what is spc flooring

Product Definition of SPC Flooring

What is SPC flooring? SPC flooring, short for Stone Plastic Composite flooring, is a rigid core vinyl flooring engineered with a mineral-filled core that delivers high dimensional stability, waterproof performance, and commercial-grade durability for demanding residential and commercial environments.

Technical Parameters and Specifications

Understanding what SPC flooring is from a technical perspective requires reviewing standardized performance indicators commonly used in commercial procurement:

• Total Thickness: 3.5 mm – 8.0 mm

• Wear Layer Thickness: 0.3 mm / 0.5 mm / 0.7 mm

• Core Density: 1.9–2.1 g/cm³

• Dimensional Stability: ≤0.15%

• Impact Resistance: ≥500 mm drop height

• Slip Resistance: R9–R11

• Fire Rating: Bfl-s1 / Cfl-s1

• VOC Emission: ≤0.5 mg/m²·h

Structure and Material Composition

SPC flooring uses a multi-layer engineered structure designed for rigidity and durability:

• UV Coating Layer: Improves scratch resistance and stain protection

• Wear Layer: Transparent PVC layer protecting against abrasion

• Decor Film: High-definition printed wood or stone visuals

• SPC Core Layer:

• Calcium carbonate (limestone powder)

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

• Stabilizers and impact modifiers

• Backing Layer: IXPE or EVA underlay for sound reduction

Manufacturing Process of SPC Flooring

To fully understand what SPC flooring is, it is essential to examine its manufacturing process:

1. Raw material batching and high-speed mixing

2. SPC core extrusion under controlled temperature and pressure

3. Core cooling, calibration, and density control

4. Decor film lamination using hot press systems

5. Wear layer bonding and UV surface curing

6. Precision cutting and click-lock profile machining

7. Final inspection: thickness, flatness, bonding strength

Industry Comparison with Other Flooring Materials

Application Scenarios

SPC flooring is widely adopted in projects where performance consistency is critical:

• Distributors & Importers: Low claim rates and broad market acceptance

• EPC Contractors: Fast installation and subfloor tolerance

• Commercial Projects: Retail, hospitality, offices, healthcare

• Renovation Projects: Minimal floor height increase

Core Pain Points and Engineering Solutions

• Subfloor unevenness → Rigid SPC core improves bridging performance

• Moisture damage → Mineral core ensures full waterproof capability

• Thermal expansion issues → Low expansion coefficient

• High maintenance costs → UV-coated wear layer simplifies cleaning

Risk Warnings and Mitigation Strategies

• Low-density SPC core may cause brittleness

• Insufficient wear layer for commercial traffic

• Improper locking system tolerance

• Incompatible underlay selection

Mitigation requires verifying density, locking strength, and third-party test reports.

Procurement and Selection Guide

1. Define traffic level and usage environment

2. Specify minimum wear layer thickness

3. Confirm fire, slip, and VOC compliance

4. Evaluate core density and dimensional stability

5. Request full technical datasheets and certifications

6. Conduct mock-up installation or sample testing

Engineering Case Application

In a 9,500 m² commercial office renovation, SPC flooring was selected after evaluating what SPC flooring is compared to laminate and LVT. The project achieved faster installation, improved acoustic performance, and reduced maintenance costs by approximately 30% over five years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q1: What does SPC stand for?
  A: Stone Plastic Composite.

• Q2: Is SPC flooring fully waterproof?
  A: Yes, including the core.

• Q3: Is SPC suitable for commercial use?
  A: Yes, with proper wear layer.

• Q4: How thick should SPC flooring be?
  A: Typically 4–6 mm for commercial use.

• Q5: Can SPC flooring be installed over existing floors?
  A: Yes, if the surface is stable.

• Q6: Does SPC flooring expand with temperature?
  A: Minimal expansion compared to LVT.

• Q7: Is underlay mandatory?
  A: Optional, depending on acoustic requirements.

• Q8: How long does SPC flooring last?
  A: 10–20 years depending on traffic.

• Q9: Is SPC flooring environmentally compliant?
  A: Yes, when low-VOC certified.

• Q10: Is SPC flooring suitable for wet areas?
  A: Yes, including kitchens and bathrooms.

CTA: Request SPC Flooring Information

For detailed technical datasheets, engineering samples, or project-specific recommendations related to what SPC flooring is, please submit your project requirements for professional evaluation.

E-E-A-T Author Credentials

This article is authored by flooring engineers and project consultants with over 15 years of experience supporting international distributors, EPC contractors, and large-scale commercial flooring projects, ensuring accuracy, authority, and procurement relevance.