WPC vs SPC Flooring: Ultimate Guide for Waterproof, Durable, and Eco-Friendly Floors
WPC vs SPC Flooring: Complete Guide with Engineering Case Studies
When choosing flooring for residential, commercial, or public projects, WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring are two of the most popular options. Both are waterproof, durable, and environmentally friendly, but they serve slightly different needs. This guide explains the technical details, installation methods, advantages, and real-world applications of both WPC and SPC flooring.
1. What Is WPC Flooring? (Wood Plastic Composite)
WPC flooring is a hybrid flooring material combining the waterproof stability of LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) with the ease of installation of laminate flooring.
When paired with cork or EVA pads, WPC flooring provides:
- Softer foot comfort
- Improved sound insulation
- Better durability than standard LVT click flooring
Environmental benefits: WPC uses 100% eco-friendly materials, outperforming laminate in formaldehyde and heavy metal emissions.
1.1 Composition
WPC = LVT Decorative Layer + WPC Core
Key benefits of this structure:
- Strong bonding: The LVT layer and WPC core are glued together, often stronger than the LVT color film layer and frosted sheet after hot pressing.
- Thermal stability: Tested under high-temperature cycling (80°C for 6h, then 23°C / 50% humidity for 24h), WPC shows minimal shrinkage (length: 0.11%, width: 0.07%) and warping (0.25mm), which is superior to standard LVT.
2. WPC Flooring Advantages
2.1 Price & Cost Efficiency
- 5.5mm WPC is comparable to 5.0mm LVT lock/glue-free products
- Higher than “magic buckle” floors
- Much higher than glue-down PVC floors
Installation cost:
- Lower than glue-down PVC or standard PVC lock floors
- DIY-friendly Angle-Tap installation
2.2 Waterproof & Sound Performance
- Core is fully waterproof
- Cork/EVA underlay improves sound insulation
- Quieter steps and better foot feel
2.3 Eco-Friendly Performance
- Zero formaldehyde, no heavy metals
- Compliant with REACH (all 144 tested items passed)
2.4 Limitation
- Recyclability: WPC cannot be reused after end-of-life, unlike PVC flooring.
3. Tips for Communicating with Customers
- Avoid hand-scraped or deep slate patterns; the 1.5mm LVT top layer may cause pressing defects.
- Thickness & cost:
- 6mm WPC = + USD 1.8 / m²
- WPC + 2.0mm EVA = + USD 1.0 / m²
- WPC + 1.5mm Cork = + USD 1.5 / m²
- Standard width is 146mm to reduce material loss.
- Always assemble full-size samples to check height differences, bevel misalignment, and locking defects before sending.
4. SPC Flooring (Stone Plastic Composite)
SPC flooring is a rigid vinyl flooring produced through extrusion + heat lamination, without glue.
Key properties:
- Waterproof, moisture-proof, anti-termite
- Fire-resistant (B1 rating)
- Environmentally friendly, recyclable
- Highly durable and stable
4.1 Production Process
- Mixing: Hot mixing at 125°C → cold mixing at 55°C
- Extrusion: Twin-screw extruder → T-die → 4-roll calendering
- UV + Tempering: Surface UV coating + hot water tempering
- Cutting & Profiling: Slitting → slotting → chamfering → inspection → packaging
4.2 Advantages of SPC
- High dimensional stability, minimal shrinkage
- Suitable for commercial spaces, hotels, hospitals
- Easy to install, low labor cost
- Resistant to cracking, deformation, and moisture
- Multiple colors and wood/stone textures
- Energy-efficient, improves indoor thermal comfort
4.3 Limitation
- Heavier than WPC, higher transport cost
5. Engineering Case Studies
Case Study 1: Residential Home in California
Project: 200 m² living room and hallway
Material: 5.5mm WPC with cork underlay
Outcome:
- Quiet and comfortable walking feel
- Installed by DIY homeowners with Angle-Tap system
- Water-resistant in kitchen and bathroom areas
Case Study 2: Boutique Hotel in New York
Project: 800 m² guest rooms
Material: SPC flooring
Outcome:
- Excellent dimensional stability under heavy foot traffic
- Fire-rated B1 standard met for safety regulations
- Easy cleaning and maintenance, minimal long-term cost
Case Study 3: International Airport Lounge, Singapore
Project: 1,200 m² public area
Material: SPC rigid core flooring
Outcome:
- Withstood heavy luggage trolleys and constant foot traffic
- Maintained color and texture under high humidity
- Fast installation reduced closure downtime
6. WPC vs SPC: Which Should You Choose?
Several real-world projects demonstrate the practical advantages of WPC and SPC flooring. In a California residential home, a 200 m² living room and hallway were fitted with 5.5mm WPC flooring with cork underlay. Homeowners reported a quiet and comfortable walking experience, and the DIY-friendly Angle-Tap installation allowed for a fast, hassle-free process. Meanwhile, in a boutique hotel in New York, 800 m² of guest rooms were installed with SPC flooring. The rigid core provided excellent dimensional stability under heavy foot traffic, met B1 fire safety standards, and proved easy to maintain, minimizing long-term costs. Similarly, a Singapore airport lounge covering 1,200 m² relied on SPC flooring to withstand constant traffic and luggage trolleys, maintaining both color and texture even in high-humidity conditions while allowing for rapid installation that reduced operational downtime.
When deciding between WPC and SPC, it ultimately comes down to the specific needs of your space. WPC flooring is perfect for high-end residential areas or environments where foot comfort and noise reduction are priorities, thanks to its softer feel and optional cork or EVA underlay. SPC flooring, with its superior rigidity, stability, and recyclability, is better suited for commercial or high-traffic spaces where durability and cost-effectiveness are essential. Both types are waterproof and environmentally friendly, so the choice hinges on whether your project values comfort and luxury (WPC) or long-term resilience and practicality (SPC).
