Flooring Types Explained: SPC, LVP, LVT, Laminate, Vinyl Sheet, Glue Down, Engineered Wood & Hardwood

Choosing flooring can be confusing.

Many homeowners hear terms like SPC, LVP, LVT, laminate, vinyl, or hardwood, but don’t really know what the differences are.

This guide explains the most common flooring types in simple terms, so you can make a confident decision for your home.

What Is SPC Flooring?

SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite.

SPC flooring is a type of rigid core vinyl plank with a strong, stone-based core that makes it extremely stable and durable.

Key features:

• 100% waterproof

• Very stable in heat and temperature changes

• Click-lock installation

• Suitable for residential and commercial use

Best for:

Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, rentals, and high-traffic areas.

What Is LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)?

LVP stands for Luxury Vinyl Plank.

It is a general market term, not a specific material. LVP can be made with different core types, including:

• SPC (rigid core)

• WPC (wood plastic core)

• Traditional flexible vinyl

Key features:

• Looks like real wood planks

• Waterproof or water-resistant (depends on the core)

• Easy to clean and maintain

Important to know:

SPC flooring is a type of LVP, but not all LVP is SPC.

What Is LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)?

LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile.

LVT is similar to LVP, but it comes in tile shapes instead of planks and often mimics stone or ceramic tile.

Key features:

• Water-resistant or waterproof

• Softer and warmer than real tile

• Available in glue-down or click-lock formats

Best for:

Bathrooms, kitchens, and commercial spaces.

What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is made with a fiberboard (HDF) core, not vinyl.

Key features:

• Realistic wood appearance

• Click-lock installation

• Affordable alternative to hardwood

Important:

Laminate is not waterproof and can be damaged by moisture.

Best for:

Living rooms, bedrooms, and dry areas only.

What Is Vinyl Sheet Flooring?

Vinyl sheet flooring comes in large rolls instead of planks or tiles.

Key features:

• Fewer seams

• Water-resistant

• Soft underfoot

• Budget-friendly

Best for:

Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and rental properties.

What Does “Glue Down Flooring” Mean?

Glue down refers to the installation method, not the flooring material itself.

Glue-down installation can be used for:

• LVP

• LVT

• Vinyl planks

• Engineered wood

Key features:

• Flooring is glued directly to the subfloor

• Very stable

• Common in commercial spaces

What Is Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered wood flooring has a real wood surface layer bonded to multiple plywood layers underneath.

Key features:

• Real wood look and feel

• More stable than solid hardwood

• Can be glued down or floated

Important:

Engineered wood is not waterproof.

What Is Solid Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring is made from 100% solid wood.

Key features:

• Natural beauty

• Can be sanded and refinished

• Long lifespan

Important:

Hardwood is sensitive to moisture and temperature changes.