what is rigid core vinyl plank flooring

SPC flooringstands for Stone Plastic Composite. Known for being 100% waterproof with unparalleled durability, these engineered luxury vinyl planks use advanced technologies to beautifully mimic natural wood and stone at a lower price point. SPC's signature rigid core is virtually indestructible, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic and commercial environments.

It seems like just yesterday that WPC vinyl was the new talk-of-the-industry flooring product. I mean, to be honest, it’s only been the “it” thing for the last few years, which is still considered pretty new in the flooring world.

What is Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

Rigid core luxury vinyl flooring, also known as SPC flooring, is the most durable waterproof vinyl flooring option on the market.

You know how vinyl has a reputation for being flexible and less sturdy than traditional wood or laminate? Well, WPC vinyl is pretty darn sturdy, but SPC rigid core luxury vinyl flooring is like standing on concrete.

This small, thin flooring may seem like it doesn’t have much unf to it, but it is the toughest of the tough, specially designed to withstand the use and abuse of commercial environments.

Like WPC, SPC rigid core vinyl flooring is the top of the line for not just functionality but looks, as well. With rigid core vinyl, you’ll see all the hottest wood and stone-look trends and colors in beautiful, convincing planks and tiles.

What Does SPC Stand For?

SPC is industry lingo for Stone Plastic Composite or Stone Polymer Composite (these terms are used interchangeably). It describes the ultra-tough core of rigid core luxury vinyl flooring. The stone plastic composite makes that core layer virtually indestructible, maintaining its form even on top of uneven subfloors.

SPC rigid core luxury vinyl flooring is typically comprised of 4 layers.

Backing Layer: This is the backbone of your plank.

SPC Core: This is the main attraction! SPC flooring contains a solid, waterproof WPC core. It won’t ripple, swell or peel no matter much liquid you subject it to. This core is ultra-dense with no foaming agents like you’ll find in traditional WPC flooring. It gives you slightly less resilience underfoot, but it makes the flooring a superhero in the durability department.

Printed Vinyl Layer: This is where you get your gorgeous photo imagery that makes the vinyl look (nearly) identical to natural materials like stone and wood. Often, rigid core luxury vinyl flooring is the highest quality vinyl on the market. This means you get the most realistic looks that people will swear are real wood/stone!

Wear Layer: Just like with traditional vinyl, the wear layer is like your bodyguard; it helps protect your floor from dents, scratches, etc. The thicker the wear layer, the buffer your bodyguard. SPC flooring is known for having a buff, beefy wear layer offering more protection. When you look at vinyl flooring, it’s just as (if not more) important to look at wear layer thickness as plank thickness.