SPC vs LVP Flooring: What's the Difference?

📖 10 min read

If you've been shopping for vinyl flooring, you've probably run into a wall of acronyms: SPC, LVP, LVT, WPC, EVP. It's enough to make your eyes glaze over.

The two you'll see most often are SPC and LVP. They look similar, they're both called "vinyl flooring," and they're often displayed side by side. So what's actually different?

Here's the short version: SPC is a type of LVP – but with a rigid stone core instead of a flexible vinyl core. That single difference changes everything about how the floor performs.

Let's break it down properly.

First, Let's Clear Up the Terminology

This is where most of the confusion starts, so let's sort it out:

So when someone asks "SPC or LVP?" they're really asking: rigid-core vinyl or flexible-core vinyl?

In Australia, you'll often hear SPC flooring called "hybrid flooring" – that's what we call it at Hybrid Floors Australia. Same product, local name.

What's Inside Each Plank

The core is where these two diverge, and it affects everything else.

The Practical Differences

Okay, so the cores are different. But what does that actually mean when the floor is in your house?

💧 Water Resistance

SPC wins here, decisively.

Because the stone-plastic core can't absorb moisture, SPC flooring is 100% water-resistant. You can install it in kitchens, laundries, bathrooms, even over concrete slabs in flood-prone areas. If water sits on it, nothing happens. The core won't swell, warp, or degrade.

Traditional flexible LVP is water-resistant but not immune. Extended water exposure – especially through the seams – can cause issues over time. It's fine for occasional spills, but you wouldn't want to install it somewhere water pooling is likely.

📐 Stability

SPC handles temperature swings better.

Flexible vinyl expands and contracts with heat. In a sunroom that gets hot in summer, or a room with underfloor heating, traditional LVP can buckle, gap, or lift at the edges.

SPC's rigid stone core barely moves. It's rated for underfloor heating and handles Queensland summers and air-conditioned winters without complaint. This also means you can run it through large open-plan areas without transition strips.

💪 Durability and Dent Resistance

SPC is harder to damage.

The rigid core resists dents from furniture legs, dropped objects, and high heels. It's genuinely tough – one reason it's popular in commercial spaces and pet-friendly homes.

Flexible LVP is softer. That's comfortable underfoot, but it also means heavy furniture can leave permanent impressions, and sharp impacts are more likely to cause damage.

Both types have a wear layer that resists scratches – but SPC typically comes with thicker wear layers (0.5mm is standard for quality SPC, compared to 0.3mm or less for budget LVP).

🦶 Comfort Underfoot

Traditional LVP is softer.

If you're standing for long periods – think a home office or kitchen – flexible vinyl has more give. Some people prefer this.

SPC feels firmer, more like timber or laminate. The attached IXPE underlay helps, but it's never going to feel as cushioned as flexible vinyl. For most people this isn't an issue, but it's worth noting.

🏠 Subfloor Tolerance

SPC is more forgiving.

Because SPC planks are rigid, they bridge minor subfloor imperfections better. Small dips and bumps won't telegraph through to the surface as easily.

Flexible LVP conforms to whatever's underneath. If there's a lump in the subfloor, you'll feel it – and eventually see it. Flexible vinyl needs a very flat, smooth subfloor to perform well.

🔧 Installation

Both use click-lock systems. SPC is slightly trickier to cut.

Flexible LVP can often be cut with a sharp Stanley knife. SPC's rigid core requires a saw or a score-and-snap technique. Neither is difficult for a DIYer, but SPC takes a bit more effort.

One advantage of SPC: because it's rigid and stable, it can often be installed directly over existing hard floors (tiles, for example) without removing them – as long as they're sound and level.

What About WPC?

You might also see WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) mentioned. This is another type of rigid-core vinyl, but instead of stone, the core uses wood flour mixed with plastic.

WPC is thicker and softer than SPC – more comfortable, but also more prone to denting. It's less common in Australia than SPC.

For most purposes, SPC offers the better balance of durability and practicality.

SPC vs LVP: Complete Comparison

The scorecard: SPC wins on 9 factors. LVP wins on 3 (comfort, ease of cutting, price). For most Australian homes, SPC's advantages – especially water resistance and stability – outweigh the small cost difference.

Which Should You Choose?

For most Australian homes, SPC is the better choice. Here's why:

The price difference isn't huge. Our vinyl plank flooring (flexible core) starts around $25/m², while our 6.5mm SPC hybrid starts around $45/m². For the performance upgrade – especially the water resistance and stability – most people find SPC worth the extra.

What We Stock

At Hybrid Floors Australia, we carry both:

All our SPC hybrid comes with pre-attached IXPE underlay and a 0.5mm wear layer. Brisbane customers can use our click & collect option.

The Bottom Line

SPC and LVP are both vinyl flooring – but the rigid stone core in SPC makes it more durable, more stable, and 100% water-resistant. For most Australian homes, especially in humid climates or anywhere water exposure is likely, SPC is the smarter choice.

Traditional LVP still has its place: it's softer, cheaper, and easier to cut. For dry bedrooms on a tight budget, it works well.

Not sure which suits your project? Order free samples – we'll send up to three so you can compare them in your space. Or give us a call on 0406 304 357 and we'll help you figure it out.

Last updated: January 2026 · Written by the team at Hybrid Floors Australia

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