Due to its outstanding features, vinyl flooring has become a popular choice in interior design. Among them, SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) and LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) are the most popular types. Each type has unique advantages, depending on different consumer needs. Considering SPC and LVT flooring, this article will help you compare them and choose the best option for your living space.

What is SPC Flooring?

SPC flooring (Stone Plastic Composite) is a type of rigid core vinyl flooring composed of virgin PE resin, calcium carbonate (limestone), and additives. It’s widely used in commercial and residential spaces due to its variety of designs, durability, and ease of installation.

What is LVT Flooring?

LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) flooring is a modern, glue-down vinyl floor made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), calcium carbonate, plasticizers, PU coating, and other additives. LVT offers luxury and variety to any interior space.

 

Differences Between SPC and LVT Flooring

Structure and Composition:

• SPC Flooring: Made from limestone and PVC, resulting in a rigid and durable core. This structure gives SPC high stability and minimal deformation due to temperature and humidity changes.
• LVT Flooring: Primarily made from PVC, offering more flexibility and softness compared to SPC.

Thickness and Weight:

• SPC Flooring: Usually thicker and heavier, with a thickness range of 4-6mm. The added weight enhances stability, especially in high-traffic areas.
• LVT Flooring: Thinner, typically between 2-4mm, and lighter than SPC.

 

Hardness and Durability:

• SPC Flooring: More rigid and durable due to its limestone content, making it resistant to scratches and dents from heavy furniture and daily activities.
• LVT Flooring: Although LVT flooring has superior scratch resistance, its softer and more flexible nature means heavy furniture can easily cause indentations.

Cost:

• SPC Flooring: Generally more expensive due to its robust structure and higher durability, but the initial investment often pays off with a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs.
• LVT Flooring: More affordable, making it a popular choice for those looking to save on initial costs while still enjoying quality vinyl flooring.

Similarities Between SPC and LVT Flooring

High Durability and Water Resistance: Both SPC and LVT flooring are highly water-resistant, making them excellent choices for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Easy Installation: Both types are easy to install, typically using click-lock systems or adhesive, saving time and effort during the installation process.

Many Design Options: SPC and LVT offer various colors and patterns, from natural wood grains to elegant stone textures, allowing users to match their flooring with any interior style.

Scratch and Impact Resistance: Both types have a protective top layer that resists scratches and impacts, ensuring longevity and preserving their appearance.

Easy Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining SPC and LVT flooring is simple. A damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep them looking fresh and shiny.

Quick Comparison of SPC and LVT Flooring

Feature	SPC	LVT
Fade Resistance	Medium	Medium
Stain Resistance	High	Medium
Deformation Resistance	High	Low
Scratch Resistance	High	Medium
Water Resistance	High	High
Ease of Maintenance	Easy	Easy
Installation	Quick	Quick
Cost	Reasonable	Affordable

Conclusion

Choosing between SPC and LVT flooring depends on individual needs, preferences, and budget. SPC flooring offers greater stability and durability, making it suitable for areas with varying moisture levels and heavy use. In contrast, LVT flooring provides a softer feel and a wide range of design options, making it an economical and versatile choice for various environments.

An Cuong Building Materials currently offers both SPC and LVT flooring, ensuring that you find the perfect solution to enhance the beauty and functionality of your house. For more information, contact our hotline at (+84) 963 017 576.

Let’s explore why An Cuong composite materials make the perfect public space decking solution.

Whether you’re a developer, designer or architect, the inclusion of public space decking surrounding your resort, retail outlet or municipal building in your design gives a focal point for people to naturally interact. Design a space that is both practical and beautiful. Composite decking offers a durable, long-life solution that requires minimal maintenance.

Our composite decking offers several features that align it perfectly with the demands of a public space. NeoTimber® offers slip-resistant decking, ensuring the safety of the public and is also Class C fire-rated, making it suitable for low-rise developments, balconies and roof terrace decking.

Slip-Resistant & Long-Term Safety

As an architect or landscape designer, access and safety will be a primary priority within your theme. You will incorporate handrails for stairs and wide, ramped areas to ensure access for all.

An Cuong composite decking is designed to be slip-resistant with extra grip provided by the deep, embossed woodgrain or grooved finish. Thanks to the plastic element in the composite, the texture is engineered with slip resistance in mind. Expansion gaps allow for natural drainage of rainwater, preventing standing water, reducing slippage and ensuring the safety of visitors.

Higher Durability

It cannot be escaped that timber decking looks fantastic, but we feel it is important to be aware of the long-term damage that can occur with the demands of heavy footfall. Heavy usage eventually results in breakages to the decking, such as splintered and snapped boards.

One of the many benefits of using composite material is that it is far sturdier than the traditional timber option. We have similarly supplied outdoor decking to areas with increased footfall, such as primary schools and residential care homes and the product continues to be the product of choice for many public spaces.

Low Maintenance

A design concept can look flawless on a screen. But the wrong materials can degrade rapidly and quickly look unloved. Specify a low-maintenance decking solution in composite decking and your decking installation will maintain its good looks and so will your reputation.

Composite decking never needs painting, it never needs sealing or varnishing. Public space decking is your ideal decking solution. Made of a strong fusion of wood fibers and plastic polymers, composite decking resists the effects of the elements protecting it against algae growth, warping, cracking and rotting.

2024 marks a new stride in the world of interior design, and SPC flooring is emerging as a shining star in contemporary living spaces. With a perfect blend of aesthetic design and superior functionality, SPC flooring is not only a trend but also a bridge between aesthetics and utility.  

1. Modern Styles and Diverse Patterns

In 2024, SPC flooring is more than a choice for quality; it is a symbol of modernity and innovation. The diverse patterns, ranging from natural wood to stone and metallic effects, provide consumers with numerous options to create unique and personalized living spaces.  

2. Water Resistance and Durability

With advanced technology, SPC flooring not only boasts beauty but also exhibits excellent water resistance. This makes it an ideal choice for areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and spaces with high water exposure. Durable and easy to maintain, SPC flooring helps keep living spaces perpetually fresh and creative. 

3. Flexibility and Easy Installation

SPC flooring is designed to meet the diverse needs of consumers with high flexibility. Manufactured in various sizes and thicknesses, SPC flooring is easily installed on various surfaces, from concrete to tile floors. The straightforward installation process saves time and costs.  

4. Environmentally Friendly Practices

In 2024, the focus on environmental protection is increasing, and SPC flooring adeptly addresses this trend. With recycled materials and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, SPC flooring not only excels in aesthetics and efficiency but also contributes to the preservation of our planet. 

An Cuong SPC floors are made with modern technology to meet international standards for health safety, fire prevention, and environmental protection. The product installation technique does not require the use of dangerous adhesives and chemicals. 

Additionally, An Cuong SPC flooring can also be reused up to 80%, ensuring safety and “greening” the project. 

5. Cost-Effectiveness

One of the most significant advantages of SPC flooring is the sturdy value it offers. Compared to traditional materials like natural wood or tiles, SPC flooring not only comes with a more favorable price tag but also ensures durability and requires minimal maintenance. This helps save costs not only in the initial purchase but also in the long-term usage and maintenance. 

With sturdy value, water resistance, flexibility, and environmental friendliness, SPC flooring not only meets essential criteria but also provides substantial benefits for your wallet. Investing in SPC flooring is an undeniable step toward establishing a modern, convenient, and cost-effective living space. 

Vinyl Plank (SPC Flooring) is a luxurious flooring solution for homeowners. It improves your house’s aesthetic like hardwood flooring at an astonishingly affordable price. However, if you cannot control the temperature and moisture in the house, the vinyl plank flooring has a good chance of getting damaged. Unwanted situations such as curling, and warping can occur due to installation-related failures as well.

1. Cupping

More about Cupping

Cupping is the most common problem of vinyl planks. After a certain period, the sides start to rise, making the board look like a cup or concave. This mainly occurs because of the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the board. Those culprits are more difficult to discover since there are no immediate changes. 

 

 

 

It occurs because the material expands and shrinks with the change in temperature and moisture content. Sometimes the cupped floor problem is solved automatically when the temperature becomes normal as before. However, sometimes it becomes permanent and requires expert inspection.

 Reasons for Vinyl Plank Flooring Cupping

1. Change of Seasons

One of the primary causes of cupping is the seasonal change. For example, summer produces more moisture in the environment. Floor gets affected by the change in humidity. Moistures get accumulated under the plank floors, which results in cupping.

2. Wet Subfloor

When the moisture content is high in your room, there is a good chance of water seeping under the floor beds. Check your floors occasionally if you reside in a high humid area.

3. Faulty Plumbing and Leaks

Sometimes faulty plumbing can cause cupping issues. The floor usually fits tightly to each other like jigsaw puzzle pieces during fitting. If there is a leak or gap between floors, moisture can easily seep under the planks.

4. Moisture Content

The right amount of moisture content is a must for installing the vinyl floors. Experts will take the moisture reading of your environment before installing the flooring. The subfloor needs to be dried. The boards turn into a concave shape if the moisture level is wrong when installed.

5. Heat And Sunlight

Heat, sunlight are the primary causes of cupping. Variation in the temperature prompts expansion and contraction of the material. Thus, the plank floors start to cup.

How to Solve the Cupping Problem

Change in moisture, temperature, or leaking water can reportedly cause cupping.  A proper diagnosis is necessary to understand the correct origin. Let’s learn the best methods to prevent or cure the cupped floors:

• Inspection of basements and subfloors before installing the planks.
• Turning off the AC fans to avoid condensation.
• Using dehumidifiers to control the humidity in humid areas.
• Avoiding venting in the crawl spaces to prevent mold.

If you’re finding it difficult to get into the heart of the problem, get an expert opinion. Industry experts have years of experience to solve the issues.

2. Buckling – the opposite of cupping

Regarding the nature of the damage, buckling is the opposite of cupping. It bows the other way, forming grooves and peaks.

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons for Vinyl Plank Flooring Buckling

1. Poor Installation

A bad installation job is the number one reason why vinyl planks bend after some time. Like hardwood and laminate, vinyl floors require room for expansion as the floors settle in.

During installation, place the planks 10-12mm away from the wall to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction. The planks will bend and lift if there is no space for expansion left around the room’s perimeter.

2. The Condition Of The Subfloor

Vinyl planks are considered the easiest to install because they don’t require extensive subfloor prep work as the planks float on the existing floor. But, for the best results, the subfloor should be leveled and free of debris before installing the planks.

Installing any vinyl on a badly done subfloor is a sure way to shorten your floor’s life span. The uneven floor will weaken the seams between planks, resulting in buckling.

3. Temperature Changes

Vinyl will expand when exposed to heat and contract when the ambient temperatures are cooler. The expansion and contraction cause the flooring to shift and buckle. Planks that are closer to windows and exposed to constant fluctuation of heat and cold are more prone to buckling.

While you cannot control ambient temperature changes, you can use the appropriate window dressing to protect your floor from exposure to direct sunlight. Doing this will minimize expansion from heat exposure and the subsequent contraction.

4. Moisture Trapped Underneath The Planks

As is the case with heat and cold, moisture is a major culprit in weak, lifted, and buckled vinyl flooring. In well-installed flooring, the seams between planks are tight enough to keep moisture from seeping through. Still, if your concrete subfloors have a moisture problem, the seams between the planks could come apart, weakening the flooring and causing it to buckle.

High-quality vinyl plank flooring is less prone to moisture damage. That said, it is a good idea to install a moisture barrier on top of the subfloor before installing the plank flooring to protect against the effects of excessive moisture. The thickness of moisture barrier does not exceed 0.15mm.

5. Abuse And Improper Use

Many factors determine the durability of the flooring; one among them is the care and maintenance you accord your floors. It goes without saying that floors that are well-cared tend to last longer than those subjected to abuse and improper use.

Vinyl is strong and sturdy, but one thing that will weaken your flooring is dragging and dropping heavy items. Frequent dragging of heavy furniture and appliances across the room will pull the planks apart or cause them to strain under the heavyweight, resulting in bending and buckling.

6. Don’t Acclimate Vinyl Plank Flooring

Acclimation is necessary for the fixation of the vinyl plank flooring. Your floor will deform due to expansion or shrinkage if you don’t acclimate it. Get the moisture and temperature readings and control them before fixing the flooring.

How To Check The Reason

When those problems occur, we need to find out the reason so that we can have an appropriate solution. we can check the following:

1. Inspection all the expansion of floor
2. Inspection the moisture of floor
3. Inspection if any cushion is used on subfloor before installing SPC flooring over
4. Inspection if something is fixed on the floor
5. If using sealant to fill the gaps, the sealant needs to be flexible, soft and elastic to support flooring move when it expands.

3. Conclusion

Vinyl planks are an excellent alternative to wood flooring. Your room’s aesthetic improves significantly with it. And it is durable at the same time. However, this cheap solution comes with some serious issues. Vinyl plank flooring cupping is the most common of all.

Understanding the cupping issues helps to prevent it at the very beginning. Even if your vinyl planks create cupped floors, you can fix them quickly. Keep the moisture, sunlight, and temperature in control. Also, perform regular cleaning to increase its longevity. Proper maintenance saves a lot of time and money, replacing the entire flooring.

Whether you are an aging adult looking to choose safe and beautiful floors for your home, or you are helping your aging loved one find new flooring, there are a few factors to consider; safety chief among them. It is key to ensure that your new flooring choice is both slip- and trip-resistant. Of course, safety is important, but cleaning, comfort, cushion, and function should all be considered when shopping as these factors contribute to finding the perfect floor.  

An Cuong Flooring will suggest some types of flooring suitable for families with elderly people.  

• Falling is a real fear for many seniors, especially if they live alone and help is not readily available. Ensuring that the flooring inside seniors’ homes minimizes the risk of falling is a priority. 

• Area rugs are a big no-no in spaces where seniors walk. Rugs often slide around, and easily bunch up, and even the slightest height difference could be challenging for some individuals. Thus, area rugs can be a real tripping hazard, which, of course, should be avoided.

• Natural stone is another material that should be avoided. It is very hard and requires regular maintenance, which makes it unforgiving. In addition, the polished stone floor is slippery when wet and can be cold under bare feet. Ceramic and porcelain tiles should also be avoided for the same reasons. Although this material requires very little maintenance, wide grout joints or uneven tiles can create a tripping risk. 

Suitable options  

Rubber Flooring Is Number One 

Rubber flooring is a wonderful option for seniors because it is slip-resistant even when it is wet, making it the safest choice. Another great benefit is its absorbency. If someone were to fall on rubber flooring, it would most likely be less painful than hard surfaces. The cushioning and installation that rubber flooring offers also make it a warmer surface, which helps keep seniors more comfortable. In addition, it also comes in a variety of color options, and it’s easy to maintain, making it not only a functional but aesthetically pleasing flooring solution.  

Wood Flooring Is the Runner-Up 

Another great option for seniors is wood flooring because it is soft, shock-absorbent, and provides traction, making it slip-resistant. Much like rubber flooring, it not only helps prevent falls but in the event of one, it cushions to reduce the chance of injury. Many wood floors are often finished with sealants, which will make it easy for seniors to wipe down and maintain.   

It is important to note that wood floors do not last over time and should not be placed in high-moisture areas, as it is prone to cracks, fading, and dents.  

SPC Flooring Can Be Valuable for Seniors 

When it comes to SPC flooring, there are a lot of great benefits. It’s easy to maintain, waterproof, and easy to walk on without slipping. Compared to cork and rubber, SPC Flooring is a harder flooring surface, making it less forgiving when it comes to falls. Modern An Cuong SPC Flooring comes in a variety of attractive styles, which means you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for function. This affordable flooring is an excellent option for seniors. 

If you need help figuring out what flooring types are senior-safe while also fitting your budget and style, the An Cuong Flooring experts are here to help. Give us a call for a consultation. 

They may have small figures but with big energy. Apart from all those playing, snacking, and spilling, kids will always find a way to put the flooring through every test. Back-to-school season has already begun, have you found the perfect flooring that loves your kids and your kids will love?

An Cuong’s stylish and multi-functional SPC flooring helps you to create a safe, healthy and inspirational environment where kids can freely splash their creativity. We make the floor the perfect choice for schools and any other educational setting

A Safe Haven

We make the floor for freely breathing and healthy living. Our SPC flooring is formaldehyde-free certified by FloorScore. 100% high-class material, no harmful adhesives and recycled materials included in our production process. Lead-free and Cadmium-free, you can install our products with trust and confidence taking kids into consideration.

A Hygienic Playground

A cleaner floor is the No.1 need of today’s customer demands, no matter for residential or commercial applications. An Cuong SPC flooring infuses antibacterial techniques into coating, rigid core and underlay to establish an all-round hygienic system paired with the easy maintenance attribute. It doesn’t harbour any dirt or dust and it attributes to prevent microbes from and growth and reproduction which is also helpful to create an anti-allergen environment. An Cuong SPC flooring is designed for the well-being of everyone.

Made for Any Circumstance

Billed for its exceptional durability and longevity, An Cuong SPC flooring can stand up to any wear and tear, scratches, spills and stains. You no longer need to be panic, knowing that it can cope with any severe damages and last for years.

If you have got constantly requests about healthy flooring, especially friendly to kids, from your customers, look no further.

Please contact us via hotline (+84) 963 017 576 for more advice on products.

If you’re a landlord or property manager, you know that choosing the right flooring for your rental properties is important. You want something that is durable, low-maintenance, and attractive to potential renters. An Cuong SPC flooring is an excellent choice for rental properties, and in this blog post, we’ll explore the advantages of An Cuong SPC flooring for rental properties.

Durability

One of the biggest advantages of An Cuong SPC flooring for rental properties is its durability. It’s made from PVC plastic and superfine stone powder, which makes it incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear. This means that it can withstand heavy foot traffic, scratches, and spills, making it a great option for high-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, and kitchens.

Low-Maintenance

Another advantage of An Cuong SPC flooring is that it’s incredibly low maintenance. It’s easy to clean and doesn’t require any special treatments or finishes. All you need is a damp mop or cloth

to keep it looking clean and fresh. This makes it a great option for rental properties, as it reduces the amount of maintenance and upkeep required.

Waterproof

An Cuong SPC flooring is also waterproof, which is a huge advantage for rental properties. It means that you don’t have to worry about water damage from spills or leaks, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Affordability

An Cuong SPC flooring is also affordable, which is important when you’re managing multiple rental properties. It’s less expensive than hardwood flooring or ceramic tile, yet it still provides a high-end look and feel.

Versatility

Finally, An Cuong SPC flooring comes in a variety of styles and colors, which makes it a versatile option for rental properties. You can choose from a range of designs and patterns to match your existing decor or create a new look. This versatility makes it a great choice for landlords and property managers who want to create a cohesive look across multiple properties. In conclusion, An Cuong SPC flooring is an excellent choice for rental properties. Its durability, low maintenance, waterproofing, affordability, and versatility make it a great option for landlords and property managers who want a flooring solution that is both practical and attractive.