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LVP and SPC Flooring: The Smart Choice for Single-Family Homes

Choosing the right flooring is key to comfort, durability, and energy efficiency. In 2025, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) are two of the top contenders for single-family homes — and for good reason. Here's how they stack up.

What Are LVP and SPC?

  • LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): A flexible, multi-layer synthetic plank that looks like wood or stone. Durable and softer underfoot.

  • SPC (Stone Plastic Composite): A newer, rigid-core vinyl with a stone-polymer blend for improved stability, waterproofing, and dent resistance.

What is the difference between LVP and SPC?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) floors may look similar at first glance, but there are key differences that can impact your buying decision. One major difference between LVP and SPC lies in the core: LVP has a flexible vinyl core, while SPC features a rigid stone-plastic composite core. This makes SPC more durable and impact-resistant, but also firmer underfoot. SPC or LVP flooring — which is better — often depends on your needs: LVP is more comfortable and slightly more budget-friendly, while SPC is best for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas like kitchens and basements.

When comparing LVP vs SPC, installation ease, underlayment requirements, and maintenance are crucial factors. LVP is slightly easier to install for DIYers but requires a more even subfloor due to its flexibility. SPC, thanks to its rigidity, can hide minor subfloor imperfections and often includes built-in underlayment. Both are waterproof and easy to maintain, but SPC's dense core may provide better long-term performance in active households.

In terms of repairs, both LVP and SPC require removing and replacing individual planks if damaged — which is feasible if installed as a floating floor. LVP is easier to cut and trim for replacements, but its flexible nature means it may shift more during removal. SPC’s rigid core makes it slightly tougher to work with, but it’s less likely to deform. Over time, both types of flooring can fade with prolonged direct sunlight exposure, but LVP is generally more susceptible to discoloration and warping in high-heat or UV-exposed areas. SPC, due to its dense core and higher dimensional stability, resists sunlight better and is a more reliable option for rooms with large windows or sunrooms. In either case, using UV-resistant window treatments or rugs can help preserve color and integrity.

Pros and Cons: LVP vs SPC

LVP Flooring – Pros

  • Waterproof and pet-friendly

  • Softer and more comfortable underfoot

  • DIY-friendly installation

  • Excellent realism (wood & stone looks)

  • More sound-absorbing than SPC

LVP Flooring – Cons

  • May expand or contract more in extreme temps

  • Slightly less durable in high-traffic areas

  • Needs acclimation before installation

SPC Flooring – Pros

  • Completely waterproof and heat-resistant

  • Better for high-traffic or commercial settings

  • Doesn’t require acclimation

  • Rigid core hides slight subfloor imperfections

  • Long-lasting wear layer

SPC Flooring – Cons

  • Less flexible and louder underfoot

  • Slightly more expensive than LVP

  • May require underlayment for comfort

How Do LVP & SPC Compare to Other Floors?

LVP:

  • Better than laminate for water resistance

  • Cheaper and easier than hardwood

  • Quieter and warmer than tile

  • Comparable in price to linoleum but looks more high-end

SPC:

  • Outperforms LVP in moisture-prone or heavy-traffic areas

  • Still more affordable and easier to install than ceramic or hardwood

  • Feels harder than LVP, softer than tile

Installation Requirements

Before you start, you’ll need:

  • A clean, dry, and level subfloor

  • Optional underlayment for SPC if not built-in

  • 24–48 hrs of in-room acclimation for LVP

  • Tools: utility knife or vinyl saw, spacers, tapping block, measuring tape

Installation Time:

  • 1–2 days for pros

  • 2–3 days for experienced DIYers

2025 Price Breakdown

LVP:

  • Material: $2.00 – $5.00/sq. ft.

  • Install Labor: $2.00 – $4.00/sq. ft.

  • With materials & labor: $4.75 – $10.75/sq. ft.

SPC:

  • Material: $3.00 – $6.00/sq. ft.

  • Install Labor: $2.50 – $4.50/sq. ft.

  • With materials & labor: $6.25 – $12.25/sq. ft.

Optional:

  • Underlayment: $0.25 – $0.75/sq. ft.

  • Trim & transitions: $0.50 – $1.00/sq. ft.

Which One Should You Choose?

Go with LVP if:

  • You want a softer floor underfoot

  • You’re installing in bedrooms, offices, or low-traffic areas

  • You’re on a tighter budget or want to DIY

Go with SPC if:

  • You have pets, kids, or high foot traffic

  • You’re remodeling a kitchen, basement, or laundry area

  • You want long-term durability and easy cleaning

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