Jun. 10, 2024
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.
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Before we dive in, its 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 its 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.
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 doesnt 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.
While it ranges depending on the manufacturer, SPC planks are generally made up of the following layers:
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 youll 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.
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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SPC flooring is a real game-changer in the vinyl flooring realm. With its incredible versatility, strength, affordability and many other benefits, its easy to see why. If youre thinking of installing SPC flooring in your home, this article will explore the material in detail. Well go over its construction, pros and cons, and best rooms for SPC flooring to help you make the most informed decision.
SPC stands for stone polymer composite. Its considered a premium type of vinyl flooring, as its more rigid than traditional vinyl due to its mixture of polyvinyl chloride plastic and stone powder.
SPCs 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. Its often less comfortable to walk on than WPC, but this can be remedied with a cushioned padding layer.
Additionally, SPCs sturdiness allows it to withstand changing seasons and temperature fluctuations. Unlike hardwood and basic laminate floors, its 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.
While this can vary by manufacturer, SPC planks generally contain the following layers:
There are several advantages to installing SPC flooring in your home:
SPC is a popular choice for homeowners due to its waterproof properties. Regular humidity and moisture wont 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 dont want to risk compromising its quality.
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.
SPC flooring is generally installed with a click-style system, which is much faster to install than tiles. The flooring specialist doesnt need to use nails or glue theyll 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.
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 arent going for a wood look, SPC can recreate various tile and stone looks, as well.
Despite the numerous benefits of SPC flooring, it doesnt come without its drawbacks. Here are a few downsides to keep in mind:
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.
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.
You can install SPC flooring over various subfloor surfaces including wood, concrete and many existing hard surface floors. However, its 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 theyll be on uneven surfaces. Remember not to install SPC planks over floors that are sloped for drainage.
While it doesnt always support high-traffic commercial spaces, SPC floorings versatility still makes it a great option for many residential room types. Because its waterproof, durable and able to withstand humidity and temperature shifts, you can install it in the following areas:
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.
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 youve made your purchase, well handle the ordering and installation arrangements to start creating your dream floor. If youre interested in SPC flooring installation, schedule a free in-home consultation with 50Floor today!
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