There are so many types of flooring; which is right for your home or your business? Most likely, you have finalized choices between two of the most common ones: SPC flooring and LVT. In the blink of an eye, they look very much alike, but in reality, they are different genres when it comes to flooring technology. This article will explain these differences in much greater detail to help people make better decisions.
Composition and Structure
What often distinguishes SPC flooring from the rest is the fact that it consists of a rigid core, usually limestone, as well as polyvinyl chloride and stabilizers. This gives optimum solidity and dimensional stability to the floor, hence making it one of the top options in both high-traffic and commercial applications. The majority of SPC floorings incorporate four basic layers: a wear layer, a decorative vinyl layer, the rigid SPC core itself, and an underlayment or backing layer. The wear layer preserves items like scratches and stains, while the decorative layer provides a design to the floor—often just as good and realistic as real wood or material like stone.
LVT has many SPCs in it and other materials; hence, it forms numerous layers. The core is more flexible, making it softer than SPC regarding underfoot comfort. A wear layer and a decorative layer of vinyl, often with an added backing layer of some sort to make it installable, is a stabilizer. LVT can also be incorporated with a wider range of designs and patterns due to its flexible nature, constituting a vast array of aesthetic varieties. PVC, available in many layers, has overall durability aspects as well as comfort.
Durability
SPC flooring, being the nature of the rigid core, is tough to impact with dents and scratches of any kind, maintaining its look over years of use. Due to this quality, it has become sought-after to put in commercial setups, especially those with more pets or kids than normal, as this increases the potential traffic in a house. Besides, the rigidity of the core prevents the expansion or contraction of flooring, which is a problem in many other types of flooring.
LVT can be durable but, in general, is more vulnerable than SPC. It provides a little more scuff and slip resistance. LVT is more likely to get dents and scratches, especially in heavy-traffic areas. For commercial applications, they are still considered good for areas where there is a human approach to homes and some mild commercial space. LVT might dent a bit more easily from very heavy furniture, but it is also a lot softer underfoot with its amazing flexible capabilities.
Installation
Both SPC and LVT flooring can be installed without too much hassle; in fact, most of them come with a click-and-lock system that allows a floating installation that does not require adhesive. So, most DIYers find comfort in it. However, SPC flooring, since it's rigid, can be installed even with imperfect subfloors, while LVT would require a flatter and smoother surface for the best results. Generally, with these two flooring types, an underlayment is put down either within the flooring planks or applied directly to the substrates, and the planks or tiles are clicked together and put in place; generally, the process for most leads will include.
SPC can be installed over a much broader range of subfloors than most other types, including pre-existing flooring, concrete, and plywood. The advantage is that it can save time and money during installation. A more flexible LVT may need an additional subfloor to be prepared, even if that is perfectly level and leveled out by a moisture barrier if required.
Comfort and Feel
The two main differences between SPC and LVT flooring are the feel underfoot and the flexibility. That gives SPC a bit of an edge in rigidity; hence, it is colder and harder underfoot if not using a thicker underlayment material. Otherwise, it's still generally not as supple as LVT, but that rigidity might be a plus in a commercial installation, where the ability to stand up to heavy use could be more important than comfort.
The inherent flexibility in the core of LVT flooring gives them a much softer underfoot feel, which should be an enormous plus for residential settings where comfort matters. The flex is also what makes the LVT quieter underfoot; it will absorb substantially more sound than the firm, rigid SPC flooring. This added comfort in LVT can be a preference in areas where people spend a lot of time standing, such as kitchens and living rooms.
Water Resistance
Both SPC and LVT flooring are highly water-resistant and make a perfect fit in areas that are highly likely to contain moisture, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or basement. SPC flooring takes the winning edge in this category because of its stone-plastic composite core, which is fully waterproof. This makes SPC more dependable in areas characterized by the continuous presence of water. SPC is waterproof, and therefore, the groups of floors will not warp, bulge, or degrade due to moisture.
LVT flooring is also water-resistant, but since it may be a softer and more flexible plank, some water damage might occur in cases of incorrect installation where infiltrating water through the seams or edges is a possibility. Proper installation and sealing of the seams under the conditions appropriate for them make LVT an option for moist environments. With that being said, it is to be noted that each type of floor can handle spills and humidity. Standing water should still be limited for long periods to maintain its integrity.
Designs and Aesthetics
Both SPC and LVT flooring are widely available in different designs, colors, and patterns and sometimes bear a resemblance to real wood, stone, or tile. Printing technologies have helped both types of flooring offer very realistic, huge, high-quality décor that supports any styling. The decorative surface of each type of floor is designed with high-definition print, offering a breathtakingly realistic look.
The LVT flooring overall does allow for a bit more in the way of design variety since the manufacturing process can vary, like with embossed textures that match the grain you would find in natural wood or the veining available in stone. SPC flooring also has variety in its design but has slightly fewer options in terms of the total number of options compared to LVT. However, the designs that exist in this area are abundant and can satisfy many aesthetic appetites.
Cost
Both types of flooring—SPC and LVT—come at a vast range in pricing, depending on the brand, quality, and product-specific features. Normally, SPC flooring is more expensive than LVT because of the added attributes of durability and rigid core construction. However, long-term investment in SPC can be favorably worth it, especially in high-traffic or commercial settings with heavy use of flooring. Though the initial cost of getting SPC flooring is arguable, its durability with reduced maintenance costs can nullify the former.
LVT flooring is generally more affordable, which makes it very appealing to any residential owner who craves a trendy look without needing to spend an arm and a leg for it. Its initial lower cost, however, may still make it such a practical choice for many residential applications, where it wears out easily under heavy foot traffic. In addition, easy installation can further contribute to the reduction in labor costs linked to LVT's price.
Maintenance
Both SPC and LVT flooring are quite low-maintenance compared to other flooring. What they require for cleanliness is regular sweeping and some occasional mopping with a damp cloth. They are resistant to water, thus good for spillages and moisture, making them easy to maintain in places like kitchens and bathrooms.
Since SPC has a rigid core, it's not likely to show wear and tear. It can handle heavy traffic with its capability to withstand heavy foot traffic, therefore being extremely scratch- and dent-resistant. This makes it ideal for commercial spaces and homes with pets and children.
LVT is very tough, but wear will quickly show in high-traffic areas. It is, however, not that difficult to keep clean, making it low-maintenance. The resiliency of LVT lends itself to being more easily dented by heavy furniture, so using pads on the bottom of furniture and the heavy appliance legs and not dragging something heavy across them will help keep them looking new.
Environmentally Friendly
The SPC and LVT are both made using PVC, which is recyclable. However, the method of manufacturing for either type of flooring has an impact on the environment. For instance, since SPC flooring has an inflexible core made from stone polymer, a material that needs a greater amount of raw material and more energy during production than LVT, it may end up having a wider environmental base. Still, its longer life and durability will compensate partially for these negative impacts by decreasing the impact of frequent replacements.
LVT generally needs far less material and energy to fabricate with a flexible core. This, in the long run, could be friendlier to the environment if one considers the product life cycle. Many of them are working toward sustainability in their products through reduced emissions and elaborate utilization of recycled materials.
Conclusion
The choice between the two, SPC and LVT, for flooring will always have to depend on the requirement in mind. If there is a requirement for high durability, stability, or water resistance, then SPC flooring would probably be better off. It does well in high-traffic and commercial settings, which require long-lasting flooring that can withstand a high amount of abuse and impact. This inflexible SPC core maintains its shape and solidity under very rough circumstances; it is considered a very strong and resilient flooring option.
On the other hand, if you think that more concern should be put on comfort, flexibility, and a wider variety of design alternatives, then LVT flooring could be the best pick. It is also much more supple and thus great for spaces of a residential nature, where aesthetic appeal and comfort set the tone. Such flexibility with LVT flooring would bring about rather detailed designs and a less harsh walking experience, something preferable in living areas and bedrooms.
Letting you understand the major differences between SPC and LVT flooring tells you how to decide what is the best match for your requirements and needs functionally and aesthetically, rather than basing a decision solely on cost. What truly matters is that whether you're in search of durability and water resistance or going after comfort and design, there will be something for everyone when using either SPC or LVT flooring.
