When shopping for new flooring for your home or business, there are many things to take into consideration. Durability, longevity and appearance all matter. In addition, it’s important to consider what it’s like to live with flooring in terms of cleaning and maintenance. This is precisely why so many people settle on stone plastic composite (SPC) flooring after doing their homework. Take a look at why this flooring should be on your list if you’re looking for an option that’s durable, attractive and easy to live with!
What Is SPC Flooring?
SPC flooring is a type of engineered vinyl plank. It is actually considered the “luxury” vinyl option in the flooring world. SPC has quickly become a highly desired, high-quality alternative to wood plastic core (WPC). Typically, this type of flooring consists of up to four layers. Here’s a look at the breakdown underneath the beautiful exterior of SPC flooring:
- A backing layer.
- An SPC core.
- A printed vinyl layer.
- A wear layer for added protection.
What draws people in with SPC initially is its aesthetic appeal. Flooring manufacturers use advanced technology to create wood patterns on SPC flooring that completely recreate the look of real wood and stone! This allows consumers to enjoy the beauty and luxury of natural wood and stone at a fraction of the cost.
The Advantages of SPC Flooring
Yes, SPC floors are considered to be much more beautiful than other vinyl options. However, this flooring’s stunning aesthetic is only the beginning. SPC earns points for being one of the most durable flooring options out there. Constructed with a rigid core, SPC is regarded as being virtually “indestructible.” That makes it an ideal fit for anyone looking for attractive flooring for a high-traffic area. It is a good fit for both residential and commercial spaces.
It’s Waterproof
Another feather in SPC’s cap is that it’s waterproof! This fact alone makes SPC flooring a dream for kitchens, entryways, mudrooms, bathrooms, basements and other areas where moisture is common. The solid, waterproof core of SPC vinyl is designed to maintain its positioning and shape through all kinds of wear and tear. It does a beautiful job of avoiding ripping, swelling and peeling when exposed to moisture, temperature variations and heavy foot traffic. What’s more, a protective top layer helps this flooring to maintain its beauty by creating a buffer against denting and scratching.
Easy to Install
The perks really do just keep coming once you settle on SPC vinyl. For instance, the thick core of this flooring does a fantastic job of absorbing sound. A lot of do-it-yourself fans love SPC flooring because it works like a dream on uneven subflooring. This can save you tons of time and money if you’re renovating a room. In fact, the rigid core of SPC vinyl is specifically designed to be able to be installed over existing floors. That means that you don’t necessarily have to tear out tile or other hard-to-remove floorings when installing your new SPC floors! In general, SPC vinyl flooring is much easier to install than alternatives like wood flooring or tiles.
Extra Warmth
One pleasant surprise that many people discover after installing SPC flooring is that this option provides tons of extra warmth! SPC’s rigid core creates an insulating effect that actually makes your floors feel warmer. As a result, you don’t get that “cold shock” that often occurs when your bare feet hit tile or wood.
So Easy to Maintain
The last benefit to cover is the low-maintenance angle of SPC flooring. This type of flooring comes as close to “zero maintenance” as possible. Generally, routine sweeping or vacuuming with regular mopping mixed in will be enough to keep a floor in great shape!
Are There Any Downsides to SPC Flooring?
Not everyone finds SPC flooring to be a perfect fit. The biggest complaint that people often have is that SPC vinyl can feel too rigid. Generally, people like the stability offered by this flooring. However, some people find that walking on rigid, sturdy SPC flooring is slightly less comfortable than walking on softer vinyl options. The other detracting factor for some is the price. The reality is that SPC is a premium product that comes with a higher price tag than some other vinyl options. Perspective is important when focusing on price. Most stone plastic composite floor products out there offer durability and beauty that competing vinyl flooring simply can’t match. SPC flooring is still considerably less expensive than options like wood floors or tile when you look at the bigger picture.
Is SPC Flooring a Good Choice?
If you’re looking for a less expensive alternative to wood or tile that’s levels above run-of-the-mill vinyl, SPC is a compelling option! Many people choose this option strictly because it won’t expand and contract in response moisture and temperature changes. If you’re a pet owner, SPC flooring can allow you to enjoy beautiful, high-end floors without the stress and worry. It is a great option for both residential and commercial spaces where a durable, low-maintenance option is needed. The only thing left to do is begin exploring the highly elegant patterns available for your home or business. There’s a good chance you won’t believe your eyes when you see just how realistic the tile and wood patterns available really are!
