The pros and cons of SPC Flooring - SALE

Not all flooring is made equally and there is no single most superior type of material. The right flooring for you will depend on your budget, features that are a priority to you, the overall look and where you plan to install it. Here we will break down the pros and cons of SPC flooring so you can make an informed decision on whether it is the right material for your project. 

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Evolution of wood flooring

Before we dive in, it&#;s helpful to look at the brief history of wood flooring and the drivers behind the innovation in materials. Real hardwood flooring is the real deal and still very popular. It can be easily sanded down and refinished, giving it a long life span. However, it is costly to purchase, install and maintain, requiring a certain level of humidity to prevent cracking. The demands on wood as a natural resource are also very high.

The industry begged for a lower maintenance, cheaper version of solid hardwood floors so engineered hardwood was born. This solution helped with lowering maintenance and care for the floors but was still fairly expensive for consumers.

Then came laminate floors &#; a wood particle blend with image layer on top to mimic the look of hardwood. As high definition prints and embossing techniques continue to improve the look of laminate, the biggest problem is its tendency to swell with moisture. 

Porcelain tile caught onto this desire for wood-looking floors so there has been an increasing trend in wood-like tile. Tile is great because it&#;s very durable and water resistant but is cold to the touch and the rock hard surface can be tough on the feet. Tile also has a more complex installation requiring mortar and grout. 

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) was the next big thing. LVT is vinyl constructed into planks to mimic a wood-looking floor and is waterproof, which solves the problem with laminate. It is cheaper to install with both floating floor click-system or glue down options but can shrink or buckle with cold and heat. 

This leads us to the latest innovation in wood-like flooring &#; SPC. 

What is SPC flooring?

SPC flooring, which stands for Stone Plastic Composite, is the latest innovative material in the flooring world. It is a premium type of LVT that is 100% waterproof and a much more stable material than traditional LVT.

The core of SPC multi-layered floor planks is created from a stone powder and pvc plastic combination that produces an incredibly durable dent-resistant material that doesn&#;t expand and contract with environmental changes. 

One of the biggest advantages of SPC is that it is commonly installed with a click style system that is significantly faster to install than traditional tiles &#; making it a DIY homeowner favourite. No glue or nails are required to install, simply cut to size and click in place. Although it lacks some durability compared to traditional tiles, the speed of install drives down the labour cost so significantly that it makes a great flooring option. 

What are the various layers that make up SPC flooring?

While it ranges depending on the manufacturer, SPC planks are generally made up of the following layers:

1. UV layer &#; Ensures stain-resistance, waterproof performance and prevents fading.
2. Wear layer &#; Restores the authentic colour and embossing, protecting it from abrasion.
3. Decorative layer &#; This is the printed wood-looking pattern.
4. SPC Core &#; Durable rigid core of plank that doesn&#;t expand and contract with shifts in temperature or humidity
5. Bottom layer &#; May be cork or foam backing material that gives some cushioning for a more comfortable underfooting.

Pros and Cons of SPC flooring

Pros:

• 100% Waterproof
• Low installation cost &#; cheap to do yourself or save significantly on labour and materials for a professional install. Tile usually costs between $5-10/sq ft to get professionally installed where SPC is $1.50-2/sq ft.
• Easy installation &#; click system is easy to do with minimal tools, wait time and effort
• Looks great &#; there are endless options of patterns, colours and grains to get the precise look and shade you want
• Some are radiant heating compatible
• Environmentally-friendly &#; avoiding use of real wood protects the earth&#;s natural resources and it can be recycled
• Safe, better air quality &#; it is free from dangerous chemicals typically found in flooring such as formaldehyde , glues, benzene and phthalates
• Some sound proofing &#; The multi-layered composition of materials provide some natural sound-proofing
• Warranty &#; SPC generally comes with great manufacture warranties, where the length of warranty generally increases with the thickness of the wear layer and of the core of the planks

Cons:

• Not super scratch resistant. While the core is highly durable, the wear layer on top can show noticeable scratches with excessive use. It&#;s very suitable for regular use in a residential home and light commercial use but is not recommended for high traffic commercial spaces.
• Thinner material doesn&#;t have as much cushioning underfoot, compared to a hardwood or laminate.
• Needs to be applied to a flat floor. The thicker the plank, the more forgiving on uneven surfaces.
• Cannot be installed in outdoor spaces.
• Can quickly increase in price as you add the bells and whistles like going with a thicker layer, more desirable print, extra UV resistance etc.
• Not fade resistant &#; if you&#;re putting SPC in a spot that has a lot of natural light, it can fade over time. We don&#;t recommend it for sunrooms.
• It&#;s not wood &#; ultimately these hardwood alternatives will never match the value of real solid wood so the resell for your home will be lower with SPC than true hardwood floors.

Where is the best place to use SPC flooring?

SPC is a great cost-effective choice for main floors of residential homes with normal wear in kitchens, living spaces or bathrooms. It is also excellent for basements where you&#;ll benefit from waterproofing, secondary vacation homes or rental homes as it is very low maintenance, can take a beating and is cost-effective to change out to maintain a modern look.

What thickness do I need?

The thicker the plank, the more stable and comfortable it is to walk on. With this comes an increase in price but also length of warranty. As the thickness increases, the more forgiving it is when installed on slightly uneven surfaces &#; although we always recommend laying SPC on as flat of a surface as possible free of debris. The SPC floors we carry range from 3mm to 7mm.

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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:

Beyond the Hype: SPC Considerations

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

Contact us to discuss your requirements of SPC flooring Customize. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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.

  : 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

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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

These special features absorb noise from outside, helping make your surroundings a peaceful and serene place to stay. By reducing indoor noise, you will not have to worry if your neighbors are affected by any noise.

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.

For more information, please visit SPC Horizon Plank.