When it comes to choosing new floors, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are so many options—laminate, engineered hardwood, SPC, WPC vinyl, Loosely vinyl, carpet, tile—each with their own pros, cons, and price tags. But one type of flooring is quietly becoming a favourite among Canadian homeowners who want beauty, durability, and comfort all in one: WPC vinyl flooring.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what WPC vinyl flooring actually is, how it compares to other hard surface flooring options, and why it might be a smart choice for your home. Whether you're renovating your family home, upgrading a rental property, or planning your dream home to show off to family and friends, we’re here to help you make an informed, confident decision.
What Does "WPC" Stand For?
WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite. It refers to the core of the plank, which historically was made from a mix of wood fibre and plastic polymers. This combination creates a waterproof, stable, and slightly cushioned core that feels great underfoot and holds up beautifully in busy areas of the home. But don’t let the name confuse you. WPC vinyl flooring isn’t made of hardwood—it’s actually a type of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) that offers the realistic look of wood with the practical benefits of modern materials.
Actually, over time as the industry evolves, WPC performs better today than it did in the past. The wood fibre is no longer used in many of the factory manufacturing process, and it is replaced with a stone ploymer blend, which is more stable and less susceptible to water impact. Yes, it is odd, but many of the WPC options in the market no longer have any wood. The 'W' still stands for wood, but there is no wood. The industry has decided to keep the name WPC as consumers understand it is a special blend that allows for a thicker, warmer underfoot flooring product that many feel is superior to SPC vinyl or LVP vinyl planks.
What Makes WPC Vinyl Flooring Special?
Here are some key features that make WPC vinyl flooring stand out:
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100% Waterproof: Ideal for kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms
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Comfort Underfoot: The core is thicker and more cushioned than rigid vinyl like SPC, making it more comfortable to stand and walk on
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Sound Absorbing: Many WPC floors include built-in underlayment for better sound reduction
- Warmer Underfoot - the thicker core makes it much warmer vs SPC
- Temperature Stable: Handles seasonal temperature changes well—perfect for Canadian homes
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Easy to Install: Most WPC floors come with click-lock systems for floating installation
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Beautiful Designs: High-definition printing and textured surfaces create a very realistic wood look
Where Does WPC Vinyl Work Best?
WPC vinyl is one of the most versatile flooring options available. Here are a few spaces where it really shines:
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Basements: Waterproof, warm, and quiet—WPC is an ideal basement flooring
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Kitchens & Bathrooms: Spills and moisture are no problem
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Living Rooms & bedrooms: Beautiful appearance, great comfort, warmth underfoot
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Rental Units: Durable, low maintenance, and cost-effective. Check the wear layer (look for 20mil or 0.5mm for a higher rating, better wear performance)
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Cottages & Vacation Homes: Handles seasonal changes and looks fantastic
Are There Any Downsides?
Like any product, WPC vinyl has a few considerations:
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Not as hard as tile or SPC: May dent under very heavy furniture
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Higher cost than laminate and thinner SPC: But many feel the comfort and waterproofing are worth it
What Should You Look for When Shopping?
If you’re exploring WPC vinyl flooring options, here are a few helpful tips:
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Check thickness: 6.5mm to 8mm is common; 10mm and 12mm are premium thicknesses (and well worth considering the additional investment) thicker planks tend to feel better underfoot, warmer, more pliable
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Look for attached underlayment: This saves time and improves sound and comfort
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Pay attention to the locking system: Some are easier and more durable than others (e.g. Valinge 5G, Uniclic are the best in the world)
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Ask about certifications: Look for GreenGuard Gold or FloorScore for indoor air quality. GreenGuard Gold is the highest and safest rating, FloorScore is good.
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Don’t judge just by price: A slightly more expensive product may offer much better long-term value, but do your research. Different resellers have different pricing models. Find a Dealer (retailer) you can trust and work with them. Thicker WPC and SPC products are better and higher premium / performance, more stable, but it depends on your budget and your project type.
Final Thoughts on WPC Vinyl Flooring
WPC vinyl flooring is a fantastic option for Canadian homeowners looking for a floor that combines the look of wood with the resilience of modern materials. It’s waterproof, comfortable, stylish, and well-suited to everything from downtown condos to family basements to mountain cottages.
We hope this guide gave you a clearer understanding of what WPC vinyl flooring is and where it might make sense in your home.
If you're starting to shop around, your local flooring dealer is a great place to see samples and ask more questions. Caledon Floors are carried by trusted dealers across Canada—find one near you if you'd like to explore these styles in person.
