The pros and cons of SPC Flooring - SALE

Author: Minnie

Jun. 10, 2024

The pros and cons of SPC Flooring - SALE

Not all flooring is made equally and there is no single most superior type of material. The right flooring for you will depend on your budget, features that are a priority to you, the overall look and where you plan to install it. Here we will break down the pros and cons of SPC flooring so you can make an informed decision on whether it is the right material for your project. 

For more spc rigid core flooring priceinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Evolution of wood flooring

Before we dive in, it&#;s helpful to look at the brief history of wood flooring and the drivers behind the innovation in materials. Real hardwood flooring is the real deal and still very popular. It can be easily sanded down and refinished, giving it a long life span. However, it is costly to purchase, install and maintain, requiring a certain level of humidity to prevent cracking. The demands on wood as a natural resource are also very high.

The industry begged for a lower maintenance, cheaper version of solid hardwood floors so engineered hardwood was born. This solution helped with lowering maintenance and care for the floors but was still fairly expensive for consumers.

Then came laminate floors &#; a wood particle blend with image layer on top to mimic the look of hardwood. As high definition prints and embossing techniques continue to improve the look of laminate, the biggest problem is its tendency to swell with moisture. 

Porcelain tile caught onto this desire for wood-looking floors so there has been an increasing trend in wood-like tile. Tile is great because it&#;s very durable and water resistant but is cold to the touch and the rock hard surface can be tough on the feet. Tile also has a more complex installation requiring mortar and grout. 

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) was the next big thing. LVT is vinyl constructed into planks to mimic a wood-looking floor and is waterproof, which solves the problem with laminate. It is cheaper to install with both floating floor click-system or glue down options but can shrink or buckle with cold and heat. 

This leads us to the latest innovation in wood-like flooring &#; SPC. 

What is SPC flooring?

SPC flooring, which stands for Stone Plastic Composite, is the latest innovative material in the flooring world. It is a premium type of LVT that is 100% waterproof and a much more stable material than traditional LVT.

The core of SPC multi-layered floor planks is created from a stone powder and pvc plastic combination that produces an incredibly durable dent-resistant material that doesn&#;t expand and contract with environmental changes. 

One of the biggest advantages of SPC is that it is commonly installed with a click style system that is significantly faster to install than traditional tiles &#; making it a DIY homeowner favourite. No glue or nails are required to install, simply cut to size and click in place. Although it lacks some durability compared to traditional tiles, the speed of install drives down the labour cost so significantly that it makes a great flooring option. 

What are the various layers that make up SPC flooring?

While it ranges depending on the manufacturer, SPC planks are generally made up of the following layers:

  1. UV layer &#; Ensures stain-resistance, waterproof performance and prevents fading.
  2. Wear layer &#; Restores the authentic colour and embossing, protecting it from abrasion.
  3. Decorative layer &#; This is the printed wood-looking pattern.
  4. SPC Core &#; Durable rigid core of plank that doesn&#;t expand and contract with shifts in temperature or humidity
  5. Bottom layer &#; May be cork or foam backing material that gives some cushioning for a more comfortable underfooting.

Pros and Cons of SPC flooring

Pros:

  • 100% Waterproof
  • Low installation cost &#; cheap to do yourself or save significantly on labour and materials for a professional install. Tile usually costs between $5-10/sq ft to get professionally installed where SPC is $1.50-2/sq ft.
  • Easy installation &#; click system is easy to do with minimal tools, wait time and effort
  • Looks great &#; there are endless options of patterns, colours and grains to get the precise look and shade you want
  • Some are radiant heating compatible
  • Environmentally-friendly &#; avoiding use of real wood protects the earth&#;s natural resources and it can be recycled
  • Safe, better air quality &#; it is free from dangerous chemicals typically found in flooring such as formaldehyde , glues, benzene and phthalates
  • Some sound proofing &#; The multi-layered composition of materials provide some natural sound-proofing
  • Warranty &#; SPC generally comes with great manufacture warranties, where the length of warranty generally increases with the thickness of the wear layer and of the core of the planks

Cons:

  • Not super scratch resistant. While the core is highly durable, the wear layer on top can show noticeable scratches with excessive use. It&#;s very suitable for regular use in a residential home and light commercial use but is not recommended for high traffic commercial spaces.
  • Thinner material doesn&#;t have as much cushioning underfoot, compared to a hardwood or laminate.
  • Needs to be applied to a flat floor. The thicker the plank, the more forgiving on uneven surfaces.
  • Cannot be installed in outdoor spaces.
  • Can quickly increase in price as you add the bells and whistles like going with a thicker layer, more desirable print, extra UV resistance etc.
  • Not fade resistant &#; if you&#;re putting SPC in a spot that has a lot of natural light, it can fade over time. We don&#;t recommend it for sunrooms.
  • It&#;s not wood &#; ultimately these hardwood alternatives will never match the value of real solid wood so the resell for your home will be lower with SPC than true hardwood floors.

Where is the best place to use SPC flooring?

SPC is a great cost-effective choice for main floors of residential homes with normal wear in kitchens, living spaces or bathrooms. It is also excellent for basements where you&#;ll benefit from waterproofing, secondary vacation homes or rental homes as it is very low maintenance, can take a beating and is cost-effective to change out to maintain a modern look.

What thickness do I need?

The thicker the plank, the more stable and comfortable it is to walk on. With this comes an increase in price but also length of warranty. As the thickness increases, the more forgiving it is when installed on slightly uneven surfaces &#; although we always recommend laying SPC on as flat of a surface as possible free of debris. The SPC floors we carry range from 3mm to 7mm.

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Further reading:
How to identify the quality of PVC sports flooring
Tips for purchasing PVC sports flooring

Are you interested in learning more about spc herringbone flooring? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Pros & Cons of SPC Flooring

SPC flooring is a real game-changer in the vinyl flooring realm. With its incredible versatility, strength, affordability and many other benefits, it&#;s easy to see why. If you&#;re thinking of installing SPC flooring in your home, this article will explore the material in detail. We&#;ll go over its construction, pros and cons, and best rooms for SPC flooring to help you make the most informed decision.

What Is SPC Flooring?

SPC stands for stone polymer composite. It&#;s considered a premium type of vinyl flooring, as it&#;s more rigid than traditional vinyl due to its mixture of polyvinyl chloride plastic and stone powder.

SPC&#;s construction resembles that of wood polymer composite (WPC), another type of vinyl flooring, except it mixes plastic with stone instead of wood, making it far more durable. It&#;s often less comfortable to walk on than WPC, but this can be remedied with a cushioned padding layer.

Additionally, SPC&#;s sturdiness allows it to withstand changing seasons and temperature fluctuations. Unlike hardwood and basic laminate floors, it&#;s highly water-resistant. This makes it suitable for many room types, including moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. If you need a more affordable alternative to solid hardwood and tile flooring, SPC may be the choice for you.

The Layers of SPC Flooring

While this can vary by manufacturer, SPC planks generally contain the following layers:

  • SPC core layer: This rigid layer provides sufficient durability, serving as a foundation for the rest of the floor.
  • Design layer: The design or decorative layer is the printed pattern on the floor. The design layer can replicate nearly any color, wood or stone look.
  • Wear layer: The wear layer has a special coating to protect the floor&#;s original color and embossing from dents and abrasions.
  • Ultraviolet (UV) layer: The UV layer helps resist staining, water and fading.
  • Bottom layer: The bottom layer typically has a foam or cork backing material, providing extra cushioning and underfoot comfort.

Pros of SPC Flooring

There are several advantages to installing SPC flooring in your home:

1. Waterproof

SPC is a popular choice for homeowners due to its waterproof properties. Regular humidity and moisture won&#;t cause swelling or damage, making SPC flooring excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements. It especially comes in handy if you enjoy the look of authentic hardwood but don&#;t want to risk compromising its quality.

2. Cheaper Than Wood

Relatively low installation cost is another perk of SPC flooring. To put it into perspective, hardwood flooring installation can cost anywhere from $6 to $12 per square foot, while many SPC floors cost around $3 to $7 per square foot.

3. Installation Process

SPC flooring is generally installed with a click-style system, which is much faster to install than tiles. The flooring specialist doesn&#;t need to use nails or glue &#; they&#;ll simply cut it to size, then click it into place. While this technique is slightly less durable than traditional tile installation, its speed drives down labor costs significantly.

4. Aesthetics

SPC flooring is as stylish as it is functional. It can mimic a variety of wood species, patterns, grains and colors. Whether you choose bright and airy maple or a brilliant and rustic cherry, SPC allows you to achieve the look and aesthetic you want. If you aren&#;t going for a wood look, SPC can recreate various tile and stone looks, as well.

Cons of SPC Flooring

Despite the numerous benefits of SPC flooring, it doesn&#;t come without its drawbacks. Here are a few downsides to keep in mind:

1. More Expensive Than Other Luxury Vinyl

While SPC is usually more affordable than hardwood, you still get what you pay for. SPC tends to be more expensive than other luxury vinyl types. However, the cost of SPC flooring installation is still beneath the average cost of hardwood flooring.

2. Less Cushioning

As we mentioned earlier, SPC flooring sacrifices some comfort for durability. That said, it may not be your first choice for a comfy bedroom. Fortunately, you can use a comfort-enhancing padding layer for the best of both worlds.

3. Must Be Installed on a Flat Surface

You can install SPC flooring over various subfloor surfaces including wood, concrete and many existing hard surface floors. However, it&#;s important to note that the subfloors must be completely flat, smooth, clean, solid and dry to work effectively. The thicker the planks, the more forgiving they&#;ll be on uneven surfaces. Remember not to install SPC planks over floors that are sloped for drainage.

Best Rooms for SPC Flooring

While it doesn&#;t always support high-traffic commercial spaces, SPC flooring&#;s versatility still makes it a great option for many residential room types. Because it&#;s waterproof, durable and able to withstand humidity and temperature shifts, you can install it in the following areas:

  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Laundry rooms
  • Mudrooms
  • Basements

You can also install SPC flooring in bedrooms, offices, living rooms and even on stairs if desired, as it can support regular traffic and normal wear in many homes. Once again, try to refrain from installing SPC flooring in a high-traffic commercial space, sunroom, greenhouse or another window-filled room, as it can wear and fade with excessive sunlight and use.

Shop SPC Flooring From 50Floor Today

After weighing the pros and cons of SPC flooring, you might consider adding it to your home. At 50Floor, helping customers find and install the ideal flooring based on their budget, preferences and lifestyle is our specialty. With our convenient shop-at-home experience, you can enjoy browsing flooring samples from your own home to see how they fit with your space.

Our flooring experts will provide professional input and recommendations to guide you in your decision. Once you&#;ve made your purchase, we&#;ll handle the ordering and installation arrangements to start creating your dream floor. If you&#;re interested in SPC flooring installation, schedule a free in-home consultation with 50Floor today!

If you want to learn more, please visit our website spc flooring underfloor heating.

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