3C-Floor / Technical Selection / Rigid Core Flooring
A complete plank. A clear specification.
Rigid core flooring specifications should identify the core type, finished thickness, wear layer, plank size, backing, surface, locking profile and product-specific performance evidence. SPC uses a dense solid polymer composite core; WPC uses an expanded polymer core with a different balance of comfort and indentation resistance. Neither construction can be judged by a single thickness number.
For flooring importers, distributors, architects and private-label buyers, this guide explains how to compare SPC and WPC on the same basis, separate millimetres from mils, and connect the quotation to the approved sample. 3C-Floor supplies rigid core vinyl flooring and supports configurable SPC programs; confirm each available construction and its documentation before placing a bulk or project order.
The specification record
A complete rigid core vinyl flooring spec sheet records both the construction and the evidence for its intended use. Use published ranges to shortlist options, then approve one exact build.
| Specification field | Published option / selection | What the purchase specification must settle |
|---|---|---|
| Product & core | SPC rigid core or WPC rigid core vinyl plank / tile | Identify the selected product code, core construction and intended indoor use. |
| Finished thickness | SPC: published OEM options include 4, 5 and 6 mm. WPC: published construction range 4–8 mm. | Confirm pad inclusion, actual layer build-up, nominal value and agreed tolerance.These are planning references; every combination and model must be confirmed. |
| Wear layer | Published options include 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 mm. | Write the exact millimetre value; clarify any rounded mil description and measurement tolerance. |
| Plank / tile dimensions | SPC OEM examples: 1210 × 178 mm; 1520 × 230 mm; 610 × 305 mm. WPC reference format: 1220 × 180 mm. | Confirm length, width, edge treatment and whether quoted dimensions describe the finished face or another measurement basis. |
| Backing | SPC program lists IXPE, EVA and cork options. WPC backing: confirm the selected model. | Specify material, thickness, relevant density / compression requirements and compatibility with the installation system. |
| Surface & décor | Wood / stone visuals; embossed, EIR and matte directions among published options. | Record décor code, gloss reference, texture, pattern variation, bevel and approved sample. |
| Locking & installation | Click-lock floating constructions; exact profile by quotation. | Approve long-side and short-side engagement, installation instructions and any required licensing documentation. |
| Performance | Results must come from the selected product’s technical data sheet or test report. | Specify required methods, editions, limits and report scope. Do not assign a class from thickness alone. |
| Site requirements | Confirm with the exact installation guide. | Subfloor flatness, moisture assessment, expansion space, temperature limits, transitions and approved underlay. |
| OEM & packaging | Private-label cartons, labels and artwork available within the SPC program. | Confirm boards / carton, area / carton, gross weight, pallet details, batch code and final approved claims. |
| Commercial terms | MOQ, price, sample timing, production schedule and warranty: request confirmation. | Obtain a written offer for the agreed construction, quantity, destination and terms. |
Specification options are drawn from 3C-Floor’s published product and OEM pages, checked on 7 October 2026. Ranges do not establish stock availability, certification coverage or availability of every combination. The approved quotation and technical documents govern the selected product.
Begin with the construction
Rigid core describes a flooring category. SPC and WPC describe different core constructions within that category; total thickness alone does not make their performance equivalent.
SPC generally offers greater resistance to indentation and dimensional change. Evaluate the whole plank, including wear surface and joint, for the actual traffic and load.
Use the 3C-Floor SPC product range to identify candidate plank and tile constructions.
WPC generally provides a lighter, more cushioned core. The finished flooring’s sound performance, load resistance and suitability remain product-specific.
Review the WPC vinyl flooring construction and options before specifying a comfort-led residential or hospitality collection.
Make the comparison fair: compare core type, body thickness, wear layer, pad, plank format, locking geometry and evidence together. A thicker WPC product and a thinner SPC product may serve different priorities; the larger number does not select the winner.
Read the numbers correctly
Write the measurement basis into the rigid core flooring technical specification. “6 mm with pad” and “6 mm plus pad” describe different finished products.
The full finished construction, including attached backing when stated. This controls floor-height coordination and transition planning.
The body excludes the attached pad but includes the upper layers. Body thickness is not automatically the rigid core’s thickness.
Record the backing separately. Adding pad thickness changes the finished height without adding the same amount of rigid material.
Illustrative measurement example
6.0 mm total = 4.5 mm body + 1.5 mm pad
This example explains the arithmetic and is not an offered 3C-Floor SKU. The 4.5 mm body still contains the surface layers, so the core thickness needs its own confirmation.
Compare the measurement basis in the SPC thickness selection guide.
One unit is not the other
One mil is 0.001 inch, or 0.0254 mm. A 20 mil wear layer is 0.508 mm; it is commonly described as approximately 0.5 mm. A mil is not a millimetre.
Keep the wear layer separate from total plank thickness and the thin surface finish. Wear-layer thickness helps protect the printed décor against wear, while the finish, cleaning, grit and use conditions also affect surface appearance.
Published 0.3 mm options provide a residential starting point; 0.5 mm options are commonly considered for busy homes and standard commercial programs. A 0.7 mm option may be considered for higher-use positioning. These directions do not establish a use class, scratch guarantee or warranty.
Actual commercial approval depends on the selected product, loading, installation conditions and manufacturer’s stated use.
| Metric thickness | Calculated mils | Common rounded label |
|---|---|---|
| 0.3 mm | ≈ 11.8 mil | 12 mil |
| 0.5 mm | ≈ 19.7 mil | 20 mil |
| 0.7 mm | ≈ 27.6 mil | 28 mil |
Approval detail: state whether the product is specified in nominal metric thickness or nominal mil thickness. Agree measurement method and tolerance; a rounded catalogue label should not create a dispute during inspection.
Backing and installation
Identify the attached pad’s material, thickness and relevant mechanical requirements, then confirm the complete flooring assembly. IXPE, EVA and cork are material choices; none provides a universal sound rating.
Review 3C-Floor flooring underlayment options alongside the selected rigid core product’s installation guide.
Do not transfer one manufacturer’s tolerances or temperature limits to a different construction.
A value needs an evidence trail
A useful rigid core flooring technical data sheet identifies the product and connects performance claims to a test method, result and applicable construction. A generic “pass” is incomplete.
| Evidence area | Reference / information to request | What makes the comparison meaningful |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid core specification | ASTM F3261 where specified by the project or market. | Identify the required edition and the product scope. ASTM F3261 is a product specification, not a company certification. |
| Dimensional stability | ISO 23999, or the method required by the project; report edition and conditions. | Check dimensional change and curling results, specimen conditioning and the exact tested build. |
| Load and indentation | Residual indentation, static load and any relevant rolling-load / chair tests. | Review the test method, load, duration and recovery conditions. A wear-layer number cannot establish load resistance. |
| Impact sound | Requested acoustic metric, test method and complete assembly description. | IIC, ΔIIC and other metrics are not interchangeable. Match slab, ceiling, pad and any added underlay. |
| Fire and slip | The classification / method required for the intended occupancy and destination. | Verify backing, mounting conditions and surface. Dry slip results do not establish wet performance. |
| Indoor emissions | Current product-scoped emissions evidence; FloorScore® if required. | Check certificate holder, scope and validity. An emissions certificate does not establish every material-content claim. |
| Installation and warranty | Instructions and written terms for the selected construction and application. | Confirm exclusions, allowable underlay, moisture conditions, maintenance and commercial-use scope. |
The four-way match: the quotation, sample code, report identity and carton label should describe the same approved product. If a pad, core, finish or locking profile changes, ask whether the existing evidence still covers that build.
Standards and certification names here are buyer verification references; this page does not declare that every 3C-Floor product meets them. Obtain product-specific documents before tender submission or printing a claim.
Specify for the room
Start with how the floor will be used. Then choose the construction and define the evidence needed to approve it.
Record foot traffic, grit, pets, furniture and turnover. Balance décor, wear layer and finish, then check the click fit and replacement-product continuity.
Approved design reference, use conditions, cleaning instructions and construction code.
Prioritise the tested assembly, backing compatibility, transitions and room-use scope. Compare SPC and WPC by the required sound and comfort performance.
Acoustic metric, assembly, total thickness and transition details.
Identify chairs, trolleys, concentrated loads, entrance grit and cleaning chemicals. Confirm the product’s declared commercial suitability.
Relevant load / surface evidence, installation limits and commercial terms.
When this category needs a different solution: a standard interior click floor should not be specified as an outdoor deck, shower-floor waterproofing system or specialist ESD surface. A water-resistant plank does not create a watertight room; joints, perimeters, drains and the substrate require their own design.
Actual 3C-Floor website images
Use photos to shortlist the appearance. Use full planks and an assembled sample to approve surface, thickness, backing and joint fit.
Specification control for bulk purchasing
Retain a written construction revision and physical reference sample. These make a specification usable during first orders, inspection and repeat supply.
Send the same core, thickness basis, wear layer, format and documentation requirements to every shortlisted supplier.
Record décor, finish, bevel, pad and profile. Assemble several boards and retain the agreed reference.
Agree measurement procedures, sampling and acceptance criteria before bulk production; compare carton identity with the order.
Require notification of construction changes. Review compatibility and document coverage before accepting a revised build.
Dimensions, plank flatness, surface appearance, pad adhesion, visible edge damage, assembled seam fit, labels and quantities should be checked against agreed criteria. Wear-layer verification may require a suitable cross-section method rather than a hand-held thickness check.
Discuss the inspection plan alongside 3C-Floor’s SPC quality-control process.
Compare quotes for the same build and commercial basis. Core and wear layer, format, finish, pad, packaging, quantity, testing needs and shipping terms affect the offer.
Compare landed cost using confirmed carton and pallet weights, area per carton and freight terms. A price per square metre alone does not show the full purchasing cost.
Make the next step specific
3C-Floor’s published SPC OEM program includes construction, décor, surface, backing and private-label packaging choices. Confirm the combination, documentation and commercial terms for your collection.
For a branded SPC collection, explore OEM SPC flooring and private-label configuration before final sample approval.
Questions before approval
Direct answers to common construction, measurement and purchasing questions.
Final product values belong in a model-specific technical data sheet and approved quotation.
Specify core type, total thickness, body and pad thickness, wear layer, plank dimensions, backing, surface, edge treatment, locking system and intended use. Add product-specific test evidence, installation requirements, packaging and the approved sample code.
SPC is one type of rigid core flooring. The broader category also includes WPC and other multilayer rigid constructions. Naming the actual core type makes quotations and technical comparisons clearer.
It may or may not; the supplier must state the measurement basis. Ask for total finished thickness, body thickness, core thickness and pad thickness separately. “6 mm with pad” and “6 mm plus pad” should not be treated as equivalent.
They are close, but not mathematically identical. Twenty mil equals 0.508 mm, while 0.5 mm equals approximately 19.7 mil. Clarify the nominal unit, measurement method and tolerance in the purchase specification.
No. Wear layer is one selection factor; commercial suitability also depends on the core, joint, surface, loads, installation conditions, performance evidence and written use scope. Confirm the selected product for the intended project.
No. An acoustic rating depends on the tested floor assembly and method, including the flooring, pad, substrate and ceiling where applicable. Request the full report and match its assembly to the project.
Use the standards and editions required by the destination market or project. ASTM F3261 is a relevant specification for resilient flooring with a rigid polymeric core. Other dimensional, acoustic, fire, slip and emissions requirements need separate evidence for the selected construction.
3C-Floor’s published SPC OEM program includes thickness, wear layer, dimensions, décor, surface, backing and packaging options. Confirm the exact combination, sample, documentation, MOQ and schedule in a written quotation. WPC configuration should be confirmed for the selected model.
From specification to a matched offer
Share your target market, application, thickness basis, wear layer, size, backing and required evidence. Add quantity, colour direction, OEM packaging and destination port for a more useful quotation.
Ask for a proposed build, sample reference and applicable product documents together. Confirm the final construction and commercial terms before ordering.
SPC · WPC · LVT · PVC Flooring Rolls
OEM / private-label enquiry support
