Wpc Vs. Spc: What You Need To Know About Water-Resistant Vinyl Plank Flooring

What Is Rigid Core Flooring?

Rigid core flooring is the innovative vinyl flooring for today's demanding consumers. Available in both plank and tile shapes, it's a luxury material that can stand up to a lot of abuse, including water.

To understand rigid core, you have to move beyond the vinyl flooring you're familiar with. Standard vinyl flooring is a fairly thin, flexible material that is glued down to the sub floor. Rigid core is stiffer, thicker and sturdier, which gives it some unique advantages. One of its most-hyped pluses is its ability to handle water, but that's not the only check in the “pro” column. It can also handle sub floor imperfections, offer excellent sound insulation and superior comfort underfoot.

Here's where we get to the technical jargon: The assorted positives of vinyl plank flooring (or vinyl tile) depend on whether you go with a WPC or SPC construction.

How WPC and SPC Come into Play

Like engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank flooring is constructed from layers of material—typically four, though that can vary between manufacturers. Let's look at the different layers, starting with the surface:

Layer #1 is the wear layer. It's clear, durable and scratch-resistant.

Layer #2 is the vinyl layer, composed of multiple, compressed layers of vinyl. This layer facilitates the authentic embossing technology applied to the printed decorative film that lies between the wear layer and this vinyl layer.

Layer #3 is the rigid core layer. It's made from either wood plastic composite (WPC) or stone plastic composite, also referred to as a solid polymer core (SPC).

Layer #4 is the base layer. This is the bottom of your plank or tile, and it's usually made from foam or cork.
Many WPC and SPC options also feature an attached pad (underlayment) that provides sound absorption and allows for under floor heating systems.

What Is WPC?

Wood plastic composite flooring, or WPC flooring, is a vinyl plank or vinyl tile flooring with a rigid core that's made from either recycled wood pulp and plastic or polymer composites that are expanded with air. It's sometimes called “wood polymer composite flooring.” It is a light weight, low density construction that is warm and soft underfoot with greater comfort.

What Is SPC?

Stone plastic composite, solid polymer core, or SPC flooring, is a vinyl flooring material that has a rigid core made from powdered limestone, polyvinyl chloride and stabilizers. Sometimes, you might see it referred to as “stone polymer composite flooring.” It is dense, dimensionally stable, quiet and strong. Pure from Beauflor are great options in this category and both include an attached pad.