Blog > What Is WPC and SPC Vinyl Floors? And which is best for your home?

What Is WPC and SPC Vinyl Floors? And which is best for your home?

Monday, March 03, 2025

Before we get into the differences, let’s start with the basics.

What is WPC Vinyl Flooring?

WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite, which means the core is made from a mix of wood fibers and plastic. This construction gives WPC flooring a softer, more cushioned feel, making it comfortable to walk on especially in areas where you might stand for extended periods, like the kitchen.

Key features of WPC:

✔️ 100% waterproof
✔️ Softer underfoot (great for comfort)
✔️ Quieter (absorbs sound better)
✔️ Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and light-traffic areas.

What is SPC Vinyl Flooring?

SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite, meaning the core is made of stone powder and plastic. This makes SPC denser, more rigid, and extremely durable—ideal for high-traffic areas, homes with pets, and places where furniture or appliances might create dents in softer flooring types.

Key features of SPC:

✔️ 100% waterproof
✔️ Harder, more impact-resistant
✔️ Great for high-traffic areas, kitchens, and basements
✔️ Less likely to dent from heavy furniture.

WPC vs. SPC: Key Differences

Both WPC and SPC are fantastic flooring options, but they have some key differences that will impact your decision.

Which Flooring is Right for Your Home?

Choose WPC If…

• You love the feel of a softer, more cushioned floor.
• You have an upstairs room and want to reduce noise for those below.
• You prefer a warmer feel underfoot (especially nice in bedrooms!).
• Your home does not have heavy furniture that could leave dents on a softer floor.
• Your subfloor has slight imperfections.

Real-Life Example: We had a family from Ephrata who recently renovated their basement. They wanted a floor that was warm, quiet, and comfortable for their children to play on. WPC was the perfect choice, it gave them the cozy, inviting feel they wanted while still being waterproof and easy to clean.

Choose SPC If…

• You need extra durability for pets, kids, or high-traffic areas.
• You are installing it in a kitchen, basement, or entryway where water and spills are common.
• You have heavy furniture and do not want to worry about dents.
• You need a tough, impact-resistant floor that can handle daily wear and tear.

Real-Life Example: A family from Bird-in-Hand came to us looking for flooring for their main living area of their home. With young children and lots of family gatherings, they needed something that could withstand foot traffic, spilled drinks, and the occasional dropped toy. SPC was the clear winner—it is holding up beautifully and gives them peace of mind knowing it can take a beating!

Installation & Maintenance: What to Expect

Ease of Installation

Both WPC and SPC vinyl floors typically use a clicklock floating installation, meaning they snap together over an existing floor without glue. However, because SPC is denser and heavier, it may require more effort to install.

Subfloor Requirements

If your subfloor has slight imperfections, WPC is more forgiving because of its softer core. SPC, being rigid, may cause the clipping system to fail and if the subfloor is not leveled properly and may cause the plank to crack and fail.

Maintenance & Cleaning

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris.
• Use a damp mop with a vinyl-safe cleaner for deeper cleaning like Armstong once’n done.
• Avoid steam mops.

Why Choose Nolt’s Floor Covering?

At Nolt’s Floor Covering, we have been helping homeowners and businesses in South Central PA find the perfect flooring for years. We are more than just a flooring store, we are your neighbors, and we care about making sure you love your new floors for years to come.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Expert Guidance – We help you choose the right flooring based on your home’s specific needs.
Professional Installation – Our skilled team ensures a flawless fit.
Family-Owned & Trusted – We are humbled to serve our local community with honesty and top-notch service.

We know that choosing flooring can feel overwhelming, but we are here to make the process easy, stress-free, and even fun!

Final Thoughts: Making Your Flooring Dreams Come True!

So, which is the right choice for your home—WPC or SPC?

• If you prioritize comfort, go with WPC.
• If you need extreme durability, SPC is the way to go.

Still not sure? Stop by one of our showrooms! We would love to show you samples, answer your questions, and help you find the perfect flooring solution.

📍 Ephrata, PA– 609 North State St., Ephrata PA 17522 (717) 733-5503
📍 Myerstown, PA– 400 West Lincoln Ave., Myerstown PA 17067 (717) 866-6186

📞 Call us today or visit our website to schedule a FREE consultation!

Family-Owned. Local Expertise.

Happy flooring – Nolt’s Floor Covering

Making your flooring dreams come true!