Today, wood plastic composite, or WPC vinyl flooring, is becoming more and more popular. Engineered to be extremely resilient, WPC vinyl flooring comes in a range of classic and contemporary looks to fit your décor as well. Still, many people don’t really understand what WPC vinyl flooring is all about.

Use this guide to learn more about the benefits of installing WPC vinyl flooring as part of your next building or renovation project.

What is WPC Vinyl Flooring?

Wood plastic composite flooring is an engineered material that is built to be super-strong and extra durable. Here’s how the multiple layers that make up WPC vinyl flooring look from top to bottom:

• Wear layer. This transparent layer of WPC material provides extra scratch and stain protection to the layers below.
• Printed film. The printed film layer gives your flooring material the intended look, like natural hardwood for example.
• Vinyl top layer. This layer of vinyl is used between the composite core material and the printed film that gives your flooring its appearance.
• Extruded rigid core. Made from wood pulp, plastic and foaming agents, the extruded rigid core of WPC flooring is strong, yet soft under-foot compared to traditional vinyl flooring.

The Top 5 Reasons to Choose WPC Vinyl Flooring

WPC Vinyl Flooring is Easy to Install

Classic vinyl flooring often utilizes an adhesive layer to stay in place on your floor. WPC vinyl on the other hand uses click lock installation, which is very simple to understand even if you’ve never put down any type of flooring before.

This makes it an excellent choice for do-it-yourself installation. Even if you hire professionals, the easy installation process can help cut down on costs.

WPC Vinyl Flooring Feels Good Under-Foot

One of the most common complaints you’ll hear about standard vinyl flooring is that it just doesn’t feel good. Sure, it’s incredibly durable, but you have to give up a little comfort to get the strength vinyl is known for. That’s not true with WPC vinyl flooring material.

With WPC vinyl flooring, the extruded rigid core is made from a composite material that’s considerably softer than traditional vinyl. This gives your vinyl floors amazing strength with a much more pleasant feel.

It’s Waterproof

When it comes to commercial spaces and high-traffic areas, water can take a serious toll on your floors. Even rain soaked boots and umbrellas can create cracked, warped floors that are dangerous. This is particularly true in commercial spaces with a high volume of daily foot traffic.

In residential spaces, areas like mud rooms and entry areas are also subject to harsh weather repeatedly. The same is true of gym, sauna and other multi-purpose spaces found in many homes. WPC vinyl flooring can stand up to water exposure in these areas because it’s a non-porous material that’s truly waterproof.

What does waterproof flooring mean for you? It means that your floors won’t warp, swell or crack when exposed to spills or even long-term standing water. WPC vinyl flooring won’t shift or become damaged due to temperature or humidity changes either.

A Myriad of Styles and Colors Are Available

Strong, easy to install and waterproof flooring sounds pretty good, right? In high-traffic spaces, those three attributes are extremely important. Of course, none of that means much if you can’t get a style that brings your décor to life while making your space feel a little bit more pleasant in the process.

WPC vinyl planks are available in a wide range of different styles and colors. Popular options include natural hardwood in dark, light and even distressed finishes. These can be used in both commercial and residential spaces, blending in beautifully with your existing design if you’re only upgrading your floors.

Stone-look WPC vinyl, as well as classic printed vinyl styles are available too. For truly modern spaces, an assortment of different prints that are hard to find in other materials are also for sale on today’s market.

With WPC vinyl flooring, you can get just about any look you can imagine for your commercial or residential design.

Care and Maintenance Is Minimal

Some flooring materials like natural stone are incredibly strong, but they require a lot of regular maintenance to look their best. That isn’t the case when it comes to WPC vinyl flooring. In fact, basic care and maintenance is a breeze with this modern material.

General daily cleaning of WPC vinyl flooring requires little more than a broom or microfiber mop. Since it is scratch-resistant due to the top wear layer, using a vacuum also makes basic maintenance fast and easy. This is particularly important in commercial spaces where you’ve got a lot of square footage to care for.

Mopping and spot cleaning makes removing spots or stains and handling spills very easy. Water and basic pre-made products safe for WPC material are all that’s required when wet cleaning. Deep cleaning is rarely required with WPC vinyl flooring, but when it is needed, pre-made products are affordable and very easy to use.

Will You Choose WPC Vinyl?

WPC vinyl flooring is a modern marvel that’s suited to high-traffic commercial spaces and even residential designs. Soft under-foot, yet waterproof and incredibly durable, WPC vinyl can last for many years even in the busiest spaces like bank lobbies, restaurant entry areas and home mud rooms, gyms and spa spaces.

Interested in learning more about WPC vinyl for your next commercial or residential building or renovation project? Reach out to our trained representatives to learn more about this special material today. They can help you understand how and why to use WPC vinyl and if it’s right for your design. They’ll even help you locate the WPC material that matches your design scheme so you can focus on the other elements of your project.

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One of the lasting modern trends in home design is rigid core vinyl flooring. Many homeowners are choosing this stylish and relatively affordable option to give their home a fresh new look. There are two main types of rigid core flooring from which to choose: SPC vinyl flooring and WPC vinyl flooring. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks that homeowners should consider before choosing between the two. Learn more about WPC and SPC vinyl floors to figure out which one is the best fit for your home.

SPC vs WPC Overview

Before going into the details, it’s important to understand the basics about stone plastic composite (SPC) rigid vinyl flooring and wood plastic composite (WPC) vinyl flooring. These two types of engineered vinyl flooring are quite similar, except for what composes their core layer.

For SPC floors, the core consists of natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers.

In WPC vinyl floors, the core is made of recycled wood pulp and plastic composites. Both core layers are completely waterproof.

Besides the core, these two types of flooring are essentially the same makeup of layers. Here’s how a rigid core flooring plank is constructed from top to bottom:

• Wear layer: This is the layer that provides resistance to scratches and stains. It is thin and completely transparent.
• Vinyl layer: The vinyl is durable and strong. It is printed with the flooring pattern and color.
• Core layer: This is the waterproof core made from either stone plastic composite or wood plastic composite.
• Base layer: EVA foam or cork forms the base of the plank.

Main Differences between WPC and SPC Vinyl Floors

Besides the materials used to create the core of this flooring style, the following are the key differences between WPC vinyl flooring and SPC vinyl flooring.

Thickness

WPC floors have a thicker core than SPC floors. Plank thickness for WPC floors is generally about 5.5 to 8 millimeters, while SPC floors are usually between 3.2 and 7 millimeters thick.

Foot Feel

When it comes to how the flooring feels underfoot, WPC vinyl has the advantage. Because it has a thicker core compared to SPC flooring, it feels more stable and cushioned when walking on it. That thickness also helps to provide insulation to keep the floors warmer.

Sound Insulation

The thicker core of WPC floors also makes them superior when it comes to sound insulation. The thickness helps to absorb the sound, so it’s quieter when walking on these floors.

Durability

You might think that WPC flooring would offer improved durability since it is thicker than SPC flooring, but the opposite is actually true. SPC floors may not be as thick, but they are considerably denser than WPC floors. This makes them better at resisting damage from impacts or heavy weights.

Stability

WPC floors and SPC floors can both be installed in any room with moisture exposure and temperature fluctuations. But when it comes to extreme temperature changes, SPC flooring tends to offer superior performance. The denser core of SPC floors makes them even more resistant to expanding and contracting than WPC floors.

Price

SPC floors are more affordable than WPC floors. However, don’t pick your floors based on price alone. Be sure to consider all the potential benefits and drawbacks between these two flooring options before choosing one.

Similarities Between WPC and SPC Vinyl Flooring

While there are some important differences between SPC vinyl floors and WPC vinyl floors, it’s important to note that they also have quite a few similarities:

Waterproof

Both of these types of rigid core flooring feature a completely waterproof core. This helps to prevent warping when exposed to moisture. You can use both types of flooring in areas of the home where hardwood and other moisture-sensitive flooring types are not typically recommended, such as laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Durable

While SPC floors are denser and resistant to major impacts, both flooring types are resistant to scratches and stains. They hold up well to wear and tear even in high-traffic areas of the home. If you’re concerned about durability, look for planks with a thicker wear layer on top.

Easy Installation

Most homeowners are able to complete a DIY installation with either SPC or WPC flooring. They are made to be installed on top of just about any type of subfloor or existing floor. You won’t have to deal with messy glues either, since the planks easily attach to one another to lock into place.

Style Options

With both SPC and WPC vinyl flooring, you’ll have a huge range of style options at your fingertips. These flooring types come in just about any color and pattern since the design is simply printed onto the vinyl layer. Many styles are made to look like other types of flooring. For example, you can get WPC or SPC flooring that looks like tile, stone, or hardwood flooring.

How to Shop for Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring

To get the best results with this type of flooring, look for planks that have a high thickness measurement and a thicker wear layer. This will help your floors look nicer and last longer.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re seeing all your options when you shop for SPC or WPC floors. Some companies and retailers have other labels or names attached to these products, such as:

• Enhanced vinyl plank
• Rigid vinyl plank
• Engineered luxury vinyl flooring
• Waterproof vinyl flooring

Be sure to look at the details about what the core layer is made from to discern whether any of these flooring options feature a core made from SPC or WPC.

To make the right choice for your home, be sure to do your homework when it comes to different flooring types. While SPC vinyl flooring may be a better choice for one home, WPC flooring may be a better investment for another. It all depends on what you and your household require when it comes to a home upgrade. Regardless of whether you choose WPC or SPC flooring, however, you’ll get a durable, waterproof, and stylish flooring upgrade that’s easy to install using DIY methods.

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What is SPC Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring?

SPC Vinyl Flooring Overview

Stone plastic composite vinyl flooring is considered to be an upgraded version of engineered vinyl flooring. SPC rigid flooring is set apart from other types of vinyl flooring by its uniquely resilient core layer. This core is made from a combination of natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers. This provides an incredibly stable base for each flooring plank. You can’t tell that is what’s inside these floors once they’re installed. The floors look like any other engineered vinyl floors, with the core completely hidden underneath.

Each plank of SPC rigid vinyl flooring is constructed with the following layers:

• Wear layer: This transparent layer is at the top. It provides resistance to scratches and stains and is easy to keep clean.
• Vinyl layer: This layer provides the decoration for the plank. Colors and patterns are printed onto the vinyl.
• SPC layer: This is the dense, waterproof core for the plank made of natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers. It provides rigidity and stability for the plank.
• Pre-attached underpad: This layer is generally made from IXPE or EVA foam, which provides sound insulation and cushioning.

Pros and Cons of SPC Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring

Benefits of SPC

SPC rigid vinyl flooring is quickly becoming one of the most popular trends in home flooring. Installing SPC vinyl flooring offers the following benefits to homeowners:

Waterproof

One of the biggest benefits of choosing SPC rigid core vinyl flooring is that it has a completely waterproof core. Unlike hardwood, you can install it in the wetter areas of the home such as laundry rooms. Making it a great flooring option for bathrooms and kitchens. The waterproof feature also makes this board more stable in environments where moisture and temperature can fluctuate.

Easy Installation

Many homeowners appreciate that SPC floors are easy to install. You can place them on top of many different types of subfloors or existing flooring. If you choose the ‘snap vinyl flooring’ designs you will eliminate the need for messy and complicated glues.

Affordability

While it is more expensive than standard vinyl flooring, SPC vinyl floors are generally less expensive than other types of luxury flooring, such as hardwood and stone. In addition to being a cheap flooring option, homeowners can often install the floors without professional assistance, so DIY installation of SPC flooring can save even more money on this upgrade.

Style

SPC vinyl flooring is like standard vinyl in that it is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Some SPC flooring styles look like hardwood, tile, or other types of flooring. The wide range of options is preferable for those who want to be able to customize the look of their home.

Comfort

The thick, stable bottom layers of each plank make SPC flooring more cushioned than other types of flooring. The thicker the plank you choose, the more comfortable it will feel underfoot. These dense layers also contribute to a quieter sound when walking on SPC floors; they usually do not have a hollow or thin sound like standard vinyl often does.

Easy Maintenance

SPC rigid core vinyl flooring is very durable. Because it is incredibly dense, it’s resistant to impacts, stains, scratches, and wear and tear. This flooring style is a great choice for busy households because in addition to holding up well, it is easy to keep clean. Maintenance involves only regular vacuuming or sweeping and occasional mopping. Over time, this type of flooring resists fading, peeling, and cupping. It also withstands direct exposure to sunlight.

Drawbacks of SPC

With so many benefits to using SPC flooring, it may seem like an obvious choice for homeowners. However, before you select SPC floors for your home, be sure to consider these potential drawbacks:

Less Added Value for Your Home

Installing hardwood and other upscale flooring adds the most value to your home. While SPC rigid vinyl floors look stylish, homeowners traditionally favor homes with solid hardwood floors.

Less Eco-Friendly Than Other Floorings

If you’re concerned about making environmentally friendly upgrades to your home, you may want to avoid vinyl. While there have been improvements in using recycled materials and removing harmful chemicals from SPC flooring, it is still considered less eco-friendly compared to many other flooring options that are made from renewable resources, especially hardwood, cork, and bamboo.

Shopping for SPC Floors

You’ll have different options for plank size, plank thickness, and wear layer thickness when you shop for SPC floors. Plank size is all about style preference, so be sure to compare different sizes in photographs of installed floors to see which style you like best. For plank thickness, keep in mind that thicker planks have increased durability and stability. You’ll typically find that SPC planks range from about 3.2 to 7 millimeters thick. A thicker wear layer is preferable as well; wear layer thickness generally ranges from about 0.2 to 0.7 millimeters.

You may also see SPC flooring advertised or labeled under the following names:

• Rigid vinyl plank
• Waterproof vinyl flooring
• Engineered luxury vinyl flooring

Be sure to inquire about the makeup of the plank core to ensure it is actually SPC rigid vinyl flooring. There are other types of luxury vinyl flooring that are not made with a core of natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers.

If you’re ready to give your home a serious upgrade, consider installing SPC rigid vinyl floors. It has a number of benefits that make it a solid investment, and it’s especially practical for families with pets and kids. The easy installation and relatively affordable price will also help to keep costs down. With nearly limitless design options, it’s also easy to find a look that suits your style.

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