Which Flooring Is Better To Choose? SPC Or Vinyl Flooring?

Today, homeowners have many options when it comes to choosing the right flooring. While hardwood is still the most popular choice in many ways, there are now more options to choose from to suit a variety of needs and budgets. Vinyl and SPC flooring top the list, and when choosing new flooring, choosing SPC or traditional vinyl can make a world of difference in style, durability, and maintenance.

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring is often considered a better choice for those seeking resilience and durability, as it has an ultra-durable core that resists dents and heavy wear.

But let’s not overlook vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring has come a long way in providing a realistic look of wood and stone, making it an affordable and stylish option for many homes. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a softer feel underfoot or need a quick and easy installation process.

What exactly is the difference between SPC flooring and vinyl flooring? What criteria should be evaluated when choosing between SPC and vinyl flooring? We’ve got the answers for you.

You can choose the right flooring option based on the needs of your space. Are you installing in a high-traffic area or a room prone to moisture? Do you prefer softness, or is durability your primary concern? By considering these factors, we can help you determine which flooring type (SPC or vinyl) will best meet your requirements.

Key Takeaways

SPC floors are more durable due to their use of stone plastic core.

Vinyl floors are soft to the touch and feature realistic designs.

Choosing the right option depends on your specific needs and the purpose of the room.

SPC Flooring

SPC flooring is a type of flooring made from stone powder and composite plastic. SPC flooring is stronger, more stable, and more resilient than other types of flooring because it has a top (wear layer), middle (SPC core), and bottom (substrate) structure.

SPC Flooring Composition

SPC or Stone Plastic Composite flooring is known for its durability and sturdy construction. This flooring option is made up of multiple layers, each with a specific purpose. The core layer is its star feature, made from a mixture of limestone and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with added stabilizers. This mixture makes the SPC core very strong and hard.

Due to its water-resistant properties, it is a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms. If you are looking for a flooring type that can withstand being stepped on by children and pets, SPC will not let you down.

On top of the SPC core is a "UV coating" and a "wear layer" that protects against knocks, stains, and scratches. This construction makes SPC ideal for areas prone to moisture and frequent use.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is known for its flexibility and softer feel underfoot. Traditional vinyl consists of multiple layers, including a printed vinyl layer and a wear layer. Vinyl flooring is a type of flooring made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and comes in a variety of forms, such as sheets, tiles, and planks. Its composition is more flexible compared to the rigid core of SPC.

What sets vinyl apart is its comfort and ease of installation. It often has a cushioning layer for extra comfort, making it a great choice for areas where you may be standing for long periods of time. While not as waterproof as SPC, advances in vinyl technology have significantly improved its water resistance, making it a viable option for moderately wet areas, such as laundry rooms or bathrooms and kitchens.

Both SPC and vinyl flooring have unique compositions that meet specific needs. Depending on your priorities, whether it's durability, flexibility, or water resistance, one of them could be the perfect match for your space.

Performance and usability comparison

There are several key factors to consider when choosing between SPC and traditional vinyl flooring, including stability, thickness and installation, comfort and sound insulation, and durability and maintenance.

stability

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring is known for its excellent stability. Due to its dense stone core, SPC flooring is highly resistant to temperature changes and does not expand or contract like traditional vinyl flooring. This makes SPC an excellent choice for areas with fluctuating temperatures, such as sunrooms or basements.

Vinyl flooring may move more easily when exposed to significant temperature changes. Gaps or bubbling may occur over time. Therefore, if you want more stable performance, especially in variable climate conditions, SPC is more advantageous.

Thickness and installation

SPC flooring tends to be thinner than vinyl flooring, typically between 3.2mm and 7mm. Despite SPC's thin profile, its rigidity allows for relatively easy DIY installation. It usually comes with a locking system that requires no glue and is very easy to use.

Vinyl flooring is usually thicker and provides more cushioning underfoot. However, thicker floors may require additional padding, especially if you are installing it on concrete or an uneven surface. This can make the installation process a little more complicated compared to the simplicity of SPC.

Comfort and sound insulation

If you want a more comfortable feel underfoot, vinyl flooring often has advantages. It's generally softer underfoot due to its thicker layers and extra cushioning from the padding. This makes it a comfortable choice for living spaces and bedrooms.

In comparison, SPC flooring, while durable, is slightly stronger due to its stone composite core. This makes it less comfortable compared to vinyl. However, because SPC flooring has a dense core, it is more insulating and is an excellent choice for reducing noise in a busy home or multi-story residence.

Durability and maintenance

SPC flooring is known for its durability. The dense and hard core material makes it less susceptible to dents and scratches, making it a perfect choice for high-traffic areas and homes with pets. It can withstand quite a bit of wear and tear without showing signs of age. Additionally, SPC floors are extremely low maintenance – regular sweeping and occasional mopping are all that’s needed to keep them looking like new.

Vinyl flooring also offers good durability, but is slightly less resistant to heavy impacts than SPC. It's still fairly scratch-resistant, but may not be as durable under heavy furniture or frequent foot traffic. Vinyl is also relatively simple to maintain, but because it's softer, it's more prone to dents, which may require more frequent touch-ups.

Which one to choose between SPC and traditional vinyl? It depends on the specific application and personal preference. Essentially, both flooring options have their pros and cons. For example, if you are looking for a more durable, scratch-resistant flooring option with a realistic stone look, then SPC flooring may be a better choice. However, if a person is looking for a more affordable option and values a better feel underfoot and more cushioning, then traditional vinyl may be a better fit.

Price Difference

Choosing between SPC and vinyl flooring requires understanding the financial impact of each choice. We’ll explore the cost aspects and how each option can affect the resale value of your home.

The price difference between SPC flooring and vinyl flooring can vary depending on the specific product, manufacturer, and location. In general, SPC flooring is often considered more expensive than traditional vinyl flooring. This is because SPC flooring is a newer, more advanced type of luxury vinyl flooring that typically uses higher-quality materials and manufacturing processes.

The price range for SPC flooring is $3 to $7 per square foot, while traditional vinyl flooring ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot. However, this can vary based on product quality and design. For example, a high-end SPC flooring product with a realistic wood or stone look may be more expensive than a basic traditional vinyl flooring product. The installation cost of both types is comparable, averaging about $4.50 to $5.00 per square foot.

This cost includes labor and materials. If you’re covering a 10’x10’ room, expect installation costs to be around $500-600, whether you choose SPC or vinyl.

Resale Value Assessment

Now, let’s talk about resale value. Both SPC and vinyl flooring can increase your home’s appeal, but SPC flooring tends to have a slight edge due to its durability and water resistance. Homebuyers may appreciate the long-lasting nature of SPC flooring, which can positively influence their purchasing decision.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is not far behind when it comes to boosting home value. It’s beautiful and affordable, making it a popular choice for modern home designs. However, given that SPC flooring is generally more durable and can withstand greater wear and tear, it may give your home’s resale value a slight boost.

While the initial investment in SPC flooring may be higher, the potential increase in your home’s value may make it a worthwhile choice.

In summary, whether you choose SPC or vinyl flooring, understanding the associated costs and how each option affects your home’s resale value is essential to making an informed decision.