
Often, the backing will also come with a pre attached underlayment. Let's find out what you can expect from SPC layers:īacking Layer: This is the solid foundation of your plank. SPC rigid core luxury vinyl flooring is typically composed of four layers, but this can vary between manufacturers. So what is giving this thin plank such heavy-duty performance? It's the layered construction. Just looking at the flooring, you might think it's too flimsy or thin to hold up to anything, but just try giving it a bend. Rigid core luxury vinyl planks and tiles are specially manufactured to be ultra-thin, usually measuring no thicker than 6mm. Now, flooring manufacturers have created an ultra-thin, super-durable option. But with rigid core vinyl, the thickness of your vinyl really doesn't matter. The general wisdom used to be that thicker vinyl flooring was better.

Layers of Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring
#WPC WATERPROOF VINYL FLOORING INSTALL#
That means you can install SPC rigid core luxury vinyl flooring on any level, over almost any existing (hard surface) subfloor and for any amount of traffic. The SPC core is what makes this flooring so incredibly durable, maintaining its form even over uneven subfloors. So what does SPC stand for? As it turns out, it stands for a couple of terms that are used interchangeably: stone plastic composite or stone polymer composite. It has a similar construction to WPC, but it comes with an ultra-tough core, which is where the name “rigid core” comes from. Rigid core luxury vinyl flooring, also known as SPC flooring, is the most durable waterproof vinyl flooring option on the market. In this head-to-head showdown, discover the pros and cons of SPC and WPC, learn how they're made, and even compare the cost, durability, and comfort. WPC vinyl has been the gold standard for vinyl flooring and features a waterproof core that's comfortable as well as functional. SPC vinyl is a newer product with a signature rigid core that is virtually indestructible. Wanting to learn the differences and compare SPC vs WPC vinyl? You're in the right place.īoth options are known for being 100% waterproof. Some laminates may still have a visual advantage with edge details (the bevel) and deep embossing techniques.While searching for the perfect vinyl flooring, you've probably come across the terms SPC and WPC. WPC floors look great - on par with most laminate flooring. So what about the most important characteristic - looks, visual realism and authenticity compared to hardwood? If a subfloor is not sufficiently smooth, imperfections may telegraph through the LVP over time. This rigid core is beneficial when the existing subfloor has imperfections, so it cuts down the time and cost of subfloor preparation during installation.

Ordinary LVP flooring is constructed of 100% virgin vinyl but does not have the rigid core.

The short answer is WPC floors are, like laminate flooring, super durable, easy to install and economical! But there is one big distinction - they are waterproof.Īlso, WPC hides subfloor imperfections better than Luxury Vinyl Plank. WPC is the fastest growing segment of the flooring industry- so what is all the excitement about? The key distinction between WPC and conventional Vinyl Plank is the addition of the rigid core. Most are constructed of rigid solid plastic composite or stone plastic composite (SPC) cores. WPC refers to "wood plastic composite" but oddly enough, there are very few WPC floors that contain any wood. WPC is a class of Engineered Multilayer Flooring and is a subcategory of Vinyl Flooring.
