SPC Flooring

SPC flooring is a recent innovation that combines the visual aesthetics of wood with mineral-base technical resistance, ideal for residential and commercial spaces.

What is SPC Flooring

SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite — a multilayer flooring whose central core is composed of limestone (calcium carbonate) and stabilising polymers. This composition gives the panel exceptional dimensional stability, water resistance and load capacity, far superior to traditional vinyl flooring (LVT or PVC).

Layered Structure

An SPC plank consists of multiple functional layers:

1. UV protective layer — keeps colours stable against sunlight
2. Wear layer — transparent, in PVC, of variable thickness (typically 0.3–0.7 mm)
3. Decorative layer — high-resolution photographic film that reproduces wood, stone or other materials
4. SPC core — composite of limestone and polymers, the structural heart
5. IXPE acoustic underlay — pre-glued, reduces footfall noise (optional but common)

Technical Advantages

• 100% waterproof: usable in bathrooms and kitchens without expansion problems
• Dimensional stability: minimal thermal expansion, suitable for environments with significant temperature variation
• Wear resistance: AC4-AC5 rating, suitable for residential and light commercial use
• Floating installation with click system: fast, reversible, requires no adhesive
• Low panel thickness (4–6 mm) — ideal for renovations on existing flooring
• Compatibility with underfloor heating (verify maximum temperature)
• Acoustic comfort: the IXPE layer reduces footfall noise

Aesthetic Effects

SPC graphics have made huge progress: the most realistic collections offer wood effect with surface texture (embossed in register) that follows the photographic veining of the plank, indistinguishable to the touch from real prefinished parquet. Available also are stone, marble, cement effects and contemporary herringbone patterns.

Where to Use SPC

Residential

Living areas, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms — SPC is one of the few floors that can be installed continuously throughout the house, including wet rooms, ensuring visual continuity.

Renovations

Thanks to the limited thickness, SPC is often used in renovations over the existing floor (tiles, marble, old parquet), avoiding demolitions and adapting to existing thresholds.

Light Commercial

Offices, shops, studios, dental practices: AC4-AC5 SPC handles intensive use without showing wear.

SPC vs LVT vs Laminate

Compared to laminate, SPC is much more water-resistant and dimensionally stable. Compared to traditional LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), SPC has a more rigid mineral core that does not telegraph imperfections of the substrate. Compared to real prefinished parquet, SPC sacrifices the warmth of solid wood but offers far higher water resistance and a much lower price.

Installation and Maintenance

SPC is installed with a floating click system: planks lock to each other without adhesive, on a flat substrate. A perimeter expansion gap of about 5 mm is required. Maintenance is simple: vacuum and damp mop with neutral detergents, no specific waxes needed.

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