What is LVT, SPC, and vinyl flooring?
These three names get thrown around like they're different products. They're not, really. They're all vinyl flooring. The differences are in how rigid the core is.
Traditional vinyl is the soft, flexible stuff your nan probably had in the kitchen. It comes in sheets or tiles, sits flat on the subfloor, and does the job. Cheap, waterproof, easy to clean. Not much to look at, though.
LVT (luxury vinyl tile) is the upgrade. It's thicker, comes in planks or tiles, and the printed surface layer is genuinely convincing. Good LVT looks like wood or stone from a few feet away. Some of it feels right too, with textured surfaces that match the pattern.
SPC (stone polymer composite) is LVT with a rigid core. The core has limestone in it, which makes the plank stiffer and more stable. It clicks together like laminate, handles uneven subfloors better, and doesn't expand much with heat. If you want vinyl that acts more like a hard floor, SPC is the one.
Why people pick it
It's fully waterproof. Bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, no problem. It's softer underfoot than laminate or tile, warmer too. And it handles scratches and dents well enough for busy households.
The catch
You can't sand or refinish it. When it wears out, you replace it. And cheaper vinyl still looks like cheaper vinyl. You get what you pay for.