Laminate vs. SPC Flooring: Which Is Better?

Many people may mistakenly believe that SPC and laminate flooring are the same. No, they are not. But don't they look the same? It is indeed difficult to distinguish visually between SPC and laminate flooring. Nevertheless, there are many differences between the two types of flooring, and when you compare composition, installation, and characteristics, you will be convinced how different they are.

1. Core material

Typically, both laminate and SPC flooring consist of 4 layers, namely the backing layer, the core, the printed design layer, and the top with a wear layer. The difference lies in the materials used in each layer, especially the core material.

Laminate flooring

The core material used for this type of flooring is usually fiberboard. It can be either medium density fiberboard (MDF) or high-density fiberboard (HDF), depending on the quality of the laminate flooring you choose.

Higher quality laminate flooring uses waterproof HDF as the core material. This helps to improve the overall durability of the laminate flooring.

Laminate floor planks are made of a few basic layers. The bulk of the plank is called the core layer. The bottom layer is a stabilizing layer, and the top two layers are the photograph that displays the particular look you are after, and a transparent finishing layer on top of that, which protects the laminate from scratches, stains, and moisture.

Laminate Wood Flooring

SPC Flooring

As the name implies, SPC flooring uses solid SPC as the core material. Solid SPC has a high density, making it strong enough to withstand heavy foot traffic, durable, and of course, waterproof. In fact, some manufacturers also include SPC in the backing layer.

Waterproof SPC Flooring stands for stone-plastic composite material. These well-designed luxury vinyl planks are known for their 100% water resistance and unparalleled durability, using advanced technology to beautifully imitate natural wood and stone at a low price. SPC's iconic rigid core is almost indestructible, making it ideal for high traffic and business environments.

2.Preparation for installation

Laminate flooring

Laminates need to be acclimated to their environment before installation. What is the easiest way to do this?

Simply place a board or sheet on the floor for at least 3 days prior to installation. This is to ensure that the laminate is acclimatized to the surrounding temperature and humidity, thus reducing swelling problems after installation. If you want to get more information about the best laminate flooring wholesale, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.

SPC Flooring

If you are preparing to install SPC flooring, a basic step that should never be skipped is to make sure that the existing floor or subfloor is smooth, level, and free of dirt or dust. The reason for this is that any uneven surface of the subfloor will affect the finish of the SPC floor.

Water-Proof SPC Flooring

3. Water resistance

Laminate flooring

As mentioned earlier, the core of laminate flooring is made of wood fibers and is therefore susceptible to water or moisture.

Once laminate flooring comes into contact with water, problems such as swelling and curling edges are common.

SPC Flooring

Luxury SPC flooring has good water resistance. This is why you can see SPC flooring being installed in wet areas such as bathrooms, laundry areas, and kitchens.

However, some low-quality or improperly installed SPC flooring may not handle moisture as effectively as luxury SPC flooring. In such cases, moisture can get trapped between the gaps and cause odors and mold to grow.

Therefore, it is important to first define what you are using the floor for. If possible, always look for an SPC flooring type with good water resistance. Need a custom best SPC flooring? Click here to build your own.