SPC vs LVT vs WPC: Which Vinyl Flooring Type Is Best for Singapore Homes?

What are the main types of vinyl flooring?

There are four main types of vinyl flooring sold in Singapore: SPC (stone plastic composite), LVT (luxury vinyl tile or plank), WPC (wood plastic composite) and sheet vinyl. All four are waterproof on the surface. They differ in what the core is made of, which changes how rigid, comfortable and durable the floor is.

Every vinyl plank has the same basic layers: a protective wear layer on top, a printed design film, a core, and often an attached underlay. The core is the part that makes the biggest difference.

What is SPC vinyl flooring?

SPC flooring has a dense core made from limestone powder and PVC. It is rigid, very stable and does not swell when wet. Because the core is hard, SPC hides small dips in the subfloor and is ideal for laying over existing tiles. Most SPC planks use a click-lock system, so they float over the floor without glue.

Best for: HDB flats, condos, rental units and anyone overlaying on old tiles.

What is LVT (luxury vinyl tile)?

LVT is a flexible vinyl tile or plank with a high-definition printed surface. It can be glued down or clicked together. LVT is usually thinner than SPC, so it needs a smoother subfloor, but it gives very realistic wood, stone and marble textures. Thicker LVT ranges, such as 5mm and 6.5mm planks, combine that realism with good comfort underfoot.

Best for: living rooms and bedrooms where looks matter most, and commercial spaces with heavy traffic. You can browse examples of luxury vinyl tiles in wood, stone and microcement looks to see how realistic modern LVT has become.

What is WPC vinyl flooring?

WPC has a core made from wood fibre and plastic, often foamed to make it lighter. It feels softer and warmer than SPC and is quieter to walk on. However, it dents more easily under heavy furniture and usually costs more.

Best for: bedrooms and quiet spaces where comfort is the main goal.

What is sheet vinyl?

Sheet vinyl comes in large rolls and is glued flat to the floor. It is the cheapest type and has very few seams. The downside is that it looks less natural, tears more easily and is hard to repair in one spot.

Best for: budget rentals, storerooms and temporary fit-outs.

SPC vs LVT vs WPC vs sheet vinyl: comparison table

For more on pricing, read our vinyl flooring cost guide for Singapore.

How thick should vinyl flooring be?

For homes in Singapore, 4mm to 6.5mm is the sweet spot. Thickness affects how solid the floor feels, but the wear layer affects how long it lasts.

• Wear layer 0.2mm: light use, rental units.
• Wear layer 0.3mm: normal family homes.
• Wear layer 0.5mm or more: homes with pets and kids, and commercial spaces.

Do not forget door clearance. A thicker floor may need doors to be trimmed.

Which vinyl flooring type is best for Singapore’s climate?

SPC and good-quality LVT are the best fit for Singapore. Both are waterproof and dimensionally stable in high humidity, so they will not swell like laminate or warp like solid timber. Leave the right expansion gap at walls, because all floating floors move slightly with temperature.

Want to know how vinyl compares with other floor types? See vinyl vs laminate vs tiles in Singapore.

Frequently asked questions