As the resilient flooring market grows, flooring distributors and dealers must understand which flooring products will outperformance in different customer segments. The three leading options—LVT, WPC, and SPC—each have unique advantages for various projects.
When assisting customers, sales associates should consider lifestyle and room conditions. For example, SPC is ideal for areas with direct sunlight, as it withstands heat better than WPC, which may warp under such conditions. SPC is also recommended for high-performance needs, being tough and dent-resistant, especially over existing tiles. It’s also effective in high-traffic areas with rolling chairs.
WPC on the other hand, with hybrid structure is suitable for older individuals needing softer flooring for improved joint comfort.
While WPC and SPC are popular in residential spaces, they’re also increasingly used in commercial settings. Chris Kemp of Kemps Dalton West Flooring recommends LVT for hard surfaces, particularly in bathrooms, while favoring SPC for commercial applications. Craig Phillips, president of Barrington Carpet in Akron, Ohio, notes a shift towards SPC products in custom builder, commercial, and retail sectors. SPC offers benefits over traditional LVT, such as no acclimation, improved sound absorption, and better performance on uneven subfloors. Some property accounts have transitioned to SPC when budgets allow, appreciating its realistic visuals for active households.
While SPC and WPC dominate the faux wood flooring market, traditional LVT is still used in various commercial projects. Glue-down LVT is preferred for areas with heavy traffic from chairs and carts, especially in Florida where many concrete slabs are in poor condition, making floating floors more suitable for residential use.
The market also observes that LVT is primarily installed in property management projects due to its affordability and ability to enhance common area flooring. Dealers typically have preferred product categories but avoid pushing consumers toward one specific option.
For homeowners, the choice focus more on color, appearance, and installation methods rather than type of vinyl flooring. Therefore, encouraging customers to choose based on personal preference and budget will generally lead to better satisfactions.
To cater to diverse consumer needs, leading flooring brands have introduced various innovative LVT, WPC, and SPC products into the market.
Cutting-Edge LVT, SPC, WPC Flooring from Leading Brands.
Mohawk
Pergo Extreme is now available in select specialty retail stores nationwide, offering Mohawk’s Edge partners a unique luxury vinyl collection. Customers can select from 60 realistic designs that include wood, stone, and—newly introduced—tile options, all inspired by nature and designed for durability. Mohawk claims that the exceptional construction and performance of Pergo Extreme result in one of the industry’s top rigid warranties: it is dent-proof, completely waterproof, and fully resistant to kids and pets.
Shaw Floors – Distinction Plus
Distinction Plus is a new luxury vinyl line from Shaw Floors, offering 10 light-toned designs in oak, maple, pine, and eucalyptus to cater to the demand for lighter wood looks. As part of the Floorté Classic Series, it features a WPC construction focused on style and comfort. Its waterproof core includes foaming agents for added comfort and has an attached Soft Silence pad for sound absorption. The product also boasts a 12-mil wear layer and Armourbead finish for durability against spills and foot traffic.
Cali Vinyl Longboards.
The new Cali Vinyl Longboards collection features larger, more visually appealing planks measuring 70 7/8 x 9 inches. Inspired by coastal aesthetics, these planks create natural-looking floors that are quick to install and enhance open, serene spaces. The improved hardwood visuals, like North Shore Oak, include specialized embossing for a realistic texture. They are 100% waterproof and designed for commercial durability with a GeoCore limestone composite base. A thick 20-mil wear layer protects against scratches from pets and children, while built-in acoustic padding improves sound insulation.
Inhaus – Sono.
Sono is a German-made, waterproof, PVC-free floating plank flooring that competes with LVT, SPC, and WPC products. It prioritizes indoor air quality, using only polypropylene and mineral powder in its core, resulting in no plasticizers, phthalates, or formaldehyde, and low VOC emissions. Sono features high-definition digital printing with 26 designs and is finished with four durable coats of natural lacquer for an authentic appearance and comfort. Its Megaloc installation system allows for easy folding and cutting by scoring and snapping, making it quick to install.
MSI – Bayhill Blonde LVT
Bayhill Blonde luxury vinyl tile from the Everlife collection features light cashew brown shades with natural knots for a wood-like appearance. Measuring 7 x 48 inches, this waterproof plank has a durable 20-mil CrystaLux wear layer that protects against scratches, spills, and sun damage. It includes a beveled edge, comfortable pre-attached backing, and an easy-install locking system.
Maybree by NovaFloor from Novalis
NovaFloor’s Maybree collection offers stylish and durable flooring options. It features ultra-realistic designs, a robust 6mm high-density core, a 20-mil wear layer, and a protective NovaShield coating. Its waterproof construction makes it suitable for any area, including wet spaces like bathrooms and laundry rooms. Additionally, the attached foam underlayment provides comfort, while the fold-down locking system ensures easy installation, making Maybree an excellent choice for home flooring.
Tarkett – NuGen
Tarkett responded to customer demands for flexible, easy-to-install rigid core flooring with NuGen. This product combines the durability of rigid core with the appearance of hardwood, making it resistant to spills and drops from kids and pets. NuGen comes in popular colors, styles, and sizes, offering hassle-free installation and long-lasting wear for an improved flooring experience.
Wellmade – Opti-Wood
Wellmades Opti-Wood HDPC rigid core flooring is now offered in premium 7-inch wide and 84-inch long planks. It features a real hardwood wear layer with popular oak, hickory, and birch designs, showcasing dynamic cathedral graining. Color choices include gunstock brown, muted grays, and neutral crème, all with a low-luster, wire-brushed finish. Its waterproof properties make it ideal for both residential and commercial use.
USFloors – COREtec
USFloors’ COREtec patented Waterproof Foamed Core (WPC) flooring combines beauty, durability, comfort, and sound insulation. Its 100% waterproof core is made with foaming agents to minimize surface tension. The Plus version includes an attached cork underlayment for enhanced sound dampening, subfloor absorption, and mold resistance. COREtec products feature a layered design for superior performance, with a 20-mil wear layer that protects against wear and stains, while the luxury vinyl top showcases modern designs. Although primarily for residential use, WPC is also suitable for light to medium commercial settings, receiving highly positive reviews.
