SPC flooring has taken the home improvement world by storm, but is it all sunshine and rainbows? Before you hop on the SPC bandwagon, let's peel back the layers and explore both the good and the not-so-good of this popular flooring option.
The Allure of SPC:
- Effortless Beauty: SPC flooring boasts a wide range of realistic wood-look and stone designs, allowing you to create a stunning and stylish look for your home.
- Durability Champion: Highly resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture, SPC flooring can handle the daily wear and tear of busy households.
- Low-Maintenance Marvel: Unlike some natural materials, SPC flooring requires minimal upkeep. Simple cleaning keeps it looking its best.
- Easy Does It: Installation is often a breeze with SPC's click-lock system, making it a DIY-friendly option for many homeowners.
Beyond the Hype: SPC Considerations
- Not So Solid: While durable, SPC flooring can't compete with the sheer strength of some natural materials like stone. Heavy objects may cause damage.
- Comfort Considerations: SPC flooring can feel slightly colder underfoot compared to some materials like wood.
- Listen Up: Depending on the underlayment used, SPC flooring can have a slightly hollow sound when walked on.
- The VOC Question: Some SPC flooring options may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during installation. Look for low-VOC or VOC-free options.
What is SPC Flooring?
Looking for a waterproof, ultra-durable flooring option that conquers any level? Look no further than SPC flooring, the reigning champion of rigid core luxury vinyl!
What Makes SPC the King of Toughness?
- Rock-Solid Core: Unlike some vinyl floors, SPC boasts a core made from stone plastic or stone polymer composite (hence the name!). This innovative core is what gives SPC its incredible strength and stability.
- Built to Last: Say goodbye to warping and wobbling! SPC flooring can handle uneven subfloors with ease, making it perfect for any level of your home.
The All-Level Flooring Champion:
- Basement? No Problem! SPC's waterproof core makes it ideal for basements, where moisture concerns are a real issue.
- High-Traffic Hero: From busy kitchens to active playrooms, SPC flooring can handle even the most demanding areas.
- Kitchen Confidence: Spills and splashes? No worries! SPC's waterproof nature makes it a dream for kitchens and bathrooms.
But wait, there's more! In addition to its unmatched durability, SPC flooring also offers a range of other benefits:
- Effortless Beauty: Enjoy a wide selection of stunning wood-look and stone designs to create a stylish and sophisticated space.
- Low-Maintenance Marvel: Say goodbye to high-maintenance floors! SPC requires minimal upkeep to keep it looking its best.
- DIY Delight: The click-lock installation system makes SPC flooring a breeze to install, even for DIY enthusiasts.
Advantages of SPC Flooring
Advantages #1: Wide Range Of Style And Selections
Advantages #2: Real Wood-like Design
Advantages #3: Budget-Friendly
Advantages #4: Able To Sustain High Traffic
Advantages #5: Durable And Long-lasting
- Solid and composite SPCs: These are homogeneous SPCs that are highly resistant to scratches and surface damage.
- Fiber-glass reinforced SPC: It is one of the most durable types as fiber-glass is great for its strength and flexibility. This type of SPC material is extremely durable and able to sustain heavy-duty usage.
Credit: Canva
Advantages #6: Not easily stained and scratched
SPC flooring is extremely durable and able to sustain a high-traffic environment. These features allow it to be widely used in commercial areas like offices, retail shops, and restaurants.
Pet lovers shouldn't be worried about your flooring as it is also not easily stained and scratched.
Not just that, certain brands provide years of warranty for it, which makes it even more ideal for both residential and commercial purposes.
Advantages #7: Sound Proof
Advantages #8: Stain Resistant
There is one type of SPC flooring that is famously known for being stain-resistant. It's the printed SPC tiles or sheets. The theory behind this is the wear layer on the SPC surface that acts as a protective barrier against spillage and stains.
Since not all type of SPC flooring has strong stain-resistant, you might want to avoid composite or solid SPC if this feature is your main concern.
Advantages #9: Water-Resistant
Well-installed SPC flooring is almost seamless, which makes it difficult for water to sip in. As it is a water-resistant material, this interesting benefit allows it to be installed in almost every area of your house, including the bathroom and laundry area.
Advantages #10: Easy To Clean And Maintain
If you are not a homemaker or have little time for house chores, you might need SPC flooring. Sweeping and damp mopping occasionally will be sufficient to keep your house clean.
Even if you find any damaged pieces or tiles, you can simply replace each individual piece without having to remove the entire flooring. You will soon find that maintaining the condition of SPC flooring is much easier than other types of flooring.
Disadvantages of SPC Flooring
Disadvantages #1: No Extra Resale Value Added
Disadvantages #2: Difficult To Remove Once Installed
Disadvantages #3: Susceptible To Sharp Objects
Heavy furniture, pet paws, sand, or any sharp objects will leave scratches and abrasions on the SPC flooring surface.
Extra care is needed when it comes to contact with sharp and abrasive objects. Always cover SPC flooring with a layer of felt, mat, or rugs to keep your flooring surface smooth.
Disadvantages #4: Sensitive To Moisture
Don't be confused. Not all SPC flooring is sensitive to moisture. However, SPC flooring of lower grade may swell or discolor when contact with moisture in a long term. Moisture that traps under the SPC floor will encourage the growth of mold and causing odor.
However, there is some type of SPC flooring suitable to be installed in high moisture areas like bathrooms. Just check with your SPC flooring supplier on its functionality before making any purchase.
Disadvantages #5: Unable To Be Refinished Or Repair
Despite that SPC flooring is generally known for its high durability, some low-quality SPC flooring is easier to wear out or tear. Once it's damaged, it is difficult to repair and the worst is no refinishing work can be done. The only option is to have that particular piece replaced.
SPC tile or plank is much easier to replace compared to SPC sheet in most cases. So you should definitely take this into consideration before choosing the type of SPC flooring that best fits your use.
Is SPC Flooring a Good Choice?
If durability, longevity, and ease of installation are important, SPC flooring is a great choice. This luxury vinyl flooring can reproduce the look of natural materials without the extra cost and upkeep. However, if you are looking to add value to your home, natural stone such as marble, quartz, or granite flooring is a better choice.
SPC flooring offers numerous advantages, making it a popular choice for homeowners. Its wide range of styles and selections, real wood-like design, and budget-friendly nature make it a versatile and attractive flooring option.
SPC flooring is durable, able to sustain high traffic, and can last over 20 years with proper maintenance. It is resistant to stains, scratches, and is water-resistant, making it suitable for various areas, including bathrooms and kitchens.
Additionally, it provides soundproofing qualities, making the surroundings peaceful. Cleaning and maintenance are easy, requiring only occasional sweeping and damp mopping.
Despite these benefits, it's essential to consider some drawbacks, such as the lack of added resale value, difficulty in removal once installed, susceptibility to sharp objects, sensitivity to moisture in lower-grade options, and the inability to refinish or repair damaged pieces easily. Careful consideration of these factors will help determine if SPC flooring is the right choice for your needs.