SPC Flooring: The Next Generation of Resilient Floors
SPC flooring is a type of rigid core Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF), often found in plank (LVP) or tile (LVT) formats. It has gained immense popularity in the UK due to its superior structural integrity and performance characteristics. The “rigid core” aspect is key – unlike older flexible vinyl or even some less dense WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) cores, SPC’s core is incredibly dense and unyielding, leading to many of its standout benefits. It’s engineered to withstand the demands of busy modern households and challenging environments.
Deconstructing SPC Flooring Layers
Understanding what SPC flooring is starts with its multi-layered construction:
1. UV Protective Coating & Wear Layer:
The topmost layer is a clear, UV-cured polyurethane coating that provides initial protection against fading and minor scuffs. Beneath this lies the crucial wear layer, a transparent vinyl layer (typically 0.3mm, 0.55mm, or 0.7mm thick) that dictates the floor’s resistance to scratches, stains, and heavy wear. A thicker wear layer means greater durability. Many SPC products feature enhanced wear layers with ceramic bead or aluminium oxide particles for extra toughness.
2. Decor/Print Layer:
A high-definition photographic film that carries the design – this is what gives SPC its realistic wood grain, stone texture, or abstract pattern appearance. Advanced printing and embossing techniques create incredibly authentic visuals.
3. SPC Core Layer (The Game-Changer):
This is the heart of SPC flooring and what sets it apart. It’s an ultra-dense, rigid core made from a composite of natural limestone powder (calcium carbonate), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and stabilisers. This composition results in a core that is:
- 100% Waterproof: Impervious to water and moisture.
- Extremely Stable: Minimal expansion and contraction with temperature or humidity changes.
- Highly Dent & Impact Resistant: The density resists dents from dropped objects or heavy furniture.
4. Attached Underlay (Often):
Many SPC flooring products, especially click-lock varieties popular in the UK, come with a pre-attached underlay made from materials like IXPE foam or cork. This provides added comfort underfoot, sound reduction, and can simplify installation by eliminating the need for a separate underlay layer.
The SPC Advantage: Why It’s a Top Choice for UK Homes
The unique construction of SPC flooring delivers a powerful set of benefits for UK homeowners:
- Ultimate Durability & Impact Resistance: The high-density SPC core makes it exceptionally resistant to dents, chips, and impacts from dropped items or heavy furniture – far more so than traditional LVT, WPC, or laminate.
- 100% Waterproof: The core is completely impervious to water, making SPC flooring an ideal choice for any room, including UK kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, basements, and conservatories. Spills and splashes are no cause for concern.
- Exceptional Dimensional Stability: SPC expands and contracts minimally with temperature and humidity fluctuations. This makes it incredibly stable, suitable for large open-plan areas without numerous transition strips, rooms with direct sunlight (like conservatories), and generally more resilient in the UK’s variable climate conditions. Its stability is a boon for all types of properties, including coastal homes that might experience greater humidity shifts.
- Improved Subfloor Forgiveness (within limits): Due to its rigidity, SPC can often bridge minor subfloor imperfections (e.g., slight undulations, old tile grout lines) better than flexible LVT or thinner laminate. However, a reasonably level and smooth subfloor is still highly recommended for optimal performance and ease of installation.
- Realistic & Stylish Designs: Benefits from the same advanced printing and embossing technologies as other luxury vinyl, offering a vast array of highly authentic wood, stone, and abstract looks.
- DIY-Friendly Installation: Most SPC flooring uses a click-lock system, making it suitable for competent DIY installation.
- Underfloor Heating (UFH) Compatibility: Generally works very well with embedded UFH systems (always confirm manufacturer specifications).
- Easy Maintenance: Requires simple sweeping, vacuuming, and damp mopping.
Installation of Unilin click Plank
Installation guide to installing our patented Click Plank Flooring.
Installation of Unilin click Parquet
Installation guide to installing our Patented click parquet flooring.
