So, you’re thinking about new floors and keep hearing about WPC vinyl. But what is WPC vinyl plank flooring, anyway? This popular flooring option offers practicality, durability, and style. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about WPC vinyl plank flooring: its composition, installation, pros, cons, and ideal applications. WPC flooring is also a popular vinyl buying option.
WPC vinyl flooring gives you the look of hardwood or tile without the high cost or intensive maintenance. Let's explore what makes WPC flooring stand out and why it might be the perfect choice for your home or business.
Table Of Contents:
- Wood Plastic Composite Vinyl? A Deep Dive into its Construction
- How It Differs from SPC
- Perks of WPC Planks: Advantages That Stand Out
- WPC Flooring Drawbacks
- Ideal Applications for This Versatile Floor
- FAQs about WPC Floors
- Conclusion
Wood Plastic Composite Vinyl? A Deep Dive into its Construction
WPC flooring stands for wood plastic composite and its a luxury vinyl floor with a rigid core. The core is made from a glob or composite materials made of wood fiber/wood flour and thermoplastics, plastic resins, and a foaming agent. This core gives WPC vinyl flooring strength, stability, and waterproof qualities. Several key components are used when manufacturing these core vinyl floor planks.
The wear layer is on top of the image layer that protects the floor. The vinyl design layer or image layer mimics natural wood or tile. The WPC stands for wood polymer composite and this core gives the plank its durability. An EVA backing may be added for insulation and cushioning on each wpc board.
How It Differs from SPC
WPC is often compared to other vinyl floors like SPC (Stone Plastic Composite or stone polymer composite). Both of these options are luxury vinyl flooring options. But there are some key differences.
Traditional LVP has a flexible core, but WPC’s core is rigid, increasing its durability. It's a vinyl flooring type well suited to masking subfloor imperfections, especially with DIY installs. The wood-plastic composite core explains the nickname given by many installers: "the concrete vinyl." This nickname perfectly explains the flooring's durability.
SPC flooring has a rigid core and is quickly becoming a popular choice among consumers and flooring manufacturers. Although similar, the wear layer offers different degrees of durability.
Perks of WPC Planks: Advantages That Stand Out
What makes WPC LVP so unique among other flooring options? It is completely waterproof. WPC is made to copy the looks of solid hardwood while also providing the benefits of waterproof laminate. It is made using waterproof vinyl.
It’s ideal for moisture-prone areas, including kitchens and bathrooms. It’s incredibly durable, holding up well in busy households and high-traffic commercial areas. WPC planks are perfect for basements.
With WPC planks, minimal prep is required because it goes over almost any hard surface such as tile or wood floors. Spills are easy to clean because of the waterproof wood composite core.
WPC products resist scratches and water damage due to the wood-plastic composite core. Digital printing techniques make the flooring look incredibly realistic. It is easy to install wpc boards when compared to traditional wood floors.
WPC tile panels and planks often uses a click-lock system for easy installation. The easy install system is quicker than glue-down flooring since there's no drying time. Regular sweeping or vacuuming takes care of maintenance. Engineered hardwood requires similar upkeep.
WPC Flooring Drawbacks
WPC has advantages, but there are also drawbacks to consider. Compared to solid hardwood, WPC doesn't feel the same underfoot. While solid hardwood has a more natural tactile sensation, rigid core vinyl floors like WPC do not. The WPC core can potentially expand or contract in areas with fluctuating temperatures.
Compared to SPC, WPC’s wood plastic core has more give. SPC’s limestone core doesn’t have as much give and may crack under pressure. It is known to be one of the most durable waterproof flooring options.
Ideal Applications for This Versatile Floor
Because WPC is incredibly durable and waterproof, it's a top pick among other rigid core flooring options for those seeking durability and function. WPC shines in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. It is also an excellent option for homeowners or renters looking to install flooring over sheet vinyl. Its waterproof core is great for homeowners looking to avoid water damage in their homes.
Commercial flooring is another great use case for WPC due to its resistance to dents and scratches. It also works well in homes with pets or kids. Its composite core, waterproof vinyl, and plastic composite core give it superior strength to the stresses of pets and active children.
FAQs about WPC Floors
What are the disadvantages of a WPC floor?
WPC flooring can be softer than SPC flooring and more prone to dents. The wood and plastic composite core can expand and contract under extreme temperature changes.
Which is better, WPC or SPC Vinyl Floors?
WPC is a type of vinyl floor but with a rigid core. A rigid core is shared between SPC and WPC vinyl plank floors. SPC is a tougher and denser product but WPC is softer underfoot. The costs, desired style, and installations will be identical. What you value most in a floor will bring you to purchase the best one for your home.
Does WPC scratch easily?
WPC flooring generally resists scratches thanks to its wear layer. It is a softer core than most hard surface floors so dents are more of a trouble spot. Over time some scratches will appear due to general wear and tear. This should be expected from WPC core, along with other waterproof flooring.
Is WPC 100% waterproof?
Yes, WPC flooring is 100% waterproof because it contains a waterproof core. This core helps protect the wood and plastic material against moisture damage. The waterproof wpc core also makes it ideal for those looking for a long lasting, water resistant floor.
Conclusion
Choosing flooring can feel overwhelming. This guide explains WPC vinyl plank flooring is and helps you decide if it’s right for you. WPC’s waterproof nature and durability makes it a great flooring option for various budgets and styles. You can install it over almost any hard floor surface. Choosing between wpc or spc is more about style and feel when making your ideal flooring choice.
