SPC vs vinyl vs laminate flooring: which to choose
SPC is a rigid-core vinyl plank or tile that clicks together. Vinyl flooring is PVC in planks and tiles or in sheet rolls. Laminate has an HDF core under a wood-look surface. SPC and vinyl are both vinyl floors; laminate is a wood-based board.
What each one is
SPC flooring, vinyl flooring and laminate and engineered wood flooring are the three flooring families at Inlife - Nakoda Creations. People often ask which to pick, because all three can carry a wood look.
- SPC (stone plastic composite) is a rigid core of limestone powder, PVC resin and stabilisers, with a printed film on top. Planks and tiles click together.
- Vinyl is PVC, offered as luxury vinyl planks and tiles, or as sheet rolls.
- Laminate is a board with an HDF core, a decor layer and a wear layer. Engineered wood has a hardwood surface on an HDF core.
How they compare
| SPC | Vinyl | Laminate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Rigid limestone and PVC | PVC; sheet rolls are heterogeneous | HDF |
| Formats | Planks and tiles; herringbone | Planks, tiles and 2 m wide sheet rolls | Straight, V-groove and herringbone planks |
| Thickness | 4 to 6 mm | 1 to 1.5 mm sheet; 2 to 3 mm planks and tiles | 8.3 mm laminate |
| Looks | Wood, stone, Moroccan pattern | Wood, stone, concrete, terrazzo, marble, carpet | Wood grains: oak, pine, walnut, teak, merbau, jatoba |
| Designs at Inlife | 67 | 124 | 141 |
Which to choose, room by room
- Living room. All three are shown for living rooms. Choose SPC for a wood or stone look, laminate for a wood look in plank or herringbone, vinyl for stone, concrete or terrazzo looks.
- Bedroom. SPC and laminate are the two shown for bedrooms, both in wood grains from pale oak to walnut.
- Office. SPC and vinyl are shown for offices. SPC suits a wood or stone look; vinyl adds carpet-look and sheet formats.
- Clinic. Vinyl is the one shown for healthcare spaces, as sheet rolls or planks and tiles.
- Retail. SPC and vinyl are both shown for shops. Marble-look and Moroccan SPC tiles, or vinyl in stone and terrazzo looks.
The three at Inlife
SPC flooring comes in planks of 8.86 × 48.03 in and in stone-look and patterned tiles. Lead with it when you want a rigid, click-together plank in a wood or stone look.
Vinyl flooring is the widest in format: 6 × 36 in planks, tiles of 470 × 470 mm and 18 × 18 in, and sheet rolls 2 m wide. Lead with it for clinics and shops that want a continuous surface.
Laminate and engineered wood flooring has the most designs, from pale and grey oaks through honey tones to deep walnut and teak. Lead with it when you want the look and feel of timber.
See the three side by side
Wood tones and stone looks change between daylight and evening light, so judge them in person. Visit Inlife - Nakoda Creations, 2 Baker Street, Choolai, Chennai, Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm. Bring a photo of the room and your wall colour.
Questions people ask
Is SPC flooring the same as vinyl?
SPC is a type of vinyl floor with a rigid core of limestone powder and PVC resin. Vinyl flooring at Inlife is the plank and tile range, plus sheet rolls.
What is the difference between SPC and laminate flooring?
SPC has a rigid limestone and PVC core with a printed film. Laminate has an HDF core with a decor layer and wear layer, and is 8.3 mm thick at Inlife.
Which flooring suits an office?
SPC and vinyl are both shown for offices. SPC gives wood and stone looks; vinyl adds carpet-look designs and sheet rolls.
Which flooring suits a clinic?
Vinyl is the family shown for healthcare spaces. It comes as sheet rolls 2 m wide or as planks and tiles.
Does laminate come in herringbone?
Yes. Laminate and engineered wood include straight plank, V-groove plank and herringbone layouts. SPC herringbone planks are also available.