Rigid Core 101: SPC vs WPC

Modern Luxury Vinyl Tile has evolved. While both SPC and WPC flooring fall under the "Rigid Core" category, they are engineered for different environments and lifestyle needs. Offering 100% waterproof performance and click-lock installation, the distinctive inner strength of both LVT options is what sets them apart.

  • SPC

  • WPC

What is WPC Luxury Vinyl?

WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite. Despite the name, it contains no actual wood: The core is made of a combination of recycled wood pulp and plasticizers that are "foamed" or aerated.


The Benefits of WPC

Enhanced Comfort -  The aerated core acts like a cushion, making it softer and warmer underfoot than other hard surfaces.

Sound Insulation - The pockets of air in the core naturally absorb sound, making it a quieter rigid core option than competitors.

Subfloor Forgiveness - The thicker profile of WPC is excellent at hiding minor imperfections in your subfloor, like slight dips or bumps.


Best Uses for WPC: WPC is the premier choice for residential living spaces, bedrooms, and second-story rooms where you want a cozy feel and maximum noise reduction between floors.

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What is SPC Luxury Vinyl?

SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite. The core is engineered by combining limestone powder and stabilizers to create a dense, solid-state core that is virtually indestructible.


The Benefits of SPC

Impact Resistance - Thanks to the limestone base, SPC is incredibly dense and can resist dents from heavy furniture, dropped objects, or high heels better than other floors.

Temperature Stability - SPC expands and contracts significantly less than other floors, making it ideal for environments with temperature variations.

Thin & Sleek - Higher density allows for a thinner plank that is incredibly strong, making it great for renovations where floor height is a concern.


Best Uses for SPC: SPC is the workhorse for high-traffic commercial spaces, kitchens, mudrooms, and sunrooms where durability and stability are the top priorities.

The Advantages of Metroflor Rigid Core

Whether you choose the comfort of WPC or the strength of SPC, Metroflor enhances every plank with proprietary technologies you won’t find elsewhere.

  • Metroflor WPC Collections

    Our WPC products, like the Genesis and French Quarter collections, feature an ISOCORE Technology® core. Not only is this extruded, closed-cell core structurally sound, it is also incredibly light and 100% waterproof. Our WPC products come with a pre-attached acoustic underlayment to further enhance their signature sound insulation.

  • Metroflor SPC Collections

    Our SPC lines, such as Inception and Metrosone collections, utilize high-density cores that provide a solid foundation for our most realistic textures. We pair this density with our FX2™ Surface Protectant, ensuring your high-traffic floor is engineered tough and stays clean.
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All of Metroflor Products are Made with Sustainability in Mind

  • No heavy metals in Metroflor's vinyl flooring

    No Heavy Metals

    ALL Metroflor products are free of heavy metals.

  • No Phthalate in Metroflor's vinyl flooring

    Phthalate Free

    ALL Metroflor products are Phthalate Free, a harmful plasticizer.

  • No Formaldehyde in Metroflor's LVP

    Formaldehyde Free

    ALL Metroflor products are formaldehyde free.

  • Metroflor's low-voc luxury vinyl flooring

    Low VOCs

    ALL Metroflor products are manufactured producing low or no VOCs.