Choosing the right flooring plan for your space demands careful research and consideration. While some homeowners rely on expert opinions, others utilize room visualization tools like LeapTools. Recent market analysis reveals Luxury Vinyl as the most visualized flooring option, commanding nearly a quarter (23.9%) of consumer interest among the top 10 solutions.

Luxury vinyl represents a premium, high-performance evolution of traditional vinyl (PVC). Two leading designs in this category are SPC and LVT. Though both utilize the same core material, luxury vinyl, their differences can significantly impact your project. This guide breaks down the key differences between SPC vs LVT flooring options, comparing their pros and cons to help you make an informed choice.

What does LVT flooring mean?

Luxury Vinyl Tile or LVT is a modern, affordable and durable flooring solution which employs premium Vinyl as its core material. Appeal of LVT flooring lies in the look of traditional floor materials such as wood, stone or ceramics without incurring extra cost and upkeep.

Composition and Structure of LVT

LVT flooring has a compact and layered structure, consisting of following layers from bottom to top:

• Backing Layer: It is Vinyl based foundation providing support.
• Core Layer: A luxury vinyl based composition, offering rigidity and dimensional strength.
• Decorative Layer: This printed layer contains a high res image to mimic wood or stone for aesthetic aspects.
• Wear Layer: Transparent layer on the top to prevent scratches and stains.

So this arrangement is quite compact, but the core Layer of luxury vinyl offers a softer, cushioned feel, making LVT flooring an ideal choice for living room, bedroom or playing areas.

Key Features of LVT Flooring?

LVT has emerged as a leading choice in modern flooring solutions. Its compact, yet flexible design offers both strength and comfort. Here are some top features of LVT:

• Design: LVT is available in an array of patterns and colors including wood grains, stone structures and abstract designs.
• Comfort: The pliable nature of Vinyl makes it more easy to stand for extended periods of time than rigid structures.
• Water Resistance: LVT resists water but not entirely waterproof. Although waterproof versions are available in the market with a higher price tag.
• Maintenance Ease: Just a quick swipe of mop is sufficient to keep LVT looking perfect.

LVT Application 

Due to the flexible nature of LVT, it is adaptable to all settings, residential or commercial. LVT is most favoured for spaces where design, affordability and comfort are prime motivations, for example bedrooms, living rooms, and small offices.

Homeowners prefer LVT flooring in Dubai as a stylish and affordable option, which entails very little upkeep effort.

What is SPC Flooring?

Stone Plastic Composite or SPC is a latest incarnation of LVT actually, blending limestones with vinyl core to provide more stability and durability without compromising on aesthetic factor. Having a rigid structure, it is a preferred choice for both residential and commercial settings, where extra stability and durability is required.

Composition and Structure of SPC 

SPC flooring features a multilayer construction having five layers, as follows:

• Underlayment: Often made up of IXPE or Cork this bottom layer provides cushioning, sound absorption and water resistance.
• Core Layer: Composed of a blend of Luxury Vinyl, Limestone powder and stabilizer, this core layer provides structural integrity and strength.
• Decorative Layer: Face of SPC, this is printed to mimic classic materials like stone, wood or marble.
• Wear Layer: A protective top layer to save from wear and tear.
• UV resistant Layer: Topmost layer to enhance the protection against UV of sunlight.

Application of SPC 

SPC is very hardy thanks to its robust structure. Having waterproof underlayment, reinforced core, and UV-resistance, SPC is suitable for heavy foot traffic and moisture-prone areas too. Common installations include living spaces, kitchen, bathroom, and commercial areas like restaurants, banks, and big offices. SPC installation is simple and efficient, making it a preferred choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

SPC’s UV and slip resistant features also extend its usage to outdoor areas like markets, patios and water pools.

In short, SPC combines the 

exquisite touch of luxury vinyl with unmatched strength and waterproofing to be applicable for all types of residential and commercial areas.

Key Differences Between LVT and SPC 

While SPC and LVT vinyl flooring options merge in many respects, there are distinctive elements which do not overlap. Here’s a detailed breakdown of key differences between SPC and LVT flooring to help you make your choice:

i. Composition and Core

• LVT: Composed of flexible vinyl layers, LVT gives a cushioned feel. It is designed to mimic natural elements while offering enhanced comfort underfoot.
• SPC: It is built with a vinyl core reinforced with stone to give a sturdier feel, offering resistance to dents and wear.

ii. Water Resistance 

• LVT: By nature water resistant but not entirely waterproof. For water-prone areas, you have to opt for its high-end, waterproof varieties.
• SPC: Its 100% waterproofing makes it fit for high water exposure areas like kitchen, basement and washroom.

iii. Durability and Wear Resistance 

• LVT: Highly durable, but its softer core makes it prone to dents due to heavy furniture and sharp impacts.
• SPC: Due to reinforced structure and an extra layer, it is dent-proof and wear-proof, making it an ideal choice for high foot traffic areas.

iv. Underfoot Comfort 

• LVT: It offers a more cushioned and softer feel due to pliable construction. Good for standing up for long.
• SPC: Feels denser and firmer underfoot, which may not be as comfortable as supporting.

v. Installation Requirements 

• LVT: It comes with glue-down and click-lock installing mechanisms. Glue-down option would require a levelled subfloor for adhesion.
• SPC: Comes only in click-lock mechanism, making it equally suitable for both levelled and unleveled subflooring.

vi. Aesthetic Versatility 

• LVT: It features a wider variety of styles, patterns and textures due to its longer market presence.
• SPC: Relatively new on the scene, SPC is catching up with realistic wood and stone styles and textures.

Takeaway 

All these differences will help you weigh LVT vs SPC flooring solutions based on your functional and aesthetic requirements.

The next section provides detailed pros and cons of both SPC and LVT to help refine your decision-making process.

Pros and Cons of SPC and LVT 

Both SPC and LVT vinyl flooring have some advantages and disadvantages, benefits and limitations. In order to make an informed decision, it is crucial to understand these pros and cons.

Pros of LVT Flooring 

LVT flooring has following plus-points:

• Underfoot Comfort: Its flexible vinyl core layer makes a cushioned, softer feel, making it ideal for spaces where you have to stand for extended periods, for example kitchen.
• Aesthetic Variety: Longer stay in the market has enabled LVT to have a broad range of designs, patterns and textures including wood, ceramics and stone varieties.
• Cost-effectiveness: LVT is generally more budget friendly than SPC, especially the glue-down variety.
• Sound Absorption: Soft structure of LVT naturally absorbs noise making it a quieter solution.

Cons of LVT Flooring 

There are some drawbacks of LVT flooring:

• Susceptible to Dents: LVT is dent prone due to its soft core, especially due to heavy furniture or sharp impacts.
• Moisturizer Sensitivity: Generally water-resistant but not all options are waterproof, making LVT less suitable for moist areas.
• Subfloor Dependence: Its dependence on smooth or level subfloor for glue-down varieties is a limitation.

Pros of SPC Flooring 

Here are the advantages of SPC which make it the choice flooring solution:

• Durability: Rigid, reinforced vinyl core and two top protective layers make SPC resistant to scratches, dents and impacts. No wonder it is a natural choice for high-traffic or commercial areas.
• 100% Waterproofing: It is perfect for moisture-heavy areas; kitchens, basements, and bathrooms.
• Versatile Installation: Can be installed over uneven subfloors, reducing prep time and cost.
• Authentic Aesthetics: Offers highly realistic wood and stone textures, with extra authenticity due to core rigidness.

Cons of SPC Flooring 

Despite of big advantages, SPC flooring lacks in following areas: 

• Hard Underfoot: Gives a firm feeling while standing, due to its denser core. Can get tiresome.
• Higher Cost: Generally more expensive than the LVT counterpart. But it offers value for the money.
• Limited Design Range: It is a bit lagging on the design front due to late arrival in the market .  Though it is catching up fast.

Comparison Table: SPC vs LVT Pros and Cons

It’s always good to have all the data in a glance. Here is a table for the comparison of LVT and SPC flooring solutions:

Key Takeaway 

These pros and cons must have nudged you closer to your better choice between LVT vs SPC flooring options. Consider your own requirements and priorities alongside these pros and cons to get a great idea of what it’s going to be, LVT or SPC?.

Conclusion 

SPC and LVT vinyl flooring solutions are trending in the market because of durability, affordability, exceptional pliance, and flexibility of the core vinyl material.

SPC vs LVT debate becomes much easier if you pair your requirements with the pros and cons of both. If you’re looking for extended durability, water resistance, and performance in high traffic or water-prone areas, then SPC is your logical choice. But if you’re seeking comfort, cost-effectiveness and design versatility, then LVT should be your choice.

Homeowners in Dubai face the dual challenge of durability and elegance in their flooring choices. SPC flooring in Dubai offers excellent resilience in humid conditions, while LVT flooring in Dubai delivers sophisticated style for indoor spaces. Expert guidance can help match these options to your specific needs.

People Ask For (FAQs)

What are disadvantages of SPC flooring?

Rigid underfoot, limited designs, higher cost, cold surface and challenging to replace damaged plank 

What flooring is better than LVT?

SPC for durability and water resistance and engineered hardwood for premium aesthetics 

What are the disadvantages of LVT flooring?

Prone to dents, vulnerable to moisture, requires smooth subfloor, and fades in sunlight.