# SPC vs WPC vs LVP: what is the difference?

> LVP is the general name for vinyl plank. SPC and WPC are two types of rigid core: SPC is dense stone and PVC, while WPC is a lighter foamed core that feels softer.

Web page: https://scflooringmasters.com/answers/spc-vs-wpc-vs-lvp

Updated 29 September 2026. Written by SC Flooring Masters.

## In short

- LVP (luxury vinyl plank) is the umbrella term; SPC and WPC describe the core inside the plank.
- SPC has a dense limestone and PVC core that resists dents and stays stable in heat and humidity.
- WPC has a thicker, foamed core that feels softer and warmer but is lighter and easier to dent.

## What do SPC, WPC and LVP mean?

LVP means luxury [vinyl plank](https://scflooringmasters.com/flooring-installation/vinyl-plank.md), the whole category. [SPC](https://scflooringmasters.com/flooring/spc.md) and WPC are two ways of building its core.

SPC stands for stone-plastic composite, sometimes called stone-polymer composite. WPC stands for wood-plastic composite; many WPC cores today are foamed PVC with little or no wood. There is also flexible LVP, a thinner plank with no rigid core that is glued to the subfloor.

All three share the same top layers: a printed design film and a clear [wear layer](https://scflooringmasters.com/answers/wear-layer-explained.md) that protects it. The core is what changes how the floor feels, sounds and copes with the slab below.

## What is SPC flooring?

SPC flooring is vinyl plank with a rigid core made mostly of limestone powder bound with PVC. The core is thin, dense and waterproof.

Because it is so dense, SPC resists dents from furniture legs and dropped items. It also moves very little with temperature and [humidity](https://scflooringmasters.com/answers/best-flooring-florida-humidity.md), which helps near sunny glass doors and in homes left closed up in summer. Most SPC planks click together and float over the subfloor, often with a foam pad bonded to the back.

The SPC [collections in our catalogue](https://scflooringmasters.com/flooring.md) run from 4.5 mm to 8 mm thick, with wear layers from 12 to 30 mil.

## What is WPC flooring?

WPC flooring is vinyl plank with a foamed composite core. It is thicker and lighter than SPC for the same overall size.

The air in the foamed core makes WPC feel softer and a little warmer, and it can soak up some footstep noise. The trade-off is dent resistance: a heavy fridge or a sharp dropped object can leave a mark more easily than on SPC. WPC is also waterproof, since the core is plastic-based.

## How do SPC, WPC and flexible LVP compare?

The table shows how the three types usually differ. Always read the spec sheet for the product you are pricing.

| Feature | SPC | WPC | Flexible LVP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Limestone powder and PVC | Foamed composite | No rigid core |
| Rigidity | Very rigid | Rigid but lighter | Flexible |
| Install method | Click-lock, floating | Click-lock, floating | Glue-down |
| Dent resistance | High | Lower | Moderate; follows the subfloor |
| Feel underfoot | Firm; softer with a pad | Softer and warmer | Thin and firm |
| Heat and sun | Very stable | Moves a little more | Stable once bonded |
| Slab prep | Bridges small dips | Bridges small dips | Needs a very smooth slab |

## Is SPC or WPC better for Florida homes?

SPC is usually the better fit for [Central Florida](https://scflooringmasters.com/service-areas.md). Most homes here sit on concrete slabs, and SPC stays stable through heat, humidity and strong afternoon sun.

SPC also handles the traffic that comes with pools and sandy yards. Wet feet, beach bags and pet claws are easier on a dense core. WPC can still work well in bedrooms or upstairs rooms where softness matters more than dent resistance.

## When does glue-down vinyl make more sense?

Glue-down vinyl makes sense in large open areas, busy shops and [offices](https://scflooringmasters.com/answers/best-flooring-for-offices.md), and rooms where rolling loads would stress click joints. Bonded to the slab, it cannot shift or separate.

It is thinner, so the slab has to be smoother; any bump shows through. The glue-down collection in our catalogue is 2 mm thick with a 20 mil wear layer. It is also easier to replace a single plank on a glued floor, which suits commercial spaces.

## Does a thicker plank mean a better floor?

Not on its own. Thickness adds stiffness and comfort, but the wear layer decides how the surface lasts.

A thicker rigid plank bridges small dips in the slab and feels more solid when you walk on it. An [attached pad](https://scflooringmasters.com/answers/vinyl-plank-buying-guide.md) adds quiet; in our catalogue the pads run from 1 mm to 2 mm of foam. Compare thickness, wear layer and pad together, then choose the look.

## Which type is quietest?

WPC is naturally a little quieter because of its foamed core. SPC closes most of that gap when it has a foam pad bonded to the back.

Sound is measured with two ratings. IIC (impact insulation class) covers footsteps heard in the room below, and STC (sound transmission class) covers voices and other airborne noise. Higher numbers are quieter. The padded SPC collections in our catalogue list IIC ratings from 69 to 78 and STC ratings from 68 to 75.

If you live in a condo, your association may set a minimum rating or require a separate underlayment. Ask for its rules in writing before you order, and check that the product's tested ratings meet them.

## What does the slab need before any of them go down?

Every type needs a slab that is clean, dry and flat to the manufacturer's tolerance. The floating types forgive a little more; glue-down forgives less.

We check the slab for flatness and moisture before we price. If grinding or levelling is needed, it appears as its own line on your itemised estimate.

## Choosing with us

We supply and install SPC vinyl plank and glue-down vinyl, so we can show you both side by side. Bring a photo of the room and a rough size, and we will talk through the core, wear layer and pad that fit how you use it.

Contractors can buy by the carton with pickup in Orlando or delivery to the job site. We confirm stock before you pay a deposit, and every estimate is written and itemised.

## Related service

- [Vinyl plank installation](https://scflooringmasters.com/flooring-installation/vinyl-plank.md)

## More on this topic

- [A buyer's guide to vinyl plank](https://scflooringmasters.com/answers/vinyl-plank-buying-guide.md): Vinyl plank is now the most popular floor in Central Florida homes. Here is what to look for, how it is installed and how to keep it looking good.
- [Vinyl plank vs tile: which is better for your home?](https://scflooringmasters.com/answers/vinyl-plank-vs-tile.md): Neither wins everywhere. Vinyl plank is warmer, quieter and faster to lay, while porcelain tile lasts longer and shrugs off heat, sand and pool water. The right pick depends on the room.
- [Vinyl plank vs laminate: which should you choose?](https://scflooringmasters.com/answers/vinyl-plank-vs-laminate.md): For most Central Florida homes on concrete slabs, vinyl plank is the safer choice because its core does not absorb water. Laminate can suit dry rooms but reacts badly to moisture.
- [Vinyl plank wear layer explained](https://scflooringmasters.com/answers/wear-layer-explained.md): The wear layer is the clear film on top of vinyl plank that takes foot traffic. For most family homes, 20–22 mil is a sound choice; 12 mil suits light use and 30 mil suits heavy wear.
- [Condo flooring sound rules in Florida](https://scflooringmasters.com/answers/condo-flooring-sound-rules.md): Florida's building code sets a minimum sound rating for floors between units, and most condo associations add their own, stricter rules. Get written approval before you order a hard floor.

## Contact

- Business: SC Flooring Masters LLC
- Address: 5104 N Orange Blossom Trail Unit 117, Orlando, FL 32810
- Phone: 407-496-0229
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Service area: Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Volusia, Brevard, Polk counties, Florida
- Installation estimate: https://scflooringmasters.com/request-estimate
- Trade pricing: https://scflooringmasters.com/request-trade-quote