SPC flooring is a real game-changer in the vinyl flooring realm. With its incredible versatility, strength, affordability and many other benefits, it’s easy to see why. If you’re thinking of installing SPC flooring in your home, this article will explore the material in detail. We’ll go over its construction, pros and cons, and best rooms for SPC flooring to help you make the most informed decision.
What Is SPC Flooring?
SPC stands for stone polymer composite. It’s considered a premium type of vinyl flooring, as it’s more rigid than traditional vinyl due to its mixture of polyvinyl chloride plastic and stone powder.
SPC’s construction resembles that of wood polymer composite (WPC), another type of vinyl flooring, except it mixes plastic with stone instead of wood, making it far more durable. It’s often less comfortable to walk on than WPC, but this can be remedied with a cushioned padding layer.
Additionally, SPC’s sturdiness allows it to withstand changing seasons and temperature fluctuations. Unlike hardwood and basic laminate floors, it’s highly water-resistant. This makes it suitable for many room types, including moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. If you need a more affordable alternative to solid hardwood and tile flooring, SPC may be the choice for you.
The Layers of SPC Flooring
While this can vary by manufacturer, SPC planks generally contain the following layers:
- SPC core layer: This rigid layer provides sufficient durability, serving as a foundation for the rest of the floor.
- Design layer: The design or decorative layer is the printed pattern on the floor. The design layer can replicate nearly any color, wood or stone look.
- Wear layer: The wear layer has a special coating to protect the floor’s original color and embossing from dents and abrasions.
- Ultraviolet (UV) layer: The UV layer helps resist staining, water and fading.
- Bottom layer: The bottom layer typically has a foam or cork backing material, providing extra cushioning and underfoot comfort.
Pros of SPC Flooring
There are several advantages to installing SPC flooring in your home:
1. Waterproof
SPC is a popular choice for homeowners due to its waterproof properties. Regular humidity and moisture won’t cause swelling or damage, making SPC flooring excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements. It especially comes in handy if you enjoy the look of authentic hardwood but don’t want to risk compromising its quality.
2. Cheaper Than Wood
Relatively low installation cost is another perk of SPC flooring. To put it into perspective, hardwood flooring installation can cost anywhere from $6 to $12 per square foot, while many SPC floors cost around $3 to $7 per square foot.
3. Easy Installation
SPC flooring is generally installed with a click-style system, which is much faster to install than tiles. The flooring specialist doesn’t need to use nails or glue — they’ll simply cut it to size, then click it into place. While this technique is slightly less durable than traditional tile installation, its speed drives down labor costs significantly.
4. Aesthetics
SPC flooring is as stylish as it is functional. It can mimic a variety of wood species, patterns, grains and colors. Whether you choose bright and airy maple or a brilliant and rustic cherry, SPC allows you to achieve the look and aesthetic you want. If you aren’t going for a wood look, SPC can recreate various tile and stone looks, as well.
5. Durability
SPC flooring is highly resistant to scratches, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with pets. Its robust construction minimizes wear and tear over time.
6. Variety of Styles
Available in numerous designs, colors, and textures, SPC can mimic natural materials like wood and stone, providing aesthetic versatility for homeowners.
7. Low Maintenance
Cleaning SPC flooring is simple, requiring just regular sweeping and occasional mopping to maintain its appearance.
8. Cost-Effectiveness
Generally, SPC flooring is more affordable than solid hardwood and offers good value due to its durability and low maintenance needs.
9. Comfort and Insulation
Some SPC options come with pre-applied underlay, enhancing comfort underfoot and providing sound insulation benefits.
10. Eco-Friendly Options
Many SPC products are made using recycled materials, contributing to a lower environmental impact compared to traditional flooring options.
11. Stain Resistance
SPC flooring is resistant to stains, making it easier to clean and maintain. Spills can be wiped up without leaving marks, which is particularly beneficial in homes with children or pets.
Cons of SPC Flooring
Despite the numerous benefits of SPC flooring, it doesn’t come without its drawbacks. Here are a few downsides to keep in mind:
1. More Expensive Than Other Luxury Vinyl
While SPC is usually more affordable than hardwood, you still get what you pay for. SPC tends to be more expensive than other luxury vinyl types. However, the cost of SPC flooring installation is still beneath the average cost of hardwood flooring.
2. Less Cushioning
As we mentioned earlier, SPC flooring sacrifices some comfort for durability. That said, it may not be your first choice for a comfy bedroom. Fortunately, you can use a comfort-enhancing padding layer for the best of both worlds.
3. Must Be Installed on a Flat Surface
You can install SPC flooring over various subfloor surfaces including wood, concrete and many existing hard surface floors. However, it’s important to note that the subfloors must be completely flat, smooth, clean, solid and dry to work effectively. The thicker the planks, the more forgiving they’ll be on uneven surfaces. Remember not to install SPC planks over floors that are sloped for drainage.
4. Comfort Issues
The rigid core of SPC flooring can feel hard underfoot, which may not be comfortable for everyone, especially when standing for long periods.
5. Scratch Resistance Limitations
While SPC is scratch-resistant, it is not completely impervious. Heavy objects can still cause damage if dropped on the floor.
6. Subfloor Preparation Requirements
A perfectly flat subfloor is essential for installation; any imperfections can lead to issues like lumps and bumps.
7. Limited Longevity Compared to Natural Materials
Although durable, SPC flooring does not last as long as solid hardwood, which can be refinished multiple times.
8. Environmental Concerns
SPC is made from non-renewable resources and is not biodegradable, raising concerns about its environmental impact over time.
9. Potential for Discoloration
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading and discoloration, making it less suitable for bright, sunlit areas.
10. Difficult to Remove
Once installed, SPC flooring can be challenging to remove, which may complicate future renovations.
11. No Resale Value Addition
Unlike solid hardwood, SPC flooring does not significantly increase the resale value of a home, which could be a consideration for some buyers.
Overall, SPC flooring offers a blend of durability, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness, but its limitations should be carefully weighed against individual needs and preferences.
Best Rooms for SPC Flooring
While it doesn’t always support high-traffic commercial spaces, SPC flooring’s versatility still makes it a great option for many residential room types. Because it’s waterproof, durable and able to withstand humidity and temperature shifts, you can install it in the following areas:
You can also install SPC flooring in bedrooms, offices, living rooms and even on stairs if desired, as it can support regular traffic and normal wear in many homes. Once again, try to refrain from installing SPC flooring in a high-traffic commercial space, sunroom, greenhouse or another window-filled room, as it can wear and fade with excessive sunlight and use.
Shop SPC Flooring From 50Floor Today
After weighing the pros and cons of SPC flooring, you might consider adding it to your home. At 50Floor, helping customers find and install the ideal flooring based on their budget, preferences and lifestyle is our specialty. With our convenient shop-at-home experience, you can enjoy browsing flooring samples from your own home to see how they fit with your space.
Our flooring experts will provide professional input and recommendations to guide you in your decision. Once you’ve made your purchase, we’ll handle the ordering and installation arrangements to start creating your dream floor. If you’re interested in SPC flooring installation, schedule a free in-home consultation with 50Floor today!
