SPC Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring

SPC vs. Laminate Flooring Comparison

Which one is better?

What’s the difference between laminate flooring and SPC flooring?

When you are looking for a durable, economical and beautiful floor covering, vinyl flooring and laminate flooring both stand out. Vinyl is a close cousin of laminate. They cost about the same, equally easy to install and has a similar look. So, many people may mistakenly think that both SPC and laminate flooring are the same. Is there any difference? Actually, there are tons of differences between these two flooring, and you will be convinced how different they are after reading.

1. Core Material

• SPC Flooring

SPC Vinyl Flooring stands for stone plastic composite vinyl flooring. SPC features a core that is typically comprised of around 60% calcium carbonate (limestone), polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers. Rigid core, as the name goes, the core has high density which is very tough and can sustain heavy foot traffic, it is durable and of course water resistant.

• Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product that is fused together through a laminate process. Laminate flooring simulates wood (or sometimes stone) with an image layer under a clear protective layer. The core layer is constructed using high density fiberboard (HDF), which is made of compressed wood particles, resins, polymers and plastics. The resins and plastic in the core layer help offer higher water resistance.

2. Cost

Costs depends on the quality of flooring you are looking for. The price range of laminate flooring and SPC flooring varies based on its quality and functionality.

3. Installation Method

• SPC Flooring

SPC vinyl flooring is a click-lock installation system. It is installed similarly to a regular vinyl and laminate with a tongue and groove installation. No glues or extra tools are required.

• Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring uses a click-and-lock installation method, where the tongue of one plank is fitted into the groove of an adjoining plank at an angle. Then the first plank is folded down until it is level with the other plank. However, if it is not well-fitted, the gaps and edges that are sensitive to moisture will bring severe damage to the floor once penetrated by water.

4.Water & Heat Resistance

• SPC Flooring

It is 100% waterproof, which means it can be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and restaurants without worry. SPC flooring is good in water resistance. However, some low quality or poorly installed SPC flooring may not able to handle moisture questions. In such case, moisture trap between gaps and causes odor and growth of mold.

So, it is very important to find good quality SPC flooring that features good water resistance. (Know more in Sensse Floor).

• Laminate Flooring

The core material of laminate flooring is made of wood fiber and therefore it is susceptible to water or moisture. There will be swelling and curl-up edges issue when the laminate flooring contact with water.

(Higher quality laminate flooring uses water resistant HDF as core material. This helps boost the overall durability of laminate flooring.)

5. Thickness

• SPC Flooring

The thickness of SPC flooring usually range from about 3.2 to 7 millimeters and some SPC flooring can be as thin as 1.5mm and maximum up to 5mm. Wear layer thickness generally ranges from about 0.2 to 0.7 millimeters.

• Laminate Flooring

There are a variety of options, from 6mm to 12mm, the thickness will affect the look and feel of the laminate, as well as the durability and service life of the wood. Due to the structure of the layers and materials used, laminate flooring is usually much thicker than SPC flooring.

6. Comfort & Sound

• SPC Flooring

Compared to traditional vinyl, SPC vinyl flooring will let you feel a cushion under your feet because it has dense and thick wood planks. Similarly, the SPC floor can be attached with an underlayment that increases the softness underfoot.

Sound: With the dense core and underlayment, this plank tends to have a quieter sound. You will not hear a hollow sound when you walk on it.

• Laminate Flooring

In the aspect of comfort, although laminate flooring does not feel like wood, it does have a warm feeling, especially when coupled with premium-quality underlayment.

Laminate flooring is not made of sound insulation materials, and the noise generated by the movement on the floor cannot be effectively absorbed, which means that walking on laminate flooring will make a higher level of noise.

7.Care & Cleaning

• SPC Flooring

One of the advantages of vinyl flooring is that it is easy to care and clean. Vinyl flooring in good condition can be wet-mopped and, if necessary, it can be vigorously scrubbed with safe cleaning products.

• Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is best to use dry cleaning methods, such as dry mop or broom. If you need to wet-clean the laminate floor, you should only use a damp mop that feels almost dry to the touch. But don't worry, the surface of laminate flooring can resist serious stains or dust accumulation.

8. Durability & maintenance

• SPC Flooring

It’s high density offers better resistance from scratches or dents from heavy items or furniture being placed on top of it. Also, the high density makes it less susceptible to expansion in cases of extreme temperature change.

• Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is one of the most durable flooring solutions. With features of scratch, stain, moisture, fade, and burn resistance. Since laminate is made from pressed wood, it is more durable and resists scratches, wear and tear.

Feel free to contact us to find out more about flooring. We would love to work with you on your next project.