Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring: SPC vs. WPC – Key Differences to Know

Thanks to advancements in flooring technology, the options and design possibilities offered by luxury vinyl flooring continue to grow. One of the most innovative developments is rigid core luxury vinyl flooring — a premium type of vinyl flooring built with a solid, reinforced core for enhanced durability and stability. This flooring type features a glueless, click-lock installation system, making it fast and easy to install.

There are two main types of rigid core luxury vinyl flooring: Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) and Wood Plastic Composite (WPC). While both SPC and WPC share several similar benefits, they also have key differences that should be carefully evaluated based on the needs of your space or design project.

SPC flooring, short for Stone Plastic Composite, is engineered with a unique core formula consisting of approximately 60% calcium carbonate (limestone), combined with polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers. This formulation creates a thinner yet extremely dense core that provides outstanding strength and complete waterproof protection. Fanmao SPC flooring offers the ideal combination of resilience, performance, and aesthetic versatility — making it an excellent solution for both residential and commercial applications.

WPC, short for Wood Plastic Composite, is a type of luxury vinyl flooring featuring a core made from a combination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), calcium carbonate, plasticizers, a foaming agent, and wood-like materials such as wood flour. In modern manufacturing, these wood elements are often blended with advanced plasticizers to enhance flexibility and performance while maintaining a natural wood-like appearance.

Although WPC and SPC flooring share several similarities in structure and function, the primary distinction lies in their core composition. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) contains a significantly higher proportion of calcium carbonate (limestone), which contributes to its superior density, rigidity, and waterproof capabilities — the reason behind the "S" in SPC, indicating its stone-based core.

To make an informed decision between Fanmao SPC flooring and Fanmao WPC flooring, it’s useful to compare their performance across key measurable factors: appearance and style, durability and dimensional stability, suitable applications, and overall cost.

Look & Style

When it comes to appearance and design variety, there’s virtually no difference between SPC flooring and WPC flooring. Thanks to modern digital printing technology, both materials can realistically replicate the look and texture of natural surfaces such as wood, stone, ceramic, marble, and other unique finishes with impressive clarity and detail.

Beyond design patterns, significant innovations have also emerged in flooring formats. Today, both Fanmao SPC flooring and Fanmao WPC flooring are available in a wide range of plank and tile sizes, including extra-wide planks, long-format boards, and oversized tiles. Additionally, multi-length and multi-width options packaged within the same carton are gaining popularity, providing designers and installers with greater flexibility for creating dynamic, customized floor layouts.

Durability & Stability

Both SPC flooring and WPC flooring are constructed from multiple layers of material fused together, similar in concept to traditional dryback luxury vinyl flooring. However, unlike dryback options that require adhesive for installation, these two feature a rigid core structure, offering superior hardness and dimensional stability.

The key difference lies in their core composition. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring, like Fanmao SPC flooring, incorporates a limestone-based core, giving it a higher density and enhanced durability compared to WPC flooring. Although typically thinner than WPC, the denser core allows Fanmao SPC flooring to better resist dents, scratches, and impact from heavy furniture or foot traffic. It also offers improved stability in areas prone to temperature fluctuations, reducing the risk of expansion or contraction.

It’s important to clarify that while both SPC and WPC flooring are often advertised as waterproof, they are in fact highly water-resistant. This means surface spills and everyday moisture won’t damage the floor when cleaned promptly. However, neither option is designed to withstand prolonged submersion, making quick maintenance essential for preserving the floor’s integrity.

Applications

Originally developed for commercial spaces due to their outstanding durability, both SPC flooring and WPC flooring have quickly gained popularity in residential environments. Their easy click-lock installation system, combined with a wide range of realistic wood and stone designs, makes them an excellent choice for homeowners seeking both style and performance. It’s worth noting that different SPC and WPC products are rated for commercial, light commercial, or residential use, so it’s always best to check with your supplier or manufacturer, like Fanmao, to confirm product specifications and warranty coverage.

Another major advantage of both Fanmao SPC and WPC flooring is that they require minimal subfloor preparation before installation. While a flat, clean surface is recommended, minor imperfections such as cracks or small dips are less noticeable thanks to the rigid core construction, making installation faster and more forgiving.

In terms of comfort underfoot, WPC flooring typically provides a softer, more cushioned feel than SPC, as it includes a foaming agent in its core. This makes Fanmao WPC flooring especially suitable for areas where people stand or walk for extended periods, like retail shops, hospitality settings, or open-plan offices.

Additionally, WPC’s foamed core delivers better sound absorption, helping reduce ambient noise. However, SPC flooring can be enhanced with an acoustic backing layer, making both options ideal for spaces where sound control is important, such as classrooms, healthcare facilities, or office spaces.

Cost

When it comes to pricing, SPC flooring and WPC flooring are generally similar, though SPC flooring is often slightly more cost-effective thanks to its denser, thinner core structure. Installation costs for both remain competitive, as neither requires adhesive and both feature an easy click-lock installation system. This reduces overall labor time and installation expenses for both commercial and residential projects.

As for which option is better, it truly depends on your specific needs. WPC flooring offers a softer, quieter underfoot experience, making it ideal for environments where comfort matters. Meanwhile, SPC flooring delivers higher density and enhanced durability, perfect for high-traffic or heavy-use spaces.

Both options have their own advantages, and selecting the right flooring comes down to the demands of your project and your design preferences.

For more insights like this SPC vs. WPC flooring comparison, be sure to explore the Fanmao blog, where we regularly share expert flooring advice, product comparisons, and industry trends.

Need assistance selecting the perfect flooring for your space? Contact the Fanmao team — we’d love to support your next project with professional guidance and high-quality, reliable flooring solutions.