How durable is Stoneform flooring?
When it comes to flooring durability, there's 4 main aspects that are especially important to consider. These aspects are: scratch resistance, stain resistance, dent resistance, and overall waterproofing.
How durable is Stoneform flooring?
When it comes to flooring durability, there's 4 main aspects that are especially important to consider. These aspects are: scratch resistance, stain resistance, dent resistance, and overall waterproofing.
SPC Flooring: The Superior Choice Over Outdated WPC Technology
In the world of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and tile (LVT) flooring, two rigid core options dominate the market: Stone Plastic/Polymer Composite (SPC) and Wood Plastic/Polymer Composite (WPC). Rigid core flooring is flooring made to be durable, and inflexible. These floors are touted for their waterproofing, realistic wood look, and low maintenance. However, there's a clear winner between SPC and WPC. While WPC gained popularity for its softer feel, it represents an earlier, less advanced generation of composite flooring technology. Homeowners and professionals seeking long-term performance, durability, and value are increasingly turning to SPC. The Core Problem: WPC’s Composition WPC flooring was originally marketed as a Wood Plastic Composite using wood flour (a pulverized wood product that's used with a filler to create a solid product). Today, however, most WPC products don’t even use wood flour anymore. Instead, manufacturers rely primarily on foaming agents like polymers to create a less dense, expanded core. This artificial foaming process delivers the softer feel but results in a weaker and less stable product compared to true high-density cores. SPC, by contrast, uses a dense limestone (stone powder) and polymer core. In the case of Stoneform, the floor is made of 70% limestone and 30% virgin PVC. This higher-density construction directly addresses the weaknesses of foamed WPC. Weakness #1: High Expansion and Contraction WPC’s foamed core, whether made with minimal wood flour or just foaming agents, leads to poor dimensional stability. It is more sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations, resulting in noticeable expansion and contraction that can cause: Gapping or buckling Peaking at the seams Installation failures in areas with radiant heating, sun exposure, or seasonal temperature swings Problems in large open floor plans SPC’s stone-based core is much more resilient. It remains exceptionally stable even under extreme temperature changes, making it far more reliable for kitchens, basements, commercial spaces, and homes without perfect climate control. It's important to note, however, that SPC is not suitable for outdoor spaces or spaces that reach temperatures outside the range of 65-80 degrees. Weakness #2: Prone to Indentation and Denting The foamed, lower-density core that defines modern WPC makes it significantly more susceptible to denting. Furniture legs, dropped objects, high heels, or concentrated weight can leave permanent dents. This softness is an inherent flaw of the expanded structure created by foaming agents. SPC’s dense limestone core offers superior dent and impact resistance. It handles heavy foot traffic, pets, and furniture far better, maintaining its pristine appearance for much longer. SPC was essentially developed as a dent resistant alternative to WPC. Weakness #3: Higher Cost for Inferior Performance WPC generally costs significantly more than SPC, often $1–$3 or more per square foot. The more complex foaming manufacturing process drives up production costs, yet buyers end up paying a premium for a product that performs worse in areas like stability and dent resistance.This makes SPC the far better value: superior performance at a lower price. Additional Advantages of SPC Superior rigidity and durability. Ideal for high-traffic residential and light commercial use. Better long-term performance. Less likely to warp, cup, or fail at the joints. More consistent in demanding environments. Especially areas with underfloor heating or wide temperature variations. While WPC may feel slightly warmer and quieter initially, these short-term comforts come at the expense of longevity, structural integrity, and your wallet. The Verdict: Choose Modern SPC Technology WPC flooring was an early step in rigid core vinyl, but today’s versions, often little more than foamed plastic with minimal or no wood content, are clearly outclassed by SPC. Its higher expansion/contraction rates, greater tendency to dent, inflated price, and weaker foamed core make it an inferior choice for most applications. If you want a floor that looks great today and performs reliably for years to come, without seasonal movement, dents, or overpaying, SPC is the clear winner. It represents the evolution of rigid core technology: denser, more stable, more durable, and more affordable. When investing in flooring you’ll live with for decades, skip yesterday’s compromised composite. Choose SPC for superior engineering and better long-term value.
SPC Flooring: The Superior Choice Over Outdated WPC Technology
In the world of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and tile (LVT) flooring, two rigid core options dominate the market: Stone Plastic/Polymer Composite (SPC) and Wood Plastic/Polymer Composite (WPC). Rigid core flooring is flooring made to be durable, and inflexible. These floors are touted for their waterproofing, realistic wood look, and low maintenance. However, there's a clear winner between SPC and WPC. While WPC gained popularity for its softer feel, it represents an earlier, less advanced generation of composite flooring technology. Homeowners and professionals seeking long-term performance, durability, and value are increasingly turning to SPC. The Core Problem: WPC’s Composition WPC flooring was originally marketed as a Wood Plastic Composite using wood flour (a pulverized wood product that's used with a filler to create a solid product). Today, however, most WPC products don’t even use wood flour anymore. Instead, manufacturers rely primarily on foaming agents like polymers to create a less dense, expanded core. This artificial foaming process delivers the softer feel but results in a weaker and less stable product compared to true high-density cores. SPC, by contrast, uses a dense limestone (stone powder) and polymer core. In the case of Stoneform, the floor is made of 70% limestone and 30% virgin PVC. This higher-density construction directly addresses the weaknesses of foamed WPC. Weakness #1: High Expansion and Contraction WPC’s foamed core, whether made with minimal wood flour or just foaming agents, leads to poor dimensional stability. It is more sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations, resulting in noticeable expansion and contraction that can cause: Gapping or buckling Peaking at the seams Installation failures in areas with radiant heating, sun exposure, or seasonal temperature swings Problems in large open floor plans SPC’s stone-based core is much more resilient. It remains exceptionally stable even under extreme temperature changes, making it far more reliable for kitchens, basements, commercial spaces, and homes without perfect climate control. It's important to note, however, that SPC is not suitable for outdoor spaces or spaces that reach temperatures outside the range of 65-80 degrees. Weakness #2: Prone to Indentation and Denting The foamed, lower-density core that defines modern WPC makes it significantly more susceptible to denting. Furniture legs, dropped objects, high heels, or concentrated weight can leave permanent dents. This softness is an inherent flaw of the expanded structure created by foaming agents. SPC’s dense limestone core offers superior dent and impact resistance. It handles heavy foot traffic, pets, and furniture far better, maintaining its pristine appearance for much longer. SPC was essentially developed as a dent resistant alternative to WPC. Weakness #3: Higher Cost for Inferior Performance WPC generally costs significantly more than SPC, often $1–$3 or more per square foot. The more complex foaming manufacturing process drives up production costs, yet buyers end up paying a premium for a product that performs worse in areas like stability and dent resistance.This makes SPC the far better value: superior performance at a lower price. Additional Advantages of SPC Superior rigidity and durability. Ideal for high-traffic residential and light commercial use. Better long-term performance. Less likely to warp, cup, or fail at the joints. More consistent in demanding environments. Especially areas with underfloor heating or wide temperature variations. While WPC may feel slightly warmer and quieter initially, these short-term comforts come at the expense of longevity, structural integrity, and your wallet. The Verdict: Choose Modern SPC Technology WPC flooring was an early step in rigid core vinyl, but today’s versions, often little more than foamed plastic with minimal or no wood content, are clearly outclassed by SPC. Its higher expansion/contraction rates, greater tendency to dent, inflated price, and weaker foamed core make it an inferior choice for most applications. If you want a floor that looks great today and performs reliably for years to come, without seasonal movement, dents, or overpaying, SPC is the clear winner. It represents the evolution of rigid core technology: denser, more stable, more durable, and more affordable. When investing in flooring you’ll live with for decades, skip yesterday’s compromised composite. Choose SPC for superior engineering and better long-term value.
Get Inspired with the Galey Alix Stoneform for Walls and Ceilings Collection
When it comes to creating a unique space, custom features are key. With our recent addition of wall and ceiling strips in partnership with Galey Alix, we're here to offer inspiration and show just what is possible with these stunning boards. These custom under-the-stair shelves provide extra storage, and a beautiful focal point that would otherwise look very boring. The addition of wall strips behind the shelves ties the whole design together and makes this feature look intentional and organic. This ceiling feature creates space for extra storage of knick knacks or display items without cluttering work surfaces. Applied to a tray ceiling, these Stoneform strips draw the eye upward and create an effect that's unexpected, but cohesive with the rest of this calm neutral space. A great way to create separate spaces within an open concept floor plan is through ceiling features. This gorgeous Stoneform ceiling helps the eye break up the space between living room and foyer. Modern spaces thrive off neutral color palettes. But just because your palette is neutral doesn't mean it has to feel sterile or boring. The addition of Stoneform strips on this ceiling in the color Augustine bring warmth and interest to what could otherwise be an ordinary space. The mix of wood tones in the floor and the ceiling play off each other beautifully - different but cohesive. No matter the type of space, a wall or ceiling feature using our Stoneform strips will elevate your overall design and create and make your space feel more unique and modern.
Get Inspired with the Galey Alix Stoneform for Walls and Ceilings Collection
When it comes to creating a unique space, custom features are key. With our recent addition of wall and ceiling strips in partnership with Galey Alix, we're here to offer inspiration and show just what is possible with these stunning boards. These custom under-the-stair shelves provide extra storage, and a beautiful focal point that would otherwise look very boring. The addition of wall strips behind the shelves ties the whole design together and makes this feature look intentional and organic. This ceiling feature creates space for extra storage of knick knacks or display items without cluttering work surfaces. Applied to a tray ceiling, these Stoneform strips draw the eye upward and create an effect that's unexpected, but cohesive with the rest of this calm neutral space. A great way to create separate spaces within an open concept floor plan is through ceiling features. This gorgeous Stoneform ceiling helps the eye break up the space between living room and foyer. Modern spaces thrive off neutral color palettes. But just because your palette is neutral doesn't mean it has to feel sterile or boring. The addition of Stoneform strips on this ceiling in the color Augustine bring warmth and interest to what could otherwise be an ordinary space. The mix of wood tones in the floor and the ceiling play off each other beautifully - different but cohesive. No matter the type of space, a wall or ceiling feature using our Stoneform strips will elevate your overall design and create and make your space feel more unique and modern.
A Brief History of Flooring: How We Got to Waterproof Rigid Core Floors
If you're in the process of looking for new flooring, you've probably asked some version of this question: Is this laminate? Is it LVP? Is it rigid core? Is it actually waterproof? These are fair questions. And the only way to answer them clearly is to understand how modern flooring evolved in the first place. Every major flooring category exists because it solved a problem that came before it. Hardwood, tile, and carpet: the flooring standard for centuries For most of modern residential history, hard surface flooring meant solid hardwood or ceramic tile. Hardwood is beautiful, natural, and timeless, but it scratches, dents, expands and contracts with humidity, and is not waterproof. Repeated exposure to moisture can cause cupping, swelling, or staining. Not to mention, hardwood can be expensive, and unaffordable for most middle class homes. Meanwhile, ceramic tile was popularized in warmer climates. It is often described as slippery, hard and cold to the touch. Tile is also costly to install and doesn't perform well on uneven surfaces, can crack easily, and is extremely difficult to replace. Carpet became widely used in American homes beginning around the 19th century. It solves problems like warmth and softness, but traps stains, bacteria, dust, and allergens more than other floors. Because of the high maintenance concerns and shifting design preferences, demand moved heavily toward hard surface flooring. The introduction of waterproof flooring Sheet vinyl offered strong water resistance and worked well over concrete slabs. However, it scratched easily, could tear under stress, and required glue-down installation. It often needed additional underlayment over wood subfloors, increasing labor and cost. Laminate flooring emerged in Europe in the late 1980s and introduced the floating floor. Planks locked together and rested over the subfloor without glue. Laminate was cost effective and scratch resistant, but its wood-based core swelled when exposed to water and became prone to mold when wet. The category of waterproof flooring really took off in the early 2000s, as rigid core luxury vinyl plank (LVP) introduced waterproof floating floors. Early versions used WPC (wood plastic composite), which was waterproof but softer and more prone to denting. The latest variation, Stone Plastic Composite (or SPC) uses limestone in the core of the flooring for greater density and dimensional stability. SPC flooring resists denting, limits expansion and contraction, and maintains waterproof performance without the swelling or mold concerns. What "waterproof flooring" actually means Waterproof flooring is designed for real-life conditions like spills, wet shoes, and pet accidents. SPC flooring does not absorb water like hardwood or laminate. However, prolonged standing water trapped underneath any floating floor can still require removal. Where Stoneform fits in Stoneform is Hewn's rigid core SPC flooring. It combines a dense mineral-based core, thick acrylic wear layer, and embossing in register (in Elite and Premium collections) for realistic wood visuals and textures. Unlike hardwood, Stoneform doesn't easily scratch. Unlike laminate, Stoneform won't swell or mold when wet. Unlike sheet vinyl, Stoneform doesn't tear. And unlike WPC, Stoneform doesn't easily dent. Stoneform represents decades of flooring innovation refined through a design-forward lens. The future of flooring Flooring has always evolved in response to real life. From hardwood to sheet vinyl, from laminate to luxury vinyl plank, each innovation solved a problem the last one could not. Today's rigid core SPC flooring represents the most refined version of that progression: stable, waterproof, durable, and realistic enough to rival natural wood. Stoneform exists within that evolution, not as a trend, but as the current standard in high-performance hard surface flooring. When you understand how we got her, choosing the right floor becomes far less confusing and far more intentional.
A Brief History of Flooring: How We Got to Waterproof Rigid Core Floors
If you're in the process of looking for new flooring, you've probably asked some version of this question: Is this laminate? Is it LVP? Is it rigid core? Is it actually waterproof? These are fair questions. And the only way to answer them clearly is to understand how modern flooring evolved in the first place. Every major flooring category exists because it solved a problem that came before it. Hardwood, tile, and carpet: the flooring standard for centuries For most of modern residential history, hard surface flooring meant solid hardwood or ceramic tile. Hardwood is beautiful, natural, and timeless, but it scratches, dents, expands and contracts with humidity, and is not waterproof. Repeated exposure to moisture can cause cupping, swelling, or staining. Not to mention, hardwood can be expensive, and unaffordable for most middle class homes. Meanwhile, ceramic tile was popularized in warmer climates. It is often described as slippery, hard and cold to the touch. Tile is also costly to install and doesn't perform well on uneven surfaces, can crack easily, and is extremely difficult to replace. Carpet became widely used in American homes beginning around the 19th century. It solves problems like warmth and softness, but traps stains, bacteria, dust, and allergens more than other floors. Because of the high maintenance concerns and shifting design preferences, demand moved heavily toward hard surface flooring. The introduction of waterproof flooring Sheet vinyl offered strong water resistance and worked well over concrete slabs. However, it scratched easily, could tear under stress, and required glue-down installation. It often needed additional underlayment over wood subfloors, increasing labor and cost. Laminate flooring emerged in Europe in the late 1980s and introduced the floating floor. Planks locked together and rested over the subfloor without glue. Laminate was cost effective and scratch resistant, but its wood-based core swelled when exposed to water and became prone to mold when wet. The category of waterproof flooring really took off in the early 2000s, as rigid core luxury vinyl plank (LVP) introduced waterproof floating floors. Early versions used WPC (wood plastic composite), which was waterproof but softer and more prone to denting. The latest variation, Stone Plastic Composite (or SPC) uses limestone in the core of the flooring for greater density and dimensional stability. SPC flooring resists denting, limits expansion and contraction, and maintains waterproof performance without the swelling or mold concerns. What "waterproof flooring" actually means Waterproof flooring is designed for real-life conditions like spills, wet shoes, and pet accidents. SPC flooring does not absorb water like hardwood or laminate. However, prolonged standing water trapped underneath any floating floor can still require removal. Where Stoneform fits in Stoneform is Hewn's rigid core SPC flooring. It combines a dense mineral-based core, thick acrylic wear layer, and embossing in register (in Elite and Premium collections) for realistic wood visuals and textures. Unlike hardwood, Stoneform doesn't easily scratch. Unlike laminate, Stoneform won't swell or mold when wet. Unlike sheet vinyl, Stoneform doesn't tear. And unlike WPC, Stoneform doesn't easily dent. Stoneform represents decades of flooring innovation refined through a design-forward lens. The future of flooring Flooring has always evolved in response to real life. From hardwood to sheet vinyl, from laminate to luxury vinyl plank, each innovation solved a problem the last one could not. Today's rigid core SPC flooring represents the most refined version of that progression: stable, waterproof, durable, and realistic enough to rival natural wood. Stoneform exists within that evolution, not as a trend, but as the current standard in high-performance hard surface flooring. When you understand how we got her, choosing the right floor becomes far less confusing and far more intentional.
A Desert Oasis: Becki Owens' Newest Project Featuring Stoneform
Meet Becki Owens' newest project: Sunset Shores. Nestled in St George, Utah's premier resort community, this home features stunning desert views, plenty of entertainment space, and of course, Elite Stoneform in the color Allure from the Becki Owens Collection. Allure is one of our lightest hues with warm undertones and medium character. Inspired by natural Hickory, it feels organic yet modern. A classic Becki Owens inspired home is sure to feature light-toned woods, moody natural stone, and elevated finishes. From kitchen, to gym, to home theater, to bedrooms, Becki used Stoneform as the foundation of her design for this project. Because of its extreme durability, Stoneform is suitable for all kinds of spaces. There's no need to worry about tracking in sand from the resort lagoon, or dripping water from a dip in the pool. Stoneform's thick wear layer keeps potential damage at bay. Its thick wear layer keeps grit and water on the surface, so you can be sure your floor stays flawless through all that life throws at it. Our collaboration with Becki Owens brings comfortable modern design with high quality elements. Visit our socials to get started creating your own Becki Owens inspired space.
A Desert Oasis: Becki Owens' Newest Project Featuring Stoneform
Meet Becki Owens' newest project: Sunset Shores. Nestled in St George, Utah's premier resort community, this home features stunning desert views, plenty of entertainment space, and of course, Elite Stoneform in the color Allure from the Becki Owens Collection. Allure is one of our lightest hues with warm undertones and medium character. Inspired by natural Hickory, it feels organic yet modern. A classic Becki Owens inspired home is sure to feature light-toned woods, moody natural stone, and elevated finishes. From kitchen, to gym, to home theater, to bedrooms, Becki used Stoneform as the foundation of her design for this project. Because of its extreme durability, Stoneform is suitable for all kinds of spaces. There's no need to worry about tracking in sand from the resort lagoon, or dripping water from a dip in the pool. Stoneform's thick wear layer keeps potential damage at bay. Its thick wear layer keeps grit and water on the surface, so you can be sure your floor stays flawless through all that life throws at it. Our collaboration with Becki Owens brings comfortable modern design with high quality elements. Visit our socials to get started creating your own Becki Owens inspired space.
Introducing Wall and Ceiling Pre-Cut Strips
Introducing pre-cut strips for walls and ceilings. In partnership with Galey Alix, we're bringing the beauty of Stoneform to more than just your floors. Available in 4 unique colors from the Galey Alix Elite Stoneform Collection
Introducing Wall and Ceiling Pre-Cut Strips
Introducing pre-cut strips for walls and ceilings. In partnership with Galey Alix, we're bringing the beauty of Stoneform to more than just your floors. Available in 4 unique colors from the Galey Alix Elite Stoneform Collection