Which type of floor suits you the best: a wooden floor or an SPC floor? 

That is largely dependent on your aesthetic preferences. However, the installation method, maintenance requirements and price of the floor are also factors worth considering. In order to help you make a choice, we have put together a summary of the most important properties of these three types of floor. 

Before we can start the comparison, you would probably like to know what we are talking about 

• A wooden floor is the name for all wood floors with a solid wooden top layer at least 2.5 millimetres thick. All of our wood floors are oak floors. 

• SPC is a floor that combines all the benefits of a wooden floor, laminate and vinyl. It looks like real wood but has the ease of maintenance and water resistance of vinyl. Due to the ultra strong and rigid support, this is a very stable floor that can be installed in any room of the house, even in humid areas. Due to the deep structure of the decor, this floor can hardly be distinguished from a wooden floor.

Appearance of a wooden floor and SPC floor

Naturally, when choosing a floor, you first look at what you personally think is the most attractive option. A lot of people swear by wooden floors. After all, a wooden floor does look lovely, and nothing compares to the pure look of natural wood. However, SPC floors have truly undergone a revolution. 

When you think of vinly, you can forget the dusty, rolled-up ‘hospital floor’. We offer high quality planks, with a structure that feels like wood, and very realistic wood patterns. It is nearly indistinguishable from the real thing! 

Other differences between wooden floors and SPC floors

Water resistance

SPC has one major advantage: it is water resistant. This means that you can install it humid rooms like your kitchen, bathroom or cellar. In addition, SPC can withstand direct sunlight and can be fitted in a veranda. While other floors would expand, this one stays perfectly in place. 

A wooden floor is made of wood and is therefore not water resistant. However, this does not mean that it will immediately be damaged if liquids are spilt on it. An oiled wooden floor is treated with a moisture resistant protective layer. By regularly treating your oiled floor with the right natural soap, you can keep it in good condition and well protected from moisture. A lacquered floor cannot be conditioned, only cleaned. The layer of lacquer provides protection. 

Installation

When it comes to ease of installation, SPC floors are the undisputed champion. You can easily lay this type of floor yourself. The planks are easy to cut with a Stanley knife, so you don’t have to worry about dust. The collections have a click system for a cheap and fast installation. 

For a wooden floor, we usually recommend a fully glued installation, because this ensures the greatest stability and the best acoustics. 

Maintenance

Maintenance of SPC floors is child’s play. To remove dust, sand and dirt, you can use a vacuum cleaner or brush. For a more thorough clean, you can mop with plenty of water, because SPC is 100% water resistant. Preferably, use WOCA Cleaner. It’s clear: with SPC, you have no more worries about the maintenance. 

With a little attention, a wooden floor can be kept in perfect condition. Regularly clean the floor with a conditioning natural soap (for oiled floors) and apply oil when necessary. 

Integrated underlay

All our collections have a high-quality underlay. The floor noticeably dampens walking noise, neutralizes unevenness in the subfloor and makes laying easy. And you don’t need to buy an extra underlay! 

Pricing

A wooden floor is by far the most expensive type of floor to purchase, install and maintain. However, the additional expense buys you a floor that can be kept beautiful for an extraordinarily long time. You can even completely sand the floor and give it a new look. SPC floors are more budget-friendly. 

Underfloor heating

SPC floors and wooden floors can all be combined with underfloor heating and cooling. For the latter, be sure to choose a multilayer wooden floor rather than solid planks. 

Durability

SPC is exceedingly durable and hardwearing. There is a type of SPC floor for any application, from residential to heavy industrial. The durability mainly depends on the thickness of the wear layer and the rigidity of the substructure. 

A wooden floor also wears over time. However, as mentioned earlier, it can be sanded and reoiled or lacquered, after which it is as good as new. 

Conclusion 

Your choice of floor should mainly depend on your taste. If you love the elegant feel of real wood, then you should definitely treat yourself to a wooden floor. Don’t avoid it just because of the maintenance; a wooden floor will stay good as new if the recommended maintenance is carried out. 

Would you prefer a very low maintenance, easy and affordable floor, which looks remarkably like a wooden floor? Then SPC floors are a great choice. It is easy to maintain, completely waterproof, affordable and easy to install.