SPC Flooring vs. Laminate: What’s the Difference & Which is Better for Your Home?

If you’re deciding between SPC flooring and laminate flooring for your home or business, you’re not alone. Both options have their strengths, but choosing the right one depends on factors like durability, water resistance, and long-term value. In this guide, we’ll compare SPC flooring vs. laminate flooring, highlighting why rigid core SPC flooring is often the better choice

With years of experience in the flooring industry, we’ve seen firsthand how SPC rigid core flooring outperforms traditional laminate in key areas like water resistance, durability, and ease of installation. As a leading provider of SPC flooring in Australia, Ross’s has helped countless homeowners and businesses select the best flooring for their needs. This article provides a detailed, expert-backed comparison of SPC vs. laminate flooring, using industry standards and real-world data.

Let’s dive into the key differences between SPC vinyl flooring and laminate flooring to help you choose the best option for your space. Whether you’re considering wooden SPC flooring or a classic laminate look, we’ll break down everything you need to know.

Now that we’ve outlined the key differences, let’s take a closer look at each aspect in detail, from durability and installation to cost and design options, so you can confidently choose the best flooring for your space.

Durability & Wear Resistance

Durability and wear resistance are essential factors when choosing flooring, as they determine how well it can handle daily use, heavy foot traffic, and potential damage. A durable floor not only lasts longer but also saves you money on repairs and replacements, making it a smart investment for any home or business.

SPC Flooring: Built for Durability

SPC flooring is designed to withstand daily wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas in both homes and businesses. Our range at Ross’s Discount Home Centre features a protective wear layer that is tested under EN 660-2 abrasion standards. This ensures exceptional scratch resistance, preventing surface damage from furniture movement, pet claws, and heavy foot traffic.

The rigid core composition, made from natural calcium carbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and stabilisers, enhances impact resistance. It meets ASTM C648 breaking strength standards, meaning it can withstand high pressure and accidental drops without denting. Additionally, SPC flooring maintains dimensional stability, meaning it won’t expand, contract, or warp due to temperature or humidity changes, even in extreme climate conditions.

Laminate Flooring: Where It Falls Short

Laminate flooring offers decent impact resistance, but its HDF or plywood core makes it vulnerable to moisture damage. ASTM C1027 abrasion testing confirms that laminate has a lower wear resistance rating compared to SPC, meaning it may show signs of wear faster in high-traffic areas.

If exposed to moisture, laminate can warp, swell, or delaminate, leading to structural instability over time. Unlike SPC, which maintains dimensional stability, laminate flooring is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, potentially leading to gaps or buckling.

Why SPC Flooring is the Better Choice

The advantages of SPC flooring include its waterproofing, superior wear layer protection, and unmatched durability. It excels in scratch resistance, impact resistance, and dimensional stability, making it the best choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces.

While SPC flooring disadvantages include a higher initial cost, it meets higher industry durability standards, making it a better long-term investment than laminate flooring.

Verdict: If you’re looking for low-maintenance, ultra-durable flooring, SPC flooring is the smartest choice due to its higher scratch resistance, superior wear layer, and rigid core strength.

Water & Moisture Resistance

Choosing the right flooring means considering how well it handles moisture and spills. Areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms require water-resistant flooring to prevent warping, swelling, and long-term damage. Understanding how different flooring types perform under these conditions will help you make the best choice for your home.

SPC Flooring: Superior Waterproofing

Our SPC flooring is 100% waterproof, making it the best choice for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. Its Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) core is completely impermeable, preventing water from seeping through the surface and damaging the subfloor.

• ASTM F2199 Dimensional Stability Testing confirms that SPC flooring maintains its shape even in humid conditions, unlike laminate.
• IXPE Underlayment Technology provides additional mildew resistance, preventing mould growth in damp environments.

Even with prolonged water exposure, SPC flooring does not swell, warp, or delaminate, making it a hassle-free choice for high-moisture environments.

Laminate Flooring: Prone to Moisture Issues

Laminate flooring, while often marketed as moisture-resistant, is not fully waterproof. Its High-Density Fibreboard (HDF) or plywood core can absorb moisture, leading to warping, swelling, and even peeling over time.

• ASTM C1027 Wear Layer Testing shows that laminate flooring’s moisture protection is surface-level only—water can seep into the edges and seams if spills are not cleaned quickly.
• Humidity Sensitivity: Changes in temperature and humidity cause laminate flooring to expand and contract, leading to gaps between planks.

For this reason, laminate flooring is unsuitable for high-moisture areas without constant maintenance and preventative sealing.

Why SPC Flooring is the Better Choice

When comparing SPC vinyl flooring vs. laminate flooring, the difference is clear. Our SPC flooring range is 100% waterproof, dimensionally stable, and resistant to mould and mildew, making it the best option for wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. Its rigid core prevents swelling and warping, ensuring long-term durability even in high-moisture environments.

Laminate flooring, on the other hand, struggles with moisture absorption due to its HDF or plywood core. Even with surface protection, water can seep into the seams, causing swelling, warping, or even delamination over time. This makes laminate flooring less suitable for areas prone to humidity and spills, requiring careful maintenance to prevent long-term damage.

Verdict: If you need a waterproof flooring solution that can handle moisture, spills, and humidity, SPC flooring is the superior choice.

Installation & Maintenance

Choosing the right flooring isn’t just about style—it’s about practicality. Easy installation and low maintenance can save time, effort, and money in the long run. Whether you’re taking on a DIY flooring project or looking for something that stands up to daily wear, finding a balance between simplicity and durability is key.

SPC Flooring: The Simpler Choice

Our SPC flooring is designed for quick, hassle-free installation, making it a go-to option for Perth homeowners and professionals alike. Thanks to its Unilin Click-Lock system, planks snap securely into place without the need for adhesives, ensuring a seamless fit that prevents shifting or gapping over time.

Another major advantage of SPC is its minimal subfloor preparation. Unlike laminate, which requires a completely level surface, SPC can be laid over existing tiles, concrete, or other hard surfaces, making it an ideal choice for renovations. Once installed, maintenance is effortless. Its protective wear layer resists stains, scratches, and spills, meaning a simple sweep and occasional mop is all it takes to keep it looking brand new.

Laminate Flooring: More Work, More Care

Laminate flooring also features a floating click system, making it relatively DIY-friendly. However, it requires more precise handling than SPC to ensure long-term stability. Subfloor preparation is crucial—any unevenness can cause planks to shift, creak, or buckle over time, meaning additional levelling may be necessary before installation.

Moisture is another challenge. While laminate flooring has a surface-level moisture resistance, its HDF core is highly absorbent, making it prone to warping and swelling if exposed to water. Unlike SPC, which is completely waterproof, laminate requires careful maintenance—spills must be wiped up immediately to prevent long-term damage.

Why SPC Flooring is the Better Option

When it comes to SPC flooring installation vs. laminate, the differences are clear. SPC offers a faster, easier installation process, requires less subfloor preparation, and is completely waterproof, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Laminate, on the other hand, demands more careful handling and regular upkeep to avoid damage in moisture-prone areas.

Verdict: If you want a durable, low-maintenance, and DIY-friendly flooring option, SPC flooring is the superior choice. Its versatility, simple upkeep, and waterproof core make it a practical investment for modern homes and businesses.

Environmental Impact & Safety

When choosing flooring, it’s important to consider how it affects indoor air quality, environmental sustainability, and overall safety. Flooring materials can impact the air you breathe and reflect your commitment to eco-friendly living.

SPC Flooring: A Safer, Greener Choice

Our SPC flooring is completely formaldehyde-free, making it one of the safest flooring options for indoor air quality. Unlike laminate, which contains adhesives and resins, SPC flooring is made using PVC and natural calcium carbonate, ensuring it emits zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

In addition to being healthier for your home, SPC flooring is also an eco-friendly choice. Its composition includes recyclable materials, reducing its environmental footprint. Because of its exceptional durability, SPC flooring lasts for decades, minimising waste from frequent replacements. This longevity makes it a sustainable investment for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Laminate Flooring: Sustainable but Less Safe

Laminate flooring has become more environmentally friendly in recent years, with many manufacturers reducing formaldehyde emissions in compliance with E1 and E0 air quality standards. However, it still contains adhesives and resins, which can release small amounts of VOCs over time, affecting indoor air quality, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

From a sustainability standpoint, laminate flooring has an advantage—it uses fast-growing plantation wood, making it a renewable material. However, due to its HDF core, laminate is more susceptible to moisture damage, leading to earlier replacements and more landfill waste compared to SPC.

Why SPC Flooring Stands Out

SPC flooring takes the lead with its zero formaldehyde emissions, making it a safer and healthier choice for bedrooms, living spaces, and homes with children or allergy sufferers. Its recyclable materials and long lifespan further reduce its environmental impact. This is why SPC flooring in Australia has become a preferred choice—it delivers both safety and sustainability without compromise.

Verdict: If you want low-VOC, non-toxic, and eco-friendly flooring, SPC flooring is the superior choice. It provides a healthier indoor environment while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Aesthetic Appeal & Design Options

Flooring plays a key role in shaping a home’s overall aesthetic. Whether you prefer the classic warmth of timber or the sophisticated look of stone, both SPC and laminate flooring offer a wide range of realistic finishes. However, while both provide stunning visual appeal, SPC flooring stands out for its ability to combine beauty with long-term practicality.

SPC Flooring: Stylish and Practical

SPC flooring features a high-definition decorative film that authentically replicates natural materials like wood, stone, and tile. Advanced printing and embossing technology enhances texture, delivering a realistic feel underfoot that closely mimics genuine hardwood or natural stone surfaces.

Beyond its realistic appearance, SPC offers versatile design choices, from modern greys and neutral tones to warm timber hues. Matte, glossy, and embossed finishes further elevate the visual depth of each plank, ensuring it complements contemporary, rustic, or traditional interior styles. Unlike laminate, SPC flooring maintains its original beauty in all environments, including moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

Laminate Flooring: Versatile Designs

Like SPC, laminate flooring uses a photo-realistic image layer to replicate natural materials, allowing homeowners to achieve the look of genuine hardwood or stone at a lower cost. Laminate excels in colour variation, offering a broad range of patterns, tones, and textures that suit diverse design aesthetics.

However, while laminate may match SPC in visual appeal, it lacks the waterproof properties needed for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and high-moisture spaces. Exposure to water can cause warping or fading, making it a less practical option for long-term design durability.

Why SPC Flooring Wins for Practicality

Both SPC and laminate flooring provide stunning design options, making them excellent choices for modern interiors. However, SPC’s waterproof nature, enhanced textures, and long-lasting appearance give it a distinct advantage. If you’re looking for beautiful yet functional flooring that withstands moisture, foot traffic, and time, SPC flooring is the superior choice.

Verdict: SPC flooring offers the same stylish designs as laminate but with superior durability and waterproof protection.

Cost & Budget

When choosing flooring, cost and budget are key factors to consider. It’s not just about the upfront price—long-term durability and maintenance costs play a crucial role in overall value. Comparing SPC vs. laminate flooring ensures you make the best financial investment for your home.

SPC Flooring: A Worthwhile Investment

SPC flooring offers exceptional value for money, balancing affordability with durability. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, SPC flooring starts at around $30/m², making it a mid-range investment that pays off long-term. Its waterproof properties, high wear resistance, and low maintenance costs ensure minimal repair or replacement expenses over time. Unlike laminate, SPC flooring is built to last, making it a cost-effective solution for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas.

Laminate Flooring: Lower Cost, More Maintenance

Laminate flooring has a lower upfront cost, with budget options available at $19.95/m² from major retailers like National Tiles. Higher-end laminate can cost up to $49.95/m², but even premium options struggle to match SPC’s durability. While laminate may save money initially, hidden costs can add up—water damage can lead to expensive repairs or early replacements, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where moisture exposure is common.

Why SPC Flooring is the Better Choice

The answer to the question “Is SPC flooring better than laminate?” lies in its long-term value. Our SPC flooring costs slightly more upfront but lasts longer and requires less upkeep, making it the smarter financial decision. With greater durability, waterproof protection, and fewer maintenance concerns, SPC flooring delivers a stronger return on investment.

Verdict: While laminate flooring is cheaper upfront, SPC flooring saves money in the long run with superior durability and minimal maintenance costs.

Conclusion: SPC Flooring is the Better Choice

Laminate flooring might suit buyers on a tight budget, but SPC flooring outshines it in every key area. SPC offers unmatched durability, full waterproofing, and minimal maintenance needs. These features save you money and effort in the long run, making it the smarter investment. If you want a flooring option that looks great, lasts longer, and handles daily wear with ease, SPC flooring is the clear winner.

Looking for SPC flooring in Perth? Explore our range of high-quality, affordable SPC flooring at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. With styles to suit every home and unbeatable value, we’re here to help make your flooring upgrade a breeze. Visit us today to find the perfect fit for your home!