SPC vs WPC Flooring: Which Is Better? Pros, Cons and Real Prices

SPC is the tougher, cheaper, more stable floor. WPC is the softer, quieter, warmer floor. Both are 100% waterproof vinyl plank that clicks together and floats over the subfloor.

If you have dogs, heavy furniture, big sunny windows or a busy kitchen, choose SPC. If you want the most comfortable floor for bedrooms or an upstairs room and do not mind paying a little more, choose WPC.

SPC stands for stone plastic composite. The core is a dense mix of limestone powder and PVC, which is why it is called rigid core. It is thinner and heavier than WPC for its size.

That dense core is what makes SPC hard to dent and very stable: it barely expands or contracts when a room heats up or cools down.

WPC stands for wood plastic composite. The core is foamed, so it is lighter and has a little give, which feels softer and warmer underfoot and quiets footsteps.

The tradeoff is that a soft core can dent under concentrated weight, like a heavy dresser leg or a dropped can.

Dents and heavy furniture: SPC wins.

Scratches: a tie, because scratch resistance comes from the wear layer, not the core. A 20 mil wear layer or thicker is what holds up to dog nails.

Comfort and noise: WPC wins.

Temperature swings and sunrooms: SPC wins.

Waterproof: both.

Price: SPC wins. Our SPC starts at $1.70 per square foot; our Premium WPC is $3.50.

SPC 5mm with a 12 mil wear layer: $1.70 per sq ft, or $3.45 installed.

SPC Made in USA 5mm with a 20 mil wear layer: $1.99 per sq ft, or $3.74 installed.

SPC Made in USA 6.5mm wide plank with a 22 mil wear layer: $2.79 per sq ft, or $4.54 installed.

SPC 8mm premium wide plank with a 28 mil diamond-coated wear layer: $3.49 per sq ft, or $5.24 installed.

WPC 8mm Premium with a 20 mil wear layer: $3.50 per sq ft, or $5.25 installed.

Installation is by our own crews at $1.75 per sq ft over a sound, level slab. Tear-out, leveling, stairs and trim are quoted after a measure. Contractors can ask for contractor pricing.

Kitchens, entryways, laundry rooms and bathrooms: SPC.

Living rooms with dogs or kids: SPC with a 20 mil wear layer or thicker.

Rooms with big south or west windows: SPC, because it stays stable in heat.

Bedrooms, home offices and upstairs rooms: WPC if comfort and quiet matter most, otherwise SPC.

Rentals and flips: SPC, for the price and the dent resistance.

The fastest way to decide is to stand on both. Both stores have samples of every plank to see in person: our Waco warehouse at 2919 Mary Ave and our Liberty Hill showroom at 126 Holmes Rd Unit 24. Warehouse Direct floors can go home the same day.