Both Rigid Core SPC and WPC flooring are considered by experts to be among the top flooring types in the industry today. Although both types of flooring offer premier performance and come in an array of designs, there are some differences between the two products.
Knowing the difference between these two types of flooring can help you choose the right product for your home or business. Let's a take a closer look at Rigid Core SPC flooring and WPC flooring.
SPC flooring
Rigid core vinyl has the same level of resilience as concrete flooring, which makes it one of the most durable and waterproof vinyl flooring options today. The flooring layers are specially designed to withstand the use and abuse of residential and commercial environments.
The SPC in Rigid Core SPC flooring stands for Solid Polymer Core. It describes the ultra-tough core of rigid core luxury vinyl flooring. The stone plastic composite makes the core layer virtually indestructible, maintaining its form even on top of uneven subfloors.
1. A backing plank layer
2. A solid, waterproof core
3. A printed vinyl layer that comes in endless designs and emulates other types of flooring
4. A wear layer that protects the flooring from damage
● STRUCTURE
SPC Rigid Core flooring and WPC are impressively waterproof. The difference is in the density and resistance to denting. WPC flooring contains wood plastic composite, while SPC contains stone plastic composite. The SPC stone composite is sturdier and easier to maintain than the wood plastic composite.
Structurally, the WPC core contains an added foaming agent to increase resilience and comfort. The WPC is 100% waterproof but may expand and contract with changes in humidity. The SPC has no foam added, giving it a stronger, more robust core. SPC can withstand temperatures between -20 degrees to 120 degrees without expansion or contraction.
● SCRATCHES
When it comes to scratches, both SPC and WPC are dependent on the wear layer. You’ll find options from 8-millimeters all the way to 25-millimeters. The thicker the wear layer. the better your floor will hold up.
SPC Rigid Core is less susceptible to this than WPC flooring due to its, well, rigid core. Depending on the wear layer, no matter how much traffic crosses the surfaces, SPC rigid core can handle it without losing its surface appearance.
● THICKNESS
Rigid core is not dependent on thickness to retain its durability like WPC flooring is. Manufacturers now engineer ultra-thin, super-durable options. Rigid core luxury vinyl planks and tiles measure 6-millimeters or less in thickness.
Durability and stability
Similar to dryback luxury vinyl flooring (which is the traditional type of luxury vinyl that requires adhesive installation), SPC and WPC flooring consists of multiple layers of backing fused together. However, unlike dryback flooring, both flooring options have a rigid core and are a harder product.
As the core layer of SPC is made up of limestone, it is denser than WPC but thinner overall. This makes it more durable than WPC. Its high density allows it to better resist scratches or dents caused by heavy objects or furniture placed on it, and it is less likely to expand in extreme temperature changes.
An important thing to note is that although SPC and WPC are often advertised as waterproof, they are in fact water resistant. Although neither product is completely waterproof when submerged, localised spillage or moisture should not be a problem if cleaned properly and within a reasonable time frame.
Applications
Hardcore products, including WPC and SPC, were originally created for the commercial market because of their durability. However, due to their ease of installation, design options and durability, homeowners are also beginning to use rigid cores. It is important to note that some SPC and WPC products vary from commercial to light commercial use, so it is always best to consult your manufacturer for the applicable warranty terms.
As well as being easy to install click-lock systems, another highlight of SPC and WPC is that they do not require extensive subfloor preparation prior to installation. Although it is always a good habit to install on a flat surface, flooring defects such as cracks or pits are easier to hide due to the rigid core composition of SPC or WPC flooring.
Furthermore, in terms of comfort, WPC is often more comfortable underfoot and less dense than SPC, due to the foaming agent it usually contains. For this reason, WPC is particularly suitable for environments where employees or customers are constantly on their feet.
In addition to providing more cushioning when walking, the foam in WPC also provides more sound absorption than SPC flooring, although many manufacturers offer acoustic backings that can be added to SPC. WPC or SPC with acoustic backing is ideal for environments where noise reduction is required, such as classrooms or office spaces.
Cost
SPC and WPC flooring are similar in price, but SPC is usually slightly cheaper. In terms of installation costs, the two are generally comparable as neither requires the use of adhesives and both can be easily installed with a click-lock system. Finally, this helps to reduce installation time and costs.
There is no clear winner in terms of which product is better overall. there are many similarities and some key differences between the WPC and the SPC. the WPC may be more comfortable and quieter underfoot, but the SPC is denser. Choosing the right product really depends on your flooring needs for a particular project or space.
· Impressively durable
· 100% Waterproof
· Works well with subflooring
· Realistic wood and stone look
· Requires low maintenance
· Phthalate-free
· Easy DIY installation
· Absorbs loud noise; great for acoustics
· Can withstand temperatures between -20 and 120 degrees
Are you looking for the perfect vinyl flooring to complete your home design? Trioflor offers Rigid Core SPC vinyl flooring, vinyl plank flooring, and vinyl tile flooring.
To find out more about our products or order your flooring, check out our luxury vinyl products online.
