Vinyl Plank (LVP) Buying Guide: SPC vs WPC, Wear Layers & Underlayment
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the most popular floor we sell in the San Fernando Valley. It looks like wood, most of it is waterproof, and it holds up to kids, pets and rentals. But not all vinyl is the same. This guide covers what actually matters when you compare products.
Rigid core (SPC and WPC) or glue-down?
SPC (stone plastic composite) has a dense, stiff core. It resists dents from furniture and handles temperature swings well, which makes it a good fit for sunny rooms and Southern California homes on concrete slabs.
WPC (wood plastic composite) has a thicker, slightly softer core. It feels warmer and quieter underfoot, but it dents more easily under heavy point loads.
Glue-down LVT is thin and is glued to the subfloor. It is the standard for commercial spaces, rolling carts and large open areas because it can't shift or peak, and single planks can be replaced.
Rigid core floors click together and float, so they install fast and can go over many existing hard floors. Glue-down needs a flat, well-prepared subfloor.
Wear layer: the number that matters most
The wear layer is the clear top coat that protects the printed design. It is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). For most homes, 12 mil is fine for bedrooms, 20 mil is a good choice for busy family areas and rentals, and 28 mil or more is for commercial use.
Total plank thickness affects feel and how well the plank hides small subfloor bumps, but the wear layer decides how long the floor looks new.
Waterproof is not the same as flood-proof
Most LVP is waterproof, meaning spills and splashes won't hurt the planks. Water that gets under the floor can still damage the subfloor and cause mold, so fix leaks fast and use the right moisture barrier on concrete.
Underlayment and subfloor prep
Many rigid core products have a pad attached. If yours does, don't add a second foam pad unless the maker allows it, since that can void the warranty and make the joints flex.
The subfloor has to be flat within the maker's tolerance. High spots get ground down and low spots get filled with patch or self-leveler. Most floor failures we see trace back to skipped prep, not the product.
Where LVP works best
Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, rentals, homes with pets, and any room on a concrete slab. For very hot rooms with large south-facing windows, choose SPC and use window coverings, because direct sun can make vinyl expand.
Frequently asked questions
Is SPC or WPC better?
Neither is better everywhere. SPC is more dent-resistant and stable; WPC is softer and quieter underfoot. For most San Fernando Valley homes on slab, we usually suggest SPC.
What wear layer should I buy for a home with dogs?
Look for 20 mil or more. A thicker wear layer resists scratches from nails and keeps the floor looking new longer.
Can vinyl plank go over tile?
Often yes, if the tile is flat and solid and the grout lines are filled or shallow. Check the maker's instructions, and ask us to look at your floor first.
Do you install vinyl plank?
Yes. We are a licensed flooring contractor in Sylmar and install across Los Angeles. Call (818) 203-1168 or request a free quote online.
See it in person
Browse our Vinyl Plank (LVP) collection online, or visit our showroom at 12610 Glenoaks Blvd #8, Sylmar, CA 91342. We're a licensed flooring contractor serving Sylmar, Santa Clarita, Northridge, Burbank and all of Los Angeles. Call (818) 203-1168 or request a free quote.
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