Core Type Explained SPC vs WPC
“SPC” and “WPC” are common labels for the core type in rigid core vinyl. This page explains what core type usually refers to, how it appears on technical data sheets, and which related specs are commonly read alongside it. Reference-only: no product recommendations.
The core is the main structural layer in many vinyl planks/tiles. SPC and WPC are two common core “families.” They don’t describe the entire product (wear layer, backing, locking profile, etc.), so core type is best read together with specs like wear layer (mil), total thickness (mm), dimensional stability, and indentation/static load.
SPC vs WPC
| Category | SPC (core family) | WPC (core family) | Notes (reference-only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it Labels | Core construction family (stone/plastic or stone/polymer wording varies). | Core construction family (wood/plastic wording varies). | Exact formulations vary by manufacturer. |
| How It Appears on Spec Sheets | Often listed as “SPC core,” “stone polymer,” or “rigid core.” | Often listed as “WPC core,” “wood polymer,” or “rigid core.” | Sometimes only “rigid core” is listed without SPC/WPC. |
| Commonly Tied-to Specs | Dimensional stability, indentation/static load, locking profile, thickness. | Dimensional stability, indentation/static load, locking profile, thickness. | Those tests describe results under defined lab conditions. |
| What It Does NOT Tell You | Wear layer thickness, coating chemistry, or overall product quality. | Wear layer thickness, coating chemistry, or overall product quality. | Core type is only one piece of the construction. |
Quick Explainers
What “Core” Means
Many vinyl products are layered. The core is the central structural layer that helps the plank/tile hold its shape and connect as a system (especially in floating/click formats). “SPC” and “WPC” are common labels used to describe the core family — not the entire product build.
Why Core Type Alone Isn’t a Full Comparison
Two floors can share the same core label and still perform differently due to differences in formulation, thickness, locking profile, backing/attached pad, wear layer, coatings, and manufacturing tolerances. That’s why technical sheets often list multiple measurements that should be read together.
Specs Commonly Read Alongside Core Type
- Wear layer (mil) — clear protective top layer thickness.
- Total thickness (mm) — full build height including backing/pad.
- Dimensional stability — movement under defined test conditions.
- Indentation/static load — deformation under defined loads for defined time.
- Locking system — edge profile terminology for floating systems.
Core Type vs Wear Layer (common confusion)
Core = the structural middle layer. Wear layer = the clear top protective layer. A floor can be SPC or WPC with many different wear layer thicknesses — these are separate specifications.
FAQ
What does core type mean in LVT/LVP? ⌄
Core type describes the main structural layer inside many vinyl products, which can influence stiffness, stability, and how the product behaves as part of a flooring system.
What does SPC mean in vinyl flooring? ⌄
SPC commonly refers to a stone-plastic (or stone-polymer) composite core family used in rigid core vinyl products; it generally indicates a dense, stiff core construction.
What does WPC mean in vinyl flooring? ⌄
WPC commonly refers to a wood-plastic composite core family used in rigid core vinyl products; it generally indicates a core construction that may be less dense than SPC depending on formulation.
Is SPC always better than WPC? ⌄
Not automatically. SPC and WPC are core families, and real-world performance depends on the full construction: wear layer, total thickness, backing/attached pad, locking profile, and manufacturing tolerances.