Exploring the right flooring material is necessary for long-term results and aesthetic value. A wide range of vinyl-made flooring materials are available in the Dubai market to cover the floor surfaces. In this comparison article, Dubai Vinyl Flooring is going to unlock a robust comparison between luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and stone plastic composite (SPC). Both of these vinyl-based tiles are similar in many aspects but also show minor differences. By analyzing all these aspects, you can get a better approach to choosing the best option.
LVT vs. SPC Flooring: A Helpful Comparison
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring is manufactured with multiple materials such as vinyl, natural limestone, thermoplastic binders, color pigments, and high-quality fillers. These tiles look like natural wood, ceramics, or stone due to their printing layer.
SPC flooring is crafted with different durable materials, such as polyvinyl chloride, plasticizers, and calcium carbonate. Moreover, compact layers such as the balanced layer, core layer, print layer, wear layer, and UV protective layer make this flooring highly durable and resilient.
We have compared both of these flooring materials based on their water resistance, durability, insulation, laying patterns, aesthetic value, and finishing.
Water Resistance
LVT
Luxury vinyl tiles are crafted with naturally moisture-resistant materials, but their porous layers allow water to enter the floor surface. Hence, these are not 100% waterproof to protect your flooring surface from moisture content.
SPC
This type of SPC flooring is composed of multiple waterproof, compact layers that ensure 100% waterproofing of the floor surface. Due to their excellent moisture resistance, these tiles also resist the growth of mold on their surface.
Durability
LVT
These luxury tiles are stronger than other traditional flooring materials, such as hardwood, but provide less durability as compared to SPC tiles. However, for the best walking experience, this flooring ensures softness, resilience, and warmth.
SPC
This type of flooring material is fabricated with high-density layers that enhance its durability and firmness. Their layers also protect them from wear and tear due to their high thickness compared to other flooring tiles.
Installation Method
LVT
These vinyl-made tiles are usually installed using a click system or glue-down method. The glue-down method requires more effort in choosing the best adhesive material, floor preparation, and tile fixing. Without precise skills, you can’t install this type of vinyl flooring.
SPC
On the other side, SPC tiles can be installed with just the click-lock method. For DIY projects, this simplest and fastest technique of tile installation allows you to install it yourself. In this installation, there is no need to utilize adhesive material and prepare a subfloor.
Aesthetic Value
LVT
The LVT flooring exhibits the realistic pattern and appearance of ceramics, stone, or wood to enhance the elegance of your floor surface. The print layer of these tiles can also be designed in any pattern, texture, or color.
SPC
Likewise, SPC flooring also shows the actual appearance of parquet, wood, stone, and ceramic due to highly innovative printing techniques. You can also get prints of any official or brand logo on these tile surfaces.
Insulation
LVT
If we talk about insulation, this type of flooring provides greater insulation for heat due to the extra layers. However, LVT tiles offer less sound insulation due to their thinner structure and layers. You can increase their sound insulation by adding a sound-absorbing underlayment with a preferable thickness.
SPC
This advanced vinyl flooring also maintains heat and sound insulation perfectly due to sturdy layers that can absorb heat and sound. Moreover, the substrate’s flexible, resilient layer of this flooring also assists in maintaining heat and sound insulation.
Laying Patterns
LVT
These heavy-duty vinyl tiles are fixed to the subfloor in multiple patterns and designs. The plank, herringbone, basket-weave, chevron, and Versailles are the common patterns for laying these types of tiles.
SPC
Likewise to LVT, this type of flooring can also be installed with the plank, basket-weave, herringbone, chevron, or Versailles pattern. However, block patterns, straight lines, and corner patterns are the most common designs for this flooring.
Surface Resistance
LVT
The surface of this vinyl flooring type provides excellent resistance against wear and tear, scratches, dents, and other damages. Moreover, these tiles contain a protective layer that ensures long-term resistance against all these factors.
SPC
Similarly, this flooring also ensures high scratch and dent resistance due to a resilient protective finish. This feature makes this flooring type a more suitable choice for high-foot-traffic areas. Therefore, these tiles can maintain their surface texture and finish over time.
Floor Suitability
LVT
Luxury vinyl tiles can be installed on any floor surface if we discuss floor suitability. For the installation of these tiles in basements, kitchens, or bathrooms, make sure that a water-protective layer has been applied for a waterproof effect.
SPC
These tiles are highly recommended for both dry and wet places due to their exceptional waterproof features. Their excellent moisture resistance and non-porous surface ensure long-term serviceability with no extra coating.
Easy Maintenance
LVT
Maintenance and cleaning are the important factors that should be considered while comparing these flooring materials. LVT flooring requires low maintenance and cleaning due to its excellent stains, spills, and dust resistance.
SPC
SPC flooring also requires deficient maintenance care due to its unexceptional dust, stain, and spill resistance. You can easily maintain these heavy-duty tiles with gentle dusting and vacuuming.
Final Words!
Because of this robust comparison, we can say that SPC is a more advanced form of vinyl flooring that manifests boundless aesthetic and functional benefits. This flooring type ensures excellent durability, easy maintenance, water resistance, high insulation, and underfoot comfort. Moreover, for high-foot areas, these tiles also maintain long-term scratch and dent resistance. On the other side, luxury vinyl tiles are also the best option if you can hire professional services for their installation. Dubai Vinyl Flooring has explored all the necessary aspects of both of these vinyl flooring materials that would help you choose a suitable flooring material.
