When it comes to choosing new floors, two popular options are SPC (stone polymer composite) and vinyl flooring. Both have their pros and cons in terms of appearance, durability, cost, and installation. This article will compare SPC vs. vinyl flooring to help you decide which is the better choice for your home.
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What is SPC flooring?
SPC stands for stone polymer composite. It’s a type of rigid core vinyl flooring that’s composed of limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride polymers, and stabilizers. The limestone powder provides rigidity and stability. The PVC polymers give the flooring flexibility and resilience. Stabilizers help protect against heat and impact damage.
The top layer of SPC flooring is a clear vinyl wear layer that resists scratches, stains, and dents. Under this is a decorative vinyl layer that mimics the look of natural materials like wood, tile, and stone. The core layer is waterproof and provides stability. The bottom layer has a pre-attached underlayment pad for sound dampening.
Pros of SPC flooring
- Very durable and scratch resistant surface
- 100% waterproof core
- Stain and fade resistant
- Comfortable underfoot
- Extensive style and color options
- Easy DIY click-together installation
- Stable, doesn’t expand or contract
- Affordable compared to natural stone or hardwood
Cons of SPC flooring
- Can show indentations from heavy furniture
- Not as warm or inviting as real wood floors
- Difficult to repair small sections if damaged
- Can appear artificial next to real wood trim
What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring, also called resilient flooring, is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins, plasticizers, stabilizers, and pigments. The best vinyl floors have a wear layer, decorative layer, and foam or felt backing. Vinyl comes in sheets or planks.
The types of vinyl flooring include:
- Vinyl sheet – Comes in wide rolls, seamless installation
- Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) – Durable, scratch resistant, click-together planks
- Vinyl tile – Classic vinyl tiles in 12″ squares
- Vinyl plank – Long narrow planks mimic wood flooring
Vinyl is a budget-friendly, versatile flooring option suitable for any room. The best vinyl floors have a durable wear layer for longevity and are treated to resist stains.
Pros of vinyl flooring
- Affordable, low cost flooring
- Extensive style and color options
- Waterproof and moisture resistant
- Comfortable, warmer feel underfoot
- Quieter than laminate or hardwood
- Durable and scratch-resistant wear layer
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Suitable for kitchens, baths, basements
Cons of vinyl flooring
- Vulnerable to gouges or tears
- Can fade over time with direct sunlight
- Seams are visible on sheet vinyl
- Off-gassing of VOCs during initial period
- Not as cushioned underfoot as carpet
SPC vs. vinyl comparison
Now let’s directly compare the pros and cons of SPC flooring and vinyl flooring:
Cost
On average, SPC flooring costs $4-$8 per square foot installed. Luxury vinyl flooring costs $2-$5 per square foot installed. While there is overlap, vinyl generally has a lower material cost than SPC flooring.
Durability
SPC rates very high on durability. The limestone composition makes it highly rigid and resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture damage. High-end luxury vinyl can approach SPC in durability, but is more vulnerable to damage from heavy impacts.
Water resistance
Both SPC and luxury vinyl are 100% waterproof, making them good options for kitchens, baths, and basements. Vinyl sheet is prone to moisture damage at the seams.
Installation
SPC and luxury vinyl both feature click-together floating installation that’s ideal for DIYers. Sheet vinyl requires professional installation. SPC’s rigid core makes it more forgiving during installation compared to flexible LVT planks.
Design options
Vinyl wins when it comes to design flexibility. Vinyl comes in unlimited colors and offers stone, wood, and abstract looks. SPC has a more limited range focused on wood visuals. Vinyl also comes in larger format tiles for a seamless look.
Underfoot feel
SPC floors feel stiffer and harder underfoot while vinyl has more give for comfort. LVT and vinyl sheets can better emulate the warmth and slight softness of real wood.
Green factors
Both flooring types are considered environmentally-friendly. Vinyl contains recycled content and is itself recyclable. SPC’s limestone composition makes it more eco-friendly than other composite flooring.
Resale value
While vinyl is inexpensive to install, it generally does not increase property resale value much. High-quality SPC flooring installed properly can modestly boost home value. SPC also retains its attractive appearance longer.
SPC Flooring Buying Guide
If you think SPC flooring might be right for your home, here are some tips for choosing quality SPC flooring and having a good installation:
Choosing a Brand
Stick with reputable U.S.-based brands like COREtec, LifeProof, Flooret, Parterre, and Nature Flooring. Check reviews and look for at least a 10 mil wear layer.
Consider Underlayment Needs
Some SPC flooring has attached underlayment while others require a separate underlayment during installation. Choose an acoustic underlayment for sound insulation.
Get Large Samples
Order 3-4 flooring samples in your top color choices. Bring them home to compare to existing furnishings and decor before deciding.
Hire a Professional Installer
Although DIY-friendly, SPC flooring is best installed by flooring professionals to ensure proper subfloor prep and no gaps or irregularities between planks.
Prepare the Subfloor
Make sure the subfloor is flat, clean, and dry. Self-leveling concrete can fix minor subfloor imperfections.
Acclimate the Flooring
Let SPC planks sit unopened in the installation room for 48 hours to acclimate to temperature and humidity conditions.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Carefully follow the installation guidelines for spacing, room layout, subfloor prep, expansion gaps, and transitions.
Consider White Glove Delivery
White glove delivery brings your flooring directly to the install room. This prevents damage during transport and storage.
Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide
Here are tips for choosing great vinyl flooring and having a successful installation:
Pick the Right Vinyl Format
Think about the size and layout of the room. Planks work well for small spaces while sheet vinyl suits large open floor plans.
Look for Quality Backing
Felt or foam backing helps with cushioning underfoot. Fibreglass backing increases durability and dimensional stability.
Get a Thicker Wear Layer
A 12 mil wear layer offers the best scratch, stain, and fade resistance. Anything less than 6 mils compromises durability.
Consider Loose Lay Options
Loose lay vinyl clicks together without adhesive and can be easily removed. Perfect for rentals or temporary flooring needs.
Think About Texture
Vinyl comes in smooth or textured finishes. Textures help conceal subfloor imperfections and add traction.
Prepare the Subfloor
Subfloors must be clean, smooth, and dry. Self-leveling compound corrects uneven spots.
Do an Adhesive Bond Test
Glue down a couple vinyl pieces in test areas and check bonding strength before full install.
Follow Transition Requirements
Transition strips are required when vinyl abuts other flooring surfaces or rooms. Follow manufacturer guidelines.
Give it Time to Acclimate
Unroll sheet vinyl and let it relax in the install room for 24-48 hours before cutting and fitting.
Conclusion
Both SPC and vinyl flooring offer affordable, attractive, waterproof flooring options for active homes. SPC provides exceptional durability while vinyl offers more design flexibility. For high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways, SPC is the better option. For larger installations where seamless look is a priority, vinyl wins out.
Ultimately, choice comes down to your budget, style needs, comfort preferences, and how much durability matters for your lifestyle. With proper installation, either flooring type can provide 20+ years of beautiful, worry-free use.
