Stone polymer composite (SPC) flooring is the most durable luxury vinyl option on the market. Its ultra-sturdy core makes it a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve their flooring’s durability.
If you’re trying to decide whether you should add SPC flooring or another type of vinyl to your home, you’ve come to the right place. Learn about the similarities and differences between SPC and traditional luxury vinyl in this guide.
SPC Flooring vs. Luxury Vinyl: How Do They Compare?
Luxury vinyl is a versatile, durable flooring made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins and stabilizers. It comes in various shapes, colors and textures. It’s designed to mimic natural materials like wood and stone, so it’s a great choice if you’re seeking a more affordable alternative to solid hardwood. Some common types of luxury vinyl flooring include:
- Luxury vinyl plank: Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is designed to recreate authentic hardwood flooring planks.
- Luxury vinyl tile: Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is used to replicate tile flooring. It comes in many stone and wood textures and finishes.
SPC is a type of LVT flooring made from plasticizers, PVC and powdered limestone for extra durability and water resistance. Traditional LVT floors have PVC cores for flexibility, but SPC flooring has a stone-plastic composite core, giving it more rigidity and strength. In other words, all SPC floors are luxury vinyl, but not all luxury vinyl floors are SPC.
Now, let’s explore some different qualities to further compare and contrast SPC and standard luxury vinyl.
1. Aesthetic
While digital imaging has improved across all vinyl flooring types, each plank will vary in look and feel. SPC flooring tends to have a more realistic look, natural texture and denser feel. Traditional vinyl flooring can also achieve a genuine hardwood or tile appearance, but because SPC is a more recent innovation, it’s a little more advanced in construction, appearance and texture.
2. Cost
SPC is more affordable than the materials it’s designed to mimic, like solid hardwood and tiles. However, it’s generally more expensive than standard LVT. The average cost of standard LVP and LVT flooring is $1-$6 per square foot, while SPC is $3.50-$7 per square foot. Of course, this can vary by the supplier and brand.
The good news is both traditional luxury vinyl and SPC are quick and simple to install, which reduces labor costs significantly. Vinyl planks are designed to fit and lock together without requiring nails, glue, solvents or other chemicals. While this click-style method is slightly less secure than hardwood and tile installation, it’s far less time-consuming.
3. Life Span
When properly installed and maintained, most luxury vinyl flooring types will typically last 20 years or more. However, SPC has the potential to outlast traditional LVT due to its more rigid core. Just be sure to clean and care for your flooring regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you notice any major dents or scratches over time, a plank replacement is a simple solution.
4. Durability
Due to its stone polymer core, SPC flooring tends to be more resilient, durable and dent-resistant than traditional vinyl. Because PVC-core luxury vinyl is softer and more pliable, it’s often more susceptible to wear and tear. Heavy furniture can dent this material more easily.
However, both SPC and traditional LVT are completely water-resistant. This means they can withstand spills, humidity, changing seasons and temperature shifts without losing shape or quality.
5. Maintenance
Both SPC and traditional LVT flooring are simple to clean and maintain due to their water-resistant, nonporous surfaces. Try to sweep or vacuum your floors regularly and deep clean them with a mop when necessary. This is especially important since dust and dirt buildup can cause premature scratching.
If your vacuum has a beater bar, make sure you turn it off beforehand — its rough bristles can scrape and scuff your flooring. Additionally, remember to check your floor’s warranty to ensure you’re using the proper cleaning products and methods.
6. Resale Value
Because vinyl flooring merely imitates natural wood and stone materials, neither standard LVT nor SPC can compete with hardwood in terms of resale value. However, you should note that replacing any old, worn flooring with a new option — whether it be SPC flooring or an alternative — allows you to see a return on your investment.
7. Comfort
Due to its sturdier stone construction, SPC flooring is inevitably going to provide less joint and underfoot comfort than traditional LVT flooring. While neither is nearly as soft and plush as carpet, traditional LVT’s softer core makes it far more comfortable to stand on than SPC.
Additionally, SPC’s stone composite core doesn’t hold much heat, so you’ll likely have some chilly floors when it’s cold out. We recommend adding an area rug on top of your floor for enhanced softness and comfort.
8. Rooms
SPC flooring and traditional LVT have similar waterproof features, so naturally, they can accommodate many of the same spaces. These include humid and moisture-prone areas, such as:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Laundry rooms
- Mudrooms
- Basements
Both are durable options that can withstand regular foot traffic, so you can also install these flooring types in the following rooms:
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Living rooms
- Entryways
Knowing which rooms to avoid is as important as knowing the best rooms for SPC and traditional vinyl flooring installation. We don’t recommend installing SPC flooring or traditional LVT in rooms with abundant windows and natural light, like sunrooms, as sunlight can cause these materials to fade over time.
Shop SPC and LVT Flooring With 50Floor Today
If you’re looking to upgrade your home with SPC or another type of luxury vinyl, turn to the experts at 50Floor. You don’t even have to leave your home to find the perfect flooring! Our vetted flooring professionals will bring an array of samples right to your door. They’ll offer expert insights and recommendations, helping you choose materials and colors based on your budget, lifestyle and interior aesthetic. You can also see how different flooring options look with your space, lighting and decor. Once you’ve made your purchase, we’ll proceed with timely, high-quality installation to bring your new flooring to life. Schedule a free in-home consultation with 50Floor today.
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