Answer: There's no absolute "better," only "more suitable."

SPC: Its core advantage is superior dimensional stability, with virtually no thermal expansion or contraction, making it suitable for environments with underfloor heating, direct sunlight, and humidity (such as basements). It feels relatively firm underfoot, similar to ceramic tile. It's usually cheaper than LVT, offering better value.

LVT: Its core advantage is excellent elasticity and comfort underfoot, making it softer and quieter to walk on. Its flexibility allows for stronger textures and embossing. However, its stability at high temperatures is not as good as SPC, and it requires a more even subfloor. It's usually more expensive.

Conclusion: For ultimate stability, underfloor heating, and high cost-effectiveness, choose SPC; for top-tier feel, luxurious textures, high-end commercial use, and controllable ambient temperature, choose LVT.

Answer: This is the biggest selling point and the most common misconception.

Core Materials: SPC/LVT's main components are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and stone powder. It inherently contains no aldehydes, thus theoretically achieving "zero formaldehyde addition." Reputable, well-known brands typically offer better environmental performance than many engineered wood flooring options.

Key Reminder: Environmentally friendly does not equal "non-toxic." Pay attention to other harmful substances, such as heavy metals (lead, cadmium) and phthalate plasticizers. Always request testing reports from authoritative institutions and pay attention to environmental labels such as "National Standard E0 grade" (or higher), "CE certification," and "FloorScore."

Answer: This is one of its core advantages, but with strict conditions.

The material itself is 100% waterproof: Water cannot corrode the SPC/LVT substrate.

The installation method is crucial: There are still tiny gaps at the interlocking joints. If a large amount of water is soaked for a long time, it will seep into the subfloor, causing mold and warping in the base layer (such as cement floors).

Correct practice: This is perfectly feasible in dry areas such as kitchens and bathrooms where water may splash. In wet areas like bathrooms, it is recommended to use full adhesive installation, sealing all seams to truly achieve "waterproofing." Also, ensure the floor has a drainage slope.

Answer: Yes, and SPC is particularly suitable.

Applicability: Due to its stone-plastic composite base, SPC has an extremely low rate of thermal expansion and contraction, making it a perfect match for underfloor heating. For LVT (Lower Temperature Variable) flooring, a special underfloor heating model must be selected, and its heat resistance limit should be noted.

Thermal conductivity: Better than solid wood and engineered wood flooring, but slightly inferior to ceramic tile. It falls into the comfortable category of "warm feet, cool head."

Important Notes:

• The floor must be thoroughly dried according to the underfloor heating company's requirements before installation.
• When turning on the underfloor heating, the temperature increase should be gradual, not exceeding 3-5?? per day.
• The surface temperature is recommended not to exceed 28??.

Answer: This is the ultimate test of product quality and installation.

Opening up: Mostly caused by poor quality locking system (insufficient load-bearing capacity) or severely uneven subfloor (causing the locking system to be damaged under long-term stress). High-quality locking systems and self-leveling compound can prevent this.

Bowing: Mostly caused by insufficient expansion joints (too tight against walls) or excessively long/wide rooms without transition strips. Stress has nowhere to be released during thermal expansion and contraction. SPC has excellent stability, and the risk of bowing is far lower than other flooring types.

Prevention: Professional installation, subfloor leveling, and proper seam allowance are key.

Answer: AC rating is the European standard for abrasion resistance (EN 13329).

• AC1/AC2: Light home use (such as bedrooms and storage rooms).
• AC3: General residential use (living room, bedroom, children's room, etc.), the golden choice for home decoration.
• AC4: Heavy residential/general commercial use (such as offices, small shops).
• AC5: High-intensity commercial use (such as shopping malls, airports).

Recommendation: For home use, AC3 or higher can meet the needs of all rooms, offering the best cost performance. AC4/5 is overkill for home decoration.

Answer: Self-leveling is strongly recommended. This is the most important preliminary step to ensure perfect results.

Consequences: Uneven floors will cause stress concentration in the locking mechanism, resulting in creaking noises, a bumpy feel when walking, and over time, lock breakage and seam cracking. LVT has higher requirements for flatness than SPC.

Standard: Domestic requirements: Height difference within 2 meters with a straightedge ?? 3 mm. High-quality installation requires ?? 2 mm.

Answer: Maintenance is extremely simple, a blessing for lazy people.

Daily Use: Simply vacuum or wipe with a wrung-out damp mop. Avoid rinsing with large amounts of water.

Stubborn Stains: Use a neutral or specialized PVC floor cleaner. Do not use strong acid or alkaline cleaners.

Waxing: SPC and LVT have a UV coating on the surface, so waxing is generally not necessary for residential use. For commercial use, if the surface loses its luster over time, specialized PVC floor wax can be applied to restore the finish.