Choosing the right flooring feels like a high-stakes decision, and in many ways, it is. The global vinyl flooring market reached USD 25.37 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow by a 5.5% CAGR through 2030, according to Grand View Research. This growth highlights a massive demand for durable, high-performance flooring. When it comes to vinyl, the secret to longevity isn’t just the surface you see; it’s the hidden core. Selecting the right vinyl core – whether it’s SPC, WPC, or traditional PVC – is the difference between floors that dent under pressure and floors that endure for years.
Within the booming luxury vinyl category, rigid-core flooring is experiencing a massive surge in popularity. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) alone is expected to grow from a USD 6.5 billion market in 2024 to USD 10.2 billion by 2033, as reported by Verified Market Reports. Why the sudden interest? Because its dense, limestone-based core is exceptionally tough, shrugging off dents, impacts, and humidity with ease. This makes it an ideal choice for busy homes and demanding commercial spaces.
To make an informed decision, you need to understand how these cores differ. SPC, WPC (Wood Plastic Composite), and traditional PVC/LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) each have unique properties affecting their density, stability, sound absorption, comfort, and cost. Matching the right core to Singapore’s humid climate, your specific subfloor, and your daily foot traffic is crucial. Industry standards like ASTM F3261 exist to define the performance of these rigid-core floors, giving you a benchmark for quality.
Ready to specify the right core and ensure it’s installed perfectly the first time? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. At Everyday Renovation, Singapore’s trusted vinyl flooring installer and provider, we help you select the ideal core system for your space, lifestyle, and budget.
Core Materials 101: What Vinyl Flooring Core Materials?
Think of the core as the structural backbone of a vinyl plank. While the top layers provide the visual appeal and surface protection, the core is what gives the plank its strength, rigidity, and stability. It governs how the floor performs under pressure, influencing everything from dent resistance and stability to acoustics and the overall feel underfoot.
A vinyl plank is a multi-layered product. From top to bottom, the typical structure is:
- UV Coating: The topmost layer that protects against fading from sunlight.
- Wear Layer: A transparent, durable layer that guards against scratches, scuffs, and stains.
- Decor Film: The printed design layer that gives the plank its realistic wood or stone appearance.
- Core: The thick, central layer that provides the plank’s structure and stability. This is where you find SPC, WPC, or PVC.
- Backing/Underlay: The bottom layer, which may be a simple backing or an attached pad (like IXPE or EVA foam) for added cushioning and sound absorption.
The composition of the core dictates the entire performance profile of the floor.
The Big Three Cores: SPC, WPC, and PVC/LVT
Let’s break down the three primary types of vinyl cores, their composition, and where they perform best.
SPC (Stone Plastic/Polymer Composite)
SPC features a rigid core made from a dense blend of natural limestone powder (calcium carbonate), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and stabilizers. This composition makes it the densest and most durable core available. Its rigidity translates to exceptional indentation resistance and dimensional stability, meaning it’s less likely to expand or contract with temperature changes.
- Best For: High-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and entryways. It’s also the top choice for commercial settings like retail stores and offices. Its superior thermal stability makes it perfect for sun-drenched rooms or areas with large windows.
WPC (Wood Plastic/Polymer Composite)
WPC also has a rigid core, but it’s constructed differently. It combines PVC, wood flour or other wood-like fillers, and a foaming agent. This foaming agent creates air pockets within the core, making WPC planks lighter, softer, and warmer underfoot compared to SPC. While comfortable, this composition makes the WPC wood plastic composite core more susceptible to dents from heavy furniture or dropped objects.
- Best For: Residential spaces where comfort is a priority, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and playrooms. The aerated core provides better sound insulation, making rooms quieter.
PVC/LVT (Solid Vinyl Core)
Traditional Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is built around a solid but flexible PVC vinyl core. Unlike the rigid cores of SPC and WPC, this core offers more pliability. While it provides excellent design realism and is often more budget-friendly, its stability is highly dependent on the plank’s thickness and the installation method. Thinner, flexible LVT is more likely to show subfloor imperfections.
- Best For: Value-driven remodels, areas with complex layouts that require more cutting, and installations where a glue-down application is preferred for maximum stability.
Density, Indentation & Stability: How Cores Actually Perform
The performance differences between LVT vs SPC vs WPC are rooted in their core density.
SPC’s high core density, thanks to its significant limestone content, gives it unmatched indentation resistance. This means it can withstand the pressure of heavy appliances, rolling office chairs, and high-heeled shoes without denting. This density also contributes to superior dimensional stability, making SPC less prone to thermal expansion and contraction when exposed to direct sunlight or fluctuating temperatures – a key advantage in Singapore’s climate.
In contrast, WPC’s foamed core is less dense. While this enhances comfort and provides better acoustic properties, it also makes the floor more prone to compression under heavy loads. A heavy bookshelf or sofa could leave permanent indentations in a WPC floor over time.
Flexible PVC/LVT is the most susceptible to both indentations and telegraphing, which is when imperfections from the subfloor become visible on the surface of the vinyl.
Acoustic Comfort & Underlay Choices
The noise a floor makes is a major consideration. The dense nature of an SPC rigid core can make it feel and sound “harder” underfoot. To combat this, most SPC planks now come with an attached acoustic underlay. Common materials include:
- IXPE (Irradiated Cross-linked Polyethylene): A high-density foam that offers excellent sound dampening and moisture resistance.
- EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate): A slightly softer foam that provides good cushioning but may compress more over time than IXPE.
- Cork: A natural, sustainable option known for its superior thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
These attached pads are typically 1mm to 1.5mm thick and help absorb impact sound, improve footfall comfort, and smooth over minor subfloor imperfections. WPC floors, with their naturally softer core, are inherently quieter than SPC floors.
Moisture, Heat & Singapore’s Climate
One of the biggest advantages of rigid core vinyl flooring is that it’s 100% waterproof. Both SPC and WPC cores are impervious to water, so spills and splashes won’t cause the planks to swell or warp. This makes them a fantastic choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
However, heat is another story. SPC’s mineral-based composition gives it superior tolerance to temperature swings, making it the clear winner for rooms that get a lot of direct sunlight. WPC, while still stable, can be more affected by extreme heat. Regardless of the core, it’s essential to follow manufacturer guidelines for acclimation and expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room to allow for natural movement.
Surface Protection Above the Core
The core provides the structure, but the wear layer provides the durability. This transparent top layer, measured in mils (thousandths of an inch), protects the decorative print from scratches and scuffs.
- 12-20 mil: A good range for residential use.
- 20 mil and above: Recommended for heavy residential or commercial traffic.
A thicker wear layer doesn’t mean much if the core is weak. A floor with a 20 mil wear layer on a low-density core will still dent easily. It’s the combination of a robust core and a thick wear layer that creates a truly durable floor. A UV topcoat is also applied to resist staining and fading.
Installation Pathways by Core
The type of core often influences the best installation method.
- Click-Lock (Floating): This is the most common method for SPC and WPC rigid cores. The planks lock together and “float” over the subfloor without adhesive. This is a fast, clean, and DIY-friendly installation.
- Glue-Down: This method involves adhering the planks directly to the subfloor. It’s often used for flexible PVC/LVT to ensure maximum stability and prevent lifting or curling, especially in large commercial spaces. A glue-down installation can also be used for rigid core products in very high-traffic areas.
Subfloor flatness is critical for any installation, but especially for click-lock systems. Rigid cores are more forgiving than flexible LVT but still require a level surface to prevent the locking mechanisms from breaking under stress.
Indoor Air Quality & Certifications
When installing a new floor, indoor air quality is a primary concern. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can be released from building materials, potentially affecting health. Look for floors with FloorScore® certification. This independent certification, managed by SCS Global Services, ensures that the flooring meets strict indoor air quality standards for low VOC emissions. Floors with this label are a safer choice for homes, especially those with children and pets. FloorScore also helps projects qualify for green building credits in programs like LEED and WELL.
Cost, Value & Lifecycle
Generally, the price of vinyl flooring is influenced by the core type, total plank thickness, and wear layer thickness.
- PVC/LVT: Often the most budget-friendly option.
- WPC: Typically sits in the mid-to-high price range due to its complex manufacturing process.
- SPC: Ranges from mid-to-high, but its superior durability often provides the best long-term value.
When evaluating cost, consider the lifecycle of the floor. Investing more upfront in an SPC floor for a high-traffic area could save you from replacement costs down the road.
Use-Case Matrix: Quick Picks
Not sure which to choose? Here’s a quick reference:
- Heavy Traffic & Sun-Exposed Rooms: SPC is your best bet for its dent and heat resistance.
- Quiet Bedrooms & Living Rooms: WPC offers superior comfort and acoustics.
- Value-Driven Remodels & Complex Layouts: Flexible PVC/LVT is cost-effective and easier to cut for intricate spaces.
- Installation Over Existing Tiles: SPC or WPC with an attached pad can often float directly over old, flat tile floors, saving time and money on removal.
Common Myths to Avoid
- “Thicker plank = automatically better.” False. The wear layer thickness and core density are far more important for durability than the total plank thickness. A thin SPC plank can easily outperform a thick, low-quality WPC or LVT plank.
- “All rigid cores are the same.” False. The construction differences between an SPC stone polymer composite core and a WPC wood polymer composite core lead to significant variations in performance, feel, and sound.
Buyer’s Checklist: Spec Like a Pro
Use this checklist when shopping for your vinyl flooring:
- Core: SPC, WPC, or PVC? Decide based on your needs for density vs. comfort.
- Wear Layer: Aim for 12–20 mil for homes, or thicker for commercial use.
- Underlay: Does it have an attached pad (IXPE/EVA/cork)? Do you need a separate acoustic layer?
- Certifications: Look for the FloorScore® logo for low VOCs.
- Standard: Check for compliance with ASTM F3261 for rigid core products.
- Installer: Ensure they have expertise in the recommended method (click-lock vs. glue-down).
Why Choose Everyday Renovation?
In Singapore’s demanding environment, choosing the right flooring system is only half the battle. Professional installation is what guarantees its performance and longevity. At Everyday Renovation, we don’t just sell floors; we provide complete flooring solutions. We meticulously evaluate your space, considering use patterns, heat gain from windows, and subfloor conditions. Based on this assessment, we specify the right core and installation system to ensure a long, worry-free service life. Our process includes professional moisture checks, precise expansion planning, and flawless finishing trims for a crisp, warrantable result.
Get Expert Help in Singapore
Don’t leave your flooring investment to chance. Specify the right core, install it flawlessly, and enjoy years of worry-free performance. Everyday Renovation is Singapore’s best vinyl flooring installer and provider. From SPC and WPC to PVC/LVT, we deliver spec-right materials and precision workmanship.
Book your on-site assessment today and let our experts guide you to the perfect floor for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core in vinyl flooring?
It’s the structural middle layer that drives dent resistance, stability, sound, and feel. Common cores are SPC (stone-based), WPC (wood-based), and PVC/LVT (vinyl).
What is the SPC core made of?
It’s a dense blend of limestone (calcium carbonate), PVC, and stabilizers, giving it top-tier dent resistance and thermal stability.
What is the WPC core made of?
It’s a composite of PVC with wood flour or wood-like fillers and foaming agents, creating a softer, warmer, quieter feel- yet it’s more dent-prone than SPC.
Which is better, SPC or WPC?
It depends. For heavy traffic, temperature swings, or sun-exposed rooms, SPC wins. For bedroom comfort and quieter steps, WPC feels better underfoot.
Is vinyl flooring waterproof?
Yes. SPC and WPC systems are fully waterproof. The right installation prevents spills from reaching the subfloor, protecting your home from water damage.
Does thicker vinyl always last longer?
No. Wear-layer thickness and core density matter more than total plank thickness for durability. A high-quality, dense core is crucial.
Do I need underlayment with rigid-core vinyl?
Not always. Many planks include attached pads (IXPE/EVA/cork) for sound and comfort. Some installations may still benefit from an added acoustic layer depending on the subfloor.
Is SPC noisier than WPC?
Yes, often. SPC is denser and can sound harder without a good pad. WPC’s foamed core naturally dampens the sound of footsteps.
Can vinyl be installed over existing tiles?
Yes – rigid cores (SPC/WPC) with click-lock systems can often be floated over flat, stable tiles. Minor unevenness in the tile grout lines may require leveling first.
Are there standards or certifications I should look for?
For rigid cores, look for ASTM F3261 compliance and FloorScore® certification for low VOC emissions and better indoor air quality.