Choosing the right flooring material is an important decision for any home or commercial space. The floors not only shape the look and feel of a room, but they also need to be durable, comfortable and functional to suit the demands of the area. With a myriad of options available, it is worthwhile to weigh the pros and cons of different materials to make an informed choice.
Porcelain tiles have long been a preferred choice for flooring, renowned for their durability, timeless appeal and incredible versatility. However, in recent years, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) flooring have emerged as alternatives, offering some unique advantages.
In this blog post, we will explore what LVT and SPC are, and how they compare to porcelain tiles.
What is LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)?
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a type of vinyl flooring that combines the durability of vinyl flooring with the ability to mimic natural materials like wood, stone and ceramic realistically.
LVT comes in a tile format and is constructed with several layers, which include:
- Protective Wear Layer that resists scratches and stains.
- Printed Design Layer that showcases high-definition visuals of natural materials.
- Rigid PVC Backing Layer that provides stability and resilience.
This multi-layered composition allows LVT to be both hardwearing and aesthetically appealing, resistant to wear and tear, scratches and stains, meanwhile providing a softer and more comfortable feel underfoot.
Standout Feature of LVT Flooring
One of the standout features of LVT is its ability to replicate the look and texture of natural materials. Advanced printing and embossing technologies allow for incredibly realistic designs that can closely resemble hardwood, marble, slate and other high-end finishes. This makes LVT a popular choice for those who want the aesthetic visual appeal of natural materials without the associated costs and maintenance.
The Versatility of LVT Flooring
LVT is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of settings. It is commonly found in residential spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and living areas due to its water-resistant properties and easy maintenance.
LVT flooring is also suitable for light commercial use, including offices, retail stores and hospitality environments, where a durable yet stylish flooring option is required.
Installation Process of LVT
LVT flooring offers two installation methods: click-lock and glue-down. The click-lock system allows for a floating installation, while the glue-down method provides additional stability by securing the tiles directly to the subfloor. Unlike SPC flooring, LVT requires a perfectly level subfloor surface to ensure proper installation and prevent unevenness. Its ease of installation makes it a convenient choice for DIY enthusiasts and professional installers alike.
The Drawbacks of LVT Flooring
While LVT flooring offers numerous benefits, it is important to consider its potential drawbacks.
- Fading: One limitation of LVT is its susceptibility to fading when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight, which can affect its appearance in sunlit areas.
- Durability: Although LVT is durable, it is softer due to its vinyl core. While it’s resistant to dents and chips, it might not stand up against heavy impacts from furniture or sharp objects, particularly in high-traffic areas.
- Subfloor Preparation: LVT requires a perfectly level subfloor devoid of dents and obstacles.
- Environmental Impact: While incredibly practical, LVT is not the most environmentally friendly solution, as it is primarily made from synthetic materials like PVC, which are not biodegradable.
- Moisture Concerns: Lastly, while LVT is water-resistant, prolonged exposure to moisture in areas like bathrooms or basements could lead to some issues if the installation is not perfectly sealed.
The Key Differences Between Traditional Vinyl Flooring and LVT
- Traditional Vinyl Flooring: Traditional vinyl flooring is a sheet material that comes in rolls and is glued directly to the subfloor. It is known to be a budget-friendly flooring solution but often lacks the durability, variety and realistic appearance of newer flooring options.
- LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile): LVT, on the other hand, is composed of individual tiles that can be installed in a click-lock system or glued down. LVT offers a wider range of designs and textures, mimicking natural materials like wood and stone. It is also more durable and easier to replace individual tiles if damaged, making it a more versatile and modern choice.
What is SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) Flooring?
SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) flooring is a type of rigid core luxury vinyl floor that combines natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and stabilisers to create an incredibly durable and stable product. It is considered an upgrade to traditional vinyl flooring due to its denser, more rigid core which offers enhanced durability and performance, especially in high-traffic areas or environments with fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels.
Composition of SPC Flooring
SPC flooring has a multi-layered structure, which includes:
- UV Topcoat for added protection.
- Wear Layer to guard against scratches and stains.
- Printed Design Layer mimicking natural materials like wood or stone.
- SPC Core, made from limestone and polymer composite, providing stability and durability.
- Backing Layer, which is cushioned for comfort and sound absorption.
The Key Difference From Traditional Vinyl Flooring
The key difference between SPC and traditional vinyl flooring is the rigid core. Traditional vinyl flooring tends to be more flexible and soft, while SPC’s stone polymer composite core provides a sturdier, more stable base. This added rigidity helps SPC resist dents, impacts and wear better than standard vinyl, making it a preferred choice for more demanding applications.
Durability and Stability Features of SPC
SPC flooring is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to wear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. Its rigid core makes it less likely to expand or contract with temperature changes, ensuring stability even in environments with extreme conditions. Additionally, SPC is 100% waterproof, making it an ideal choice for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms and basements. The flooring is also highly resistant to scratches, dents and stains, offering long-lasting performance in both residential and commercial spaces.
Common Areas of Use for SPC Flooring
SPC flooring is versatile and can be used in a wide range of settings. It is especially popular in:
- Residential spaces, such as kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and basements, due to their waterproof nature and durability.
- Commercial environments, including offices, retail stores, and restaurants, where heavy foot traffic demands a resilient and low-maintenance flooring option.
- Areas with fluctuating temperatures or humidity, such as sunrooms or basements, where the stability of SPC’s rigid core helps maintain the flooring’s integrity.
Installation Process of SPC
SPC flooring features a user-friendly click-lock installation system, similar to laminate flooring. The planks or tiles interlock with each other, creating a secure and tight fit without the need for adhesive. SPC flooring’s rigid structure and floating floor installation method allow it to be installed directly over solid subfloors without requiring additional underlayment, making installation faster and more versatile compared to glue-down LVT.
The Drawbacks of SPC Flooring
While SPC flooring offers numerous advantages, these are some of the limitations:
- Hard Underfoot: Due to its rigid core, SPC flooring can feel harder and less comfortable underfoot compared to softer options like LVT or traditional vinyl.
- Limited Design Flexibility: Although SPC flooring offers a variety of designs that mimic wood and stone, the range of textures and patterns is often more limited compared to LVT, which offers a more extensive selection of designs with a softer, more authentic feel.
- Cold to the Touch: Like porcelain tiles, SPC flooring can feel colder underfoot, especially in rooms without underfloor heating.
- Noise: Without the use of an underlayment, SPC flooring can produce noise when walked on, especially in high-traffic areas.
With its combination of durability, water resistance and ease of installation, SPC flooring is a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications, offering long-term performance with minimal upkeep.
Porcelain Tiles: Reigning Supreme in Home Tiling
Porcelain tiles have long held a prominent position in home design. Their ability to withstand the test of time, combined with their stunning aesthetic, has made them a popular choice for homeowners seeking both beauty and practicality. From classic to contemporary, porcelain tiles offer a wide range of styles to suit any interior design preference.
The Remarkable Thing About Porcelain Tiles
One of the most remarkable qualities of porcelain tiles is their ability to mimic a wide range of natural materials. With advanced manufacturing techniques, porcelain tiles can be crafted to resemble marble, wood, stone, metallic, travertine and ceramic allowing homeowners to achieve the desired aesthetic without the maintenance or cost associated with natural materials. Porcelain tiles provide:
- Durability: Porcelain tiles are extremely durable and resistant to scratches, stains, wear and tear.
- Longevity: Porcelain tiles can last for decades or even centuries, with proper care.
- Heat Resistance: Porcelain tiles are heat-resistant, which makes them suitable for areas with radiant heating or high temperatures.
- Scratch and Stain Resistance: Porcelain tiles are highly resistant to scratches and stains, making them easy to maintain.
- Wide Variety of Styles: Porcelain tiles offer a vast array of colours, patterns and finishes to suit different design preferences.
- Eco-friendly: Porcelain tiles are generally considered more environmentally friendly than LVT or SPC, as they are made from natural materials.
The Drawbacks of Porcelain Tiles
- Cost: Porcelain tiles can be more expensive than LVT or SPC, especially for high-end or custom designs.
- Cold Underfoot: Porcelain tiles can be cold to the touch, especially in colder climates and without an underfloor heating system.
- Professional Installation: Installing porcelain tiles often requires professional expertise and can be more time-consuming than LVT or SPC.
- Heavy: Porcelain tiles are heavy, which can make them more challenging to transport and install.
Ultimately, the best choice between LVT/SPC flooring and porcelain tiles will depend on your specific needs, budget and aesthetic preferences. Consider factors such as durability, water resistance, style, cost, and maintenance when making your decision.
Choose EMC Tiles for Your Flooring Solution
Here at EMC Tiles, we understand the importance of creating a space you love. With 45 years of expertise in the tiling industry, there is not much we haven’t come across and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you are looking for classic designs, timeless elegance, something modern or perhaps a more budget-friendly solution, our team of experts can discuss your preferences, likes and dislikes and recommend the perfect flooring solution for your home and lifestyle.
Visit our website today or pop into one of our East Midlands showrooms and we would be delighted to help you.
