Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) vinyl flooring has recently become very popular. It’s strong, affordable, and nice on the eyes. We recently installed Cassio Luxury SPC Vinyl Flooring by Bedrosians, and it was well worth the effort.
What is SPC?
Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) flooring is a durable and affordable alternative to hard wood and laminate as well. It’s perfectly suited for high traffic areas and pets. It is also 100% waterproof. It can be used in both residential and commercial applications. SPC planks have a core made of stone plastic composite (SPC) which gives it rigidity – it’s practically indestructible. It’s absolutely the most durable and waterproof vinyl flooring on the market. The plastic composite core makes the flooring so durable that it can be installed over uneven floors, meaning it can be installed over almost any subfloor and for high amounts of traffic.
Then vs Now
Conventional wisdom coupled with building science used to be that the thicker the vinyl floor the better. That was then. Flooring manufacturers have now created an ultra-thin option that is usually measured no thicker than 6 mm. With the layered construction of SPC floorings, the rigid core is made of 4 layers generally; the backing layer, the SPC core (ultra-dense, waterproof), the vinyl layer that looks much like wood and the wear layer for heavy duty protection from wear and tear.
Enter Cassio
During the remodel of an existing kitchen that opened to the living room, the homeowner wanted a floor that would flow from one room to the next, be more durable than the laminate being replaced and look amazing. We noted that not only did the laminate not wear well with pets, but it also buckled like wood when water penetrated it. Unlike wood no amount of sanding would bring back the beauty of the laminate. It was done. When we discussed options that included 100% waterproof protection, the homeowner was sold. The added benefit was that the SPC flooring was ultra-thin, allowing it to be installed over the existing floor saving the homeowner thousands of dollars in demo cost. We got several samples and ended up with Cassio.
First Look
When we ordered the flooring, the first thing we noted was how heavy the boxes were. Boy, those boxes sure were heavy. Upon opening the boxes, we were pleased with the appearance. It had the look of light oak with deep wood graining and knot details. Just beautiful. Since we were installing the floor over the existing, we required a somewhat easier install with the unique beveled edge for an angle drop locking system. It was easier for sure. But when installing we found that the edges can be somewhat fragile. Any misstep during the install would cause the edge to crack.
Problem Solver
The installed floors in the kitchen were slightly higher than the laminate being replaced. We simply could not let there be a ‘step’ between the floors. That’s a no-no. Cassio provided the exact depth needed to ensure the flooring was a smooth transition throughout. The slim profile was exactly what was needed. The floors are an absolute beauty coupled with the darker wood cabinets and built ins. Stunning. Also, the flooring is 100% waterproof, not water resistant. Big difference with children, high traffic areas and pets with water bowls nearby.
Overall view
Highly recommend Cassio for ease of installation, although new DIY’ers may have a bit of a challenge. The rigid floor is a highlight, but not at the expense of comfort. The only minor complaint is to make the flooring less fragile on the edges as they can be delicate. Rushing the installation can cause fragile edges to crack. Other than that, the floor is perfect for wet areas like kitchens where a wood look is desired without the water damage potential.
Need assistance in choosing the right floor for your project? Call us. We’re happy to help.
