Rigid Core Explained: Why SPC is the Future of Waterproof Flooring

LVT Types

 Broadly speaking, LVT flooring comes in two types:

 - Flexible LVT – this type of LVT is made predominantly from vinyl, making it thin and pliable. The most common installation method for flexible LVT is the “glue down” method, sometimes referred to as “stick down”, where the LVT is bound to the floor using adhesive.

 Although flexible LVT can come in a “loose lay” format, which uses its high friction backing to keep it stuck to the floor.

 - Rigid core LVT – this type has a thick core added to the vinyl layers, improving stability and making installation easier. The thick core of rigid LVT is either:

 o Stone polymer composite (SPC) – the core is made up of limestone powder and PVC stabilisers.

o Wood polymer composite (WPC) – the core is made up of wood powder and PVC

 The most common installation method for rigid core LVT is the click method. Each rigid core LVT plank has grooves on the end which allow planks to lock together firmly. As no adhesive is applied to the floor, the locking system is sometimes referred to as a “floating floor”, as nothing is technically binding the LVT planks to the floor

 Confusingly, most flooring companies advertise LVT by the installation method, either click of glue down. Whilst you are usually safe to assume that glue down is “flexible” LVT and click LVT has a “rigid core”, it is always best to double check.

The benefits of Rigid Core LVT

Durability

 As the name suggests, rigid core LVT planks have a thick core made from either a stone or wood powder mix. The resulting planks are thicker and more rigid and in the long term, a floor made from rigid LVT is more durable.

 The thicker rigid core planks, if they have an adequate wear layer, will be more resistant to wear and tear from dropped objects or sliding furniture as compared to flexible LVT, which is thinner and more prone to damage.

Waterproofing

 And whilst both glue down and rigid core LVT are fully waterproof, the locking system of click LVT is likely to seal the surface from water spills, whilst there is a higher chance of spills slipping through the seams of glue down LVT, and damaging the adhesive below it.

Ease of Installation

 Flexible LVT with a glue down installation method requires the careful and comprehensive spreading of adhesive on the LVT planks to bind them to the floor. As flexible LVT is thinner and more pliable than rigid core, it does not cover subfloor imperfections as well, and therefore a greater amount of effort is needed to prepare the subfloor before the LVT can be installed. All in all, a tricky job even for adept DIYers, and one which will probably require a professional fitter.

 Rigid core LVT on the other hand is much easier to fit. It is both straightforward and free from adhesives. Depending on the click system, planks can be attached to one another through their grooves, and using a rubber mallet with a tapping block against the edge ensures a tight, secure lock without damaging the plank. The installation is much more likely to be at the level of a DIYer, and little if any pre-floor preparation is likely to be needed,

Pre-floor preparation/underlay

 Glue down LVT is thin and flexible, and any lumps and bumps in the subfloor are likely to show through the surface. This means that the subfloor must be smoothed out perfectly before the LVT is laid. Moreover, it is unlikely that flexible LVT is sold with a pre-attached underlay, so underlay will need to be both paid for separately and laid out before the LVT can be fitted in.

 It is mostly the norm these days that rigid core LVT is sold with a pre-attached underlay. Moreover, the thick core means that once the planks are clicked and locked into place, bumps and lumps are likely to “bridged” and will not be visible above the surface. There is thus likely to be a sizeable saving in both time of installation and cost of pre-floor preparation/underlay.

Price

 If we assess the cost of the LVT planks alone, it is generally the case the flexible “glue down” LVT is cheaper than click “rigid core” LVT, as flexible LVT is thinner and easier to manufacture.

 However, as we have noted above, there are many other costs to factor into the comparison, including:

 o The cost of the adhesive

o Subfloor preparation

o Fitting costs, as professional fitters may take longer to fit glue down LVT than click LVT

 Taking account of all these factors, it may actually be the case that click LVT is cheaper, but in any case, the key to making the comparison is to consider all costs not just the costs of the planks themselves

SPC – the way forward

 If rigid core LVT has several advantages over flexible “glue down” LVT, how about the differences between SPC and WPC. Are both a suitable option for click down LVT or is one better than the other?

 Both SPC and WPC are excellent types of rigid core flooring, but they get their strength and stability from different materials, which gives them unique pros and cons.

 The core of WPC LVT is made from a wood powder mix, which makes it feel slightly softer and quieter underfoot.

 The core of SPC LVT is made from a denser mix of limestone powder. This creates a stronger and more impact resistant surface than WPC, one which is less likely to have wear and tear from dropped objects or sliding furniture.

 The dense stone core of SPC LVT is more stable to changes in temperature. Its minor contractions and expansions with temperature changes make it a superior choice for large rooms, conservatories and rooms with underfloor heating.

Conclusion

 Overall, at Citadel flooring, it is our humble belief that SPC rigid core LVT click flooring is the most durable, long lasting, and easy to fit LVT on the market.

In fact, SPC is so effective, that you will struggle to find retailers selling WPC rigid core in the first place, and many retailers no longer offer a “glue down”  LVT option.