Material composition, performance traits, and specification guidance for installers, contractors, architects, and procurement.
Composite materials dominate modern flooring and surface specs, but performance varies widely. The three most common categories—BPC (Bamboo Plastic Composite), WPC (Wood Plastic Composite), and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)—differ in core chemistry, field behavior, and installation sensitivity. Use this guide to align product selection with project conditions.
1) BPC — Bamboo Plastic Composite
Composition
Bamboo fiber blended with thermoplastic resins (typically PE or PP), sometimes with coupling agents and stabilizers.
Performance Characteristics
- Natural, wood-like texture from bamboo fibers.
- Medium density; lower dimensional stability vs. SPC or premium WPC.
- Pronounced thermal expansion/contraction; sensitive to temperature cycles.
- Not recommended outdoors: susceptibility to moisture uptake, UV-driven color shift, and weathering over service life.
Typical Use
Interior wall panels, decorative cladding, and non-load-bearing applications prioritizing appearance over moisture or structural performance.
2) WPC — Wood Plastic Composite
Composition
Wood flour/fibers combined with PVC resins plus stabilizers; often manufactured with a foamed core.
Performance Characteristics
- Resilient, warmer, and quieter underfoot than rigid SPC.
- Moderate dimensional stability in conditioned interiors; not fully waterproof—standing water can cause swelling.
- Foamed core improves comfort/acoustics but lowers point-load resistance vs. SPC.
- Click-lock systems are common; substrate prep remains critical for longevity.
Typical Use
Residential flooring (living areas, bedrooms) and light commercial spaces where comfort and wood aesthetics are preferred and moisture is controlled.
3) SPC — Stone Plastic Composite
Composition
Calcium carbonate (limestone) powder combined with PVC resins and stabilizers to produce a dense, ultra-rigid core.
Performance Characteristics
- Excellent dimensional stability; minimal thermal movement compared with WPC/BPC.
- 100% waterproof; suitable for kitchens, baths, and below-grade installations.
- High dent and impact resistance; withstands heavy rolling loads.
- Rigid core telegraphs subfloor irregularities—plan for proper leveling.
- Hard underfoot; underlayment recommended for comfort and acoustics.
Typical Use
Commercial environments and high-traffic residential areas where durability and water resistance are primary requirements.
4) Comparative Overview
| Property | BPC (Bamboo Plastic Composite) | WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) | SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Material | Bamboo fiber + PE/PP | Wood fiber + PVC | Limestone powder + PVC |
| Dimensional Stability | Low–Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Water Resistance | Limited (not waterproof) | Good (not 100%) | 100% Waterproof |
| Density | Medium | Medium–Low (foamed) | High (rigid core) |
| Comfort Underfoot | Moderate | High | Low (use underlayment) |
| Acoustics | Moderate | Good | Underlayment advised |
| Best Use | Interior panels, decorative | Residential floors, light commercial | Commercial, high-traffic, wet areas |
5) Specification Guidance
- Avoid BPC outdoors. Moisture ingress and weathering reduce service life; reserve BPC for decorative interior roles.
- Specify WPC for comfort-first interiors with controlled humidity; mitigate risk with proper transitions and spill management.
- Select SPC when dimensional stability, water resistance, and point-load durability are non-negotiable—hospitality, retail, healthcare, kitchens, baths, basements.
