SPC vs. LVT Flooring: Which Vinyl Flooring Is Best for Your Home?

SPC vs. LVT Flooring: Which Vinyl Flooring Is Best for Your Home?

When it comes to modern flooring solutions, vinyl flooring stands out as one of the most versatile and durable, with some affordable options. Among the many types of vinyl flooring, SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) and LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) are two popular choices.

Each of the types has its unique features like durability and practicality, as well as visually appealing options. So, deciding which is right for your home depends on your unique needs and preferences. 

Let's explore these two flooring types to help you make the best choice.

What is SPC Flooring?

SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite. It is a rigid core flooring combining limestone and polyvinyl chloride. This option is celebrated for its resilience and suitability for high-traffic areas.

Key Features of SPC Flooring:

Firm Core: The combined composite core provides stability and resistance to dents.

Waterproof: Perfect for areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.

Easy Installation: Comes with a click-lock system, making DIY installation straightforward.

Durability: This product can also withstand heavy foot traffic and pet activity.

What is LVT Flooring?

LVT, or luxury vinyl tile, is a versatile and flexible type of vinyl flooring that mimics the look of natural materials like wood, stone, or ceramic. It is known for its comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Key Features of This Flooring:

Authentic Aesthetic: You will get practical designs closely resembling natural materials.

Comfortable feel: Compared to SPC, this flooring feel softer and warmer underfoot.

Flexible Application: You can use this in your various rooms, including bedrooms and living spaces.

Customizable: Available in tiles and planks for creative installation patterns.

SPC vs. LVT flooring: Features You Should Know

When you are comparing SPC vs. LVT flooring, you should know that both are popular vinyl flooring options. But they differ in various features. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right fit for your home's needs and lifestyle.

Durability and Resistance

SPC wins the race in terms of durability. Its stone composite core resists dents and impacts. It also wears better than the softer core of LVT. If you have pets, kids, or heavy furniture, SPC is likely to hold up longer without showing signs of damage.

Both options are waterproof, but SPC handles water exposure more robustly due to its dense core. If you're installing flooring in moisture-prone areas like basements, bathrooms, or kitchens, SPC offers better long-term resilience.

Comfort and Sound Absorption

SPC, while more durable, can feel harder and colder underfoot, although attached underlayments can help mitigate this.

LVT's softer core makes it more comfortable to walk on, especially for long periods. It also tends to absorb sound better, which can be beneficial in multi-level homes or apartments where noise control is important. 

If comfort is a top priority—say in a child's playroom or a cozy bedroom—LVT might be the better choice.

Cost and Installation

Both SPC and LVT are cost-effective alternatives to natural wood and stone flooring.

LVT is usually a bit more affordable than SPC. The difference in price often depends on the brand, thickness, and added features like attached underlayment or enhanced wear layers.

Installation for both is straightforward, especially with click-lock planks. This feature doesn't require glue or nails. But, SPC's rigidity can make it easier to install over imperfect subfloors. This can save you time and effort in prep work.

Design Options

Thanks to advanced printing technologies, both SPC and LVT offer stunning designs that mimic natural materials with impressive realism. Whether you're going for a rustic wood finish, sleek stone tiles, or a trendy concrete look, both options have you covered.

That said, LVT often has a slight edge in design flexibility, with more patterns and textures available, especially in tile-like layouts.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between SPC and LVT depends on your specific needs:

Choose SPC if you need something ultra-durable, waterproof, and suitable for high-traffic or moisture-heavy areas.

Choose LVT if you prioritize comfort, warmth, and a wider range of visual styles for less demanding areas of your home.

Each has its strengths, and in some cases, using a combination of both across different rooms in your home might be the ideal solution.

Final Verdict of SPC vs. LVT Flooring: Which is Best for Your Home?

The choice between SPC and LVT flooring depends on your specific needs and preferences. So when you are deciding on flooring, it is important to weigh your household's lifestyle, traffic levels, moisture exposure, and design preferences. SPC and LVT each bring something valuable to the table, and both are leagues ahead of traditional vinyl in terms of performance and aesthetics.

Whether you lean toward the unmatched toughness of SPC or the cozy charm of LVT, you're making a smart investment in a floor that's built to last.