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 refers to the makeup of the core. The SPC core is what makes this flooring so incredibly durable, maintaining its form even over uneven subfloors.
That means you can generally install SPC rigid core luxury vinyl flooring on any level of your home and over almost any existing (hard surface) subfloor.
The general wisdom used to be that thicker vinyl flooring was better. But with rigid core vinyl, the thickness of your vinyl becomes a lot less important. Flooring manufacturers have created an ultra-thin, super-durable option. Rigid core luxury vinyl planks and tiles are specially manufactured to be ultra-thin, usually measuring no thicker than 6mm.
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. It?s really tough to even make it budge.
So what is giving this thin plank such heavy-duty performance? It?s the layered construction. SPC rigid core luxury vinyl flooring is typically composed of four layers, but this can vary between manufacturers.
Let?s find out what you can expect from SPC layers:
?Backing Layer: This is the solid foundation of your plank. Often, the backing will also come with a pre-attached underlayment.
?SPC Core: SPC flooring contains a solid, waterproof core that won?t ripple or swell no matter how much liquid you subject it to. This core is ultra-dense with no foaming agents like you?ll find in traditional WPC flooring. It gives you slightly less softness underfoot, but it makes the flooring extra durable.
?Printed Vinyl Layer: This layer features hyper-realistic photo imagery that makes the vinyl look so much like stone and wood.
?Wear Layer: The wear layer is like the bodyguard of the plank; it protects your floor from wear and tear. In the case of wear layers, thicker still means better. SPC flooring often comes with thick wear layer options for heavy-duty protection.
Pros of Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring
?Waterproof: This is what makes both rigid core and WPC vinyl so popular. It?s perfect for business owners, pets and water-prone areas.
?Better for uneven subfloors: Rigid core is designed to be installed over any existing hard surface, including tile, even if it?s imperfect or not completely level.
?Ultra-durable: That SPC core makes this vinyl flooring the most durable vinyl flooring option out there.
?Realistic wood-looks: Top-end vinyl floors mimic natural materials better than ever before. SPC vinyl is the cream of the crop, so the visuals are usually incredibly convincing and beautiful.
?Low-maintenance: Keeping your floor looking fabulous is so simple. Occasionally vacuum and mop, and you?re all set.
Cons of Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring
?Less comfortable than WPC: Manufacturers designed rigid core vinyl to be sturdy, not comfortable. That?s why it?s so popular in commercial environments.
?Colder than WPC: That stone composite core doesn?t hold a lot of heat, so you?re going to have some chilly floors when it?s cold out.
Flooring is the defining feature of your home. That?s why we pride ourselves on the education we provide our clients to ensure they select the most appropriate flooring for their lifestyle and home. Visit one of our South Florida showrooms today.
