What is SPC Flooring? Are there Pros and Cons?

Pros of SPC Floors:

1. Durability:
   • SPC floors are known for their high level of durability. Due to their thickness and wear layer, they are resistant to dents, scratches, and stains, making them suitable for high-traffic areas and homes with pets and children.
   • Look for SPC floors with a minimum of 20mm for their wear layer.
2. Water Resistance:
   • SPC flooring is water-resistant, making it suitable for use in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Remember, when installing SPC floors on concrete, you must install an extra underlayment as a moister block to prevent any cupping/crowning/bowing of the floors if the area has a high ambient moisture rating.
3. Easy Maintenance:
   • SPC floors are one of the easiest to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping is sufficient to keep your floors in good condition. Ordinary tap water can be used without fear of damaging the product because the SPC vinyl floor is 100%waterproof.
4. Realistic Look and Feel:
   • Advanced printing technology allows SPC floors to mimic the look and texture of natural materials like wood or stone. They can provide a realistic aesthetic without the maintenance challenges of these natural materials. They mimic distressed and wire brushing impressively; they go one step further to imitate the color variation between the planks to mimic the color change between wood floors.
5. Stability:
   • SPC floors are made with rubber; this is highly advantageous when compared to wood floors. This advantage is great against cupping or buckling resistance from water damage.
   • The core construction of SPC flooring provides stability, reducing the likelihood of the planks warping or buckling.
6. Easy Installation:
   • SPC flooring often features a click-lock system that facilitates straightforward installation, making it a good option for DIY projects.
   • Look for SPC floors that use either G5 technology or Uniclic.
   • One of the most significant advantages is that you can install the flooring floatingly; this will save you time and money!!
7. Environmentally Friendly:
   • SPC flooring is sometimes made with environmentally friendly materials; some products are recyclable.
   • Look for SPC manufacturers with the gold-green guard signature and phthalate-free products. The most important thing to look for is a floor score certification certified by SCS Global  Services.
   • The leading manufacturers are continually conducting research that focuses on bettering performance, manufacturing, and tooling requirements that can give the consumer a guarantee for a life-long product.
8. Comfort Underfoot:
   • Make sure to look for SPC floors with an Engineered composition; this includes an SPC layer, stability core, and balancing layers.
   • The balance layer of the rigid core provides a stable surface; many SPC floors come with attached underlayment, which adds a bit of cushioning and sound absorption.
   • Most times, this is sufficient enough when tackling any sound issues.

Cons of SPC Floors:

1. Limited Repairability:
   • While SPC floors are durable, they are not as easily repairable as other flooring options if they are damaged. In many cases, damaged planks need to be replaced.
   • In most cases, SPC floors are installed floating, which means you will need to disconnect all the planks around the damaged planks to replace the specific damaged plank.
2. Hardness:
   • SPC floors can be harder underfoot than more flexible options like vinyl or laminate flooring. Some people may find them less comfortable, especially if standing on them for extended periods.
   • Some consumers have a problem with the feeling of stepping on SPC floors; they say, “It does not feel real.” This can be a problem for some home-owners
3. Cost:
   • SPC flooring that is 10 mm thick can range anywhere between $4-$6 a square foot. Thicker flooring tends to be more expensive than traditional vinyl flooring. While SPC can be more affordable than hardwood or stone, thicker SPC floors can have a higher initial investment than other thinner flooring options.
   • SPC flooring between 5.5mm – 8mm will be much cheaper than 10mm. Pricing for 5.5mm can start at $1.75 a square foot, while 8mm can start as low as $3 a square foot.
4. Limited Design Options:
   • While the technology for mimicking natural materials is advanced, some people still prefer real wood or stone’s authentic look and feel.
   • The problem for most SPC floors is mimicking the look of Oak. This species can pose a problem for most manufacturers, while other wood species like Maple, Hickory, Walnut, or Douglas Fir are much easier to replicate.

In summary, SPC flooring is a durable and versatile option, particularly suitable for areas with high moisture levels or heavy foot traffic. However, like any flooring material, it has advantages and disadvantages that should be considered based on individual preferences and needs.

It is important to know that with the correct maintenance,  SPC-vinyl floors can serve consumers for many years !!

Contact

Victory Hardwood Floors for any professional questions regarding any floor. Our representatives are here to help and guide you!