SPC vinyl floors, laminate or parquet? An honest decision guide.
There is no best floor – only the best floor for your room. Here you see where SPC vinyl floors are strong and where laminate or parquet is the better choice.
The three floors in 30 seconds
SPC vinyl floors have a stone-based core (stone plastic composite) with a decor and a wear layer on top. COREPEL is 6 mm including a 1 mm integrated underlay. Laminate is built on a wood-fibre board (HDF) with a decor paper and protective layer. Parquet has a wear layer of real wood.
The comparison
| Criterion | SPC vinyl floors (COREPEL) | Laminate | Parquet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water and moisture | 100 % waterproof incl. core – kitchen and bathroom possible | Varies by product, often splash-resistant only | Sensitive to standing water |
| Wear in daily use | Use class 33, abrasion class AC5 | Varies – check the use class | Depends on wood and finish; can be sanded |
| Feel and impact sound | Integrated underlay, 20 dB impact sound improvement | Can sound hollow without a good underlay | Natural wood feel |
| Renovation over an existing floor | Only 6 mm build-up, often over tiles (check the subfloor) | Possible with underlay | Usually more effort |
| Underfloor heating | Suitable | Usually suitable | Depends on product |
| Lifespan and repair | Single planks replaceable, cannot be sanded | Single planks replaceable, cannot be sanded | Can be sanded several times, very durable |
| Material price | from €39 / m² (RRP) | Varies widely with quality – ask your dealer for a direct comparison | |
When parquet is the better choice
If you want real wood underfoot, the floor goes into dry living rooms and you plan to use it for decades and sand it along the way. In return you accept more care and sensitivity to water.
When laminate is enough
In dry rooms with light use and on a tight budget. Check for a suitable use class and, where offered, moisture-protected edges.
Where SPC vinyl floors clearly win
- Kitchen, bathroom, hallway and entrance, because water cannot harm the core.
- Homes with children and pets, thanks to use class 33 and AC5.
- Renovating without demolition: 6 mm often fits over existing tiles if the subfloor is level.
- Open-plan spaces: up to 15 × 15 m without transition profiles.
Matching floors
Warm Oak
Honey Oak Herringbone
Gray ConcreteFind your floor in 5 clicks.
Floor Studio shows you the three COREPEL floors that suit your room – and your dealer prepares the quote.
START FLOOR STUDIOFrequently asked questions
Are SPC vinyl floors really suitable for bathrooms?
COREPEL SPC is 100 % waterproof, including the core. For wet rooms, follow the installation guide, especially for wall joints and expansion gaps.
Can SPC vinyl floors go over tiles?
Often yes, if the tiled floor is solid and level. Wide or deep grout lines may need levelling. Your dealer checks this when measuring.
Are SPC vinyl floors suitable for underfloor heating?
Yes, COREPEL is suitable for underfloor heating.
Can SPC vinyl floors be sanded?
No. Damaged planks can be replaced individually, though. If you want to sand your floor in the future, parquet is the better fit.