Vinyl Sheet & Tile Installation
LVP, SPC, sheet vinyl, pressure-sensitive tile, adhesive types, seam techniques, and wear layer ratings.
- Distinguish between LVP, LVT, SPC, and WPC vinyl products
- Describe sheet vinyl installation and seam techniques
- Explain adhesive types and pressure-sensitive installation methods
- Identify storage and temperature requirements for vinyl products
- Explain wear layer ratings and their impact on product selection
Leçon 1
Vinyl Types - LVP, LVT, SPC & WPC
The Vinyl Flooring Family
Modern vinyl flooring has evolved far beyond the sheet vinyl of previous decades. The Red Seal exam tests your knowledge of several distinct vinyl product categories:
LVT / LVP
Luxury Vinyl Tile / Plank
Core: Flexible PVC
Installation: Glue-down or click-lock
Feel: Slightly flexible underfoot
SPC / WPC
Stone / Wood Polymer Composite
Core: Rigid mineral or wood composite
Installation: Click-lock floating
Feel: Rigid, stable underfoot
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) are the same product in different shapes - tiles mimic stone or ceramic, planks mimic hardwood. They have a flexible PVC core and can be installed with adhesive or as click-lock floating products.
SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) has a rigid core made of limestone powder and PVC. It is extremely stable, waterproof, and resistant to denting. SPC is the most popular rigid-core vinyl product.
WPC (Wood Polymer Composite) has a core made of wood powder and PVC. It is slightly softer and warmer underfoot than SPC but less dent-resistant.
Key Properties
| Property | LVT/LVP | SPC | WPC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core rigidity | Flexible | Very rigid | Semi-rigid |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dent resistance | Moderate | High | Lower |
| Comfort underfoot | Good | Firm | Warmest |
| Temperature stability | Good | Excellent | Good |
LVT/LVP are flexible-core luxury vinyl products. SPC has a rigid stone composite core with excellent stability. WPC has a wood composite core that is warmer underfoot. All are waterproof.