The Differences Between LVT, SPC and WPC

SPC floor, WPC floor, and LVT are three types of popular flooring. Here, we’ll break down an in-depth comparison of each type to help you determine which kind will best fit your needs.

First of all, to learn more about how these flooring options differ from one another, it is first important to understand what each type is.

What Is LVT Flooring?

Luxury Vinyl Tile/Planks, also called LVP. It is a modernized version of vinyl flooring. Its lifelike designs seem like actual wood, ceramic, or stone flooring while remaining cost-effective. These products are a composition of compressed layers of vinyl with a high-resolution image overlaid on top to give them the appearance of a different material.

There're three choices when it comes to installation: glue down, loose lay, click.

The thickness for glue down LVT are usually 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm.

The thickness for loose lay LVT are usually 4.5mm, 5mm.

Click LVT has been replaced by Click SPC gradually in the recent years, due to the relatively inferior cost performance.

Wearlayer could be 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm.

The surface emboss are usually deep wood emboss. If you want to feel the wood grains & knots like the real wood, you can try EIR(register in emboss). We also have other niche embossment available, such as handscraped emboss, sawcut emboss, stone emboss, etc.

Bevels could be square bevel, micro bevel, etc.

Sizes could be 177.9*1219.6mm, 228*1220mm, 228*1524mm or other customized sizes.

What Is SPC Flooring?

Stone Plastic Composite Flooring, also called Rigid Vinyl Plank(RVP), or hybrid flooring. It is an upgraded version of LVT. SPC flooring consists of several layers: UV coating, wear layer, SPC print layer, SPC core, and a balanced layer. The backing can vary thanks to a variety of options including EVA, corkwood, and IXPE foam.

Recommended locking system: Unilin click.

i4F, 2G or 5G click also available.

The thickness for SPC core could be 3.5mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm.

Plus 1mm, 1.5mm or 2mm underlayment.

We have different EVA & IXPE underlayment at your choice.

Wearlayer could be 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm.

The surface emboss are usually deep wood emboss. If you want to feel the wood grains & knots like the real wood, you can try EIR(register in emboss). We also have other niche emboss available, such as handscraped emboss, sawcut emboss, leather emboss, etc.

Bevels could be square bevel, micro bevel, painted bevel, etc.

Sizes could be 6*36''(152.4*914.4mm), 7*48''(180*1220mm), 9*48''(228*1220mm), 9*60''(228*1524mm), 9*72''(228*1800mm).

What Is WPC Flooring?

Wood Plastic Composite(WPC) features a core typically composed of polyvinyl chloride, a foaming agent, calcium carbonate, wood-like or actual wood materials such as wood flour, and plasticizers.

Secondly, Let’s take a look at 15 of the differences and similarities between WPC, SPC, and LVT vinyl flooring.

1. Structure

All three of these flooring types feature layers, but the layers can vary between types.

SPC floors, for example, have a core layer comprised of Calcium powder, a stabilizer, and PVC powder. LVT consists of a UV coating - to protect the floor’s colors, wear layer and decor layer. WPC floors feature a core layer consisting of a LVT layer and a foaming agent. LVT core layer is comprised of Calcium powder, PVC powder and plasticizer.

2. Plank Thickness

The thickness for glue down LVT are usually 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm.

The thickness for loose lay LVT are usually 4.5mm, 5mm.

The thickness for SPC core could be 3.5mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm.

WPC vinyl floors often tend to run thicker than standard SPC vinyl, usually 7mm and above.

3. Sturdiness

Due to differences in the core materials, SPC tends to be the most dimensionally stable of these options. The sturdiness also helps the floor feel softer and increases its defenses against wear and dents.

4. Appearance

WPC and SPC vinyl flooring are produced using the latest digital imaging technology, lending them a realistic appearance that mimics the look and feel of stone tiles and real timber. Both WPC and SPC vinyls can be found in a variety of textures, colors, and styles.

Traditional LVT floors tend to project a look and feel that is expected of vinyl due to its thin plank structure. This is especially true of budget LVT options.

5. Subfloor

Traditional vinyl is thin and flexible, making it more at risk of subfloor imperfections. With SPC and WPC vinyl, the thicker planks help compensate for the majority of minor subfloor imperfections.

6. Installation

Any of these flooring options feature DIY potential. LVT planks can often be found with click-lock installation, glue down, or loose lay.

Most WPC or SPC vinyls feature a DIY click and lock system consisting of a tongue and groove construction that eliminates the need for nails or glues.

7. Comfort Under Foot

Traditional LVT vinyl tends to be thinner and lacking in support.

Consisting mostly of limestone, fillers, and adhering agents, SPC vinyl floors offer a more sturdy feel underfoot. An underlayment can be added to help your SPC vinyl flooring feel softer when you walk on it.

Due to the construction of the rigid cores, the WPC vinyl will feel softer underfoot than LVT or SPC vinyl. This is also a result of a foaming agent used in the core that gives it added cushioning.

8. Dent Resistance

Traditional LVT floors are pliable and soft, making them an easy target for dents from heavy furniture.

Thanks to its rigid core construction, a WPC vinyl is less likely to dent. However, it is still a softer flooring that is not entirely safe from the threat of dents.

Comprised primarily of stone, SPC vinyl features superior resistance to dents compared to LVT and WPC vinyl. This makes SPC vinyl a top contender for commercial flooring applications or areas of high foot traffic.

9. Price

Traditional LVT flooring is often the least expensive option amongst these types.

If you are looking for a more substantial option, the extra cost per square metre might be worth it for SPC or WPC vinyl. Often, WPC vinyl runs the most expensive.

Regardless of the type you choose, special wear layers, attached underlayments, or additional features can increase the final cost.

10. Waterproof

All three types of these floors- SPC, LVT, and WPC- are waterproof, making them excellent choices for use in bathrooms or kitchens.

11. Environmentally Friendly

LVT and WPC floors both utilise plasticizer in their formulation (not exactly environmentally friendly).

If being considerate of the environment is at the top of your list, SPC might be a strong contender. It also does not contain any glue, making it a great option for kids or pets.

12. Application Area

Like most vinyl flooring, SPC and WPC vinyl can be installed above, and on grade. They can also be installed in wet areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, as well as commercial spaces.

Because of its rigid core construction, SPC and WPC floor has an advantage for hiding subfloor imperfections. Whereas a traditional solid-locking LVT or glue-down LVT may transfer any unevenness from the subfloor to the surface, SPC and WPC flooring can be used over cracks or divots in wooden or concrete subfloors.

Generally, WPC Floor is more suitable in a residential area while SPC vinyl is well suited for both residential and commercial applications.

13. Maintenance and Cleaning

Cleaning and maintenance is simple with WPC, SPC, and LVT flooring. All it takes to maintain great looking floors is regular sweeping and an occasional deep clean.

14. Temperature Fluctuations

If temperature fluctuations are a concern, SPC vinyl will offer superior performance compared to WPC or LVT flooring.

The dense structure of SPC vinyl’s core construction makes it less susceptible to movement.