If you’re shopping for new flooring, you’ve probably seen SPC flooring and laminate side-by-side. Both look great, both are budget-friendly, but they perform very differently. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right one.

What is SPC Flooring?

SPC stands for Stone Polymer Composite. It’s a rigid-core vinyl plank built with a stone-plastic blend that makes it 100% waterproof, dent-resistant, and incredibly stable. SPC is one of the fastest-growing flooring categories in the US for a reason.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate has a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core with a photographic decor layer protected by a melamine wear layer. It mimics hardwood beautifully and is generally less expensive than SPC — but the HDF core swells when exposed to moisture.

Side-by-Side Comparison

  • Waterproof: SPC is 100% waterproof. Laminate is water-resistant at best.
  • Durability: SPC handles heavy impact better thanks to its rigid stone core.
  • Comfort: Laminate feels slightly warmer underfoot; SPC is firmer.
  • Installation: Both are click-lock floating floors. SPC is more forgiving on uneven subfloors.
  • Price: Entry-level laminate is cheaper, but premium laminate and SPC often overlap.

Which Should You Choose?

If you have pets, kids, or any room that ever sees moisture (kitchen, bathroom, basement, mudroom), SPC wins. If you’re flooring bedrooms or living rooms on a tight budget, laminate is still a great choice.

Browse our full SPC flooring collection or use our flooring calculator to plan your project. Orders over $1,999 ship free — and new customers save 5% with code WELCOME5.