SPC vs WPC Flooring: What's the Difference?
Both are rigid core LVP. The difference is the core material, which determines dent resistance, stability, and feel underfoot.
SPC and WPC are both rigid core LVP that can look identical from the surface. The difference is in the core: SPC is denser and more stable, WPC is softer and must be thicker to compensate. Every Modin floor is built on an SPC core.
- SPC (Stone Polymer Composite): finely ground limestone bound with PVC. Modin's core is 60–70% limestone, making it more dense and rigid, the source of its dent resistance and dimensional stability.
- WPC (Wood Polymer Composite): PVC, plasticizers, and a foaming agent that creates air pockets throughout the plank. Lighter and softer underfoot, but the air pockets reduce durability and require thicker planks (typically 8 mm or more) to achieve rigidity.
Why SPC Is Thinner
SPC is roughly twice as dense as WPC, so a 6–7 mm SPC plank contains more solid material than a thicker foamed WPC plank. Performance comes from density, not bulk:
- Dent resistance. Modin withstands high static loads with minimal indentation — see current product specs for tested values. WPC's air pockets compress under the same loads and can result in permanent denting.
- Dimensional stability. Modin's SPC core maintains dimensional stability across a wide temperature range (see current product specs for exact values), making it suitable for sunrooms, vacation homes, and high-sun rooms. Foamed WPC cores expand and contract more with temperature swings.
- Underfoot comfort. Modin's pre-attached IXPE foam underlayment provides cushion and sound absorption without softening the core.
SPC vs WPC at a glance
|
|
SPC (Modin) |
WPC |
|---|---|---|
|
Core |
60–70% limestone + PVC |
PVC + foaming agent |
|
Density |
High (roughly 2x WPC) |
Lower |
|
Typical thickness |
5–7 mm |
8 mm or more |
|
Dent resistance |
Excellent (720 PSI tested) |
Moderate, can dent |
|
Temperature stability |
Excellent (0°F–140°F) |
More prone to movement |
|
Waterproof |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Feel underfoot |
Firm core + IXPE foam pad |
Softer, cushioned |
The dense SPC core paired with a durable wear layer (see current product pages for available mil options) backs Modin's Lifetime Residential Warranty. For full construction details, see What Is Modin LVP Made Of?.
Common questions
Is a thinner plank lower quality?
No. Because WPC is softer than SPC, a WPC plank must be much thicker to reach the durability of a thinner SPC core. When comparing products for quality, evaluate core material and wear layer, not total thickness.
Can SPC go over radiant heat?
Yes. Modin's SPC core is compatible with radiant heat systems, provided the surface temperature stays within the manufacturer's specified limits. See Can Modin Be Installed Over Radiant Heat? for full installation requirements.
Does Flooret sell WPC?
No — Flooret does not sell WPC flooring. Every product in the Modin LVP collection is built on a durable SPC core. If you have questions about which Modin product is right for your space, visit our product pages or contact our team.