What is SPC flooring and where is it used?
SPC flooring is a multilayer floor covering with a rigid mineral-and-polymer core. It comes in wood and stone finishes for interiors such as homes, offices, shops and hotels.
STONEKS / SPC
SPC Flooring FAQs
Answers on choosing, installing, caring for and calculating quantities of SPC flooring, wall panels, skirting and stair treads.
45 questions · 5 topics
Materials and comparisons
What is the difference between SPC and laminate flooring?
SPC has a mineral-and-polymer core, while laminate usually has a wood-fibre core. The SPC core is more resistant to water.
Does SPC flooring contain plastic or natural stone?
The core combines limestone mineral and polymer. The wood or marble appearance comes from the decorative layer above the core.
How do SPC, LVT and WPC differ?
SPC is a vinyl floor with a rigid mineral-polymer core. LVT can also refer to flexible vinyl tiles or planks. WPC typically uses a foamed composite core that is lighter and feels softer underfoot.
What are the advantages and limitations of SPC flooring?
SPC’s rigid core provides stability and splash resistance. Click-lock panels install quickly and need a flat, dry and sound subfloor.
What does EIR mean on SPC flooring?
EIR aligns the surface embossing with the printed grain, so you can feel the wood grain in the same place you see it.
How do flat SPC wall panels differ from RILLO 3D?
Flat panels create a continuous surface. RILLO’s linear profile adds depth and shadow. STONEKS flat panels are 4 mm thick. For RILLO Models A and B, 24 mm and 14 mm refer to profile depth.
What are an SPC stair tread and a riser?
The tread is the horizontal part you step on. The riser covers the vertical face between two steps. A SILVA STAIR set includes an SPC-surfaced tread and a matching riser.
Applications
Is SPC flooring water resistant and suitable for kitchens?
Yes. The rigid SPC core is water resistant and suitable for everyday kitchen splashes. Wiping up spills helps keep water from reaching the subfloor through joints.
Can SPC flooring be used with underfloor heating?
Yes. STONEKS SPC flooring can be used with underfloor heating. The floor surface temperature must stay at or below 27 °C.
Can SPC flooring be installed in a bathroom or shower?
STONEKS SPC flooring can be used in bathroom areas exposed to everyday splashes. Continuously wet areas such as a shower floor with a drain require a separate flooring system designed with waterproofing.
Can SPC flooring be used on a balcony or outdoors?
STONEKS indoor SPC flooring is designed for enclosed rooms. Use an outdoor covering for open balconies and terraces. In glazed balconies, direct sunlight can raise the floor above its operating temperature.
Can SPC flooring scratch and is it suitable for homes with pets?
The wear surface is suitable for homes with pets. Grit and dragged objects can leave marks. Entrance mats and felt furniture pads help protect the surface.
Is SPC flooring noisy and what does IXPE underlay do?
Integrated IXPE underlay softens footfall and improves walking comfort. How much sound reaches the room below depends on the plank, subfloor and complete floor assembly.
Can SPC flooring be used in offices, hotels and shops?
Yes. A 0.55 mm wear layer is preferable in busy offices, hotels and shops. Hotel rooms and lobbies are assessed separately because traffic levels differ.
Where can SPC wall panels be used?
Flat panels suit broad interior surfaces and feature walls. RILLO 3D adds linear texture behind a TV or headboard, or on a reception wall.
What does SPC skirting do?
Skirting finishes the wall-to-floor transition, conceals the perimeter gap and protects the bottom of the wall from everyday knocks. It fixes to the wall so the floating floor can move.
Product selection and technical data
What is the difference between a 0.30 mm and a 0.55 mm wear layer?
A 0.30 mm wear layer suits homes and light commercial spaces. A 0.55 mm layer provides thicker protection for the decor in busy homes and higher-traffic commercial spaces.
Which technical documents should I review for SPC flooring?
A product data sheet lists dimensions, use class and technical values. Declarations of performance and test reports cover project criteria such as reaction to fire, slip resistance and emissions.
Should I choose 5 mm or 7 mm SPC flooring?
A 5 mm panel takes up less height at doorways and transitions. A 7 mm panel is a thicker option. For busy spaces, consider the wear layer and use class alongside the overall thickness.
What do use classes 23 and 33 mean for SPC flooring?
Class 23 means heavy domestic use and Class 33 means heavy commercial use. The classes describe the level of traffic the flooring is rated for.
What does Bfl-s1 mean for SPC flooring?
Bfl indicates limited contribution to fire by the flooring system tested. s1 indicates low smoke production. The classification applies to the assembly tested.
What does the DS slip resistance rating mean?
DS means the floor meets a dynamic friction requirement in dry conditions. The slip risk changes when water or oil is present.
How are indoor emissions from SPC flooring assessed?
Indoor air emissions tests measure volatile compounds released by the product. Intertek Clean Air GOLD indicates that the products covered meet the programme’s emissions limits.
How long is the STONEKS SPC flooring warranty?
STONEKS SPC flooring carries a 25-year limited residential warranty. For light and moderate commercial use, it is 10 years for 0.55 mm wear layers and 7 years for 0.30 mm.
How do I choose the height of SPC skirting?
STONEKS profiles range from 60 to 140 mm high. Lower profiles create a discreet finish. Taller profiles cover more of the bottom of the wall and create a more defined line.
What are the dimensions of SILVA STAIR treads and risers?
The SILVA STAIR tread is 300 × 1,180 mm and 11 mm thick overall. The riser is 200 × 1,180 mm and 5 mm thick. Measure the stair width, tread depth and riser height on site before planning cuts.
Installation and care
Can SPC flooring be installed over existing tiles?
Yes. SPC can go over tiles that are sound, dry, clean and flat. Deep grout lines or uneven areas need to be levelled before installation.
Is SPC flooring glued down? What are I4F and Uniclic?
STONEKS SPC flooring panels lock together without bonding to the subfloor. I4F and Uniclic are locking systems that join the panel edges.
Do I need extra underlay or a moisture barrier?
The integrated IXPE pad provides the underlay, so a second soft pad is unnecessary. A moisture barrier is a separate layer used according to subfloor moisture, particularly over mineral substrates.
Can SPC be laid over screed, old flooring or carpet?
SPC can go over dry, flat, sound screed or a securely fixed existing floor. Remove carpet and any existing floating floor that moves.
Does SPC need expansion gaps or acclimatisation?
Yes. Floating floors need expansion space around walls and fixed objects. The gap size and any acclimatisation time depend on the product and room conditions.
How do I clean SPC flooring? Can I use a steam mop?
Remove grit with a soft broom, then wipe with a lightly damp microfibre cloth. A damp cloth instead of a steam mop avoids concentrating heat and moisture at the joints.
Can a damaged SPC plank be replaced individually?
A damaged plank can usually be replaced in a click floor. It may require lifting planks back from the nearest edge. Keeping a few spares of the same stock code makes matching easier later.
How are SPC wall panels installed?
Fit SPC panels to a dry, clean, flat and sound wall. Choose the adhesive or fixing for the wall construction and panel shape. Plan corners, joints and socket positions before cutting.
How is SPC skirting fitted?
Fix SPC skirting to the wall. Choose the adhesive or fixing for the wall construction and profile shape. Measure corners and doorway ends before cutting, and keep the floating floor’s expansion gap clear.
How is an SPC tread installed on an existing staircase?
SILVA STAIR is bonded to the existing stairs. The surface needs to be sound, dry and flat. Measure and cut treads and risers separately, and let the adhesive cure before using the stairs.
Boxes, pricing and samples
How many boxes of SPC flooring do I need?
Divide the area including waste by the coverage per box and round up. For example, 100 m² with 5% waste and 2.212 m² per box requires 48 boxes.
Calculate boxesHow much does one box cover and how much waste should I allow?
One box of 181.1 × 1,219.2 mm SILVA planks covers 2.212 m². Coverage varies with panel size. Rooms with recesses and layouts requiring many cuts can create more waste.
How is the price per square metre of SPC flooring determined?
The price per square metre depends on the decor, panel size, wear layer, quantity and delivery location. STONEKS calculates the quoted quantity in whole boxes.
Request a quoteHow can I request an SPC flooring sample?
Send the collection name, stock code and delivery area to STONEKS Sales and Samples. A sample lets you see the decor in the lighting of your own space.
Contact Sales and SamplesCan I coordinate SPC flooring with wall panels, skirting and stairs?
Yes. STONEKS offers wall panels, skirting and stair collections alongside flooring. Match colours and textures using product codes or samples.
Explore collectionsHow many SPC wall panels or RILLO boxes do I need?
Add a cutting allowance to the net wall area. A 960 × 2,800 mm flat panel nominally covers 2.688 m². Round up to whole panels. Each RILLO box contains eight profiles. Joints and cuts affect net coverage.
Calculate wall panelsHow many metres and boxes of skirting do I need?
Add the lengths of walls that need skirting, subtract door openings and allow for cuts. For example, a LINEA box contains six 2.5 m lengths, giving 15 m in total. Round up to whole boxes.
Calculate skirtingHow many sets are in one box of SPC stair treads?
A SILVA STAIR box contains two sets, or four pieces in total: two treads and two risers. If each step needs one set, 13 steps require seven boxes. Measure landings separately.
Calculate stair boxes