What are the differences between PVC, SPC and WPC flooring?
Jul 15, 2025
From a category perspective, PVC flooring is widely used in various scenarios because it is mainly made of polyvinyl chloride. All floors made mainly of polyvinyl chloride can be classified as PVC floors. The new types of flooring such as LVT, SPC and WPC also fall under the category of PVC flooring. The main differences among them lie in the different materials added, thus forming their own unique subcategories.
SPC flooring is popular in Europe, America and Southeast Asia due to its water resistance, moisture resistance and relatively low installation cost. SPC flooring, as a type of rigid plastic flooring, also has a certain degree of flexibility, but compared with LVT flooring, its flexibility is less impressive. This type of flooring is commonly known as stone crystal flooring in common parlour, while in Hong Kong and Taiwan regions, it is called stone plastic flooring or plastic stone flooring. SPC flooring is widely popular in Europe, America and Southeast Asia, especially in Southeast Asia. It not only has a fashionable appearance but also excellent waterproof and moisture-proof properties. Moreover, its installation cost is lower than that of floor tiles, and it saves a lot of installation time.
WPC flooring, which contains wood powder or is a new variety without wood fiber, is relatively thick and suitable for outdoor use. As a type of semi-rigid sheet plastic flooring, WPC flooring is often referred to as wood-plastic flooring. This is attributed to the wood powder component it contains, which has given it this special name. However, with the development of technology, WPC flooring without wood fibers has now appeared on the market. This type of flooring can be completely regarded as stone plastic flooring.
LVT flooring is flexible and moderately priced, making it suitable for large-scale installation in commercial projects. LVT flooring, a type of elastic flooring with soft and flexible properties, is known in the professional field as "semi-rigid sheet plastic flooring". Its unique feature lies in its ability to be easily bent into rolls. In terms of price, the market retail price of LVT flooring is moderate, roughly ranging from tens to two hundred yuan. In the past, this type of floor was more common in commercial projects. Due to its high requirements for floor conditions and the need for professional personnel to carry out the construction, it was usually only suitable for large-scale laying to ensure the quality and effect of the construction.
The components of various types of flooring are different. The main component of PVC flooring is polyvinyl chloride. SPC flooring, on the other hand, is made by mixing 25% polyvinyl chloride with 75% calcium carbonate powder and is a type of rigid sheet flooring. LVT flooring is mainly composed of polyvinyl chloride and a small amount of calcium carbonate powder is added. It belongs to semi-rigid sheet flooring. Similarly, WPC flooring is also based on polyvinyl chloride and wood powder is added, which forms its unique semi-rigid property.
Different types of flooring can be applied in various scenarios such as homes, schools, shopping malls and outdoors due to their characteristics. PVC flooring is widely used in many Spaces such as homes, hospitals, schools, shopping malls, factories and offices due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. LVT flooring is mainly suitable for places such as schools, kindergartens, playrooms and offices that require safety and easy cleaning. WPC flooring, due to its unique semi-rigid property and weather resistance, is more suitable for outdoor use, although a small amount is also applied indoors. SPC flooring is suitable for places such as homes, hotels, restaurants, schools and hospitals that require high wear resistance and easy maintenance.
In terms of thickness, WPC is the thickest, followed by SPC, and LVT and PVC are the thinnest. In terms of thickness, the thickness of WPC flooring usually reaches over 8MM, making it thicker than other types of flooring. The thickness of SPC flooring is usually within the range of 4 to 7MM, while the thickness of LVT flooring generally does not exceed 5MM. As for PVC flooring, its standard thickness is 2MM or 3MM, which is light, thin and easy to curl for transportation.
In terms of installation, PVC and LVT are easy to install, while WPC and SPC each have their specific installation methods. From the perspective of installation methods, PVC plastic flooring, as a roll flooring, is highly suitable for large-scale installation, with a short construction period and simple installation. LVT flooring, on the other hand, offers a variety of installation methods based on product styles, including adhesive bonding and locking, etc. WPC outdoor paving is relatively complex. Usually, the keel needs to be fixed first, and then the WPC floor is assembled. SPC flooring, on the other hand, features a locking design, making the installation process simple and even easy for individuals to handle.
