Complete Vinyl Flooring Guide: SPC, LVT, LVP, And Glue-Down Options

In today’s interior design world, luxury vinyl flooring stands out as one of the most versatile and resilient surface options available. Balancing attractive visuals with practical performance and affordability, this category continues to dominate residential and commercial renovation projects. Whether you're updating a kitchen, transforming a basement, or planning a new multifamily or light commercial build, MSI offers vinyl flooring solutions that cater to a wide range of needs and design aesthetics.

All of the products featured in this guide are part of the MSI’s Everlife^® Waterproof Flooring collection—an industry-leading line known for combining groundbreaking engineering with high-end design. The Everlife® Collection provides innovative and stylish options for all types of spaces, ranging from waterproof rigid core planks and luxury vinyl tiles to professional-grade glue-down formats.

At MSI, we offer several flooring types designed to meet the demands of modern life—ranging from waterproof, rigid-core planks and tiles to permanently affixed options. Understanding the difference between these types—particularly Stone Polymer Composite (SPC) floors like luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring, as well as our Dryback glue-down flooring options—is essential to choosing the right surface for your environment. We'll also walk you through the nuances of LVT vs LVP, helping you make a confident, informed decision.

SPC: Strength and Style Built Into Every Layer

Andover Blythe® Luxury Vinyl Planks

For homeowners and designers seeking long-term durability without sacrificing appearance, SPC-based products offer an exceptional solution. Built with a dense stone-polymer composite core, these floors deliver remarkable dimensional stability and long-lasting strength. Unlike more flexible vinyl constructions, SPC resists warping, shrinking, or expanding—even in moisture-prone spaces or areas with frequent temperature fluctuations.

MSI’s Everlife^® Luxury Vinyl Flooring options, including both luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP), feature a rigid SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) core designed to replicate the beauty of natural materials while offering modern functionality. LVT captures the essence of stone and ceramic tile, while LVP channels the familiar texture and tones of real wood. Both styles are manufactured using advanced imaging technologies and embossed finishes to achieve true-to-life texture and visual depth.

Beyond aesthetics, MSI’s SPC flooring offers significant performance advantages. All of our rigid core styles feature our exclusive CrystaLux^™ or CrystaLux Ultra^™ wear layer, a protective surface that defends against scratches, stains, and dents. This protective wear layer makes it a go-to option for high-traffic areas in homes and businesses alike. These planks and tiles also come with a pre-attached underlayment, adding comfort underfoot while providing built-in sound absorption. This underlayment contributes to a quieter, more relaxed indoor atmosphere.

One of the key SPC benefits is how easy these floors are to maintain. They’re 100% waterproof, thanks to their non-porous core, making them a practical choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, and basements. Daily upkeep is simple. Routine sweeping and the occasional damp mop will keep them looking clean and fresh.

Installation is also straightforward. SPC floors use a floating system with interlocking edges, allowing for easy installation without the need for adhesives or nails. This user-friendly setup makes them ideal for DIY projects or quick professional installations, often saving time and labor costs compared to traditional flooring types.

LVT vs LVP: Understanding the SPC Variants

XL Trecento^® Quarzo Taj^™ Luxury Vinyl Tile

Within the SPC family, both Everlife^® Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring share the same rigid SPC core, offering waterproof properties, durability, and stability—but they differ in shape and visual style. LVT flooring is designed to mimic the appearance of natural stone or ceramic, often shaped in square or rectangular tiles that replicate a grouted look. Our luxury vinyl tile options feature a 12 mil CrystaLux^™ wear layer, making it ideal for both residential and commercial settings. Its genuine stone look and easy-clean surface add both beauty and practicality to everyday life, making it a great option for bathrooms, mudrooms, and areas where a sleek, tiled aesthetic is preferred.

LVP flooring, on the other hand, is shaped into long planks that emulate the appearance of real hardwood. It brings a warm, inviting feel to living rooms, bedrooms, and open-plan spaces, offering the visual appeal of wood look surfaces without the susceptibility to moisture, scratching, or warping. Thanks to its rigid SPC foundation, it performs well in virtually any room of the home, combining the charm of natural wood with the peace of mind that only advanced engineered materials can offer.

Both options within the SPC line are strong, stylish, and easy to maintain, so the choice between LVT and LVP ultimately comes down to personal preference and the visual you want to achieve.

Glue-Down Vinyl Planks: Flexible Stability with a Permanent Bond

Katavia Elmwood Ash® Glue Down Luxury Vinyl Planks

While SPC floors are typically floating and interlocked, MSI also offers a dependable alternative for those who prefer a more traditional installation method: Everlife^® Dryback glue-down flooring. This method is commonly used in commercial environments and long-term residential installations where structural stability is key.

Our Everlife^® Dryback series features a flexible PVC-based core and is glued directly to the subfloor, creating a strong and lasting connection. The result is a floor that feels solid underfoot and won’t shift or move over time, even in high-traffic conditions.

Much like our SPC products, Dryback glue-down planks are protected by our exclusive CrystaLux^™ protection layer, giving them excellent resistance to scuffs and stains. They also showcase intricately detailed designs that imitate the texture and hues of genuine hardwood, providing an appealing natural wood appearance without the need for sanding, sealing, or refinishing.

Glue-down flooring is especially effective for areas where stability and sound insulation are a priority. Because each plank is firmly adhered, there’s minimal vertical movement, and the adhesive adds a layer of noise reduction between floors. It also offers added flexibility for slightly uneven subfloors, enhancing installation results. It is low-maintenance, scratch-resistant, and features a micro beveled edge that delivers the authentic look of natural hardwood.

Another key benefit is moisture resistance. When installed properly with a high-quality adhesive, luxury vinyl planks create a tight seal that helps prevent water infiltration from the subfloor upwards. This makes glue-down vinyl a smart choice for utility rooms, bathrooms, or commercial kitchens where spills are common.

While this installation method requires more preparation and is generally best left to professionals, the result is a seamless, smooth surface that feels secure and built to last.

Selecting the Best Vinyl Flooring for Your Project

The world of luxury vinyl plank flooring offers far more than meets the eye. With our SPC rigid core options—available in both luxury vinyl tile and plank formats—and our resilient glue-down flooring solutions, there’s no shortage of ways to create a space that is as durable in performance as it is beautiful in appearance.

Whether you're drawn to the convenience and SPC benefits of a floating floor, or the steadfast durability of an adhesive installation, every MSI option is engineered for long-term use and backed by advanced surface protection. And with so many finishes, textures, and tones to choose from, it’s never been easier to find a durable flooring solution that complements your lifestyle.

Still unsure which style is right for your project? Chat with us online, visit an MSI showroom, or connect with a local authorized representative to see samples, explore design possibilities, and find out where to buy MSI Everlife® Luxury Vinyl Flooring. Your perfect floor is just a step away.