable.

Main Differences Between SPC vs WPC

Difference in Cores

The core of WPC consists of a combination of plastic and wood. There is also a foaming agent that makes it comfortable and flexible.

On the other hand, the core of SPC is made by combining plastic and stone. Stone is a less resilient, harder, and sturdier material. And due to the absence of a foaming agent, the core of SPC is more robust.

Difference in Uses

SPC is used in high-traffic spaces in commercial and industrial areas because of its durability, unbreakable, and unbending features. They are also resistant to scratches and dents, so homeowners also choose this for high-traffic spaces and heavy furniture

WPC is usually chosen due to its feature of providing comfort underfoot, and it is used in residential areas for low-traffic spaces.

WPC floor is like a relaxing, gorgeous residential carpet that provides comfort, while the SPC floor is like a commercial carpet that provides durability. Both are perfect options.

The Difference in Sound Silence

WPC also absorbs sound, so they become superior due to this quality. Due to its thickness, it does not make a sound when someone walks on it.

How to Choose Between WPC vs SPC for Your Home?

When purchasing WPC or SPC, ensure you have looked at all of their options. Most of the sellers or companies have labeled different names on these products.

For example:

1. Engineered Luxury Vinyl Flooring
2. Enhanced Vinyl Plank
3. Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
4. Rigid Vinyl Plank

Make sure you read all the details of the product before buying it. If the products are made from SPC or WPC, you should select them.

Select an option for your home by considering factors like foot traffic, the weight of furniture, and other things. For some homes, it might be possible that SPC is better and for some spaces may be WPC is a good option.

However, both options provide durability, stylish looks, and water resistance. Their installation is easy; anyone can install it with a DIY route.

Best Brands of SPC vs WPC

Best WPC Brands

There are tons of Luxury vinyl flooring brands that provide products with WPC-core. A few of the best brands are given below:

Floorte by Shaw

Shaw is one of the second-biggest flooring manufacturing companies and gives its top WPC products.

This range starts from $6 per square foot, which is not an inexpensive option. However, many WPC flooring companies recommend buying these products due to their high-quality feature.

CORETec

CORETec first invented WPC flooring, which is owned by the show now. The cost range of this brand is more than Floorte, which is $6 – $12 per square foot, but they also come in a variety of high-quality and stylish products.

Many reviews of CORETec show that they deliver the best WPC flooring options.

Adura Max by Mannington

On average, the price of Adura Max is $4 – $6 per square foot. They deliver various types of hardwood, stone, and tile looks.

In most cases, they are chosen a lot commercially; however, residential options are also available in this brand.

SmartCore Ultra

SmartCore Ultra is one of the well-known companies that deal in WPC flooring.

The reviews of the SmartCore Ultra show that their products are more affordable than the brands mentioned above.

The wear layer of these products is not so durable and is susceptible to scratches and dents.

Best SPC Brands

Proximity Mills

Nowadays, Proximity Mills retails SPC flooring products only. As this is a new brand, most people may not be aware of it.

The reviews of this brand show that their SPC flooring is FloorScore certified with zero VOC and is less costly. Their wear layer is much more durable than Shaw’s Floorte Pro and Doma.

Doma

Doma is another company that sells SPC flooring and focuses mainly on style.

If you are looking for the most fashionable option of SPC, Doma is at the top of the list. They are available in tile and plank designs, and the width of their planks is 9 inches. Their largest tiles are 12” x 24”.

Their performance is very good because they have many wear layer options from 12 – 22 mils. They are made of polyurethane or aluminum oxide with extra antibacterial properties.

All the luxury vinyl planks of Doma are certified by GreenGuard Plus or FloorScore as low-VOC.

Newton

There are nine collections of cheap SPC flooring made by Newton. This company’s luxury vinyl plank floors have a wear layer of aluminum oxide and a warranty of 15 years.

Its price ranges from $2 – $5 per square foot. So, by spending less, you will find a high-quality product.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Is WPC Better than SPC?

Both options are stable and long-lasting, but SPC is sturdier than WPC because of its limestone composition. So, it is better for commercial applications, while WPC is better for residential use because it provides comfort and makes no sound when you walk on it.

What are the Cons of Spc Flooring?

• It is not appropriate for outdoor areas.
• It does not provide a super-resistant surface from scratches.

Is SPC or Vinyl a Good Option?

SPC and WPC are both long-lasting, but SPC is more durable. Its core is made of stone and plastic, so it is more resistant to dents due to heavy furniture and foot traffic.

What is the Difference Between Vinyl Flooring and SPC?

They are different in their plank construction. The vinyl flooring core is PVC, making the plank comfortable and soft. In comparison, the core of SPC is made of stone and plastic, so their planks are more rigid and sturdier.

Is Laminate Better than SPC?

Laminate flooring shrinks because of cold and expands by heat, while SPC does not change with weather changes. So, SPC is more steady than laminate flooring. During installation, they both need expansion joints. 4 – 5 mm is needed for SPC, while laminate floors need 8 – 10 mm.

Final Thoughts

It can’t be said that one option is better than the other. The location where you want to install it, and the foot traffic in your space decide which option is better for you, SPC or WPC.

If you want a comfortable surface and you have low-foot traffic, WPC is good for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for flooring that can resist high-foot traffic, you should choose the SPC option.