While estimating the right kind of flooring, two tremendously popular ones come to the fore: SPC flooring and laminate flooring. Of course, both these have distinct advantages associated and are fittingly apt for various settings. Knowing the difference can give you a better idea. The article will throw some light on the foremost differences, pros, and cons, along with the apt uses of SPC and laminate flooring.
What is SPC Flooring?
SPC flooring is also called rigid core vinyl flooring. It's a type of vinyl flooring with a rigid core, composed of natural limestone powder, together with polyvinyl chloride and stabilizers. Such a structure gives SPC incomparable durability and stability. It is specifically made to be very resistant to traffic and moisture, so it is suitable for both residential and commercial places.
People tend to call SPC flooring very durable and resilient. It seems it has a mixture that gives it the pride of place among other floorings since it can undergo all daily abuses without wearing out significantly. Besides, due to the presence of stabilizers in its core, the Flooring does not easily bend in shape with varying temperature and moisture conditions.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring comprises a high or medium-density fiberboard core, a photographic layer imaging an actual wood appearance, and a clear protective coating. A great many people like laminate flooring since it's relatively cheap and easy to install.
One of the most obvious reasons laminate flooring has become so popular is that it copies, almost identically, the much more expensive varieties of flooring at a highly reasonable cost. The photographic layer can be manufactured to imitate classic hardwood, the most recent stone patterns, or anything in between. This flexibility makes laminate flooring one of the go-to choices for many desperate homeowners trying to achieve that unbeatable interior design without exceeding their means.
Key Differences Between SPC and Laminate Flooring
Core Material and Construction
SPC Flooring: The core of this floor is a stone-plastic composite material, which makes it durable and stable. This rigid core of the SPC floor makes it less likely to move in and out with the rise and fall of temperature and humidity.
Laminate Flooring: It comes with HDF/MDF as core material; easily damaged because of water, and it is easily expanded/contracted. There will be swelling in laminate flooring if water is exposed to it for long periods.
The performance of flooring depends on the core material used in different environments. Dimensional stability, as offered by SPC's stone plastic composite core, makes it very suitable for areas where there might be varied climatic changes. On the contrary, laminate flooring has a fiberboard core that is strong but not resistant to water, and swelling may occur in case it comes into contact with water for a long period.
Water Resistance
SPC Flooring: Being specially manufactured, this grade of flooring is highly resistant to water and therefore appropriate for areas that get regular dampness, such as kitchens, baths, and basements.
Laminate flooring: resists small spills, but it cannot be said to be completely waterproof. If a high moisture level is maintained over a prolonged period, it can make the core swell up and bulge at the edges.
One of the main characteristics crucial for areas with flooring exposed to moisture is water resistance. High water resistance makes SPC flooring very suitable for bathroom, kitchen, and basement flooring installations. On the other hand, while laminate flooring is resistant to small spills or occasional moisture, it does not stand a chance at installation in an area where excess water exposure is expected.
Durability and Stability
SPC Flooring: Very durable/resistant and very stable, ideal for commercial and residential uses with high footfall. Its rigid core features the best impact resistance.
Laminate Flooring: It is durable, but its stability is lesser than that of SPC flooring. Easily can be subject to wear and, in case of heavy traffic, it can flag wearing out.
Durability ensures that the floor's appearance and functionality will prevail for some time. SPC rigid core improves its impact resistance properties and stability, which secures it from heavy human traffic without interfering with its durability. Laminate flooring is strong, but it wears out in high-traffic areas; this implies frequent replacements and repairments are necessary.
Easy Installation
SPC Flooring: Generally installed using a click-lock system, which makes it easy to install as a floating floor. It can be laid over most existing subfloors that have very little preparation.
Laminate Flooring: Also utilizes the click-lock system; hence, it is considered relatively easy to lay. However, the subfloor must be well-prepared, smooth, and even; otherwise, problems with the laminate planks will occur.
The other big consideration would be how easy it is to install. SPC and laminate flooring are both installed using a click-lock system, so, in general, the process is relatively easy. However, due to SPC flooring's greater versatility with different underlayments, it can be installed in places where laminate flooring could not be. In contrast, the installation of laminate flooring may require a greater degree of underlay preparation.
Sound and Comfort
SPC Flooring: This has a more rigid core, so it generally feels firmer underfoot. The rigidity can transfer to being colder and harder than laminate flooring.
Laminate Flooring: Softer underfoot, and the feel of it is more cushioned. The noise is however less, especially with an underlayment that more effectively sucks up sound.
High levels of comfort and sound absorption create a good living environment. Most of the time, Laminate flooring is softer and warmer to the feet, hence comfortable. Underlayments could also drastically reduce the production of noise, hence making laminate flooring suitable for active house owners or homeowners who have built multi-storeyed houses.
Aesthetic Value
SPC Flooring: This has a wide array of styles from Wood and Stone Looks to others. The visuals adopt photorealistic printing on the vinyl layer, printed in high resolution.
Laminate Flooring: This itself has built a reputation for having a rather realistic photographic layer. It could look like wood, stone, or tile, realistically. However, it will lose a great amount of depth and texture found in SPC flooring.
The single most important factor by which a homeowner would be concerned with the interior design has to be aesthetic appeal. Both SPC and laminate flooring offer a wide array of different styles and designs to suit your taste. It is through this detailed high-resolution layer of vinyl on the bottom that SPC flooring mimics the appearance of natural materials. For laminate flooring, a realistic photographic layer opens an array of visual options but carries little weight in comparison to such elements as depth and texture seen in SPC designs.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of SPC Flooring
● Waterproof
● Very stable and durable
● Easily installable
● Very low maintenance
● Perfect for commercial and high-traffic areas
Disadvantages of SPC Flooring
● Hard
● Cold underfoot
● Low on Cushion and Sound Absorption
● Expensive
This will result in several advantages for SPC flooring, making it one of the strongest competitors to exist for many uses, mostly where durability and water resistance are prime. On the other hand, it has a harder surface and may not prove to be too comfortable when standing for a longer period. Besides, it is expended at a higher cost and thus not suitable for every type of home, especially for those on a budget.
Advantages of Laminate Flooring
● Advantages:
● Affordable
● Easy to install
● Wide Variety of Designs
● Softer and Warmer Underfoot
● Better Sound Absorption
Disadvantages of Laminate Flooring
● Not Waterproof
● Prone to Moisture Damage
● Swelling
● Less durable in High-traffic Areas
The fact that the flooring is very cost-friendly and easy to install significantly appeals to so many homeowners. Its style versatility can bring about a lot of creativity in design. Comfort and sound absorption benefits can bring a lot of improvements to living. On the other hand, it is susceptible to liquid damage and less hard-wearing at higher square footage with heavy foot traffic, which always limits its application in certain environments.
Suitable Applications
SPC Flooring:
● Kitchen
● Bathroom
● Basements
● Laundry Room
● Commercial Spaces
● Residential High-traffic Areas
The nature and water resistance of the SPC flooring make them quite apt for use in places with excess moisture and high-traffic places. It is very durable and undergoes the wear that both busy homes and commercial establishments give out, retaining performance and looks for years to come.
Laminate Flooring:
● Living rooms
● Bedrooms
● Hallways
● Dining rooms
● Low to moderate-traffic Areas
Laminate flooring is suitable for places that involve comfort and flexibility in designs. The softer feel underfoot and sound absorption qualities make this floor suitable for living, bedrooms, and all those areas where peace and calm are most required. It becomes very comfortable in such places. In places that are prone to moisture, the extent of damage should not be compromised at any point.
Maintenance and Care
SPC Flooring
Of course, it is known that SPC flooring does not require much maintenance. This mainly sweeps or vacuums, sweeping, and mopping with a little damp mop that will mostly do for cleaning. Water resistance will help you to easily clean up spills and stains without damage. Avoid harsh chemicals or any abrasive cleaning tool to keep the surface intact.
Laminate Flooring
It also requires frequent sweeping or vacuuming to remove dust and dirt. It can handle small spills, but the flooring must be cleaned as quickly as possible to prevent water damage. Cleaning must be carried out using a damp mop – not soaking wet. Water should be used in moderation only. The surface will be ruined by strong chemicals and abrasive tools, and it will be scratched and worn out.
Environmental Considerations
SPC Flooring
Most products of SPC flooring are manufactured with sustainable materials and processes. Aside from that, most SPC flooring does not have harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, which further contributes to its safe indoor air. However, one must assuredly point out the certification and presence of eco-labels that will prove a standard for preserving the environment.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring can also be considered environmentally friendly in the event of laminate derived from only sustainable sources since adhesives used are of low emission in their production processes. Some laminate products can be awarded appearance certificates such as the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label, displaying its responsibility for sourcing. However, a concern might be raised about the formaldehyde present in some laminate products through the selection of low-emission options.
Conclusion
As for SPC and laminate flooring, each one has its particular advantages and serves different purposes. In case you need a highly resistant and watertight floor in high-traffic conditions, then SPC flooring will help you out. It grants extra stability and a life span that is perfect for residential and commercial purposes. On the other hand, if the cost is low and you want ease of installation with a wide variety of styles and a soft feeling underfoot, laminate flooring is excellent for living spaces and bedrooms.
Ultimately, SPC is an excellent choice for a hard surface floor, and laminate is a great choice when looking at budget and environment. Understanding what makes both of these unique and especially in what they excel, one may make an informed decision that will greatly enhance the beauty and functionality of your space.
