SPC vs. WPC Flooring: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re shopping for luxury vinyl flooring in Sparks, NV, you may have come across two acronyms: SPC and WPC. Both are types of rigid core luxury vinyl. Beneath the surface, however, SPC and WPC are very different. To understand how they perform, it helps to look at what’s inside each plank:

• SPC (stone plastic composite): Also known as stone polymer composite, this type of core is made by combining limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers. The result is an extremely dense, ultra-tough, rigid core. Planks are typically only 4mm to 7mm thick, but they’re heavy and rigid.
• WPC (wood plastic composite): This type of core is made from a mix of wood flour or fibers, recycled plastics, and foaming agents. WPC planks are a bit thicker (approximately 5.5mm to 8mm). They also feel softer, warmer, and more cushioned underfoot.

The Key Differences Between SPC and WPC

While SPC and WPC are 100% waterproof, durable, and designed to replicate hardwood or stone, they aren’t entirely the same. Here are a few things to consider when trying to choose between them for your home: 

Durability and impact resistance: SPC wins here. Because its core is packed with dense limestone, SPC is virtually indestructible when it comes to sharp impacts. Heavy furniture, dropped cookware, or high-heeled shoes are no match for these planks. While WPC does hold up exceptionally well to daily foot traffic and pets, its air-foamed core makes it slightly more susceptible to denting.

Comfort and temperature: WPC is the top choice. The air pockets in these planks act as natural insulation and cushion. WPC feels noticeably softer underfoot and retains warmth better—a major perk during chilly Sparks winters. SPC is denser with a firmer feel underfoot, and it transfers cold from subfloors without a proper insulated underlayment.

Sound absorption: WPC is naturally quieter due to its thicker, foamed structure, which naturally absorbs sound. WPC reduces the sound of foot traffic, heels and pet claws. SPC, on the other hand, needs a high-quality attached acoustic pad or cushion backing to keep it from echoing.