Why is WPC Flooring better than Vinyl Flooring?

When it comes to tough and fashionable flooring choices, people frequently find themselves at the crossroads between WPC flooring and traditional vinyl flooring. 

While both make for excellent water resistance, ease of installation, and terrific finishes, there is always a difference in major aspects like durability, comfort, and environmental impact. 

So here is why WPC floor has an advantage over vinyl plank flooring and which option you may be better suited for at home.

What is WPC Flooring?

Stands for Wood Plastic Composite flooring, a very resilient and versatile option blending wood fibers with plastic polymers. Brandished as being water-resistant, WPC floors are ideal for rooms that have a tendency to trap moisture-basically any small room or bathroom, kitchen, basement, etc. Unlike regular vinyl, this type of flooring has a rigid core, which makes for a more stable and comfortable underfoot experience.

How is WPC Flooring Made?

It is made with a mixture of wood pulp and thermoplastics, by usual manufacturing techniques. These are generally burning, compounding, and molding of the materials.

The core is highly rigid and doesn't buckle and provides excellent stability. Additionally, there is a layer above it that is the wear layer and shields against scuffing or scratching as well as stain resistance. It's also supplied complete with an attached underlayment that provides sound-dampening and cushioning.

What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring is a synthetic material, primarily made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is popular for its relatively low cost and resistance to water, in addition to its wide color and pattern options. Vinyl plank flooring can duplicate the look of natural wood or stone at a fraction of the price and is used often in the heavy-use areas that tend to have spills and high humidity.

How Is Vinyl Plank Flooring Made?

Vinyl plank flooring is composed of layers that have a PVC core and a printed design layer for its aesthetic effect. The wear layer on top protects it from wear and tear, and can fit very well into heavy trafficked areas. Still, vinyl does not have the rigid core that WPC flooring has, so it can feel thinner and less stable underfoot.

Benefits of WPC Flooring

• Fully water-resistant: WPC vinyl flooring is completely water-resistant, making it perfect for various moisture-prone areas like the kitchen and the bathroom or basement.

• Comfort: The foam or cork backing makes WPC floors have a softer feel and more comfort underfoot compared to traditional vinyl, reducing foot fatigue.

• Durability: The wood-plastic composite core makes WPC floors really durable and less prone to wear and tear, which means that it will less likely expand or contract due to changing temperatures.

• Improved Acoustic Insulation: WPC flooring has a higher core and padded back, hence reducing the noise in busy households.

• Stylish Options The vinyl plank flooring provides magnificent designs that range from high-definition and realistic wooden and stone designs to enhance any indoor environment.

Benefits of Vinyl Plank Flooring

• Cost Effectiveness: Vinyl plank flooring is mostly cheaper than WPC Vinyl flooring and provides an excellent alternative to the budget-conscious homeowner.

• Water Resistance: While WPC is non-water-resistant, vinyl plank flooring has water-resistance, yet can handle spills and splashes in kitchens and even living areas.

• Easy Installation: Vinyl plank flooring is relatively easy to install and mostly comes pre-assembled in click-and-lock systems for simple DIY installations.

Just like WPC, vinyl plank flooring comes in a wide variety of wood and stone designs allowing you to get the chic look at a lesser cost.

Why Choose WPC Over Vinyl?

1. Better Comfort and Thickness

WPC is thicker than vinyl plank flooring, so it feels better to walk on. The built-in underlayment of WPC floors also offers better sound insulation compared to the equivalent cores in vinyl plank flooring, and it tends to be a quieter and more comfortable flooring option for homeowners with active families.

2. Increased durability and stability

The rigid core structure of WPC Flooring makes it achieve better dimensional stability, meaning less chance of swelling and shrinking due to temperature changes. It is, therefore, a sturdier flooring option for those areas exposed to changing climates or heavy foot traffic.

3. Waterproof and Perfect for Moisture-Prone Areas

WPC and vinyl both are water-resistant, yet WPC is leading in this competition since it has a composite core. It's perfect for basements, kitchen, or bathroom use when there might be potential exposure to water. The increased thickness of WPC Vinyl flooring also makes it much harder to dent and where out over time.

4. More Environmentally Friendly  

WPC Vinyl flooring makes more use of recycled wood and plastic that might otherwise not find their way to anywhere in society. This is better than traditional vinyl, which is 100% synthetic and hence considered inapplicable on grounds of sustainability. The sustainable approach appeals to homeowners seeking a more environmentally responsible flooring option.

5. Aesthetic Variety and Realism

While the designs presented by vinyl plank flooring are great, WPC floors normally have more realistic wood or stone finishes because of their thicker and more textured layers. This can present more depth and an authentic look that is equal to natural materials.

Conclusion

Although WPC and vinyl plank flooring are great for their durability, water resistance, and aesthetic appeal, WPC flooring has far better advantages that enhance the investment on them in the long run. Its superior comfort, enhanced durability, and earth-friendly composition provide this flooring with an edge over the traditional vinyl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What makes WPC more durable than vinyl plank flooring?

A. WPC has a core of wood and plastic composites, which is thicker and more resistant to wear, dents, and temperature changes than vinyl.

Q. Is WPC really 100% waterproof?

A. Yes, WPC is completely waterproof; for moisture-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

Q. How does WPC floors measure up to vinyl in comfort?

A. WPC flooring has a foam or cork underlayment, which means it is much softer than traditional vinyl plank flooring and also serves to reduce sound.

Q. Can I DIY WPC flooring, or will it need a professional?

A. While most WPC products come with a click-lock system, which makes for excellent do-it-yourself installation, hiring a professional will result in a flawless finish.

Q. Will WPC end up costing more than vinyl plank flooring?

A. Yes, the WPC floors are usually more expensive than the vinyl plank, which it should because the flooring offers added durability, comfort, and also features waterproof.