The flooring industry has seen rapid development over the past decade, with the emergence of new types of flooring such as LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) flooring, WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) flooring, and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these three types of new flooring.
Structure: The internal structure of LVT flooring generally includes a UV coating layer, a wear layer, a decorative film layer, and an LVT core layer. The core layer typically consists of three layers of LVT laminated together. To improve dimensional stability, customers may request the addition of a fiberglass mesh in the core layer to reduce deformation caused by temperature changes.
Main Components: The primary components of LVT flooring include PVC resin, stone powder, plasticizers, stabilizers, lubricants, and modifiers such as carbon black, with PVC resin and stone powder being the main ingredients.
Production Process: The production process of LVT flooring is characterized by the production of individual LVT sheets, typically using a “mixing + calendering” method to create sheets with a thickness of 0.8 to 1.5 mm. These sheets are then laminated and hot-pressed to achieve the desired thickness of the finished flooring product.
Structure: WPC flooring includes a UV coating layer, a wear layer, a decorative film layer, an LVT layer, and a WPC core layer.
Main Components: The main components of WPC flooring are similar to those of LVT flooring, with the key difference being the addition of a foaming agent in the WPC material to make the flooring lighter and provide a better underfoot feel.
Production Process: WPC flooring is a composite flooring that includes both LVT and WPC core materials. The production process involves first creating a single-layer LVT flooring, then bonding it with an extruded WPC core using an adhesive, typically polyurethane cold-press glue.
Structure: The market currently offers three types of SPC flooring: single-layer SPC flooring with online lamination, AB structure SPC composite flooring, and ABA structure SPC composite flooring. The diagram below shows the structure of single-layer SPC flooring.
Main Components: Like other PVC-based flooring products, the main raw materials for SPC flooring are similar. However, unlike LVT flooring, the SPC core material includes lubricants in the production process to facilitate smoother extrusion.
Production Process: Similar to the WPC core material, the SPC core material is extruded and calendered into sheet form. The surface is then laminated with a decorative film and wear layer. For AB or ABA structure SPC composite flooring, the SPC core is first extruded, then laminated with the LVT layer through a composite process.
In summary, LVT flooring, WPC flooring, and SPC flooring are all derivatives of PVC flooring. Each type has its unique structure, components, and production processes, catering to different needs and preferences in the flooring market.
