SPC Flooring vs LVP: Which Should You Install?
3 min read
When looking for flooring, no one wants to compromise between comfort, style, and affordability. Two options that satisfy all three have risen in popularity in recent years: stone polymer composite (SPC) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floors.
SPC and LVP are visually similar, but with a few key differences. LVP has a soft, flexible vinyl core, providing a softer surface to walk on, in addition to typically being cheaper. SPC has a rigid hybrid core of plastic and compressed limestone powder, making it durable and better for installation over uneven floors.
With both floors having their own benefits, which should you choose?
Style
Although both LVP and SPC flooring have different cores, the top of both materials is made using a high-resolution image coated in a clear wear layer. Depending on the quality of the floor, both materials can accurately mimic most aspects of any hard flooring, including texture, color, pattern, and hardness.
Price
Due to LVP’s softer core, it’s more prone to dents and other damage that comes with normal day-to-day life. SPC’s rigid core provides a strong backing that is more likely to last longer. However, both materials are mostly affected by the wear layer on top, which varies depending on the quality of the flooring. The thicker the wear layer, the more protected the image underneath is.
Both materials are made to be 100% waterproof, which can be a relief to those who have ever spilt water on a hardware floor. If you have kids or pets, definitely consider one of these two flooring types to guarantee your floor lasts.
Durability
Both SPC and LVP are easy to install, with both products being popular choices for DIY projects. Most SPC and LVP have edges that lock together, meaning they can simply be laid down and connected piece by piece over a consistent subfloor. This also makes it easier to replace damaged planks, although planks closer to the center of a room require more effort to get to.
Comfort
It’s common sense that a softer material provides a softer walking experience, and a harder material provides a harder walking experience. Thus, LVP’s softer core can be great on joints or simply for those who like a softer step in their homes. Other than walking comfort, both materials are great at insulating sound and heat. Overall, we’d suggest LVP for more comfortable flooring, but SPC is still a great option.
Installation
Both SPC and LVP are easy to install, with both products being popular choices for DIY projects. Most SPC and LVP have edges that lock together, meaning they can simply be laid down and connected piece by piece over a consistent subfloor. This also makes it easier to replace damaged planks, although planks closer to the center of a room require more effort to get to.
Considering SPC’s rigid core, it is slightly better for installation over subfloors with small imperfections. If LVP is installed over uneven surfaces, you might experience plank separation or bumps and dips in your floor. If you’re confident in your subfloor or are planning to have it redone, LVP is still a great option to consider. Otherwise, we recommend spending a little extra to get quality SPC flooring.
Maintenence
Considering their protective coating is manufactured in the same way, both LVP and SPC are easy to maintain. In fact, they’re both among the easiest to maintain floors. They’re both waterproof, meaning they can withstand water-based cleaning methods much better than hardwood and are resistant to staining. Both floors are also relatively durable, meaning rougher cleaning methods can also be used, although we still recommend researching the best methods for cleaning your specific flooring.
Conclusion
LVP and SPC floors are extremely similar. While both can be used interchangeably, there are some reasons why you might prefer one over the other. If you like a softer floor or just want a more inexpensive product, LVP will perform great. If you want a lasting product or have an uneven subfloor and have a little extra wiggle room in your budget, go with SPC. Either way, make sure you get a quality product with the right wear layer for your household and always buy from a reputable source.