What is stone polymer composite flooring?

Stone polymer composite (SPC) flooring is a relatively new type of rigid core vinyl flooring that is gaining popularity. It is made from limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride polymers, and stabilizers that are fused together under high temperature.

What are the main components of SPC flooring?

The main components of SPC flooring are:

• Limestone powder – Provides rigidity and stability
• PVC polymers – Bind the core layers together and provide flexibility
• Stabilizers – Help maintain the shape and integrity of the core
• Printed décor layer – Top layer that provides the visible design
• Clear protective wear layer – Shields the flooring from wear and tear

How is SPC flooring constructed?

SPC flooring is constructed in layers that are fused together under high heat and pressure:

1. Limestone powder, PVC, and stabilizers form the rigid core
2. A transparent PVC wear layer is bonded on top
3. A printed décor layer is applied underneath the wear layer
4. An attached underlayment provides sound dampening and insulation

The layers create a durable, scratch and water resistant surface with cushioning and realistic visuals.

What are the pros and cons of SPC flooring?

Pros:

• Durable and scratch resistant
• Completely waterproof
• Comfortable underfoot with attached pad
• Stable, does not expand or contract
• Realistic wood and stone looks
• Easy click-together floating installation
• Affordable compared to natural stone or hardwood

Cons:

• Can show indentations from heavy furniture
• Does not improve with age like real wood
• Limited ability to refinish or repair
• Not suitable for extremes of temperature
• Hollow sound when stepped on

How does SPC flooring compare to other flooring types?

Flooring Type	Durability	Water Resistance	Comfort	Visual Appeal	Installation	Price
SPC	Very durable	100% waterproof	Cushioned	Realistic looks	Easy floating click	$$
Laminate	Durable	Prone to water damage	Hard surface	Photographic looks	Easy floating click	$
LVT	Durable	Water resistant	Hard surface	Decent realism	Glue down or click	$$
Hardwood	Withstands impact	Damages with water	Hard surface	Natural beauty	Nail down install	$$$
Ceramic Tile	Very durable	Waterproof	Hard, cold surface	Stylish looks	Messy mortar install	$$$
Carpet	Prone to wear	Absorbs spills	Soft, warm	Wide variety	Tack strip install	$

As you can see, SPC provides a great combination of durability, waterproofing, comfort, appearance, and installation ease.

What are the best uses for SPC flooring?

SPC flooring works well in almost any room but is especially suited for these locations:

• Kitchens – Waterproof and stands up to dropped dishes and spills.
• Bathrooms – Won’t be harmed by splashing water from tubs and showers.
• Basements – Resilient against basement moisture and flooding.
• Laundry rooms – Withstands high humidity and dripping from laundry.
• Dining rooms – Easy maintenance and cleanability under dining tables.
• Living rooms – Comfortable underfoot and ability to withstand pets and kids.
• Bedrooms – Provides a beautiful look and is quieter underfoot.
• Offices and commercial spaces – Extreme durability for high traffic.

What brands make the best SPC flooring?

Some of the top reviewed and highest quality SPC flooring brands include:

• CoreLuxe
• Flooret
• Cali Vinyl Pro
• Shaw Floorte
• Dream Home
• LifeProof
• AquaSeal
• Korlok
• Harbinger
• Parterre

When choosing a brand, look for thicker wear layers, attached underlayment, and warranties of at least 10 years. Also read customer reviews to gauge real-world performance and quality.

What does quality SPC flooring cost?

On average, expect to pay $3-$8 per square foot for SPC flooring installed. Here’s a rough breakdown for materials only:

• Basic SPC flooring – $1-$3 per square foot
• Mid-range SPC flooring – $3-$5 per square foot
• Premium SPC flooring – $5-$8 per square foot

The total project cost rises when you factor in additional expenses like underlayment, moldings, removal of old flooring, and professional installation. Shop around and compare quotes.

What thickness should I choose?

SPC flooring comes in different core thicknesses:

• 4-5 mm – Best for low-traffic residential rooms
• 5-6 mm – Recommended for most residential uses
• 6-8 mm – Ideal for high-traffic areas and commercial uses

Thicker SPC flooring is more rigid and durable. Make sure it has at least a 0.3 mm wear layer regardless of thickness.

What factors affect SPC flooring cost?

Several factors influence the overall installed cost of SPC flooring:

• Brand – Premium brands cost more than lesser known brands
• Thickness – Thicker planks are more expensive
• Attached pad – Cushioned acoustic underlayment raises cost slightly
• Texture – Embossed or distressed looks raise cost
• Length – Longer planks typically cost more per square foot
• Installation – Professional installation costs $3-$5 per square foot

Buying in bulk quantity can sometimes lower the per square foot price. Always get an itemized estimate before proceeding.

What’s the best way to clean SPC floors?

Keeping SPC floors looking like new involves:

• Sweeping, dust mopping, or vacuuming daily
• Damp mopping with warm water and mild soap when needed
• Blotting up spills immediately
• Using felt pads under furniture legs
• Avoiding harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbing pads
• Applying a surface protector to shield against scuffs

SPC is highly water-resistant, so you can also occasionally damp mop with a vinegar-water solution for a deeper clean.

How long does SPC flooring last?

With proper care and maintenance, you can expect an average lifespan of:

• 15-25 years in residential settings
• 10-15 years in commercial settings

The durability of SPC flooring depends on factors like thickness, quality of construction, and amount of traffic. Top quality floors should last at least 15 years under normal use.

Is SPC flooring environmentally friendly?

SPC is considered one of the more eco-friendly rigid core floors because:

• Made primarily from abundant natural limestone
• PVC components can contain recycled content
• Has low VOC emissions
• Keeps waste out of landfills because of durability
• Can often be recycled after its usable life

However, PVC is still a plastic polymer that can have environmental impacts. Consumers have to weigh the pros and cons for themselves.

Is SPC flooring hard to install?

SPC flooring is designed for DIY-friendly floating installation:

1. Prepare the subfloor – Make sure it’s clean, smooth, and dry.
2. Lay underlayment (if not pre-attached) – Click together foam or cork sheets.
3. Lay planks – Connect the tongue and groove click-lock joints.
4. Finish with trim – Install quarter round, baseboard, and transition strips.

Basic tools like a utility knife, tapping block, pull bar, and carpenter’s square are needed. Take precautions for proper spacing.

Can you install SPC flooring over existing floors?

In many cases, SPC flooring can be installed over existing hard surface floors like:

• Sheet vinyl
• VCT tile
• Ceramic tile
• Hardwood
• Laminates

The subfloor must be level, dry, and securely fastened. Existing floors should not be cushioned, peeled, or seamed. Suitable patching compounds can fix minor deviations.

Does SPC flooring add resale value?

SPC flooring can potentially increase a home’s resale value because:

• It modernizes the appearance of a space
• Provides great durability for years to come
• Waterproof protection provides peace of mind
• Gives a cleaner, more polished look
• Requires low maintenance for upkeep
• Is in demand by many home buyers

However, return on investment depends on other factors like quality of installation, overall home condition, and market area.

Conclusion

Stone polymer composite flooring provides a versatile, attractive, and durable flooring option. It combines realistic visuals with complete waterproofing, attached underlayment, and simple installation. SPC works in virtually any room of the home or commercial space. Just be sure to research brands, thickness options, and warranties when shopping to find quality materials for the best return on investment.