Introduction to SPC Flooring

Stone plastic composite (SPC) flooring is a new type of flooring material that looks and feels similar to stone but is actually comprised of plastic and stone chips. SPC replicates the look of natural stone but is more durable and affordable than the real thing making it an attractive option for both residential and commercial use. SPC flooring consists of a fused mixture of stone chips and plastic polymer which are poured into molds and cured under heat and pressure to form durable planks or tiles in a variety of wood and stone designs.


Benefits of Stone Plastic Composite Flooring

Durability

One of the biggest benefits of SPC flooring is its extreme durability. The material is highly scratch, stain and wear resistant and can withstand heavy foot traffic, moisture, temperature changes and damage from sharp objects much better than laminate, hardwood or tile. Tested SPC floors can withstand indentation forces 5x greater than laminate and even dent resistant. This makes it ideal for high traffic areas like kitchens, entryways, hallways and commercial spaces.

Easy Maintenance

SPC floors are very low maintenance as they do not require waxing or stripping like hardwood and laminate floors. Simple sweeping, vacuuming or damp mopping is usually enough to keep SPC floors looking their best. They are water resistant and will not swell or get damaged from wet cleaning like hardwood or laminate either. Stains from pet accidents, food or water can also typically be cleaned up easily without leaving a permanent mark.

Variety of Designs

Manufacturers offer SPC flooring in a huge selection of wood grain and stone tile visuals to suit any style from rustic lodge to modern urban. The realistic visuals available now closely mimic the looks of expensive hardwood, marble, granite and more. Its possible to get the luxury stone or wood look at a fraction of the cost. Colors, patterns and embossing are very realistic as well allowing SPC to fit in seamlessly in any home.

Comfort

The fused stone and plastic material provides more cushioning underfoot than traditional hard flooring like tile. SPC has a quiet, comfortable feel similar to laminate which makes it a popular choice for bedrooms and living areas. Even heavy stone looks are soft cushioned for walking barefoot indoors.

Affordability

Though a significant initial investment, SPC flooring provides better long-term value than similar natural stone floors or exotic hardwoods that require ongoing sanding and refinishing. Installation costs are reasonable and comparable to other floating floors. Over the lifespan of a home, SPC could save thousands of dollars versus stone, tile or wood alternatives that need extra maintenance or replacement.

Water Resistance

SPC planks and tiles are engineered to resist water penetration and will not swell, warp, delaminate or get damaged from moisture on the surface the way laminate or hardwood floors can. Occasional flooding or water spills can be cleaned up without lasting effects on SPC floors. This makes them suitable for high moisture areas like basements, laundry rooms and bathrooms.

Environmentally Friendly

Manufacturers tout SPC as a green flooring option as the stone material used is usually recyclable material that might otherwise end up in landfills. The manufacturing process fuses the stone without formaldehyde binders. Less transportation is needed versus importing exotic hardwoods as well. Overall the carbon footprint is smaller than natural alternatives.

Types of Stone Plastic Composite Flooring

While all SPC flooring shares these core benefits, there are generally two main types available for residential and light commercial use.

Planks - come in widths and lengths similar to laminate or floating hardwood floors. Tongue and groove edges allow for DIY floating installation over nearly any subfloor. Great for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Tiles - come in smaller rectangular pieces perfect for areas needing flexibility like backsplashes, stair treads or rooms with odd shapes. Can be installed as a floating or glue down option. Ideal for bathrooms and other wet areas.

Drawbacks to Consider

Though a significant improvement over other floor types, SPC does have some minor drawbacks:

Higher Upfront Cost - SPC still carries a premium price tag compared to laminate or vinyl flooring though less than natural stone or solid hardwood. Budget accordingly for materials and professional installation if needed.

Pet Scratching - While very scratch resistant, SPC can still show minor scratches or indentations from pet claws over time in high traffic areas.

Temperature Sensitivity - Extreme hot and cold temperatures could potentially cause slight expansion or contractions, though the material is more stable than wood.

Seam Visibility - The seams between SPC planks may be slightly more visible than real wood since it is a composite material. Proper installation can minimize this.

In Summary

When considering performance, value and versatility, stone plastic composite flooring has become a serious contender for both residential and commercial projects. Offering the luxurious looks of expensive stone or exotic hardwoods without the same ongoing maintenance hurdles, SPC seems poised to become the new norm. As technology improves and more homeowners experience its benefits first hand, demand and availability are sure to grow steadily making SPC potentially the flooring of the future.