When shopping for hybrid flooring, you'll quickly encounter two acronyms: SPC and WPC. These refer to the core construction of hybrid planks, and understanding the differences between them is essential for making the right choice. While both offer the waterproof durability that makes hybrid flooring so popular, they differ in composition, performance characteristics, and ideal applications. This guide provides an in-depth comparison to help you decide which type best suits your needs.
Understanding the Core Difference
The fundamental distinction between SPC and WPC lies in what's beneath the decorative surface layer. The core determines the plank's weight, rigidity, thermal properties, sound characteristics, and suitability for different environments.
SPC: Stone Plastic Composite
SPC flooring uses a core composed primarily of limestone powder (calcium carbonate) mixed with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and stabilisers. This combination creates an extremely dense, rigid core that's remarkably thin yet incredibly strong. The high mineral content gives SPC its characteristic hardness and dimensional stability.
The typical SPC core contains approximately 60-70% limestone, 25-30% PVC, and 5-10% stabilisers and plasticisers. This composition results in a core density of around 1,900-2,100 kg/m³, making SPC significantly heavier than WPC per unit area.
WPC: Wood Plastic Composite
WPC flooring features a core made from wood flour (recycled wood fibres) or bamboo powder combined with plastic polymers and foaming agents. This creates a lighter, slightly cushioned core with small air pockets that provide better sound absorption and thermal comfort compared to SPC.
WPC cores typically contain 40-50% wood flour, 30-40% PVC or PE polymers, and 10-20% foaming agents and stabilisers. The foamed structure results in a core density of approximately 1,000-1,200 kg/m³, noticeably lighter than SPC.
Quick Comparison
SPC: Denser, thinner, more rigid, better for high traffic and underfloor heating
WPC: Softer, thicker, more comfortable underfoot, better sound absorption
Durability and Performance
Both SPC and WPC are designed for long-term performance, but their different compositions result in distinct durability characteristics.
Impact and Dent Resistance
SPC's dense stone-polymer core makes it exceptionally resistant to dents and impacts. Dropped objects, furniture legs, and high heels are less likely to leave permanent marks on SPC flooring. This makes SPC the preferred choice for commercial applications and high-traffic residential areas.
WPC's softer core is more susceptible to denting from heavy point loads. While it handles normal residential traffic well, extremely heavy furniture or sharp impacts can leave impressions. However, some find this slight softness contributes to a more comfortable, less industrial feel underfoot.
Temperature Stability
SPC maintains excellent dimensional stability across a wide temperature range, making it particularly suitable for use with underfloor heating systems and in sun-exposed areas. The stone-based core experiences minimal expansion and contraction with temperature changes.
WPC is somewhat more sensitive to temperature fluctuations due to its wood content. While still more stable than solid timber, WPC may show slight expansion in extreme heat, making it less ideal for solariums or rooms with significant direct sun exposure.
Waterproof Performance
Both SPC and WPC cores are 100% waterproof at the core level. Neither will swell, warp, or deteriorate from moisture exposure. However, proper installation remains important for both types, particularly ensuring adequate sealing at edges in wet areas to prevent water from migrating beneath the floor.
Comfort and Sound
Day-to-day living comfort often influences flooring decisions as much as durability considerations.
Underfoot Comfort
WPC's foamed core and typically greater thickness (6-8mm versus 4-6mm for SPC) create a noticeably softer feel when walking. This cushioning effect reduces leg fatigue, making WPC preferable for spaces where you stand for extended periods, such as kitchens or home offices.
SPC feels firmer and more solid underfoot. Some describe it as more similar to tile or concrete than to timber. For those who prefer a firmer surface or plan to install underfloor heating, SPC's direct thermal transfer may actually be advantageous.
Sound Performance
WPC generally outperforms SPC in acoustic properties. The foamed core absorbs footfall noise more effectively, resulting in quieter floors. This makes WPC particularly suitable for multi-storey homes, apartments, or rooms above living spaces where sound transmission is a concern.
SPC, being denser, tends to transmit more impact sound unless paired with a quality acoustic underlay. If using SPC in upper-level installations, invest in premium underlay specifically designed for sound reduction.
Apartment Considerations
Many Australian strata schemes have acoustic requirements for flooring. Check your building's regulations, WPC often meets requirements with standard underlay, while SPC may need specialised acoustic solutions.
Installation Considerations
Both SPC and WPC typically use click-lock installation systems, but their physical differences affect the installation experience.
Working with SPC
SPC's thin profile and rigidity make it well-suited for installation over existing hard floors, including concrete with minor imperfections and old tiles. The rigid planks bridge small subfloor irregularities effectively. However, the density makes SPC heavier to handle and slightly more challenging to cut, often requiring a saw rather than score-and-snap methods.
Working with WPC
WPC's softer core makes planks easier to cut with basic tools, and the lighter weight reduces fatigue during installation. However, WPC is less forgiving of subfloor imperfections, the softer core can telegraph bumps and dips more readily than rigid SPC. Thorough subfloor preparation is essential for optimal results.
Cost Comparison
Price varies significantly by brand, style, and quality within both categories, but general pricing patterns exist.
Entry-level SPC typically costs slightly less than entry-level WPC, partly due to simpler manufacturing processes. However, premium SPC and WPC products are similarly priced, with costs primarily driven by wear layer thickness, decorative layer quality, and brand reputation rather than core type.
When budgeting, remember that WPC's greater thickness means slightly more material per square metre, but this difference is usually minor compared to overall costs. Installation costs are comparable for both types, as the click-lock systems are equally straightforward.
Best Applications for Each Type
Choose SPC When:
- Installing in high-traffic commercial or residential areas
- Using underfloor heating systems (SPC's stability and thermal conductivity excel)
- Installing over concrete or existing hard surfaces
- Budget is a primary concern at the entry-level market
- You prefer a firmer, more solid feel underfoot
- Installing in areas with significant temperature fluctuations
Choose WPC When:
- Comfort underfoot is a priority (bedrooms, living areas, home offices)
- Sound insulation matters (upper floors, apartments, home theatres)
- You prefer a softer, warmer feel similar to timber
- DIY installation by someone less experienced with power tools
- Installing in cooler climates where warmth underfoot is valued
Making Your Decision
Neither SPC nor WPC is universally superior, the right choice depends entirely on your specific circumstances. Consider where you're installing, how the space will be used, whether you have underfloor heating, and your personal preferences regarding feel underfoot.
For whole-home installations, many homeowners choose SPC for living areas, hallways, and kitchens where durability is paramount, and WPC for bedrooms where comfort takes priority. Transition strips at doorways handle the junction between types seamlessly.
Request samples of both SPC and WPC products in your preferred styles. Walk on them, compare the feel, and consider how each would work in your specific rooms. This hands-on comparison often makes the right choice immediately apparent.
For more guidance on selecting and installing your hybrid flooring, explore our beginner's guide and DIY installation tips.