Five common floor types, side by side. Use the chart to narrow your choice, then check the exact product you want. Water rating, wear layer and warranty vary by product and manufacturer.
On a phone, swipe the table left and right to see every column.
| Criteria | SPC vinyl | WPC vinyl | Laminate | Engineered hardwood | Solid hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core / construction | Stone plastic composite: limestone and PVC. Rigid, dense, thin. Printed vinyl top with a clear wear layer. | Wood (or foam) plastic composite. Rigid but thicker and softer than SPC. Printed vinyl top. | High-density fibreboard (HDF) core with a printed photo layer and a clear wear coating. | Real wood veneer on top of a plywood or fibreboard core. | One piece of solid wood from top to bottom. |
| Water resistance | Waterproof planks. Water does not harm the plank itself. Still wipe spills and seal the edges. | Waterproof planks. Water does not harm the plank itself. Still wipe spills and seal the edges. | Varies by product, from not water resistant to water resistant for a limited time. Check the product rating. The fibreboard core swells if it stays wet. | Not waterproof. Wipe spills quickly. Standing water can cup or damage the wood. | Not waterproof. Moisture and humidity changes make the boards swell, shrink and cup. |
| Scratch and dent resistance | Good scratch resistance. Very hard core resists dents. Heavy point loads can still mark the surface. | Good scratch resistance. The softer core can dent more easily than SPC. | Good scratch resistance. Heavy impacts can chip the surface or edges. | Scratches and dents, depending on the wood species and finish. Harder species hold up better. | Scratches and dents, depending on the species and finish. Damage can be sanded out. |
| Feel underfoot and sound | Firm and can feel cool. Can sound hard or hollow without an underlayment (some planks have one attached). | Softer and warmer underfoot. Usually quieter than SPC. | Firm. Can sound hollow or clicky without a quality underlayment. | Solid, natural feel. Quiet when installed with the right underlayment or glue. | Solid, natural feel. Quiet, especially when nailed or glued to a subfloor. |
| Wear surface | Wear layer, measured in mil (1 mil = 0.001 inch). A higher mil is more durable. | Wear layer, measured in mil. A higher mil is more durable. | AC rating (abrasion class). A higher AC number means more wear resistance. | Real wood veneer, measured in mm. A thicker veneer allows more sanding. | Full wood board. The whole board above the tongue can be sanded. |
| Can it be refinished? | No. Replace damaged planks. | No. Replace damaged planks. | No. Replace damaged planks. | Sometimes. Depends on veneer thickness: thicker veneers can be sanded once or a few times. Check the manufacturer. | Yes. Can be sanded and refinished several times. |
| Below-grade basement | Yes. A top choice for basements, over a dry, flat slab. | Yes. Suitable over a dry, flat slab. | Only some products. Choose a water-resistant rated product and follow the manufacturer's moisture rules. | Sometimes. Only if the manufacturer approves it and the slab is tested dry. Not the safest choice. | No. Not recommended below grade. |
| Radiant floor heating | Generally yes, when the manufacturer allows it. Follow the temperature limit. | Generally yes, when the manufacturer allows it. Follow the temperature limit. | Generally yes, when the manufacturer allows it. Follow the temperature limit. | Generally yes, when the manufacturer allows it. Follow the temperature limit. | Usually not recommended. Wood moves with heat and dry air. |
| DIY friendliness | High. Click-lock floating floor, cut with a utility knife or saw. | High. Click-lock floating floor. | High. Click-lock floating floor. Needs a saw for cuts. | Medium. Click-lock is DIY friendly. Glue-down or nail-down is harder. | Low. Usually nailed or stapled down. Most people hire a pro. |
| Typical lifespan (cautious range) | About 10 to 25 years, depending on wear layer and traffic. | About 10 to 20 years, depending on wear layer and traffic. | About 10 to 25 years, depending on AC rating and traffic. | About 20 to 40 years or more, depending on veneer thickness and care. | Decades. Often 50 years or more with refinishing. |
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