When it comes to modern flooring solutions that combine durability with style, SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring is quickly making a name for itself.
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Often marketed as the next big leap beyond luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, SPC flooring stands out thanks to its extra-tough core, which is built for everyday life. This stronger core is what makes SPC an upgraded version of LVP &#; it&#;s designed to handle the scratches, dents, and spills that can happen in busy homes and businesses. But what exactly is SPC flooring, and how does it differ from the already popular LVP?
Let&#;s explore SPC flooring and see if this upgraded solution might be the ideal fit for your home or business.
Okay, let&#;s cut to the chase. &#;SPC&#; is a special type of vinyl, and it stands for Stone Plastic Composite. That essentially means they take limestone (think chalk, but way tougher), mix it with PVC and stabilizers, and create an insanely dense and strong core for the flooring. That might not sound fancy, but this core is the heart of SPC&#;s appeal.
Most SPC flooring is built like a sandwich, with several layers working together:
You also might have heard about WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) or traditional LVP. The key difference is the core. WPC has a wood-based core (still tough but softer than SPC), and LVP usually has a purely vinyl core. This makes SPC your go-to when it comes to resisting dents, handling temperature swings, and shrugging off water.
When it comes to choosing the right flooring, it&#;s all about what you get out of the deal. With SPC flooring, you&#;re investing in floors that will give you peace of mind. Here&#;s the lowdown on the benefits that SPC flooring brings to the table:
Long-lasting durability:
SPC flooring isn&#;t just marketing hype. It&#;s designed to handle heavy foot traffic, dropped dishes in the kitchen, or kids and pets roughhousing without showing much wear and tear. We&#;re talking a potential lifespan of 20-30 years or longer &#; that&#;s the confidence reflected in many manufacturer warranties.
It&#;s completely waterproof:
SPC&#;s 100% waterproof construction makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, or any area prone to spills and moisture. This means no concerns about warping or water damage, even in humid climates.
Low-maintenance and easy to keep clean:
Regular sweeping and the occasional damp mop are typically all you need to keep SPC looking sharp. The dense, non-porous surface and wear layer help prevent most spills, whether it&#;s coffee, muddy footprints, or even red wine, from setting onto the floor. This means cleanup is usually a simple matter of wiping it away.
Design versatility to match your style:
Want the warmth of wood or the sleekness of marble without the high price tag or maintenance headaches? SPC has you covered. High-definition printing technology creates highly realistic visuals so you can achieve your ideal style without sacrificing practicality.
Stability in various environmental conditions:
Another great thing about SPC flooring is that it won&#;t expand or contract much with temperature changes or humidity. This means no annoying gaps between planks and a comfortable, consistent feel underfoot, no matter the season.
SPC is DIY-friendly:
Most SPC flooring utilizes an intuitive click-lock system. If you&#;re reasonably handy and enjoy a challenge, you could potentially save some serious cash on vinyl installation costs by tackling the project yourself.
After talking about SPC&#;s strengths, it&#;s only fair to discuss the trade-offs, especially considering the price compared to other options like LVP:
Might not offer the most comfortable feeling underfoot:
SPC&#;s core is designed for toughness, and that can sometimes translate to a harder feel underfoot. While some folks don&#;t mind, others accustomed to softer flooring like carpet or cork might find it less comfortable for long periods of standing. Underlayment can improve the feel somewhat, but it&#;s a factor to consider.
Potential VOCs: Choose wisely for healthy air:
Not all SPC flooring is created equal. While many brands prioritize low-VOC or even zero-VOC materials and processes, some cheaper options might still release those chemicals into your home&#;s air. It&#;s essential to look for certifications like FloorScore or Greenguard Gold to ensure the flooring you choose prioritizes healthy indoor environments.
Price considerations: SPC vs. LVP:
SPC generally falls in the $3.50 to $7 per square foot range, with premium varieties reaching $8 or more.
On the other hand, regular LVP Offers a budget-friendly price range of typically $2 to $7 per square foot, sometimes even lower for basic options. If extreme durability isn&#;t a top concern, regular PVC cores can be a smart way to achieve a similar look while saving money.
Now that you have a good idea about what SPC has to offer and what its trade-offs are, you are well-equipped to decide if it is the right choice for your space. If the answer is yes, we are here to provide you a place to start looking with our selection of brands that offer high-quality SPC vinyl plank:
Proximity Mills
For those who need high performance, low VOC floors that can stand up to whatever life throws at them.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website SPC Horizon Plank.
Proximity Mills
For those who need high performance, low VOC floors that can stand up to whatever life throws at them.
Shop Proximity MillsFind a RetailerProximity Mills is a reputable brand in the world of luxury vinyl flooring, offering a strong collection of SPC options. Here&#;s a breakdown of what sets their SPC apart:
If you think this set of features makes a compelling case for Proximity Millsa as your go-to choice, you will be glad to know that all of those features are packed in SPC LVP that can cost around $6 per square foot.
At that price point, you can find the Suwannee River collection that brings the latest fashion-forward colors to your home. The products range from an elegant Scandinavian design to a more rustic, warm look.
Suwanee River Collection is built for residential and commercial use. This SPC collection features an I4F locking system that makes installation simple and straightforward. It&#;s certified for zero-VOC emission and is pet friendly as well.
Liberty Home
For those that want quick ship products for an immediate project.
Liberty Home
For those that want quick ship products for an immediate project.
Shop Liberty HomeFind a RetailerLiberty Home Flooring offers a waterproof and durable flooring solution with four collections of SPC products. Liberty Home boasts 50+ years of LVP manufacturing experience, and their SPC LVP products are built on a solid foundation:
We highlight the UltraDefend Pro collection as a highly durable, waterproof SPC flooring that combines premium protection with sophisticated style.
This GreenGuard Gold certified luxury vinyl plank features a robust 22 mil wear layer and generous 9.10&#; x 60&#; planks with a painted micro bevel edge, making it an ideal choice for households with pets while offering excellent water resistance and the authentic look of rustic wood in a medium color variation.
On top of all these features, it also has an anti-microbial coating that makes this product a no-brainer when finding the right floors for your home and family.
Doma
For those who want bold, stylish and beautiful floors inspired by the beauty of the natural world.
Doma
For those who want bold, stylish and beautiful floors inspired by the beauty of the natural world.
Shop DomaFind a RetailerDoma sets itself apart in the SPC flooring market with an emphasis on unique designs and high-quality construction.
If you want to take the best out of both worlds of design and practicality, we suggest Doma&#;s Cascade Collection. For just about $7 per square foot, you get all the features you&#;d expect in a premium SPC flooring, including a robust 20 mils wear layer, waterproof construction, and pet-friendly durability.
The Cascade collection features some of Doma&#;s boldest designs, with high-contrast floors that blend beautiful patterns with trendy beige, brown, gray, and black hues. The Cascade collection also employs wide planks for a look that&#;s both boldly on-trend and entirely timeless. Each floor in the Cascade collection is FloorScore-certified.
By now, you have a solid understanding of what SPC flooring is, its pros and cons, and some top brands to consider. But how do you know if it&#;s the perfect fit for your home or project? Here&#;s a recap of the key factors to weigh:
SPC flooring brings unique advantages to the table. You could find the perfect solution for your home or project by weighing your priorities and carefully choosing the right brand.
Improper Installation: If the SPC flooring is not installed correctly, it may result in gaps or uneven surfaces. These irregularities can lead to stress points, causing the flooring to warp over time. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines and ensure that the subfloor is properly prepared.
Excessive Moisture: While SPC flooring is water-resistant, excessive moisture can still be a concern, especially if water is allowed to seep between the planks or if there is prolonged exposure to standing water. High humidity levels or water damage from leaks can contribute to warping. It's crucial to address and fix any water-related issues promptly.
Subfloor Issues: Uneven or improperly prepared subfloors can impact the performance of SPC flooring. If the subfloor has bumps, dips, or is not level, it can create stress points on the flooring, leading to warping. Subfloor issues should be addressed before installation.
Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme temperature fluctuations can potentially affect the stability of SPC flooring. While SPC is more stable than some other flooring materials, significant temperature variations, especially in environments with inadequate climate control, can contribute to warping.
Manufacturing Defects: In rare cases, defects in the manufacturing process, such as uneven thickness or composition issues, can lead to problems like warping. This emphasizes the importance of purchasing SPC flooring from reputable manufacturers and suppliers.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of EIR SPC Flooring. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.