Looking for flooring? Solid wood fears moisture, tiles are too hard, laminate flooring worries about formaldehyde… Is there a material that is waterproof, eco-friendly, durable, and easy to install?
The answer is: SPC Flooring.
Based on the real characteristics of SPC flooring, this article will guide you from scratch to understand why this "stone-plastic composite" flooring is becoming increasingly popular worldwide.
1. What is SPC Flooring?
SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite. In Chinese, it is often called "stone-plastic flooring or " stone-crystal flooring". In Europe and America, it is commonly referred to as RVP (Rigid Vinyl Plank).
It is a sub-category of PVC flooring and can be seen as an upgraded version. The core layer of SPC flooring is made from natural stone powder + PVC powder through high-temperature extrusion, resulting in a more rigid structure and stronger performance.
Simply put: SPC flooring combines the structural foundation of natural marble powder, giving it excellent physical properties.
2. Structure of SPC Flooring
A typical SPC click-lock flooring consists of the following five layers:
UV Coating: The topmost layer for stain and scratch resistance – daily maintenance depends on it.
Wear Layer: Transparent PVC, determining the lifespan of the floor.
Decorative Film Layer: High-definition printed layer that mimics wood, stone, cement, and other patterns.
SPC Core Layer: The core layer – natural stone powder + PVC, extruded at high temperature – rigid, stable, and 100% waterproof.
Underlayment / Soundproof Pad (Optional): IXPE or cork pad attached to the back to improve footfeel and absorb noise.
Unlike WPC (Wood Plastic Composite), the SPC core contains no foaming agent, making it harder, thinner, and more stable. Unlike LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile, which is flexible), SPC is rigid, and its click-lock system remains very secure after installation.
3. Outstanding Advantages of SPC Flooring
✅ 100% Waterproof: Does not swell or mold when in contact with water. Suitable for all indoor areas except outdoors (kitchen, bathroom, balcony, basement).
✅ Zero Formaldehyde: Raw materials are stone powder and PVC, physically extruded – no glue used during manufacturing or installation.
✅ Fire Resistant & Retardant: B1 fire rating, self-extinguishing when away from flame – ideal for places with high fire safety requirements.
✅ High Wear Resistance: The wear layer resists daily scratches – safe for homes with pets or children.
✅ Moisture-proof & Slip-resistant: Not slippery when wet, no moisture return during rainy seasons.
✅ Insect-proof, Anti-corrosion & Antibacterial: Insects are not attracted to it, and bacteria struggle to grow.
✅ Easy Installation: High-strength click-lock design – floating installation on a flat subfloor, no underlayment (unless needed), no glue – even DIY-friendly.
✅ Comfortable Footfeel & Sound Absorbing: With an attached underlayment, footsteps are quiet – great for apartments.
✅ Rich Style Options: Realistically mimics wood grain textures – colors can be customized on demand.
Additionally, SPC flooring is somewhat forgiving of minor subfloor imperfections (unlike LVT, which requires absolute flatness), and it can be installed in large areas (but requires expansion gaps every 10 meters).
4. Are There Any Disadvantages?
No material is perfect, and SPC has a few unavoidable drawbacks:
❌ High Demands on Subfloor Flatness: Although more tolerant than LVT, an uneven subfloor can cause loose click-locks or squeaking.
❌ Footfeel is Relatively Hard: Because the core is stone powder + PVC, it is not as elastic as WPC. Adding an underlayment noticeably improves this.
❌ Requires Breaks for Long Spans: If a span exceeds 10 meters horizontally or vertically, an expansion gap must be left to avoid buckling.
5. How to Choose SPC Flooring?
1. Visual Inspection
The surface should be flat, with no contamination or scratches, clear patterns, uniform color, and no burrs on the edges.
2. Check the Connection
Randomly take two planks and connect them via the click-lock system – there should be no height difference and no visible gap. Try to pull them apart – the lock should hold tightly.
3. Peel Resistance
Break a plank (or cut it with a utility knife) and try to pull the decorative layer off the core. A good product makes it very difficult to separate.
4. Key Parameters
Thickness: 3.5–5mm for residential use; 5–6mm for commercial use.
Wear Layer Thickness: ≥0.3mm for residential; ≥0.5mm for commercial.
Eco-friendly: Requires zero formaldehyde, no odor.
Click-lock: Choose a high-strength system.
5. Common Sizes
Common SPC plank sizes: 180×1220mm, 150×1220mm, 184×1220mm, 233×900mm, 305×915mm (thickness typically 3.5–6mm). Larger formats mean fewer seams and a more premium look.
6. Extremely Simple Installation Process (Floating Click-lock)
Subfloor Preparation: Level, dry, free of grease. Use self-leveling compound for uneven areas (max 3mm over 2 meters).
Lay Vapour Barrier: If the floor does not have an attached underlayment, lay a PE vapour barrier first.
Dry Layout: Start from one side of the room, stagger the joints, and avoid narrow strips at the edges.
Click-lock Assembly: Insert the long side at an angle into the previous plank, then tap to lock. Repeat for the short side.
Leave Expansion Gap: Leave a 5–10mm gap around the walls, cover with skirting boards or transition strips.
Undercut Door Frames: Saw 2–3mm off the bottom of door jambs and slide the flooring underneath for a neat finish.
7. Daily Maintenance (So Easy You’ll Almost Forget It)
Routine cleaning: Vacuum, dry mop, or damp mop (not dripping).
Stubborn stains: Neutral cleaner + soft cloth – no strong acids or alkalis.
Avoid: Steel wool, sharp objects that could scratch the surface.
Protection: Use felt pads under furniture legs and place a doormat at the entrance.
SPC Flooring is not a “cheap plastic” material, but a mature, well-balanced new-generation flooring. It solves several major problems in renovation: fear of water, fear of formaldehyde, and fear of complicated installation.
Whether you are renovating a new home or remodeling an old one; for kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, or bedrooms; for your own residence or rental property – SPC deserves a place on your shortlist.
Discover Olinmat SPC Flooring
Looking for reliable, high-quality SPC flooring? Olinmat offers premium stone-plastic composite flooring that combines outstanding waterproof performance, true zero-formaldehyde safety, and easy click-lock installation. Perfect for modern homes and commercial spaces.
👉 For more information or inquiries, please visit our homepage or contact us directly – we are happy to assist you!
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