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.