SPC vs. Laminate Flooring: Which Should You Choose?

By Samuel N •  Updated: 10/28/22 • 

Both laminate and SPC floorings look alike. However, there are differences between the two types of floorings upon closer inspection. If you’re looking for new flooring, SPC and laminate come off as a suggestion. This is because they are affordable, easy to install, and have good aesthetics.

In this post, I’ll talk about these two types of flooring, their pros, and cons, and also compare them against one another. Enjoy.

SPC-Flooring

SPC Flooring

SPC vinyl flooring has the following layers:

Pros of SPC Flooring

Cons of SPC Flooring

See a detailed post on the pros and cons of SPC flooring.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate Flooring

A laminate flooring comes with four layers, as shown below.

Pros of Laminate Flooring

Cons of Laminate Flooring

SPC vs Laminate Flooring – Which to Choose?

Core Materials & Usage

SPC or stone composite flooring is made from vinyl, limestone, and other stabilizers. The limestones give SPC flooring a thicker and tougher rigid core than laminate flooring. This makes SPC flooring great for use in high-traffic areas. The antibacterial properties of limestone also make SPC flooring great for clinics, hospitals, pet care centers, and other health facilities.

Laminate flooring comprises combined layers of wood composite, paper, and wood pulp. This makes laminate flooring susceptible to cold and heat, affecting the wood pulp.

Cost and Longevity

The price of laminate na SPC floorings varies according to quality and functionality. However, both floorings are more affordable than other high-quality floorings like carpeting, ceramic tiles, and finished concrete. They are both easy to install and will work on many existing floorings.

SPC flooring lasts longer than laminate because of its water-resistant qualities. SPC flooring is much harder to scratch and dent than laminate flooring.

Water Resistant

If you’re looking for a waterproof option between laminate and SPC flooring, SPC should be your choice. It is 100% waterproof, which makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and restaurants.

Although laminate floorings seem waterproof on the surface, the core comprises natural wood fibers and pulp. If any water gets in between laminate planks, they will swell.

Cleaning and Maintenance

SPC floorings are more durable and stain-resistant. This means SPC will not require expensive cleaning treatments to make it look good. They are also water resistant, which means they are easier to clean. The UV coating on SPC floorings also ensures it does not fade like other types of floorings.

Water on Laminate Flooring

Water on Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is also easy to clean, but the problem comes when maintaining the flooring. Laminate floorings are affected by water and moisture. For this reason, cleaning laminate floors using dry methods or vacuuming is advised. Clean it dry if you use wet mopping to avoid water sipping between laminate planks.

Noise Level

For best noise soundproofing and to reduce transmission of sound, SPC flooring is a good choice. The SPC core layer is hard and helps reduce the noise level. Add an underlayment, which will significantly reduce the noise level and transmission. This makes the walking sound less noisy.

Laminate flooring is not made of any soundproofing materials. Therefore noise from walking or any movement is not efficiently absorbed. This is why walking on laminate flooring generates a higher noise level.

Samuel N

Samuel N is the founder of Improve Floor and has been in the flooring industry since 2005. Since then, his mission has been to make flooring easier for everyone. He helps countless people with flooring installation, finishing, maintenance, and repairs each year.