SPC Wood Flooring: Durable, Waterproof & Stylish Vinyl
By Hartco Product Expert, Published August 22, 2025
The flooring industry is constantly evolving, and SPC flooring has quickly become a standout choice for homeowners. Once considered new, Stone Polymer Composite (SPC) flooring has firmly established itself over the past 5 to 7 years as a go-to solution for residential applications.
The beauty of SPC wood flooring lies in its ability to capture the timeless look of hardwood while offering improved scratch resistance and full waterproof performance. You can confidently install it throughout your home, including moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Companies like Hartco® offer SPC wood flooring in traditional and distressed styles. Its EverGuard™ oak-look SPC flooring is available in wide widths, perfectly aligned with today’s design preferences.
What Exactly is SPC Flooring?
SPC stands for stone polymer composite. It belongs to the luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) family, alongside WPC (wood polymer composite) and LVP (luxury vinyl planks).
WPC flooring features an airier, softer core that provides cushioning and insulation, but is more susceptible to dents and heat. SPC, in contrast, is built for strength and longevity. Its dense core, made from limestone, PVC dust, and stabilizers, provides excellent impact resistance—up to 10 times more than WPC—and is highly stable in various conditions.
SPC resists temperature swings, making it less prone to expansion or contraction. That translates to consistent performance and durability, even in homes with fluctuating climate conditions.
SPC vs. WPC vs. LVP – Quick Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of SPC, WPC, and LVP flooring to help you quickly compare core features, durability, comfort, and ideal use cases.
Feature | SPC | WPC | LVP |
Core Material | Limestone + PVC | Wood + Plastic | PVC Only |
Durability | High | Medium | Medium |
Comfort | Moderate | High | Low |
Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Varies |
Sound Insulation | Moderate | High | Low |
Temperature Resistance | Excellent | Good | Fair |
Best Use | Kitchens, Bathrooms | Bedrooms, Basements | Light Traffic Areas |
When to Use WPC vs. SPC
Choosing between WPC and SPC flooring depends on how you use the space. While both are waterproof and part of the luxury vinyl family, they serve different purposes in terms of comfort, durability, and performance. Here’s how to know which one best fits your environment.
- WPC: Better for comfort-focused areas like bedrooms or basements, thanks to its cushioning and insulating properties.
- SPC: Best for high-impact zones like kitchens, laundry rooms, and family rooms.
Ultimately, SPC wood flooring offers one of the most resilient and waterproof vinyl flooring solutions available today. You can install it over nearly any hard surface, and it works on all levels of the home.
How is SPC Flooring Made?
Without delving too deeply into the chemistry, SPC flooring is composed of PVC resin powder, limestone powder, DOTP plasticizer, and stabilizers. (Carbon black is sometimes included for darker tones.)
These ingredients go through a series of processes to become rigid core planks made up of these layers:
- UV Layer: Protects from sun exposure and discoloration.
- Wear Layer: Resists scratches and stains, making cleaning easier. Thicker wear layers (up to 28 MIL or more) offer more protection.
- Vinyl Layer: A 3D-printed image delivers realistic visuals that mimic wood, stone, or ceramic.
- SPC Core Layer: The dense, rigid, waterproof core that gives SPC its name.
- Backing Layer: Provides sound insulation and cushioning; often resists mold and mildew.
SPC flooring is available in a range of wear layer thicknesses, commonly 12MIL and 20MIL, for homeowners.
What are the Advantages of SPC Wood Flooring?
SPC flooring delivers a powerful combination of performance and value. It combines the high-end look of hardwood with serious durability, water resistance, and low-maintenance upkeep.
SPC wood flooring withstands the wear and tear of kids, pets, moisture, and heavy foot traffic. Easy installation and long-term stability make it a wise choice for busy households.
Here’s all it has to offer:
- Authentic Look: Advanced 3D printing creates visuals nearly indistinguishable from real hardwood or stone.
- Cost-Effective: With DIY-friendly click-lock systems, you get upscale style at a lower price and save on installation.
- Scratch and Stain Resistance: A strong wear layer keeps floors looking newer, longer.
- Durability: With proper care, SPC wood floors can last 15–20 years.
- Waterproof: SPC is practically seamless and prevents water infiltration when correctly installed.
- Stable in Any Climate: Unlike solid hardwood, SPC won’t warp or expand with temperature and humidity changes.
- Safe for the Home: Many SPC floors are FloorScore® certified and phthalate-free for healthier indoor air quality.
Is Stone Composite Flooring Right for You?
SPC wood flooring is a practical, stylish, and long-lasting option for homeowners. Whether you want the look of hardwood, stone, or ceramic—without the maintenance or cost—SPC delivers.
Hartco® offers 20 color options with its SPC wood flooring, including 7” wide planks. Shop for Hartco flooring products at a retailer near you.