Hybrid Vinyl Flooring Comparison: SPC vs. WPC

Choosing the right flooring can significantly impact the look and feel of your home, and hybrid vinyl flooring is quickly becoming a top choice for Australians, especially here in Perth. Known for its perfect blend of style, durability, and moisture resistance, hybrid vinyl offers a practical solution for residential and commercial spaces. But how do you know which is the best type for your home?

This guide will delve into a detailed, side-by-side hybrid flooring comparison focusing on two main types: SPC (Stone Plastic Composite), which we sell at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, and WPC (Wood Plastic Composite). We’ll compare durability, moisture resistance, and comfort, amongst other considerations, so you have all the information needed to make an informed decision for your Perth home.

Overview of SPC and WPC Hybrid Vinyl Flooring

Why Hybrid Flooring is Popular

Hybrid vinyl plank flooring has captured the hearts of homeowners in Perth and beyond due to its exceptional blend of practical features and aesthetic appeal. This flooring type seamlessly combines the benefits of vinyl and laminate, offering a highly durable, stylish, and waterproof solution ideal for various settings. Among the popular choices, SPC and WPC stand out as leading options, each bringing unique benefits to the table.

SPC Flooring

SPC, or Stone Plastic Composite flooring, is renowned for its robust construction. At its core lies a rigid limestone powder or calcium carbonate, that gives SPC flooring unparalleled strength and stability. This solid core enhances its durability and makes it highly resistant to dents and scratches, making it a perfect choice for high-traffic areas and homes with kids or pets. Moreover, SPC’s 100% waterproof nature makes it an excellent candidate for moisture-prone areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, providing peace of mind in environments where spills are common.

Read our article, Everything You Need to Know About SPC Hybrid Vinyl Flooring, to learn more about SPC flooring.

WPC Flooring

WPC, or Wood Plastic Composite flooring, offers different advantages. Its core is composed of a combination of wood pulp and plastic, which lends a softer and more cushioned underfoot feel. This makes WPC a comfortable choice for areas where people spend a lot of time standing, like living rooms or bedrooms. However, this softer core can be more susceptible to dents and scratches, and it may not perform as well as SPC in areas with high moisture or heavy use, requiring more careful consideration of placement.

Quick Summary

This overview sets the stage for a detailed hybrid vinyl flooring comparison, helping you understand which type might best suit your needs in Perth.

Detailed Factor-Based Comparison

When selecting the right flooring for your home, understanding the nuances between different options is crucial. This hybrid vinyl flooring comparison ensures you make informed decisions based on reliable information rather than assumptions.

Below, we delve into a detailed, factor-based comparison of SPC and WPC hybrid vinyl plank flooring, examining essential aspects such as durability, water resistance, and more. By breaking down these key features, we aim to equip you with the knowledge to choose the flooring that best suits your unique needs and environments.

Durability and Resistance to Wear and Tear

When it comes to choosing durable flooring, SPC hybrid vinyl flooring stands out as a top contender. Its core, made from a rigid limestone composite, gives SPC its exceptional hardness and resistance to dents. This robust core structure allows SPC flooring to withstand the rigours of high-traffic areas, making it an ideal choice for homes bustling with activity, whether from pets or children. The ability to endure the weight of heavy furniture and frequent foot traffic without sustaining damage further cements SPC’s reputation as a durable flooring solution.

On the other hand, WPC flooring, while offering a softer and more cushioned feel underfoot, comes with certain limitations in durability. WPC’s wood-pulp and plastic-based core makes it more susceptible to dents and scratches, particularly in high-use areas. This inherent softness positions WPC as a better fit for residential spaces that experience lighter use, where comfort is a priority over resilience.

TL;DR

If durability and wear resistance are your primary concerns, SPC flooring outperforms WPC. Its superior durability makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a long-lasting flooring solution that can handle the demands of a busy household.

Water and Moisture Resistance

When it comes to handling moisture, SPC hybrid vinyl flooring leads the pack with its 100% waterproof nature. This makes it an ideal flooring option for moisture-laden areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. The rigid core of SPC ensures that it remains impervious to water, preventing any warping or damage that can occur with wood-based flooring materials. This capability is particularly crucial in areas where spills and humidity are frequent, offering peace of mind to homeowners concerned with maintaining a pristine floor surface.

On the other hand, while offering a degree of water resistance, WPC hybrid vinyl flooring does not boast the same waterproof credentials as SPC. WPC flooring’s core composition, which includes wood pulp, makes it susceptible to water damage over prolonged exposure, especially in damp environments. Therefore, WPC is better suited for dry, low-traffic areas with minimal moisture exposure risk, providing adequate protection without the need for full waterproofing.

TL;DR

SPC hybrid vinyl flooring is the superior choice for spaces that frequently encounter moisture, offering unmatched resilience and protection against water damage. This makes SPC a favoured option for Perth homeowners looking to ensure longevity and durability in high-moisture areas, whereas WPC may suffice in drier environments.

Comfort and Sound Insulation

When we move on to comfort and sound insulation, SPC flooring offers a unique balance that caters to diverse needs. SPC can feel firmer underfoot than other flooring options. However, many SPC products, including our own Zodiac range, are designed with a specialised underlay that significantly enhances comfort, making it a viable option even for those who prefer a softer feel. While the rigidity of SPC might allow sound to travel more easily, the acoustic underlayment can effectively minimise noise transmission, reducing echoes and creating a more serene environment.

Conversely, WPC flooring naturally provides a more cushioned experience due to its softer core. This inherent softness offers a comfortable walking surface. It excels in sound insulation, making it an ideal choice for quiet areas such as bedrooms or living spaces where noise reduction is a priority. The foamed core of WPC acts as a natural sound dampener, absorbing and insulating footstep noise better than its SPC counterpart.

TL;DR

While SPC flooring can be made comfortable with the right underlayment, WPC’s softer core delivers superior sound insulation and a quieter feel. This makes WPC a preferred choice for spaces where maintaining a peaceful ambience is essential. Meanwhile, SPC remains a strong contender for areas where its durability and enhanced comfort through underlayment are appreciated.

Stability and Expansion Control

In terms of stability and expansion control, SPC flooring holds a significant advantage due to its rigid core construction. Made primarily from natural calcium carbonate powder, high molecular polyvinyl chloride, and stabilisers, SPC’s dense core provides exceptional stability, ensuring minimal expansion and contraction. This makes it an excellent choice for areas with fluctuating temperatures or humidity levels. Whether installing flooring in a sunlit room or a basement prone to moisture, SPC maintains its shape and integrity, reducing the risk of warping or buckling over time.

WPC flooring, on the other hand, with its softer core comprised of wood fibers and thermoplastics, may experience slightly more expansion or contraction. This characteristic can pose challenges, particularly in extreme climates with varying temperatures and humidity. While WPC offers comfort and sound insulation benefits, its propensity to respond to environmental changes makes it less ideal for areas subject to severe climatic conditions.

TL;DR

The robust stability of SPC flooring makes it particularly valuable in varied Australian climates. Its resistance to environmental fluctuations gives Perth homeowners peace of mind, ensuring the flooring remains flat and secure year-round. SPC stands out as a reliable, long-term investment for projects where stability is a priority.

Environmental Impact

When we compare the environmental impacts of hybrid flooring, SPC flooring stands out for its eco-friendly attributes. Due to its stable material composition, it emits fewer volatile organic compounds than traditional flooring options. This makes SPC a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious Perth homeowners. Ross’s Discount Home Centre aligns with these sustainable practices, emphasising our commitment to offering products that contribute positively to the environment.

WPC flooring, on the other hand, involves a composite of wood fibres and plastics. While it provides a durable and versatile flooring solution, the processing required for WPC can result in a slightly higher environmental footprint. This is due to the additional energy and resources needed to blend and produce its wood-plastic composite core.

TL;DR:

SPC flooring emerges as the superior choice for eco-conscious customers due to its minimal volatile emissions and compatibility with sustainable values championed by Ross’s Discount Home Centre. This makes SPC an excellent option for those seeking to minimise environmental impact while benefiting from robust and stylish flooring.

Cost Comparison

When comparing the cost and value-for-money of hybrid vinyl flooring, SPC hybrid vinyl emerges as the clear winner for budget-conscious consumers. Its production process is generally more straightforward, translating to lower prices without compromising durability. Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s SPC hybrid flooring is an impressive $30 per square metre, making it an attractive option for those seeking high-quality flooring at an affordable price.

In contrast, WPC hybrid vinyl tends to be pricier, with a national average cost ranging from $35 to $60 per square metre. This higher price point reflects the additional benefits WPC offers, such as a softer feel underfoot and enhanced soundproofing qualities. These attributes make WPC a preferred choice for spaces where comfort and quietness are prioritised, but they come with a premium price tag.

Installation costs for both SPC and WPC flooring are generally similar, ranging between $30 and $35 per square metre, making the overall investment for SPC even more cost-effective for those looking to maximise their budget.

TL;DR:

For Ross’s customers looking to maximise their investment, SPC flooring offers an excellent cost-to-durability ratio, providing robust quality without the hefty price. It’s a smart choice for those who want to combine affordability with lasting performance.

Why Ross’s Discount Home Centre Recommends SPC Hybrid Flooring

Ross’s Discount Home Centre proudly endorses SPC hybrid vinyl as the premier flooring choice for Perth homeowners seeking style, durability, and practicality. With its unparalleled durability, SPC flooring withstands heavy foot traffic and daily wear, making it ideal for residential and commercial spaces. Spills and moisture cannot affect its water-resistant core, providing peace of mind in wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

If you’re looking for the best hybrid flooring in Australia, look no further. Our wide range of SPC options competes with the best hybrid flooring brands, delivering top quality at budget-friendly prices. Whether you’re aiming for the timeless elegance of aged timber or the sleek look of contemporary designs, our Zodiac Range offers an array of styles that can transform any space into a masterpiece.

Read our article, Discover Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s New SPC Hybrid Flooring Range, to learn more about our cheap hybrid flooring.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this comprehensive SPC and WPC hybrid vinyl flooring comparison, it’s clear that SPC hybrid vinyl emerges as the superior choice for discerning homeowners. With its exceptional durability, SPC is built to withstand the rigours of daily life, maintaining its pristine appearance even in high-traffic areas. Its impressive water resistance ensures it remains unaffected by spills and moisture, making it a reliable option for kitchens and bathrooms.

SPC’s stability and cost-effectiveness make it the clear winner for those seeking a high-performance flooring solution without breaking the bank.

If you share this perspective and are considering purchasing SPC flooring in Perth, consult our detailed hybrid flooring buying guide first. Once done, you can visit our Guildford store to explore our SPC hybrid flooring designs in Perth. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you find the perfect flooring solution that matches your design vision and budget.