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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Related

If you're renovating your home, or even building a new one, you might have gotten to the point where you're deciding on furnishings and flooring for your space. When it comes to floors, there are a variety of options out there, but one is best for your home. Vinyl floors are the best for homes because of their durability, affordability and low maintenance needs. There are various types of vinyl flooring out there, though. One of our favorites is SPC flooring. 

Why Vinyl?

Vinyl floors are much better quality these days than they have ever been. Those horror stories of subfloors being destroyed by the glue of vinyl rolls are the stuff of legends these days. Today's luxury vinyl flooring comes in so many styles that you might not even realize you're walking on it! There are some other reasons to choose vinyl over other types of flooring, though. 

• Durability

  : Vinyl floors are durable. They don't warp, scratch or tear with use. That's what makes them perfect for spaces in your home like the kitchen, living room and any other high-traffic areas. 

• Moisture resistance

  : Vinyl floors are also moisture-resistant. This is perfect for use in kitchens, laundry rooms and even in solariums or other places where moisture might collect. Of course, a flooded basement will do damage to any flooring, but general spills won't ruin vinyl floors. 

In Need of Durable Floors? Check Out Luxury Vinyl Flooring!

• Easy maintenance
  
  
  
  

  : Vinyl floors are easy to maintain. If you live a busy lifestyle, then it's important to have a home that's easily maintainable. With vinyl floors, you can easily wipe up dirt, grime or spills without worrying about destroying your floors. A simple sweep with a broom or even a few minutes each week with a steam mop is perfect for keeping your vinyl floors in shape.

• Affordability

  : If you're looking for affordable floors, then vinyl is the way to go. The best part about vinyl is that it can mimic other types of flooring without the hassle or expense! For example, 

  our FirmFit flooring

  comes in planks that snap together and adhere to the floor to mimic a hardwood feel. If you're someone who's looking to make a renovation on a budget, vinyl is the perfect choice since it looks great for half the cost. 

What Is SPC Vinyl?

SPC flooring, or more formally Stone Plastic Composite flooring, is vinyl flooring made from limestone and other ingredients. Like other vinyl types, SPC flooring uses polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a major component. However, unlike other types of vinyl, SPC flooring is made slightly thinner, so it's better for floors in bedrooms or on lower grounds. Even better, though? SPC flooring is 100 percent waterproof. 

That's right ' SPC flooring is perfect for every room in your home, especially places where you might have more water than others, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. 

Why Choose SPC Vinyl?

If you're looking for SPC vinyl, we have the perfect brand for your home. Our Stonecreek Luxury Flooring has a variety of benefits that will make for the best vinyl you can place in your space. Here are just a few of the benefits SPC flooring has to offer. 

• Eco-friendly

  : Our SPC flooring is made from nano calcium powder and 100 percent virgin PVC, so there's no hazardous chemicals in it that could harm you, your family, your guests or even your pets! This is especially helpful for households who have sensitive family members.

Our Stonecreek Luxury Flooring Is Great for Every Room in Your Home

• Easy installation

  : Our SPC flooring features a click installation process, which simply means you lay the vinyl planks down and click them together at their grooves. It's a simple process, so you don't need to spend the money on a contractor to do it for you! It's the perfect renovation project to complete in a day. 

• Multiple finishes

  : Looking for white washed flooring? Maybe you're looking for a more traditional and rich brown. Either way, SPC flooring comes in a variety of finish colors that will look great in any room of your home. Business owners can use it, too, which is perfect for when you're opening up your dream store. From a beachy gray to a deep espresso, there are plenty of grain finishes that you can find with SPC flooring.

• Custom design advice

  : Unsure what flooring would look best in your space? We can help! Our design experts can not only walk you through the ordering process, but they can provide you with some advice on which flooring would achieve the design style you're going for. When it comes to choosing the floors in your home, you'll want to be sure it goes well with your space and matches your style. That's what our design experts are for!

  If you want to learn more, please visit our website SPC Horizon Plank.