SPC, PVC, WPC, LVT -Which One Is More Suitable For You

In terms of main components, SPC, PVC, WPC and LVT flooring are all variants of PVC flooring.The main material of PVC flooring is pure PVC, LVT flooring is composed of polyvinyl chloride and a small amount of stone powder, WPC flooring is composed of polyvinyl chloride and wood flour, and SPC flooring is composed of 25% polyvinyl chloride and 75% stone powder.

What Is It

Below, we will introduce these four types of flooring in detail in the composition, production process and features

1.SPC flooring

SPC flooring is a new type of flooring material, the full name is Stone Plastic Composite Flooring. It is a kind of plastic flooring, but it has a very high hardness. It is calcium powder as raw materials, through the compression of the floor made of SPC flooring is very popular in foreign countries, usually used to pave the kitchen and living room and so on. SPC flooring is a kind of environmentally friendly flooring, does not contain formaldehyde and adhesive substances, so the environmental performance is relatively strong, there is no harm to human health. SPC flooring waterproof, moisture and mildew resistance performance is relatively strong, you can pave the bathroom and the kitchen, etc., its anti-slip properties. SPC flooring is waterproof, moisture-proof and mildew-proof, can be laid in the bathroom and kitchen, etc. Its anti-slip performance is also very strong, and lighter weight, more convenient for transportation.

SPC flooring is generally composed of the following four layers

(1) Wear-resistant layer: wear-resistant layer in the service life of the SPC floor plays a vital role, and through the UV treatment on the surface of the floor, further enhance the wear-resistant performance of the floor.

(2) PVC color film layers: the floor of the color film layer using realistic 3D visual effects manufacturing, pattern is divided into wood grain, stone carpet pattern

(3) Substrate layer: the substrate layer of spc flooring is made of high-density but stable material, which provides rigidity and stability for the floor.  

(4) Mute pads: the function of the mute pads is to make the floor glue-free installation, shock absorption mute, moisture-proof.

2.PVC flooring

PVC flooring, also known as polyvinyl chloride flooring, is a kind of flooring produced using polyvinyl chloride material. It is mainly made of polyvinyl chloride as raw material by calendering, extrusion or extrusion process. This type of flooring is widely popular in the market due to its unique properties and wide range of applications.

PVC flooring is usually composed of the following parts

(1) UV Coating: Stain-resistant, waterproof, moisture-proof.

(2) PVC Wear-resistant Layer: Polymer wear-resistant layer

(3) Color Film Layer: Restore the wood grain texture

(4) Environmental protection Base Layer: Environmental protection, flame retardant, no warping

(5) Glue Layer: Strong adhesion, does not come off the glue

(6)Protected Paper: A tear that is affixed, easy to operate.

3.LVT flooring

LVT flooring, known as “Luxury Vinyl Tile”, is a high-end vinyl flooring, also known as stone flooring or plastic flooring. It consists mainly of polyvinyl chloride and a small amount of stone powder, which is a new type of material that is soft, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean, etc. LVT flooring is soft, comfortable to the touch, and has a wear-resistant layer, which makes it suitable not only for furniture flooring, but also for work platforms in industry, etc. It is quick and easy to install. They are quick and easy to install and can be laid directly on tiles and planks.

LVT flooring usually consists of the following layers:

(1) Wear Layer: Protects the surface of the floor from scratches, stains and abrasion. The thickness of this layer usually determines the durability of the floor.

(2) Luxury Vinyl Top Layer: Provides the visual effect of the flooring and can simulate natural wood, stone or other design patterns to give the flooring a varied appearance.

(3) Core Layer: Provides the rigidity and stability of the floor, while enhancing waterproof performance.

(4) Underlayment: Increases comfort and sound insulation, while preventing the floor from being deformed by moisture.

4. WPC Flooring

WPC flooring is a luxury vinyl flooring that combines wood flour and polyvinyl chloride to form a strong, waterproof core layer. This core layer is then topped with a vinyl design and wear layer. WPC flooring is often compared to SPC flooring, and while they are both durable and waterproof, WPC offers a softer feel underfoot than the harder, denser SPC.

WPC waterproof flooring typically consists of four layers, each with a different purpose:

(1) Wear Layer: This top layer protects against scratches, stains and abrasions, maintaining the appearance and durability of the floor.

(2) Luxury Vinyl Print: Located below the wear layer, this layer has a high-definition image that mimics natural wood, stone or other materials for aesthetic versatility.

(3) 100% Waterproof Core: The heart of the WPC flooring, made of wood flour and polyvinyl chloride for stability, water resistance and underfoot comfort.

(4) Underlayment: Typically made of cork or foam, the underlayment adds acoustic insulation and helps eliminate underfloor imperfections, thereby improving comfort and ensuring a flat surface.

Which Is Better

Through the above introduction of SPC flooring, PVC flooring, LVT flooring and WPC flooring, I believe we have a general understanding of these four types of flooring. Then we should choose which one of the floor, the next floor from a variety of performance above to give you an introduction, so that you can choose the type of flooring that suits you.

1. Durability:

-SPC flooring:SPC flooring substrate layer is a strong waterproof core, there will be no expansion and cracking phenomenon. This substrate is super dense and does not contain the foaming agents found in traditional WPC flooring. It gives you a slight lack of softness underfoot, but makes the floor more durable.

PVC Flooring:PVC flooring is resistant to water, moisture, dirt and pollution, but compared to other high-end flooring materials, PVC flooring has a relatively short lifespan and may need to be replaced more frequently, especially in high-traffic areas.

-LVT flooring: LVT flooring is also durable and resistant to scratches and stains. An abrasion-resistant layer protects the surface from foot traffic and other impacts, but LVT is softer due to its vinyl core. While it is resistant to dents and chips, it may not be able to withstand heavy impacts as well as SPC.

-WPC Flooring: The wear layer protects against scratches, stains, and discoloration and maintains the appearance of the floor for a long time. Despite its durability, WPC is more susceptible to denting under heavy furniture or appliances if not properly protected, so protective padding is required.

2. Environmentally Friendly

-SPC flooring: The main raw material of SPC flooring is stone powder, which contains no radioactive elements, no benzene and formaldehyde, and can be recycled, so it is a new type of green floor decoration material.

-PVC flooring: PVC flooring is usually free of formaldehyde, benzene and other harmful substances, there is no radiation, its environmental protection is better. Its main raw material is polyvinyl chloride, mainly divided into sheets and rolls of two kinds, the installation method for the snap and glue two kinds of PVC flooring with glue may exist formaldehyde.

-LVT flooring: the main raw material is polyvinyl chloride and a small amount of stone powder, 100% formaldehyde, lead, benzene, no heavy metals and carcinogenic substances, no soluble volatiles, no radiation.

-WPC flooring: one of the main raw materials of WPC flooring is polyvinyl chloride and wood flour, this material is green and renewable, so it is more friendly to the human body and the environment.

3. Comfort

SPC flooring:Although the high hardness of SPC flooring brings excellent abrasion resistance, but also leads to a relatively hard feeling of feet, lack of solid wood flooring warmth and softness. For consumers seeking the ultimate in comfort, this may be a disadvantage.

-PVC flooring: PVC flooring texture is soft, elastic, although and rubber ground can not be compared, but compared with wood flooring, PVC in the comfort of the relatively good.

-LVT flooring: LVT provides a softer, warmer feel, similar to traditional vinyl.

WPC flooring: Thanks to the wood-plastic composite core, WPC flooring offers a warmer, softer feel than SPC, making it more comfortable in areas where you stand or walk barefoot.

4. Waterproof

SPC Flooring:The stone-plastic composite core of SPC flooring gives it excellent stability and resistance to temperature fluctuations. It is unlikely to expand or contract due to changes in humidity or moisture levels and is 100% waterproof.

-PVC Flooring: The PVC material itself has excellent waterproofing properties, making it ideal for use in wet environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.

-LVT Flooring: While LVT flooring is also waterproof, it may not be as stable as SPC flooring under extreme temperature or humidity conditions. In areas of high humidity or moisture, LVT flooring may require additional precautions such as proper subfloor preparation and moisture barriers.

-WPC flooring: its composition makes it completely waterproof and ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and basements.

5. Aesthetic Versatility

-SPC Flooring: SPC flooring is available in a variety of colors, patterns and textures, including realistic wood and stone designs. the PVC colored film on top of SPC flooring accurately mimics the appearance of natural materials. Some SPC flooring options also offer embossed textures to enhance the realistic look and feel.

PVC Flooring: Self-adhesive PVC flooring can mimic the look of a variety of natural materials such as wood, stone and tile, offering a wide range of design styles to meet different decorating needs.

-LVT Flooring: LVT flooring offers a wide range of design options, including wood, stone and tile looks. Printed design layers allow for intricate details and patterns, giving you the flexibility to create a unique and personalized space.LVT flooring often includes embossed textures to enhance the authenticity of the design.

-WPC flooring: WPC's thicker, stronger construction allows for deeper embossing and more realistic textures that closely resemble natural wood and stone.

6. Maintenance

-SPC Flooring: SPC flooring is extremely durable and resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. The protective finish provides an extra layer of protection against daily wear and tear.SPC flooring is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional wiping with a damp mop.

-PVC Flooring:Smooth surface, easy to clean and maintain, just sweep or vacuum regularly and wipe with a damp mop or broom.

-LVT flooring: LVT flooring is also durable and resistant to scratches and stains. An abrasion-resistant layer protects the surface from foot traffic and other impacts, and LVT flooring is low-maintenance and can be cleaned with regular sweeping, vacuuming and occasional wet mopping.

-WPC flooring: requires only regular sweeping and occasional mopping to maintain its appearance. Despite its durability, WPC is more susceptible to denting under heavy furniture or appliances if it is not properly protected, so protective padding is required.

7. Cost Effectiveness

-SPC flooring: Due to its composition and structure, SPC flooring tends to be slightly more expensive than LVT flooring. However, the increased cost is justified by the greater stability and durability of SPC flooring.

PVC Flooring: Compared to other flooring materials, PVC self-adhesive flooring is relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective flooring option.

-LVT Flooring: The price of LVT varies depending on the quality, but is usually affordable, making it an affordable option for those on a budget and looking for high quality aesthetics.

-WPC flooring: WPC flooring tends to be more expensive than SPC flooring due to its advanced construction and many benefits.

8. Installation

-SPC flooring: SPC flooring uses a locking installation system similar to laminate flooring. Planks or tiles are interlocked to form a strong and tight fit. This installation method allows for floating floors, which means that the floor is not fixed to the subfloor.SPC flooring can be installed on a variety of existing flooring surfaces, thus saving time and effort during installation!

-PVC Flooring: Highly demanding on the ground, the installation needs to ensure that the ground is flat, dry and clean, otherwise it may affect the adhesive effect and the service life of the floor. pvc sheet flooring is usually self adhesive or adhesive installation, easy and quick to install.

LVT flooring: LVT flooring is also available with a click-lock installation system, which can also be glued to the subfloor. Adhesive installation provides additional stability and reduces the possibility of movement or shifting. Unlike SPC flooring, LVT flooring may require a flatter subfloor surface to ensure proper installation!

-WPC flooring: Easy to install, WPC flooring is typically designed to lock into place without the need for additional glue or nails, making it quick and easy to install.

In summary

Choosing between SPC, PVC, WPC and LVT flooring depends on your specific needs, so consider the location of the installation, desired aesthetics, maintenance requirements and budget when making your decision. Ultimately, SPC, PVC, WPC and LVT flooring options all offer durable and versatile solutions that can transform the look and function of your space.