Questions You Should Know about SPC Flooring

10 Mar.,2025

 

The Ultimate Guide to SPC Flooring: FAQs - NüTile

We know that choosing the right flooring for your home or business can be confusing, especially with the seemingly endless array of options to choose from. At Nütile we believe our SPC flooring offers the best of all worlds combining durability, longevity, style, and sustainability. To help you make an informed decision about your next choice of flooring we've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions to help you understand everything that you need to know.

Click here to get more.

What is 'SPC' flooring?

SPC is an acronym that stands for 'Stone Polymer Composite.' A composite simply means it is made of several materials, in this case, a mixture of natural stone and polymers. This winning combination creates a material that is incredibly durable and robust, meaning that SPC flooring has superior resistance to impacts, wear and scratches. The combination of stone and plastic also ensures better insulative properties than other leading flooring ensuring a long-lasting resistance against fluctuations in temperature changes.

SPC flooring comes in planks that mimic the look and texture of real wood and stone and are fitted with in-built underlay and a simple click-and-lock system making them easy to install for professionals and DIYers alike.

What are the main benefits of SPC Flooring over its competitors such as Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

SPC flooring has several benefits over other flooring alternatives with its most standout features being its durability, longevity, waterproofing and ease of installation.

With a strong and rigid core made of 70% natural stone and 30% PVC, it can outperform both laminate and LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) when resisting impacts and day-to-day wear and tear.

SPC flooring also comes with an in-built underlay whereas other alternatives require underlay to be fitted separately. This makes it much easier and more convenient to install and can be accomplished by professionals and DIYers alike.
Its natural composition is also waterproof, ensuring no warping of the flooring over time unlike laminate and LVT, and further to this it is insulative making it resistant to temperature changes and feel warmer underfoot than its alternatives.

And finally, the combination of its wonderful properties and simple-to-install system means that under the right conditions, manufacturers can offer a 25-year guarantee on SPC flooring when fitted in residential settings. It's safe to say you can't be much more secure than that.

Is SPC flooring waterproof and suitable for wet rooms?

Absolutely. SPC is made of limestone and PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), one is a natural stone, which is waterproof, and the other a plastic, which is also waterproof. This ensures your SPC flooring will not warp, swell or be otherwise damaged in high moisture environments, making them suited for rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens. So with SPC flooring, you can be assured that everyday spillages and accidents don't compromise the integrity of your flooring, nor what lies underneath.

Can SPC flooring be installed anywhere, including commercial settings?
Despite its high durability and longevity SPC flooring is not recommended for outdoor spaces, as prolonged exposure to the elements can cause weakness over time and so impede the ability to offer lifetime guarantees.

However, SPC flooring is durable enough to be laid in any room in a residential or commercial setting and happily stand the test of time. With impact resistance like no other, it is suited to high-traffic environments such as offices, retail stores and restaurants. So whether you choose SPC flooring for your home or business you can rest assured you'll have found the best flooring for the job.

How easy is it to install SPC flooring?

Installing SPC flooring is very straightforward. Methods can vary but Nütile's SPC flooring uses a click-and-lock system that is simple enough for DIY enthusiasts to fit comfortably on their own. And with its in-built underlay, the process really couldn't be easier.

To cut tiles to size you can use a simple 'score and snap' system, scoring with a concave blade and then placing pressure on either side of the score to snap cleanly down the line.

This ease of installation helps to reduce installation costs and time, making it a practical choice for many homeowners.

What kind of maintenance does SPC flooring require?

SPC flooring can be maintained in two simple steps.

Firstly by sweeping away any dirt and loose grit and debris from its surface. Follow this up with mopping using a pH-neutral cleaner and your SPC floor will continue to look as good as new for the duration of its lifetime.

SPC flooring has a protective outer layer to protect against wear and tear, and this layer, combined with its waterproof properties, means that maintenance is as simple and as easy as can be.

How does SPC Flooring compare to Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Flooring in terms of cost?

SPC flooring is a relatively new and innovative flooring option, so incurs a higher initial cost. Yet, whilst laminate and LVT offer a cheaper price point at the start, the longevity and durability of SPC ensures that you will not need to replace or repair anywhere near as often.

So by factoring in maintenance and longevity, SPC flooring pays for itself and ends up being much more cost effective over time.

After all, when installed correctly, SPC flooring can have a guarantee of up to 25 years in a residential setting, and that's 25 years before you have to think about the cost of flooring again.

What design options are available with SPC Flooring?

SPC flooring uses a high-resolution image to mimic the effects of stone and wood, much like laminate or luxury vinyl flooring does. However, unlike its competitors, SPC has a unique advantage. Its composition allows manufacturers to not only lay high-resolution images on its surface but also alter its texture to mimic the look and feel of natural materials such as wood and stone.

Whilst it is possible to have differing images on the surface, the natural wood and stone effect is a popular, classy, and timeless choice and that's why our Nüstone and Nüforest collections stay true to this timeless aesthetic.

What about sustainability, is SPC flooring good for the environment?

SPC flooring is made from non-toxic materials, so there's no risk of damaging the environment by releasing harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). It is a stable material that is safe to use and suitable for indoor environments.

Nutile's SPC flooring has been tested by Intertek sustainability and achieved a Clean Air Gold Certification. The raw materials used in manufacturing are regularly tested to meet the highest quality and health standards and you can be assured it doesn't contain harmful materials such as benzene, formaldehyde, or phthalate.

Further to this its production utilizes green renewable solar energy as part of the commitment from STS to reaching Carbon Net Zero by , ensuring a brighter future for the planet.

Fanmao contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

Does SPC Flooring come with a warranty?

Nütile's SPC flooring comes with a 25-year warranty for residential properties, provided it has been installed adhering to the appropriate guidelines. This extensive warranty is a testament to the products durability and longevity and underscores Nütile's commitment to offering the highest quality flooring solutions for your peace of mind.

Conclusion

Nütile represents a significant advancement in the flooring industry by combining durability with aesthetic class and environmental responsibility. Its unique composition and state-of-the-art features guarantee it to be a superior choice over traditional flooring such as laminate and luxury vinyl tile.

With its easy maintenance, easy installation, and extensive warranty, SPC flooring is designed to meet the needs of modern homes and businesses from now, on into the foreseeable future.

If you want a flooring solution that combines longevity, style, utility, and sustainability, then look no further than Nütile.

What Everyone Must Know About Pros & Cons Of SPC Flooring

SPC flooring is becoming more and more popular thanks to all it's remarkably desirable traits and features. However, how much do you really know about SPC flooring? Nothing is perfect in this world, it is no surprise that SPC flooring also carries some downsides with it.

It is only fair enough if you are made known of the pros and cons of SPC flooring before you join the SPC fanatic troop.

Here are the lists of SPC flooring pro's and con's.

Advantages of SPC Flooring

Wide Range Of Style And Selections

This huge variation of styles give you abundant freedom to come out with the pattern and arrangement you like. If you are a risk taker, have fun mix-and-match with different colors to create your desired look. Just let your creativity flow!

Real Wood-like Design

Timeless design mimicking the beauty of nature is in fact what makes SPC flooring so popular. Some brands even able to achieve the real-wood likeliness that is difficult to tell the difference from far.You can proudly said that it is a 'wood' flooring without all the drawbacks of real wood. Isn't it wonderful?

Budget Friendly

Generally, SPC flooring is way more affordable than hardwood flooring and yet it's able to provide the same natural wood-look effect you desire. The installation cost is also inexpensive. You can even save up the labour cost by going diy the installation. Needless to say, it is definitely an alternative to expensive wood flooring.

Able To Sustain High Traffic

Don't be surprise that SPC flooring is able to handle high traffic activity better than other type of flooring. In fact, this feature is one of the main reason why SPC flooring is so popular. It can sustain lots of foot traffic which is very suitable for large family or active people.

Durable And Long-lasting

Don't be surprised to find SPC flooring can actually last 20 years over if it's well maintained. That is also why some big brands of SPC flooring is able to provide warranties of 15 years and above.The quality range of SPC and ways of manufacture are the determining factors of how well your SPC flooring lasts. Speaking of quality, here are the SPC material with prominent durable feature that you should not missed.
  • Solid and composite SPC: These are the homogeneous type of SPC having high resistant against scratches and surface damage.
  • Fiber-glass reinforced SPC: It is one of the most durable type as fiber-glass is great for it's strength and flexibility. This type of SPC material is extremely durable and able to sustain heavy-duty usage.

Easy To Clean And Maintain

If you are not a homemaker or not having much time for house chores, SPC flooring might be what you need. All you have to do is to sweep and damp mop occasionally and it will be sufficient to keep your house clean.

Even if you found any damaged pieces or tiles, you can simply replace each individual piece without having to remove the entire flooring. You will soon find that maintaining the condition of SPC flooring is much easier comparing to other type of flooring.

Learn more tips on maintenance and cleaning here '17 Ultimate Guide of SPC Flooring Care, Clean and Maintenance'!

Underfoot Comfort

SPC flooring is not as hard as wood flooring. A thin layer of foam or felt is normally use to backed SPC flooring.

This padded structure adds softness and flexibility and makes standing long hours feel less tired. The level of comfortness when stepping on it is also different from any other type of flooring could offer.

Simple And Direct Installation

SPC flooring can be installed directly on top of your existing floor as long as the condition of your flooring is flat and smooth. The installation is pretty simple particularly for click-lock type. It is said to be designed for people who love diy!

Stain Resistant

There is one type of SPC flooring which is famously known for stain resistant. It's the printed SPC tiles or sheets. The theory behind is the wear layer on the SPC surface that act as a protective barriers against spillage and stains.

Since not all type of SPC flooring has strong stain resistant, you might want to avoid composite or solid SPC if this feature is your main concern.

Water Resistant

SPC flooring that is well-installed is almost seamless which makes it difficult for water to sips in. This interesting benefit allow it to be installed in almost every area of your house including laundry area.

Disadvantages of SPC Flooring

Difficult Subfloor Preparation

Subfloor should be leveled, smooth, free of dust and dirt before installation. This process require you to put some time and effort in order to get a perfect outcome.

If the condition of subfloor is not well prepared, any particles trapped underneath will cause lumps and bumps on the SPC surface. This will cause serious flooring issues over time and can even lead to rip and tear of SPC parts.

No Extra Resale Value Added

Many might thought that by installing SPC flooring in your property will help elevate the resale value. But here's the cold harsh truth' unlike hardwood flooring, SPC flooring is not providing any extra value if you plan to resell your property.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)s Emission

SPC flooring is produced from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that causes the release of volatile organic compound into the air, particularly when it is newly installed. You should ventilate the area by opening doors and windows after installation.

Worry about the indoor air quality? Fret not! Here comes the good news' most manufacturers are aware of this issue and lots of improvement has been done ever since year .

The result? Most of the SPC flooring in the market nowadays were produced using less PVC materials during production. Also, you can always refer to your SPC flooring manufacturer for certification on emission standard.

Difficult To Remove Once Installed

You would need time and patient if you are planning to remove installed SPC flooring yourself. Depending on the type of SPC flooring installed, removing adhesive type would definitely cause you a mess.

Susceptible To Sharp Objects

Heavy furnitures, pet's paws, sands or any sharp objects will leave scratches and abrasion on SPC flooring surface.

Extra care is needed when it comes to contact with sharp and abrasive objects. Always remember to cover SPC flooring with a layer of felt, mat or rugs to keep your flooring surface smooth.

Sensitive To Moisture

Don't be confused. Not all SPC flooring are sensitive to moisure. However, SPC flooring of lower grade may swell or discolor when contact with moisture in a long term. Moisture that traps under SPC floor will encourage the growth of mold and causing odor.

However, there are some type of SPC flooring suitable to be installed in high moisture area. Just check with your SPC flooring supplier on it's functionality before making any purchase.

Yellowing And Discoloration

Although SPC flooring can resist most of stains, but you should prevent strong chemical from coming into direct contact with SPC floor surface. Although yellowing of SPC flooring can be due to many factors, chemical emit from rubber is a major culprit of this issue. You could overcome this problem by replacing any rubber material to non-staining rubber material.

Discoloration is normally caused by long term exposure to UV light as well as dirt that traps underneath wax layer. However, not all SPC flooring will have discoloration, it all depends on the quality. High quality SPC will be safe from discoloration.

Toxic Hazard When Burned

Since SPC flooring is made of plastic material, it will release odor and toxic chemicals into the air when burn. Therefore, it is not recommended to be used in high heat or fire hazard area like commercial kitchen.

Environmental Issue

The material used to produce SPC flooring is not biodegradable. Therefore you can say that most SPC flooring is non-recyclable. But there are still certain manufacturers that produce recyclable SPC flooring. Worn out SPC flooring that is unable to be recycled will end up in landfills.

Overtime, chemicals released from worn SPC will become an environmental pollution. Not just that, the manufacturing process of SPC flooring also require high consumption of natural gas, petroleum and other non-renewable resources.

Unable To Be Refinished Or Repair

Despite that SPC flooring is generally known for its high durability, some low quality SPC flooring is easier to worn out or tear. Once it's damaged, it is difficult to repair and the worse is no refinish work can be done. The only option is to have that particular piece replaced.

SPC tile or plank is much easier to replaced compare to SPC sheet in most case. So you should definitely put this to consider before choosing the type of SPC flooring best fits for your use.

What Others Said?

Here's the last crucial point from people who installed SPC flooring previously'

Most of them found that the advantages of SPC flooring like affordable cost, high durability and excellent underfoot comfort actually outweigh the downsides of it, including the emission of VOCs.

At the end of the day, your consideration should also be including your budget, areas or rooms you want to install and most importantly your expectation based on the quality of SPC that you pay for. Also, check out our 'Buyer's Guide: Top 19 Questions You Should Ask When Purchasing SPC Flooring' to learn more.

Have Questions On Flooring?

Submit your enquiry today! We are happy to help!

Why Choose Us?

  • Good Quality Flooring
  • AFFORDABLE Rates
  • NO Hidden Charges
  • SATISFACTION Guaranteed
  • Hassle-Free Installation
  • Dilligent & Skillful Installer
  • Workmanship WARRANTY
  • Post Installation Clean Up
  • Experienced Consultant
  • Understand Client's Needs
  • Practical Flooring Solutions
  • Responsive Service

Your Trustworthy Flooring Installation Expert!

Get a quotation from us for FREE!

Let our experienced flooring consultant help you with flooring that best fit your house.

We Offer Affordable Flooring Perfect For Your Living