Blog: Understanding The Wear And Other Layering Versions Of SPC Flooring

SPC flooring is one engineered product, also noted to be the most durable, water-resistant, and versatile, when it comes to home improvement. Along with the Wood Polymer Composite and Luxury Vinyl Tile, rigid core or the SPC flooring is noted to be a major player within the “resilient” category of the current flooring market, around the globe. There are traditional engineered floors available, but now it is time to take them to a completely new level when designed with the higher stability core of it all.

But, before any of that, it is really important to understand what SPC stands for. There are different layers of this piece and going through them in a detailed manner will let you know more about it.

Explore SPC Flooring Layers

Understanding SPC in its full glory

SPC mainly stands for Stone Polymer Composite. This term is widely used for describing the rigid core as found in some of the variety of modernized engineered floors. The core consists of polyvinyl, limestone, and stabilizers. 

These resources are designed to come together in order to offer an exceptionally stable and water-resistant material, mostly found in the luxury vinyl plank or LVP flooring.

Understanding the Wear Layer of SPC flooring

SPC flooring is currently available in various thicknesses, ranging from around 2mm to 8mm+ thick. Whenever you are making plans to purchase this form of flooring, it will get a bit difficult to decide on the right one for you.

Much like all the other laminate flooring available, if the floor is thicker then it gets sturdier. But, it won’t be the major factor in determining the level of durability. While choosing the thickness of SPC flooring, make sure to focus on some things first. Read on to know more.

The Thickness of SPC Flooring

As it has been mentioned, the thicknesses of SPC flooring will range anywhere from 4mm to 8mm+. Here, the main point to keep in mind is that thickness will not determine durability. The wear layer will provide the best answer.

There are some questions you need to ask before you decide on the right SPC flooring thickness for you to choose. Some of those are listed below for your reference.

• What kind of SPC do you have?

• What is the current condition of your subfloor?

• What form of subfloor do you now have?

• Is there going to be a lot of traffic where you are planning to install SPC flooring?

• Where are you going to install it?

As one general rule, the thicker SPC flooring will offer comfortable underfoot and stability. So, when the matter revolves around flooring to refresh a low traffic bedroom, then a thinner version will act out perfectly for you. On the other hand, if you are looking to cover heavy traffic areas where the usage is towards the higher side, like hallways and entryways, then choosing thicker SPC flooring will be a great call to address.

Going with the Type of Rigid Core SPC

With some of the new advances taking place in the plastic floor industry, there are multiple forms of SPC floors, which can impact the current decision, especially while focusing on durability and thickness. 

• You have the basic LVTs and you have some of the newer and engineered versions of vinyl.

• Floors with the engineered version of rigid core construction will have a dimensionally stable core than any standard LVT.

• With rigid core constructions, you are likely to come across floors from 4mm to 8mm+.

• Even though a rigid core SPC might be around 4mm, it will have solid construction. It solely differs from the bendable LVT.

• Whenever the matter revolves around rigid core SPC flooring, the thickness won’t be the prime factor as the core is really constructed with durability in mind.

Going in with the Subfloor Types

The subfloor forms a major part of selecting the right thickness too. In case you have a concrete subfloor, you will receive thinner vinyl flooring. As the subfloor is pretty sturdy, there is no need to opt for that extra supportive layer. But, in case the subfloor is thin hardwood, you might want to opt for thicker vinyl for that added layer of support and stability all around.

For the wear layer

The durability of SPC flooring is mostly determined by the “wear layer.” While shopping for such floors, remember to pay attention to this side. Much like the thickness, if the wear layer gets thicker, then the floor will be more durable.

• Be sure to choose flooring features, which remain right for you and your chosen application. For that, focus on the questions mentioned above.

• The wear layer happens to be a protective coat on top of a decorative layer of SPC flooring.

• The most promising one among the lot will be the urethane-based layer. It helps in protecting the floor from scuff marks, stains, and scratches.

• The current wear layer will help in keeping the original look of the floor longer and will present a maintenance-free finish.

The reasons for multi-layers

The multi-layers SPC floors are also named ABA core SPC floors. It is often considered to be the best choice and will combine great performance with comfort and stability. EVA foam or the IXPE acoustic material happens to be very popular in case customers are looking for a luxury high-end option to consider.

• ABA core is widely stable in terms of performance value with better foot feels.

• But, it is mandatory to keep a positive attitude toward basic physical properties. It is because the material is made using virgin material only.

• It means no matter one or three layers, the shrinkage is smaller and the expansion gets lighter when compared to the other vinyl floors like Loose Lay Plank or LVT floors.

Remember to check in with all the layers of the SPC flooring before you can proceed further and make a purchase. Check out the prices and features and do ask those questions, mentioned above, before purchasing.

Visit Floormonk for details on the best SPC flooring options now! For any query, contact us at [email protected] / +919409908294