SPC flooring, or Stone Plastic Composite flooring, has rapidly become a favorite choice in the flooring industry due to its durability, versatility, and affordability. However, not all SPC products are created equal. If you’re looking for the best SPC flooring, it’s important to know what sets high-quality options apart from the rest. Let’s dive into the key components that make the best SPC flooring stand out.
Start with a Solid Foundation
The foundation of SPC flooring is crucial. A high-quality product begins with a flat and stable substrate, which is often complemented by a quality underlay. The best SPC floors feature an IXPE (cross-linked polyethylene) underlay. This underlay provides excellent sound absorption and has excellent rebound capacity, ensuring that it remains stable over time. Cheaper underlays may collapse over time, leading to floor slap and an unstable feel. A good underlay ensures that the floor remains comfortable and resilient for the long term.
The Core: Rigid and Stable
The core board is the heart of SPC flooring and can greatly influence its performance. A high-quality SPC floor has a rigid core board made of calcium carbonate and PVC. The balance of these materials is critical—too much calcium carbonate makes the floor brittle, while too much PVC makes it more flexible. The ideal SPC core should have a good balance of both, ensuring the floor doesn’t crack or warp under pressure. You can test the flexibility of a board by gently bending it. If it bends without snapping, that’s a good sign of flexibility and durability.
Some cheaper SPC floors are more prone to cracking because their core is too brittle. This leads to brittle joints that can snap over time. High-quality SPC flooring, such as products from Wannabe Wood, offers a flexible and durable core that resists these issues.
Decor Paper: Quality Matters
The decor paper is the visual layer that gives SPC flooring its aesthetic appeal. The quality of the decor paper is what makes the design sharp and realistic. A high-quality SPC product has a decor paper with a high resolution and clear print. When the print is clear and well-defined, with natural textures like the knots of wood or the veins of stone, you know you’re dealing with a high-quality product. The paper should also have UV resistance to prevent fading, especially in regions with intense sunlight.
A reputable brand will also ensure continuity in design over time, so if you need more flooring in the future, the color and design will match seamlessly.
Wear Layer: Protection Is Key
The wear layer is a crucial element of SPC flooring. It protects the decor paper beneath from daily wear and tear, scratches, and stains. The best SPC floors have a thicker wear layer. Typically, a 0.3mm wear layer is sufficient for residential use, but higher-quality products often feature a 0.5mm wear layer, offering extra protection for both residential and light commercial use. A thicker wear layer extends the lifespan of the floor and maintains its appearance over time.
UV and Scratch Resistance
A high-quality SPC floor should also feature a top-layer UV coating. This coating protects the floor from the harsh rays of the sun and prevents the decor paper from fading. It also provides resistance against minor scratches and scuffs, maintaining the floor’s visual appeal. In areas with a lot of sunlight, this layer becomes especially important. While no SPC flooring is completely fade-proof, a good UV coating ensures the product remains vibrant and durable for years to come.
Overall Quality and Durability
When you combine a solid foundation, a flexible core, high-quality decor paper, a strong wear layer, and UV protection, you get a floor that is not only beautiful but also built to last. High-quality SPC flooring will be more resistant to impacts, moisture, temperature changes, and general wear, providing exceptional value over time.
FAQs
- How can I tell if SPC flooring is of good quality?
A good-quality SPC floor will have a solid and stable core, a high-quality, sharp decor paper print, a protective wear layer, and UV protection. Additionally, the flooring should be flexible without being brittle, ensuring it can handle temperature changes and minor imperfections in the subfloor.
- Is SPC flooring truly waterproof?
Yes, SPC flooring is completely waterproof, making it ideal for areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where moisture can be a concern. It won’t warp, swell, or become damaged when exposed to water.
- How long does SPC flooring last?
High-quality SPC flooring can last for 20 years or more when installed and maintained correctly. With a good wear layer and UV protection, the floor can withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh environmental conditions for many years without showing signs of wear.
