The process of remodelling a home has never been free of acronyms. When you’re remodelling your home, you need to know a lot of terms that start with three or four letters. Acronyms such as GFCI, CFL, and VOC spring to mind.
It’s the same when you choose your flooring! To make things even easier, there are now many well-made options for luxury vinyl flooring. However, buyers still need to know which flooring material is best for their situation before starting the process, and that means learning a few acronyms about the different types of wood, tile, and stone.
This is the place for you if you want to put down ultra-durable vinyl plank flooring, rigid core flooring, or waterproof and water-resistant flooring. Before choosing colours and designs, you need to know the difference between WPC and SPC construction terms.
What Is Rigid Core Flooring?
Rigid core flooring is the new vinyl flooring for today’s hard-to-please customers. In plank and tile shapes, it is a high-end material that can withstand a lot of things, even water. It is also very durable.
To understand the rigid core, you have to move away from the vinyl flooring you’re used to. In most homes, standard vinyl flooring is made of a thin, flexible material glued down to the subfloor. Some things that make rigid core different are that it is stiffer and thicker.
This gives it a few unique advantages over other types of cores. One of the most talked-about things about it is how well it can handle water. But it’s not the only feature that makes it good. It can also deal with sub-floor imperfections, keep noise out, and be very comfortable underfoot.
What Is SPC Flooring?
“SPC” stands for “stone plastic composite,” and it’s a type of flooring that looks just like stone, ceramic, or wood but has a lot more practical benefits that you’ll learn about later in the article. With realistic photographic prints and a transparent vinyl top layer, SPC allows you to consider a wide range of design ideas.
The Benefits of Choosing SPC Vinyl Flooring
Here’s why SPC flooring might be an option for you.
Installation is simple.
SPC can be laid in one of two ways: with adhesive or a loose-lay floor. Because of modern loose-lay techniques, SPC may now be used with minimal surface preparation. Flooring installation expenses, as well as installation time, can be decreased with this method.
Waterproof
The fact that SPC vinyl flooring is waterproof is one of the most appealing features. Unlike many flooring materials it imitates, these planks can tolerate liquids and spills because of their hard PVC core layer.
Comfort and Style
SPC has a softer surface than other flooring materials, such as wood or stone. It’s also more comfortable to walk on and reduces noise, which is a key feature for many homes.
SPC is environmentally friendly, and many of the components used in its creation are renewable items, recyclable content, and low-emitting materials.
Budget
If you want watertight, scratch, stain, and fade-resistant flooring that won’t break the bank SPC vinyl flooring is typically less expensive than premium floors such as hardwood or stone that it imitates.
Maintenance
SPC is significantly easier to maintain than other luxury floors because it never needs to be sanded or sealed. Because it is entirely waterproof, all you need is a moist mop to clean it.
What is WPC?
WPC stands for “Wood Plastic Composite,” and it is the type of core used in engineered vinyl flooring that is highly durable and weather resistant.
WPC is made out of recycled wood pulp and plastic composites mixed together to create a unique substance that serves as the core for the regular vinyl that makes up the top layer. So you won’t notice any wood or plastic on your floors if you choose WPC flooring. Instead, these are only the ingredients that serve as a foundation for the vinyl.
Benefits of WPC Vinyl
Choosing WPC vinyl flooring over other types of flooring has a number of advantages, including:
WPC flooring is a step up from ordinary vinyl that doesn’t come at an exorbitant price. This type of flooring is less expensive than hardwood floors, and certain varieties are also less costly than laminate or tile. Many people choose to install WPC flooring themselves, saving money in the process.
Waterproof
Waterproof laminate and hardwood floors are not available. Vinyl is water-resistant, not waterproof. On the other hand, WPC vinyl flooring is entirely waterproof and may be used in spaces where certain types of flooring should not be utilized, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements.
Moisture and temperature fluctuations do not cause the floors to warp because of the wood and plastic core. This helps you maintain a fashionable and consistent look throughout your home without having to use different flooring kinds in different rooms depending on moisture exposure.
Quiet
WPC vinyl flooring has a thicker core than standard vinyl, which helps to absorb sound. This makes it quiet to walk on and avoids the “hollow” sound that vinyl floors are sometimes known for. The thicker core makes the flooring softer and warmer, making it much more comfortable for residents and visitors to walk on.
Durability
WPC vinyl flooring is extremely stain and scratch-resistant. It will withstand wear and tear, making it ideal for busy houses with pets and children. It’s simple to keep clean by sweeping or vacuuming daily and mopping with a damp mop and diluted floor cleaner on occasion. If a particular area is badly damaged, replacing a single plank with a low-cost fix is simple.
Easy Installation
Because standard vinyl is so thin, any unevenness in the subfloor is visible. Because WPC flooring has a strong, thick core, any faults in the subfloor will be hidden. This makes installation easy because there is no need to prepare the subfloor before placing the WPC flooring. It also makes it easier to install WPC vinyl flooring in larger parts of the home. WPC flooring may be installed over various floors, and unlike other flooring types, it does not need to be left in the house for many days to adapt to moisture and temperature.
Optional Styles
One of the most appealing aspects of any form of vinyl flooring is the virtually endless design possibilities. WPC flooring comes in almost every colour and pattern, and many of them are designed to resemble other forms of flooring, such as hardwood and tile.
Differences Between WPC and SPC Vinyl Flooring
WPC and SPC flooring are water-resistant and extremely resistant to wear from high traffic, accidental scratches, and daily use. The density of the stiff core layer is the primary difference between WPC and SPC flooring.
Stone is heavier than wood, making it sound more complicated than it is. As a customer, all you have to do is consider the difference between a tree and a rock. Which has greater wiggle room? The tree. Which one can withstand a significant amount of force? The rock, of course.
This is how it relates to flooring: The rigid core layer in WPC is thicker and lighter than the core in SPC. It has a softer underfoot texture that makes standing or walking on it for more extended periods more pleasant. Its thickness gives it a warmer feel, and it absorbs sound well.
Compared to WPC, SPC has a hardcore layer that is thinner, more compact, and denser. Because of its compactness, it is less prone to expand or contract in response to extreme temperature changes, improving the stability and longevity of your flooring. When it comes to impact, it’s also more durable.
When Should You Install WPC or SPC Flooring in Your Home?
Choosing the most suitable construction for your new flooring might make a major difference depending on where you plan to install it. Here are some common scenarios in which one sort of flooring makes more sense than the other:
Making living space above an unheated area, such as a basement, on a second level? Choose WPC, which will insulate your rooms better.
Do you want to set up a home gym? You won’t have to worry about losing weight if you choose SPC. Putting the finishing touches on a sunroom? SPC will perform better in non-heated or cooling settings, such as three-season rooms.
Putting together a workshop? WPC is comfier if you’ll be standing for a lengthy time. SPC will provide you with more peace of mind if you’re concerned about dents caused by dropped tools.
Are you renovating a multi-story home? WPC will help to reduce sound spillover from floor to floor. There are numerous alternatives for sound absorption with an attached pad.
Final Thoughts – Things to Keep in Mind
Understanding the world of rigid core vinyl floor alternatives made of SPC and WPC doesn’t have to be complicated. You’ll probably come across a lot of waterproof flooring options while looking at luxury vinyl plank and vinyl tile selections. While WPC and SPC flooring are water-resistant, adequate care and maintenance are still required to get the most out of these types of flooring.