When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your home for a relatively low cost, choosing the right flooring at the right price can make all the difference. One flooring option that&#;s rapidly gaining popularity among homeowners and interior design enthusiasts is Stone Plastic Composite, or SPC flooring for short. This guide offers a deep dive into everything you need to know about SPC flooring and beyond.

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What is SPC Flooring

SPC flooring is a sophisticated and innovative flooring solution that stands for Stone Plastic Composite. As the name suggests, SPC flooring is made by blending natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers. The result is an incredibly sturdy and robust core layer that forms the backbone of this advanced flooring option. The only flooring that can really compare to SPC in terms of robustness is solid wood flooring, but at around twice the price is doesn&#;t fall within the budget constrains that SPC flooring buyers often seek.

SPC flooring&#;s unique composition gives it an unparalleled blend of strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Available in an array of designs and styles such as tile, plank and herringbone, it&#;s a perfect choice for homeowners seeking an affordable, yet classy flooring solution. Additionally, the advanced engineering behind SPC flooring also results in a product that is eco-friendly. The manufacturing process utilises recycled materials and creates less waste, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint. Such eco credentials puts SPC flooring in its own league against its alternatives.

Is SPC Flooring Better Than Vinyl

For decades, vinyl flooring has held a firm place in the flooring market due to its cost-effectiveness and diverse design options. However, the rise of Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) flooring has introduced a compelling alternative. SPC flooring distinguishes itself with its unrivalled sturdiness and rigidity, derived from its unique stone-plastic composition. This heightened robustness equates to exceptional resistance to damage and indentations, even when subjected to substantial weight or force. It&#;s a characteristic that sets SPC flooring significantly apart from conventional vinyl options.

An important distinction to note between SPC and traditional vinyl flooring lies in their format availability. While vinyl flooring can be found in both sheet and plank formats, SPC flooring is exclusively available in the form of boards. This results in a more straightforward and seamless installation process, providing a uniform look that&#;s visually pleasing.

From an aesthetic perspective, SPC flooring can mimic a wide variety of materials, such as stone, wood and parquet, due to advanced printing and texturing technologies. You can find SPC in different styles, including plank, tile, and even herringbone, providing a high degree of flexibility when it comes to matching your home decor. Despite these advantages, vinyl may be a more suitable choice for those seeking a softer feel underfoot, or those working with a limited budget, as vinyl tends to be less expensive than SPC. If comfort is important to you and SPC is the direction you&#;re going to take, consider SPC flooring with built in underlay.

SPC vs WPC Flooring: Are These The Same?

When exploring resilient flooring options, WPC, or Wood Plastic Composite, is another popular choice. Like SPC, WPC also boasts a robust construction, featuring a core composed of wood pulp and plastic composites. While both options share similarities like water resistance and durability, several differences set them apart.

The primary difference lies in the core composition. SPC&#;s stone-based core provides superior hardness and stability, making it more resistant to impacts and temperature changes. WPC, however, feels softer underfoot and can absorb sound better, contributing to a quieter living environment. Ultimately, the choice between SPC and WPC would depend on your specific requirements. If you&#;re looking for supreme durability and resistance, SPC might be your best bet. On the other hand, if comfort and sound absorption top your list, WPC might be more suitable.

 

SPC FlooringWPC FlooringCore CompositionStone-Plastic CompositeWood-Plastic CompositeDurabilitySuperior due to its stone-based coreDurable but less impact resistantWater Resistance100% WaterproofWaterproof but less than SPCComfort UnderfootHarder, less comfortable for prolonged standingSofter, more comfortable underfootSound AbsorptionAverage sound absorptionSuperior sound absorption due to wood coreTemperature StabilityExcellent stability, less prone to expansion/contractionGood stability, slightly more prone to expansion/contractionPriceTypically more expensive than WPCTypically less expensive than SPC

 

Advantages of SPC Flooring

Apart from its robust and waterproof properties, SPC flooring offers a range of other advantages. One significant benefit is its easy installation process. Thanks to its click-lock design, SPC flooring can be installed over existing flooring, significantly reducing installation time.

The SPC rigid core also provides superior stability and prevents peeling or cracking, making it a low-maintenance option for busy households. Furthermore, its insulation properties contribute to energy efficiency, a growing concern for many modern homeowners. Another advantage worth mentioning is SPC flooring&#;s hypoallergenic properties. SPC does not harbour dust and allergens, making it a great option for households with allergy sufferers.

Disadvantages of SPC Flooring

While SPC flooring has many advantages, it&#;s important to be aware of a few potential drawbacks. Its robustness can make it feel hard underfoot, which might be uncomfortable for some. Additionally, while it&#;s scratch-resistant, heavy objects can still cause damage if dropped onto the floor. It&#;s also worth noting that while SPC flooring can imitate the look of natural materials, it may not fully replicate the feel or texture of materials like hardwood. Hardwood flooring (solid or engineered) are natural products which means that two or more boards will often display varied knots, sap and other natural wood characteristics between each board. This adds to their charm. In the case of SPC, WPC, LVT and laminate flooring the design is effectively printed on the board, meaning that two or more boards will often look the same.

Is SPC the Same as Laminate

While SPC and laminate flooring may seem similar at first glance, they are fundamentally different. Laminate flooring is made from a wood-based core, while SPC flooring&#;s core is composed of stone and plastic. This difference results in SPC flooring being more waterproof and durable, making it suitable for areas where laminate might not be the best fit, like the bathroom or kitchen. However, it&#;s essential to note that while laminate can offer a more realistic wood feel due to its wood-based core, it falls short in areas of water resistance and durability when compared to SPC.

How Long Can SPC Flooring Last

With proper care and maintenance, SPC flooring can last anywhere from 20 to 25 years, a testament to its durability. To prolong its lifespan, regular cleaning with a damp mop and mild detergent is recommended. Of course, this lifespan can be significantly affected by factors such as the quality of installation, the level of traffic the flooring endures and of course, the quality of the floor to begin with.

Does SPC Flooring Scratch

SPC flooring is known for its high resistance to scratches, making it an excellent choice for households with pets or high foot traffic. However, like any other flooring type, it isn&#;t entirely immune to damage. Using furniture pads and keeping pet nails trimmed can help maintain the pristine condition of the flooring. In the event that scratching occurs, many scratches can be easily repaired with a colour matching repair kit.

Choosing The Right SPC Flooring For Your Home

When it comes to selecting the ideal SPC flooring, it&#;s essential to consider the specific needs of each room. For areas like the kitchen or dining room where spillages are common, choosing a design with extra texture can provide additional grip. In the lounge or bedrooms, a warmer colour can add a cozy feel. At Wood and Beyond, we offer a range of SPC flooring options in various colours, styles, and textures to suit every need and preference.

What About Alternatives

Beyond laminate flooring which we have already discussed, the closest alternative is engineered wood flooring. For those looking for a real wood flooring look and feel without the many limitations of traditional wood flooring (solid wood flooring), engineered wood flooring is the absolute choice. Made from real wood top layer and backed by MDF and Ply in its core, engineered wood flooring shares many of the SPC core benefits such as durability, water-resistant (with the correct finish), ease of installation with click fit engineered wood flooring now available, but slightly dearer. Unlike SPC flooring, engineered wood flooring can be sanded and refinished thereby making it look freshly fitted for relatively low cost.

Conclusion

In the evolving world of flooring solutions, SPC flooring stands out as a robust, stylish, and practical choice. Its benefits clearly outweigh the potential drawbacks, making it an excellent investment for any homeowner. With the vast array of styles and designs available on Wood and Beyond, you&#;re sure to find the perfect SPC flooring to complement your home&#;s aesthetic and functional needs.

Browse our SPC rigid core category to discover the possibilities that this innovative flooring solution can offer. Don&#;t hesitate to transform your home with the unmatched durability and style of SPC flooring. No matter what your specific requirements or preferences might be, SPC flooring offers an elegant, durable, and practical solution that can transform any space. Explore the extensive range of SPC flooring at Wood and Beyond and invest in flooring that combines the best of functionality, longevity, and aesthetic appeal.

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FAQ

What is the core composition of SPC flooring?

SPC flooring stands for Stone Plastic Composite flooring. It consists of a robust core layer made from a blend of natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilisers. This unique composition gives SPC flooring its impressive durability and water resistance.

How resistant is SPC flooring to scratches and dents?

Thanks to its robust and dense core structure, SPC flooring is highly resistant to scratches and dents. It can withstand high traffic and heavy loads without showing signs of damage. However, like any flooring type, sharp or heavy objects can still cause scratches or indentations if dropped.

Can SPC flooring be used with underfloor heating?

Yes, SPC flooring can be safely used with underfloor heating systems. Its stone-plastic composite core is resistant to temperature fluctuations, making it a suitable choice for homes with underfloor heating.

Does SPC flooring require a specific cleaning routine?

SPC flooring is very low maintenance. Regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove dust and dirt, along with occasional mopping with a damp mop and a mild detergent, is typically sufficient to keep your SPC floor looking its best.

What types of design options are available with SPC flooring?

SPC flooring comes in a wide array of designs and styles, from options that mimic natural stone or wood effects to bold and contemporary colours like black or grey. This diversity ensures that there&#;s an SPC flooring option to match every home&#;s decor and style preferences.

SPC Flooring: What Exactly Is It?

Since its debut in the s, vinyl plank flooring has continued to soar in popularity amongst all major commercial market segments. In fact, since alone, Spectra Contract Flooring has installed over 95 million square feet of vinyl flooring coast to coast. From hotels and restaurants to schools, hospitals and more, there is no limit as to where you might find these planks installed. Moreover, with the introduction of rigid core technology, vinyl plank flooring looks to become more dynamic and versatile than ever thanks to products such as SPC. Here, we will discuss what SPC flooring is, how SPC flooring is made, the benefits of choosing SPC vinyl flooring, and a few SPC installation tips to consider.

What Is SPC Flooring?

Short for stone plastic composite, SPC is designed to identically replicate traditional flooring materials such as stone, ceramic, or wood, yet provide many more practical benefits as you will see later on in the article. Using realistic photographic prints along with a clear, vinyl top layer, SPC opens the door to a wide variety of design concepts.

SPC flooring is generally comprised of the four following layers in mind: 

If you want to learn more, please visit our website SPC flooring Customize.

• Wear Layer &#; Playing a crucial role in the lifespan of your tiles, this layer uses clear coatings such as aluminum oxide that will keep your floor from rapidly wearing.

• Vinyl Top Layer &#; Certain premium types of SPC come manufactured with realistic, 3D visuals that can be installed to identically resemble stone, ceramic, or wood.

• Rigid Core &#; The core layer is where you get the most bang for your buck. Here, you will find a high density, yet stable waterproof center that provides rigidity and stability to the plank.

• Backing Layer &#; Otherwise known as the flooring&#;s backbone, this layer provides your planks with added sound installation, as well as being naturally resistant to mold and mildew.

A buyer&#;s guide to contract flooring

How to get the greatest value for your floor and select the right contractor for your project.

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How Is SPC Flooring Made?

To go the extra mile in understanding SPC flooring, let&#;s take a look at how it&#;s made. SPC is manufactured through the following six primary processes.

Mixing
To begin, a combination of raw materials is placed into a mixing machine. Once inside, the raw materials are heated up to 125 &#; 130 degrees Celsius in order to remove any water vapor inside the material. Once complete, the material is then cooled inside the mixing machine to prevent the occurrence of early plasticization or processing auxiliary decomposition.

Extrusion
Moving from the mixing machine, the raw material then goes through an extrusion process. Here, temperature control is crucial in order for the material to plasticize correctly. The material is ran through five zones, with the first two being the hottest (around 200 degrees Celsius) and slowly declining throughout the remaining three zones.

Calendaring
Once the material is fully plasticized into a mold, it is then time for the material to begin a process known as calendering. Here, a series of heated rollers are used to compound the mold into a continuous sheet. By manipulating the rolls, the width and thickness of the sheet can be controlled with precise accuracy and consistency. Once the desired thickness is reached, it is then embossed under heat and pressure. Engraved rollers apply the textured design onto the face of the product which can be a light &#;tick&#; or a &#;deep&#; emboss. Once the texture is applied, the scratch and scuff Top Coat will be applied and sent to the drawer.

Drawer
The drawing machine, used with frequency control, is connected with a motor directly, which is a perfect match to the production line speed and is used to deliver the material to the cutter.

Cutter
Here, the material is crosscut to meet the correct guideline standard. The cutter is signaled by a sensitive and accurate photoelectric switch to ensure clean and equal cuts.

Automatic Plate-Lifting Machine
Once the material has been cut, the automatic plate-lifting machine will lift and stack the final product into the packing area for pick-up.

The Benefits of Choosing SPC Vinyl Flooring

Easy installation
SPC can be easily installed in two ways, either with glue or with a loose-lay floor. Using newer loose-lay systems makes it possible to use SPC with minimal surface preparation. With this solution, flooring installation costs, as well as installation time, can be reduced.

Waterproof
One of the biggest benefits of choosing SPC vinyl flooring is that it is completely waterproof. Due to its rigid, PVC core layer, these planks can withstand liquids and spills unlike many of the flooring products that it mimics.

Style and Comfort
SPC has a softer surface than other flooring materials such as wood or stone. It is also more comfortable underfoot and sound-reducing, which is a very important trait for many facilities.

Environmentally Friendly
Choosing SPC can help your facility earn LEED certification, as many of the materials used in its production are those of renewable products, recyclable content, and low-emitting materials.

Budget
Want flooring that is waterproof, scratch, stain a fade-resistant, yet won&#;t break the bank?  Look no further. SPC vinyl flooring is generally less expensive than the luxury floors that it mimics such as hardwood or stone.

Maintenance
SPC never has to be sanded or sealed, making it much easier to maintain than other luxury floors. Since it is completely waterproof, just grab a damp mop and you are all set!

SPC Flooring Installation

Get commercial SPC flooring installation from our experienced teams and receive unbiased, greatest-value flooring solutions for your facility.

At Spectra Contract Flooring, we&#;ve installed nearly every type of commercial flooring, including a wide variety of vinyl planks. We can show you samples and help you select the best floor for your budget, interior design scheme and the rigors of your facility environment.

When it comes to installing SPC vinyl flooring, the subfloor must be clean, dry, and leveled correctly. From there, installation is a rather simple process.  Most SPC vinyl planks simply click together though tongue and groove technology. While SPC doesn&#;t require being glued to the subfloor, it may still be required in some areas or locations in your facility. Check out, Floating vs Non-Floating Floors: What Gives to better determine which method best suits your environment.

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For similar pages, check out LVT Flooring: What Exactly Is It? and EVP Flooring: What Exactly Is It?

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