Shop Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) Flooring

Rigid core luxury vinyl flooring is the most durable waterproof vinyl flooring option on the market.

Think of it as the new and improved WPC vinyl. WPC has been the talk of the vinyl flooring industry for the last couple years. This is top-of-the-line vinyl, known for being sturdy and durable.

But rigid core vinyl is like WPC 2.0

Rigid core vinyl is also referred to as SPC, which stands for stone-plastic composite or stone-polymer composite. These terms are used interchangeably to describe the ultra-tough core layer that makes rigid core luxury vinyl flooring virtually indestructible.

Rigid core vinyl is specially designed to withstand the use and abuse of commercial environments. The strong core layer allows this floor to maintain its form even on top of uneven subfloors, which means you can install it on any level and over almost any existing subfloor.

SPC rigid core luxury vinyl flooring is typically comprised of 4 layers.

First, there’s the backing layer, which is the backbone of your plank.

Then there’s the SPC core. In traditional vinyl products, the thicker the core layer the better. But rigid core actually has a thin core layer and it is still incredibly durable. The SPC core is just that strong.

Third, you have the printed vinyl layer. This is where you get photo imagery that makes the vinyl look nearly identical to natural materials like stone and wood. Since rigid core is the highest quality vinyl on the market, you’ll see highly realistic looks in these floors.

And finally, the wear layer. Just like with traditional vinyl, the wear layer is the top surface that helps protect your floor from dents and scratches. The thicker the wear layer, the more resistant your floor will be to scratching and scarring.

Now, why would you choose SPC over WPC?

Of course, both products have a waterproof core. In WPC flooring, the core is made from wood plastic composite. And in SPC flooring, the core is made from stone plastic composite. The WPC core contains added foaming agent to increase resilience and comfort. The SPC has no foam added and is stiffer, sturdier and denser than wood plastic composite.

WPC flooring may be more comfortable underfoot, which is great for any residential space. SPC is more sturdy underfoot with less give, but it is less susceptible to dents from heavy furniture than WPC flooring due to its, well, rigid core. This is what makes SPC a great option for high-traffic commercial spaces.

Rigid core is available in all of the beautiful wood- and stone-look trends and colors you see with WPC. You have plenty of design options to choose from with both SPC and WPC.

Let’s talk about installing rigid core vinyl floors. Just about every rigid core luxury vinyl flooring option is DIY friendly. These products feature a tongue-and-groove interlocking installation, so you can easily click and lock the floor together.

First, prep your subfloor by ensuring that it’s dry and level. Also, be sure to leave a ¼-inch expansion gap between the perimeter walls and any adjacent floors to allow breathing room for expansion or contraction.

Then, before installing your floor, be sure to open all of your boxes the flooring came in. Rigid core vinyl flooring has natural variations in color and texture, so it’s best to mix planks from several boxes and avoid installing similar planks next to each other. Lay your planks out before installing to determine what looks best.

Now you’re ready to install your floor. Place your first plank with the tongue side facing the wall. Press the end seam of the second plank into the end seam of the first plank, and then lock them together by laying the plank down. Continue working left to right.

Install the first plank in the second row by inserting the tongue into the groove of the plank in the first row. Continue through the process until all planks are installed.

Protect all exposed edges by installing wall molding or transition strips. Make sure that no plank will be secured in any way to the subfloor.

You might need to cut planks to fit a specific area. Cutting rigid core vinyl planks is easy and doesn’t require any fancy tools.

Simply mark the measurement, then use a utility knife and straight edge to score the plank.

Turn the plank over and bend it back along the cut. Use your utility knife to cut the back in the same spot. That’s it!

Thank you for joining us. We hope you enjoy your new rigid core luxury vinyl floor. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us on our web site via live chat or give us a call, we'd be happy to help!