Which is better, LVT or SPC flooring?

Choosing the right floor type is crucial for any renovation project. In flooring materials, you have a lot of choices. There are many types of stone, tile, and wood to choose from, as well as less expensive alternatives that can be used to mimic those materials without breaking the bank.

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In the vinyl industry, there has been a lot of debate regarding which material type is preferable to the next. With the increasing number of new vinyl products on the market, it might be difficult to determine which type of vinyl floor is appropriate for your project.

For years, consumers have preferred traditional luxury vinyl plank flooring, but new products like SPC vinyl are causing a stir in the industry. Floors made of SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) and LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) are essentially similar. However, as technology advances and breakthroughs emerge, we have more options to pick from. so, here we have detailed the differences between VT and SPC for you to have a better understanding of which is the most suitable for you.

What is LVT Flooring Made From?

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a modernized version of vinyl flooring. Its lifelike designs seem like actual wood, ceramic, or stone flooring while remaining cost-effective. These products are a composition of compressed layers of vinyl with a high-resolution image overlaid on top to give them the appearance of a different material.

The vinyl core of LVT is the most important layer, as it makes the planks both durable and flexible. You can read more about what LVT flooring is here.

What is SPC Flooring Made From?

The updated form of LVT is SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring. RVP, or Rigid Vinyl Plank, is another name for it. There are many layers in this floor option including a UV coating, wear layer, SPC print layer, SPC core, and a balanced layer. A variety of backing alternatives are also available, including EVA, corkwood, and IXPE foam.

Product: Karndean Van Gogh Rigid Core Blush Oak VGW107T-SCB

Stone polymer composite flooring is similar to LVT in that it contains a high-resolution image printed on vinyl and a translucent wear layer that protects it from scratches, stains, and fading. SPC, on the other hand, is made out of a mixture of plastic and crushed limestone powder. As a result, instead of being soft and pliable, the boards become stiff and unyielding. You can read more about what SPC flooring is here.

Which is Waterproof?

LVT is naturally water-resistant, but it isn&#;t waterproof. You can purchase waterproof varieties, however. SPC floors are 100% waterproof, allowing them to be installed in practically any area of the home.

Comparing Durability

SPC is more resistant to dents and other sorts of damage. It will last longer and withstand wear better. The hardness of SPC allows for more support underfoot, but the pliability of LVT offers a softer, more comfortable walking experience. SPC is also thicker than LVT and has a more realistic texture.

While SPC is naturally more durable, LVT still provides excellent value for money. Some of the more expensive varieties will last for one or two decades with minimal maintenance. Both types of floors are often installed in commercial properties such as hair salons, cafes and restaurants, as they can withstand heavy traffic.

Installing LVT vs SPC Flooring

LVT floors come in either Glue-down or click system installation varieties. SPC floors are always installed via a click system. This is the easiest installation method you can follow, which means you should be able to do it completely by yourself. Glue-down LVT takes a little more work to install, but it is still simple enough to do yourself.

Because of its rigid structure, SPC has a few advantages. While they can lay both over almost any solid subfloor, LVT requires that the subfloor be absolutely level and devoid of dents, and obstacles. The flexible material will conform to any irregularities, whereas the SPC will maintain its shape should the subfloor not be snooker table flat and will allow a little tolerance.

Room Suitability

LVT and SPC floors can be installed in any area of the home. However, make sure if you are installing an LVT floor in the bathroom, that it is a fully waterproof variety and you properly prepare the subfloor to make sure it is all watertight.

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Product: Amtico Decor Corona & Karndean Art Select Auburn Oak Parquet | Installed by Summit Flooring LTD - Professional Floorlayer

Comparing Insulation

Both LVT and SPC floors offer excellent insulation. They can both be installed with an underfloor heating system, and they are relatively warm to the touch. LVT may be a little noisier underfoot, but you can install a soundproofing underlay to reduce the amount of noise produced.

LVT & SPC Styles & Effects

LVT and SPC floors offer a huge range of styles and effects. These include wood, stone, and abstract designs. As SPC floors are one of the newest types to be introduced onto the market, there aren&#;t quite as many different styles as LVT just yet. However, new designs and effects are consistently being added to the market.

Comparison Table

LVT Flooring SPC Flooring Construction Compressed vinyl layers Multi-layered construction with tough Stone Composite core Waterproof No, though waterproof varieties are available Yes Durability Excellent Excellent Installation Glue-down or click system Click installation Room Suitability Kitchen, basement, conservatory, lounge, dining room, hallway, bedroom, bathroom Kitchen, basement, conservatory, lounge, dining room, hallway, bedroom, bathroom Insulation Suitable for use with underfloor heating Suitable for use with underfloor heating Effects & Finishes Wood effect, stone effect, abstract Wood effect, stone effect, abstract Laying Patterns Plank, Herringbone, Chevron, Versailles & Basket-Weave Plank, Herringbone, Chevron, Versailles & Basket-Weave

Conclusion

This is simply a quick rundown of the two types of flooring. There are many other advantages and disadvantages to each, depending on your specific scenario. Speaking with a flooring expert here at Stories Flooring will help you ascertain the benefits and each type of vinyl tiles to see which one will best suit your needs and last the longest.

Further Browsing

You can purchase LVT flooring here.

You can purchase SPC flooring here.

With the rise of new vinyl products being introduced into the market, it can be hard to figure out which type of floor is best for your project.

Traditional luxury vinyl plank flooring has been the choice of consumers for years, but products such as SPC vinyl are making waves in the industry. 

A vinyl floor has a simple PVC core that makes it flexible and soft. The SPC vinyl planks have a core made of a stone plastic composite, which gives it a rigid construction. Due to its core construction, a luxury vinyl floor will not have much support under foot. An SPC vinyl will feel significantly durable under feet.

Installation is another difference between the two types of flooring. Traditional LVT planks are with a glue down installation while SPC vinyl&#;s floating, tongue and groove system that is DIY friendly.

Since LVT floors are soft and bendable, heavy furniture can easily dent the material. A SPC vinyl will be more resilient when it comes to dents and abuse. It is a great option for commercial settings due to this reason.

Both floors are extremely water resistant and have a high tolerance to oil and grease.

Traditional LVT and SPC vinyl floors are available in a variety of colors, decors and plank widths. A traditional vinyl may have a realistic look, but they tend to be less advanced than an SPC vinyl.

It is safe to say that we will probably see more innovations coming from the vinyl flooring in the near future.

Enjoy shopping from a variety of vinyl floors in our collections.

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