Both solutions are installed as 'floating' and lock together with a click system, but they meet very distinct needs. Here is a complete guide to choosing the right option during your next visit to The Renovation Warehouse.

1. What are we talking about?

• Click Vinyl (SPC)
  • Core made of stone-plastic composite (Stone Plastic Composite).
  • 100% waterproof: perfect for basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.
  • Soft wear layer (0.3 to 0.7 mm) that absorbs shocks and noise.

• Floating Laminate Flooring
  • Core made of high-density HDF panel.
  • Surface resistance rated AC3 to AC5 (Pure Wood = AC5).
  • Water-resistant (waxed joints) but not submersible.

2. The big differences

Water resistance

• Click vinyl: worry-free for up to 24 hours of standing water.
• Laminate: waxed joints delay infiltration, but HDF planks swell if moisture persists longer.

Stability & expansion

• SPC: rigid core, little expansion; ideal with underfloor heating.
• Laminate: may expand more; allow for a larger perimeter gap.

Comfort & acoustics

• Most SPC vinyls sold here include a 1 mm EVA underlayment to reduce resonance (e.g. Vinyl SPC Pale Gray Concrete, 5.5 mm + EVA membrane) 
• The 12 mm laminate feels more "wood" underfoot and naturally absorbs sound.

Aesthetic

• Click vinyl: very realistic wood, stone, or concrete designs thanks to HD printing and painted joints (see Vinyl SPC Wild Natural) 
• Laminate: variable texture and width, stunning hardwood appearance (e.g. Floating Laminate Pure Wood Oak, 12 mm AC5) 

3. Step-by-step installation (both systems)

1. Acclimate for 24 hours, boxes closed, at ± 20 °C.
2. Lay a membrane (if not integrated) for acoustics and vapor.
3. Start in a right corner, tongue towards the wall, 6 mm gap.
4. Fit at 15–30° then "clip" the next row.
5. Cut planks and frames as needed, install the finishing moldings.

4. Where to place what?

• Basement, laundry room, family bathroom → 100% waterproof click vinyl.
• Living room, dining room, staircase → 12 mm AC5 Pure Wood Laminate (shock-resistant, waxed joints).
• Condo with heated floor → SPC Vinyl (minimal expansion).

5. Featured products to discover in-store

• SPC Vinyl Pale Gray Concrete 12 × 24 in – 5.5 mm : tile look, 0.5 mm wear layer, integrated EVA membrane
  
• SPC Vinyl Azura 6 × 48 in – 5.2 mm : clean beige tone, 25-year residential warranty  
  
• Pure Wood Natural 12 mm AC5 Floating Laminate : realistic wood finish, water-resistant waxed joints  
  
• Pure Wood Amber 12 mm AC5 Floating Laminate : warm shade, promo at $1.79/ft²   
  

6. Daily maintenance

• Vinyl: microfiber broom + neutral soap, no wax.
• Laminate: same routine, avoid excess standing water, quickly wipe up spills.

In all cases, our counter advisors SPC Vinyl / Floating will be able to show you the boards, test the click's sturdiness, and provide you with compatible underlays. Watch Marie's video (link at the top) for a quick visual comparison, then head to the branch… your new floor is waiting for you!

• Quebec Store: 9300 rue John-Simons, Suite 100, Quebec, G2B 0S6 
• Trois-Rivières Store: 3790 Boul Gene-H.-Kruger, Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 4M3, Canada