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SPC or LVT: Vinyl flooring at its best in 2020

There is a lot of discussion around the difference between SPC and LVT in the vinyl flooring segment.

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) floors and LVT (Luxury vinyl tile) floors are essentially branches of the same tree. Technologies upgrade and new innovations bring us better options to choose from. LVT floors are getting better with improvements in stability and finish of this already very interesting flooring option. This is the newer, better, SPC floor.

The Process

Introducing Limestone into the manufacturing process make this latest vinyl flooring board stronger in the core. This also provides stability across the length and width of the planks making sure there is no noticeable expansion or contraction. Even more so than LVT floors.

The Similarity

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

Installation is just as easy as an LVT flooring. Just clicks into place. Matching accessories will give you the perfect finish.

Both floors imitate a wood look with perfection. One can say it is difficult to tell the difference between a wood floor and an LVT/SPC floor laid down.

The Difference

LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles)

An LVT floor suffers some expansion and contraction when the ambient temperature is not controlled. Fluctuations in temperature can cause problems.

80% recyclable content

The LVT floor is recyclable for up to 80% of its contents. Your new LVT floor will also contribute of the indoor air quality of your space.

It is possible for heavy furniture to leave residual indentations when removed after an extended period

Quite under feel – low sound transfer when walking with heels and shoes

SPC (Stone Plastic Comp)

With an SPC floor, you can switch off your air-con without worry. The floor will not expand when the temperature rises and switching on the AC will cause no contractions.

100% recyclable content

The SPC floor is recyclable for up to 100% of its content. Your new SPC floor will also contribute of the indoor air quality of your space.

SPC floors do not suffer any residual indentations from heavy point loading

The rigid core of the SPC allows for a little more sound when walked upon but this is easily controlled with a sound absorbing underlay

The structure of both of LVT and SPC is the same except for the core which makes all the difference

LVT with IXPE underlay vinyl flooring
Spc with underlay vinyl flooring

Conclusions

Both floors are similar up to the fact that it is impossible to tell the difference when they are laid down. Although LVT flooring is here to stay and will be preferred for its slightly softer and quieter composition, SPC is gaining ground quickly.

It is safe to say the SPC will be flooring of choice through the year and we will probably see more innovations coming from the SPC ranges going ahead.