Why SPC Flooring Is Not “The Thicker, The Better”

When selecting SPC flooring, many buyers assume that thicker SPC flooring automatically means better quality and higher durability. In reality, this is a common misunderstanding. The performance, lifespan, comfort, and cost-effectiveness of SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring depend on both total thickness and wear layer thickness, not thickness alone.

Understanding how SPC flooring thickness works—and how it should match your actual application—will help you make a smarter, longer-lasting investment.

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SPC Flooring Thickness: What Really Matters?

SPC flooring thickness typically ranges from 3mm to 8.5mm, depending on product design and application. While thickness affects stability and comfort, wear resistance is primarily determined by the wear layer, not the overall plank thickness.

To achieve the best performance and value, it is essential to consider:

• Wear layer thickness
• Total SPC core thickness
• Installation environment
• Usage intensity and foot traffic

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Wear Layer Thickness: The Key to Durability

One of the most important factors in SPC flooring durability is the wear layer thickness, not how thick the entire plank is.

Common SPC Flooring Wear Layer Options

• 0.3mm wear layer
• 0.5–0.55mm wear layer
• 0.7mm wear layer

Recommended Wear Layer by Application

• Residential use:
  A 0.3mm wear layer is sufficient for daily household foot traffic.
• Commercial use:
  A 0.55mm or thicker wear layer is strongly recommended.
  This meets EU EN AC4 commercial-grade wear resistance, offering excellent durability, stability, and a longer service life while reducing long-term maintenance costs.

👉 Key takeaway:
A thicker SPC plank with a thin wear layer will wear out faster than a thinner plank with a high-quality, thick wear layer.

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SPC Flooring Thickness Explained

While wear resistance depends on the wear layer, overall thickness affects stability, comfort, and sound performance.

Typical SPC Flooring Thickness Range

• 3mm – 8.5mm (Rigid core SPC only)
• Common market options include:
  5.5mm, 6mm, 8.5mm, and even 12mm (with underlayment)

⚠️ Important Note:
Some SPC flooring products list thickness including attached underlayment.
For example:

• A 7.5mm SPC floor may actually consist of:
  • 6mm SPC rigid core
  • 1.5mm IXPE or EVA underlayment

Understanding this distinction helps avoid confusion and ensures accurate performance expectations.

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Why Thicker SPC Flooring Is Not Always Better

While thicker SPC flooring offers advantages, excessive thickness can also create problems:

• Doors may not open or close properly
• Reduced heat transfer efficiency with underfloor heating
• Increased material and installation costs
• Unnecessary expense for low-traffic areas

Choosing the right thickness, not the thickest option, delivers better performance and value.

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Recommended SPC Flooring Thickness by Application

3–4mm SPC Flooring

Best for:

• Budget-limited projects
• Rental apartments
• Temporary or short-term use spaces

These thinner options meet basic functional needs at a lower cost and are ideal where extreme durability is not required.

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5–6mm SPC Flooring

Best for:

• Bedrooms
• Studies
• Dining rooms
• Long-term residential use

This range provides a balanced combination of comfort, stability, and durability, making it the most popular choice for home flooring.

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6.5–8.5mm SPC Flooring

Best for:

• Commercial offices
• Conference rooms
• High-traffic environments

Thicker SPC flooring in this range offers:

• Enhanced stability
• Improved walking comfort
• Better noise reduction
• Long-term durability in demanding conditions

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Thickness, Sound Insulation & Comfort

Thicker SPC flooring generally provides better sound insulation—but thickness alone is not the only solution.

For improved acoustic performance:

• Consider adding IXPE or EVA underlayment
• Combine proper thickness with sound-absorbing materials

This approach improves comfort while effectively reducing footstep noise and sound transmission between rooms or neighboring spaces.

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Final Conclusion: How to Choose the Right SPC Flooring

The ideal SPC flooring is not determined by thickness alone. Instead, it is the combination of wear layer thickness, total thickness, material quality, and application environment that defines performance and longevity.

General Recommendations

• 3–4mm thickness: Budget-conscious residential use
• 5–6mm thickness: Long-term home applications
• 6.5–8.5mm thickness: High-demand commercial spaces
• Wear layer:
  • Residential: ≥ 0.3mm
  • Commercial: ≥ 0.55mm

Selecting the right balance ensures:

• Longer service life
• Better comfort
• Lower maintenance costs
• Higher overall value

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Choose Quality and a Trusted Manufacturer

Beyond thickness and wear layer, overall manufacturing quality and supplier reputation are equally important.

Hebei Hanshan New Decoration Material Co., Ltd. specializes in 100% pure virgin material, high-quality SPC flooring and is widely recognized in China for:

• Consistent product quality
• Excellent market reputation
• Reliable performance in global markets

Choosing a trusted SPC flooring manufacturer ensures long-term satisfaction and professional after-sales support.