How Does Waterproof WPC Flooring Work?

Looking to upgrade your floors? Have you considered WPC vinyl flooring? 

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A member of the luxury vinyl family, WPC combines the best of durability and design, offering a softer, warmer underfoot experience compared to its relatives, SPC, and traditional LVP. 

Is WPC&#;s comfort and aesthetic versatility the right fit for your space, or does the unrivaled toughness of SPC better suit your needs? 

Here&#;s what you need to know about WPC vinyl flooring&#;s pros and cons, from its waterproof nature to easy maintenance.

What is WPC Flooring, Exactly?

WPC vinyl flooring stands for wood plastic composite or wood polymer composite (both are right). It is a type of luxury vinyl flooring that combines wood fibers and plastic resins to create a rigid, waterproof core. This core is then layered with a vinyl design and wear layer. 

In construction, it&#;s similar to LVP, yet different. WPC includes a wood-plastic composite layer, that provides additional stability, comfort, and insulation compared to traditional LVP, which has a purely vinyl core. 

WPC is often compared to SPC (stone plastic composite) and traditional LVP (luxury vinyl plank). While all are durable and waterproof, WPC offers a softer feel underfoot compared to the harder, denser SPC. 

LVP, being the precursor to both, lacks the advanced &#;rigid&#; core technology found in WPC and SPC, making it less durable and stable. 

You could say WPC and SPC are the next generation of LVP, with WPC vinyl flooring being developed before SPC. This does not mean SPC is superior to WPC vinyl flooring, just different builds for different uses. 

How is it Made?

WPC vinyl flooring consists of four key layers and each serves a distinct purpose:

• Wear layer: This top layer protects against scratches, stains, and wear, maintaining the floor&#;s appearance and durability.
• Design layer: Situated below the wear layer, it features high-definition images that mimic natural wood, stone, or other materials, offering aesthetic versatility.
• Core layer: The heart of WPC flooring, made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic resins, provides stability, waterproof properties, and comfort underfoot.
• Base layer: This bottom layer, often made of cork or foam, adds sound insulation and helps smooth out subfloor imperfections, enhancing comfort and ensuring a level surface.

The Pros of Choosing WPC Flooring

WPC flooring is gaining popularity, but its recognition may lag behind more traditional options due to its relatively recent introduction and higher cost. However, its benefits are compelling:

• Comfort: WPC&#;s core provides a softer, more comfortable feel underfoot compared to harder surfaces like tile or stone.
• Waterproof: Its composition makes it completely resistant to water, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
• Durability: The wear layer offers protection against scratches, stains, and fading, maintaining the floor&#;s look over time.
• Easy installation: WPC flooring often features a glueless, click-lock design, making it DIY-friendly.
• Aesthetic versatility: Available in a wide range of designs, it can mimic the look of natural wood or stone.
• Low maintenance: Routine sweeping and occasional mopping is all it takes to maintain its appearance.

The Cons of Choosing WPC Vinyl Flooring

While WPC flooring has many advantages, it also comes with some drawbacks to consider:

• Cost: As we said, WPC flooring tends to be more expensive than traditional LVP due to its advanced construction and benefits. The initial investment might be higher, making it less accessible for tighter budgets.
• Weight: The composite core makes WPC planks heavier than standard vinyl, which could complicate the installation process, especially for DIY enthusiasts.
• Susceptibility to heavy loads: Despite its durability, WPC can be more prone to denting under heavy furniture or appliances if not properly protected, necessitating the use of protective pads.
• Limited outdoor use: While waterproof and versatile, WPC flooring is not typically recommended for outdoor use, as prolonged exposure to the elements can affect its longevity and appearance.
• Environmental concerns: The plastic content in WPC flooring raises concerns for those seeking eco-friendly building materials, as it&#;s not as easily recyclable as some purely natural options.

Why Choose WPC over LVP or SPC?

People choose WPC flooring over LVP or SPC for several reasons, focusing on its unique blend of benefits:

• Enhanced comfort: WPC flooring provides a warmer and softer feel underfoot than SPC, thanks to its wood-plastic composite core, making it more comfortable for areas where you&#;ll stand or walk barefoot.
• Better sound insulation: The composition of WPC flooring provides better sound absorption, reducing noise levels, which is ideal for multi-story living spaces, apartments, and quiet environments.
• Aesthetic appeal: While both LVP and SPC offer a wide range of designs, WPC&#;s thicker, more robust structure allows for deeper embossing and more realistic textures that closely mimic natural wood and stone.
• Suitability for larger areas: WPC&#;s stable core composition minimizes contraction and expansion, making it suitable for larger rooms without the need for as many expansion joints as might be necessary with LVP or thinner SPC products.
• Underfoot warmth: WPC retains heat better than SPC, offering a warmer surface in colder climates or seasons, and reducing the need for additional floor heating in some cases.

Choosing WPC flooring comes down to prioritizing comfort, acoustic management, and a realistic look and feel, alongside the inherent waterproof and durable qualities of luxury vinyl products.

Is WPC Flooring Right for You?

As we said, WPC flooring shines for its comfort and aesthetic versatility, which is ideal for homes where warmth and a cozy feel underfoot are desired. 

However, if you need something even more durable, especially in high-traffic areas or commercial spaces, then SPC flooring might be the better choice. SPC&#;s core, enriched with limestone, offers unmatched toughness, making it resistant to heavy loads and extreme wear. 

Each type of flooring has its unique strengths, making them suited to different environments within a home or commercial setting. Weighing these factors can help you decide if WPC flooring aligns with your specific needs and priorities for your flooring project.

WPC flooring stands for Wood Plastic Composite. These 100% waterproof engineered luxury vinyl planks and tiles are DIY-friendly, featuring an effortless interlocking system that can be installed over most existing subfloors.

WPC vinyl flooring is extraordinarily durable and known for its gorgeous, realistic aesthetic. Using advanced technologies, manufacturers are able to beautifully mimic the look of natural wood and stone at a lower price point.

There's a reason WPC vinyl is taking the flooring world by storm! This bad boy is changing the way people buy flooring and it will only continue to grow and increase popularity over the next several years.

There's a lot to learn, but first, let's take a look at what other industry experts have to say about WPC vinyl flooring.

&#;Luxury vinyl tile was already one of the fastest growing floor covering categories. When you add to its benefits waterproof features and ease of installation, WPC products are a homerun for the consumer. We&#;ve already seen a new generation of products out in the marketplace with enhanced stability, durability and stain and indent resistance. And, there is a laser focus on bringing out realistic visuals. This is just the beginning. I expect suppliers to continue to innovate in the coming years to help fuel the growth of this category.&#; - Amy Rush-Imber, Editor in Chief, Floor Covering Weekly

WPC Red Wine Challenge

Before we get into the details on WPC vinyl flooring, I want to show you just how legit these floors are. We wanted to put WPC vinyl's ability to hold up to water damage and stains to the test and soaked that bad boy in red wine for 24 hours. We compared it to laminate and engineered hardwood to see how each floor would hold up.

What Is WPC Flooring?

WPC vinyl plank flooring and WPC vinyl tile flooring are best known for being 100% waterproof. It is luxury vinyl flooring amped up a notch with a special waterproof core that makes it perfect for just about any room in the house.

WPC is the best of the best in the vinyl flooring world and hugely popular amongst homeowners looking for the look of traditional hardwood without the maintenance. It is also one of the most popular flooring options for commercial spaces and businesses.

It's beautiful and low maintenance.

Related Content >> Vinyl Flooring Trends

Layers of WPC Vinyl Flooring

WPC waterproof flooring is typically comprised of 4 layers.*

*Can vary between manufacturers.

Backing Layer

This is the backbone of your plank.

WPC Core

This is the main attraction! WPC flooring contains a solid, waterproof WPC core. It won't ripple, swell or peel no matter much liquid you subject it to.

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Printed Vinyl Layer

This is where you get your gorgeous photo imagery that makes the vinyl look (nearly) identical to natural materials like stone and wood. Often, WPC vinyl flooring is the highest quality vinyl on the market. This means you get the most realistic looks that people will swear are real wood/stone!

Wear Layer

Just like with traditional vinyl, the wear layer is like your bodyguard; it helps protect your floor from dents, scratches, etc. The thicker the wear layer, the buffer your bodybuilder, you feel me?

WPC indoor flooring is known for having buff, beefy wear layers offering more protection. When you look at vinyl flooring, it's just as (if not more) important to look at wear layer thickness as plank thickness.

Related Content >> Vinyl Plank Flooring Buying Guide

Is WPC the Same as LVT/LVP?

WPC vs LVT / LVP. So.much.lingo.

LVT stands for luxury vinyl tiles and LVP stands for luxury vinyl planks. Sometimes you will find LVT/LVP that are also waterproof/WPC, but not always. They mean two different things.

Typically, all WPC products will be considered luxury vinyl tiles or luxury vinyl planks, but not all luxury vinyl is WPC. Kind of like how all golden retrievers are dogs, but not all dogs are golden retrievers. It's a specialty in the luxury vinyl market.

It's worth noting, the term "luxury" is kind of like "organic". There isn't an industry standard or definition so you have to be a little wary when you see it. Usually (and, for us, always), a luxury vinyl product includes a thick, durable floor, multiple layers, realistic 3D printing, a tough wear layer, and sometimes, a textured surface. If not, it's probably more like that junk food that sticks an organic label on the cover to make you think it's healthy.

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WPC Vinyl Thickness Options

Why does this matter?

Simple: a thicker plank is denser. It's going to feel sturdier, and more substantial beneath your feet, as well as covering up for a less-than-stellar subfloor. It will also provide more resiliency and durability, making it more comfortable to stand on for extended periods of time, and also more likely to withstand the test of time.

All of our WPC vinyl flooring is relatively thick and definitely dense and durable enough for entire home use. If you're trying to determine the best quality, you'll want to look more at the wear layer than plank thickness.

That being said, here are the available WPC vinyl thickness options:

• 5mm
• 5.5mm
• 6.5mm
• 8mm

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WPC Vinyl Wear Layer Thickness Options

The wear layer is the top surface of your WPC vinyl flooring. The wear layer is like the bodyguard for your floor. If your options were a scrawny little thing, or a big, bulky, tough and ready-for-battle bodyguard, obviously you&#;d want the latter.

While no bodyguard (wear layer) is perfect, there is a wide range and great options for every use and price point. Pretty simply put, thicker = better. The thicker the wear layer (or, the higher the MIL number), the more resistant your floor will be to scratching and scarring. Which wear layer do you need? Well, let&#;s take a look at our options.

• 8MIL. This is really all you need for a residential space. In fact, in the vinyl world, an 8MIL wear layer is considered pretty darn good. It just happens to be the lowest we offer in the fancy stuff. Yes, WPC is fancy.
• 12MIL. If you have a super crazy home with a ton of traffic going on, the 12MIL will give your WPC vinyl floor a little extra security. It's almost like insurance for your floor.
• 20MIL. The best of the best. 20MIL wear layers will keep even the busiest commercial space lookin' good.

Related Content >> The Best Waterproof Flooring Options

Pros of WPC Vinyl Flooring

• It's 100% waterproof. I mean, this is the trademark of WPC vinyl. The only other floor that can claim to be 100% waterproof is glazed manmade tile.
• Perfect for imperfect subfloors. Little known fact: because WPC vinyl is so thick and durable, it can hide an imperfect subfloor. I know, I know, you don't care what the subfloor looks like. But do you care about dropping a bunch of extra money leveling it beforehand? With WPC vinyl, oftentimes, you won't have to.
• Realistic wood and stone looks. Seriously, vinyl is changing. Rapidly. The top-end vinyl floors are able to more realistically mimic natural materials better than ever before. WPC vinyl is the best of the best, which means the looks are usually incredibly convincing and beautiful.
• More resilient than tile. It's true, you could just get a wood or stone look tile and it would also be waterproof. But tile is hard. Standing on a tile floor all day isn't great for your joints or feet. Vinyl is more resilient and much more comfortable.
• Zero maintenance. All you need is the occasional vacuum and damp mop to keep your WPC looking fabulous.
• Kiss the phthalates goodbye. So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye. Many of our WPC flooring options are phthalate-free.

Related Content >> SPC vs. WPC Vinyl Flooring

Cons of WPC Vinyl Flooring

• Price. This is probably the only downside to WPC vinyl flooring. It comes with a lot of bells and whistles and the price can reflect that. Although, as more and more companies develop their own WPC lines, we are starting to see WPC flooring prices drop and become more affordable. Also, it's still less expensive than solid hardwood with way less maintenance.

Related Content >> Linoleum vs. Vinyl Flooring

Where Should You Use WPC Vinyl Flooring?

A better question would be where shouldn't you use WPC vinyl flooring. Honestly, you can use WPC for any indoor application. So you wouldn't want to use it to floor your entire backyard, but it's great for any room in the house or business.

Because it's waterproof and super durable, there are a few locations that are especially popular.

• Kitchen. The warm wood look is so popular in kitchens right now, but if you've ever had solid hardwood floors, you know they don't hold up to the kitchen. At least not a kitchen that you actually use. WPC vinyl is the perfect alternative. You can also go for a stone look and it's a little easier on your feet and joints than traditional tile.
• Bathroom. Yes! You can have the look of wood floor in your bathroom and you don't have to worry about flooding. WPC vinyl is easily as good a choice as ceramic tile in any bathroom.
• Basement. Basements can be prone to flooding so flooring can be tricky. Luckily, WPC vinyl gives you an option for a gorgeous wood or stone look floor in your basement without the worry of damage during a flood.
• Commercial space. WPC vinyl is one of the most durable flooring options on the market. It can hold up to the high traffic of commercial spaces, piece of cake.
• Anywhere! There really isn't a bad spot for WPC vinyl floors. We just recommend you keep 'em inside.

Related Content >> The Best Basement Flooring Options

Who Should Choose WPC Vinyl Flooring?

Okay, cool. But is WPC right for you?

While anyone can benefit from WPC vinyl, there are a few types of people we'd really recommend it to.

• Parents. Your kids are going to spill things. And if they don't, like WHO ARE THEY? WPC vinyl is great for parents who want their home to look beautiful and not worry about the kiddos ruining their floors.
• Pet owners. Arguably the best pet-friendly option on the market, WPC vinyl won't cause your pups to slip and slide the way laminate can. It's 100% waterproof so accidents are easy to clean and it still looks as gorgeous as hardwood.
• Business owners. Have you ever looked down at the floor in your doctor's office, restaurant or even grocery store? You'll see gorgeous wood-look flooring that somehow looks fantastic no matter what's gone on there recently. Chances are it's WPC vinyl. We have some in our office and we find that business owners absolutely love it.
• Everyone! There's no wrong person when it comes to WPC vinyl!

Why WPC and Not Laminate or Regular Vinyl?

The answer is pretty simple. WPC vinyl is 100% waterproof. Traditional vinyl and laminate floors are not.

Additionally, the thicker planks lend themselves to uneven subfloors, giving you less prep work before your wpc flooring installation. These thick planks also tend to be more durable and provide thicker wear layers which prevent your floor from dents and scratches.

WPC is like the best of the best in the vinyl world. Of course, many people are fine with traditional, water-resistant vinyl. But if you need that extra protection, nothing will do it quite like WPC.

Related Content >> Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring

Popular WPC Manufacturers

Okay, so how do you find this magical flooring? There are a few brands known for their WPC vinyl flooring lines.

Shaw Floorte

Shaw's Floorte line is perfect for anyone looking for WPC vinyl on more of a budget. It is the only WPC vinyl flooring on the market (that we're aware of) that you can get at the same price as traditional vinyl and laminate.

These planks still offer a realistic wood look while maintaining the 100% waterproof capabilities that WPC vinyl is known for. They are, however, a little thinner and more limited in their warranty.

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Mohawk

Mohawk offers an in-between option. Their prices are typically somewhere around Floorte. Additionally, their warranty also falls in the in-between with a 35 year home warranty, which, if you ask me, is pretty darn good.

You can find some really unique looks in Mohawk's WPC vinyl line that will make you forget all about solid hardwood. Seriously, they're gorgeous!

WPC Installation

Now, this could change any day as technology advances, but as of right now, all of our WPC vinyl floors come as interlocking floating floors. What does that mean for you? Well, those are the easiest kind to install!

So think about it - you don't have to worry about unevenness in your subfloor* and you can easily install the flooring yourself. All the sudden the higher price point of WPC vinyl flooring is starting to seem more reasonable when you realize how much money you're saving!

*Note: WPC vinyl can make up for a slightly uneven subfloor with normal cracks and wavering. However, if your floor is totally unlevel, not even magical WPC vinyl can fix that for you. In that case, you need to get someone out to moderately level your subfloor.

Ready to get started with WPC vinyl flooring?

Want more information on Waterproof WPC Flooring? Feel free to contact us.