SPC vinyl plank flooring with an attached underpad is the cheapest waterproof flooring option available in Toronto that does not require glue or special adhesives — and at Top Floorings Depot, Riche 6mm SPC vinyl with built-in EVA foam pad starts at just $1.64 per square foot. This combination of rigid-core waterproof construction and pre-attached cushion is why more GTA homeowners are choosing SPC over laminate and traditional sheet vinyl for basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
That price point — $1.64/sqft — undercuts most big-box alternatives in the Toronto market while delivering better specs: a 12mil wear layer, Valinge 5G drop-lock installation, and an IIC sound rating of 73. This post breaks down exactly what you get at that price, what to watch for with cheaper SPC products, and how to figure out whether the pad is actually included or just bundled in.
What Makes SPC Vinyl with Pad Different From Regular Vinyl Plank?
Standard luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a flexible sheet-good product that requires an explicit underlayment layer to feel comfortable underfoot and to manage moisture on concrete subfloors. SPC vinyl — Stone Plastic Composite — replaces that flexible core with a rigid limestone-PVC core that is structurally stable, 100% waterproof, and rigid enough to hide subfloor imperfections better than flexible LVP.
When manufacturers bond the underlayment directly to the plank at the factory, two things happen: you skip the step of buying and rolling out a separate underpad product, and you get a more consistent bond between pad and plank that will not delaminate over time. At Top Floorings Depot, the Riche 6mm line uses a 2mm EVA foam pad pre-laminated to the 6mm SPC core — giving you 8mm total thickness without any additional materials.
The key specs on the Riche 6mm with pad:
- Core: 6mm SPC (rigid, waterproof limestone-PVC composite)
- Pad: 2mm EVA foam pre-attached (IIC 73, STC 72 sound ratings)
- Wear layer: 12mil (0.3mm) — suitable for all residential areas including kitchens and entryways
- Locking system: Valinge 5G Drop Lock — no glue, no nail, floating floor install
- Plank width: 7.09 inches; length: 48 inches
- Coverage: approximately 13.79 sqft per box
- Retail price: $1.64/sqft at Top Floorings Depot, Victoria Park Ave, Toronto
Compare that to the typical big-box scenario: you pay $1.79–$2.49/sqft for the plank alone, then $0.35–$0.65/sqft extra for a separate underlayment, and spend time installing it. The Riche 6mm combo eliminates both the extra material cost and the extra labour step.
How to Compare Waterproof Vinyl Prices in Toronto Correctly
When you see a low price on SPC vinyl in Toronto, the first question to ask is whether the underlayment is included. Many big-box listings advertise a base price that requires a separate moisture-barrier underlayment — typically a 6mil polyethylene film — at $0.30–$0.50/sqft. Add that to a $1.79/sqft SPC price and you are already at $2.29/sqft before tax.
The Riche 6mm with pre-attached EVA pad at $1.64/sqft works out to a lower true cost-per-square-foot than most Toronto big-box SPC products that require a separate pad. For a typical 500-square-foot basement renovation, that difference can mean $325 or more in savings on materials alone.
Beyond pad inclusion, here is what to verify on any waterproof vinyl quote:
- Wear layer thickness: 12mil is standard for residential use. Anything thinner — 6mil or 8mil — will show scuffs and wear faster in kitchens and hallways.
- Core thickness vs total thickness: A 5mm core with 3mm pad looks thicker on the label but gives you less rigid-core material than a true 6mm SPC core. The core is what provides structural stability; the pad is for comfort and sound.
- Locking system quality: Valinge 5G is the industry-standard precision drop-lock system. Older tongue-and-groove systems are slower to install and more prone to gapping.
- IIC and STC ratings: These measure sound transmission through floor assemblies. An IIC of 73 or higher — as on the Riche 6mm — means the floor will not sound hollow or noisy in a condo or basement apartment.
At Top Floorings Depot, all Riche SPC vinyl products are available for same-day pickup at the Victoria Park Avenue showroom. Delivery across the GTA — Scarborough, North York, Markham, Vaughan, and beyond — is available at competitive rates.
Is a 6mm SPC Core Thick Enough for a Basement or Condo Floor?
The most common objection to 6mm SPC is whether it is substantial enough for a Toronto basement with slightly uneven concrete. The honest answer: for most residential applications, yes — provided the subfloor is reasonably flat. The SPC rigid core bridges minor subfloor deflection better than flexible LVP, and the 2mm EVA pad absorbs minor high spots.
The Riche 6mm handles concrete slabs well because the rigid core does not telegraph moisture the way wood-substrate products do. For a Scarborough home with a poured-concrete basement slab that sees occasional dampness in spring, a 6mm SPC with pre-attached pad will outperform a laminate product or a 5mm flexible LVP that requires a separate moisture barrier.
Where you might want a thicker core — 8mm or 10mm — is over plywood subfloors where you want the floor to sit more flush with adjacent flooring in adjoining rooms, or in multi-unit condo buildings where the building manager has a minimum thickness requirement for sound attenuation. For those situations, Top Floorings Depot carries Riche 8mm and 10mm SPC lines in the same colour families as the 6mm products.
Colour and Style Options at the $1.64 Price Point
The Riche 6mm line at Top Floorings Depot includes 10 distinct colours, spanning light neutrals to dark wood tones. At $1.64/sqft, all colours are priced identically — there is no upcharge for darker or more popular finishes. This matters because some suppliers charge a premium for grey tones or trendy wide-plank visuals.
The available Riche 6mm palette includes:
- Light tones: Blonde Sand Oak, Cream Ivory Oak, Natural Birch, Moonlight Oak
- Mid-tone neutrals: Warm Mocha Oak, Truffle Brown Oak, Weathered Shore Oak, Roasted Pecan
- Dark/deep tones: Smoked Walnut, Driftwood Grey Oak, Charcoal Storm Oak, Dark Espresso Oak, Pewter Grey Oak, Olive Sand Oak, Midnight Shadow Oak, Pale Parchment Oak, Linen Drift Oak, Honey Harvest Oak
For a north-facing Toronto condo where you want the room to feel brighter, the Blonde Sand Oak or Natural Birch 6mm options reflect light well and pair cleanly with modern white or grey walls. For a basement recreation room in a Markham home where you want something warmer and more forgiving with traffic, the Truffle Brown Oak or Warm Mocha Oak reads like traditional hardwood without the moisture concerns.
Installation Tips for Riche 6mm SPC with Attached Pad
The Riche 6mm with pre-attached EVA pad installs as a floating floor — no glue, no nails, no special tools beyond a saw and a pulling tool for the final row. The Valinge 5G drop-lock system means each plank clicks in with moderate pressure; no rubber mallet is required for most connections.
The main installation rule for any SPC over concrete in a GTA basement: let the flooring acclimate in the room for at least 48 hours before installing. Toronto winters are dry, and summer humidity is high — letting the SPC adjust to the room's ambient temperature and humidity reduces the risk of expansion gaps after installation.
A 6mm SPC over concrete does not require an additional moisture barrier when the concrete is cured and has been tested for moisture — which in GTA new-build condos is typically the norm. For older Scarborough or Etobicoke homes with older concrete slabs, a 6mil polyethylene vapor barrier underneath is cheap insurance, even with a pre-padded product. Ask at the Top Floorings Depot showroom whether your specific subfloor needs a secondary barrier.
If you are covering an area larger than 1,000 square feet in a single continuous run, you will need transition strips at doorways and between rooms — not because the floor will fail, but because no floating floor should run more than about 50 linear feet in any direction without an expansion joint. Transition strips are available at any building supply store and add roughly $15–$25 per doorway to a project budget.
For professional installation, Top Floorings Depot offers SPC vinyl installation GTA-wide, including Scarborough, North York, Markham, and Vaughan. Professional install typically runs $3–$5/sqft depending on subfloor conditions and the complexity of the layout.
Our Top Picks at Top Floorings Depot
If you are looking for the cheapest waterproof vinyl with pad and want to choose on colour merit rather than availability, here are three specific picks from the Riche 6mm line at $1.64/sqft:
Riche Natural Birch 6mm SPC with IXPE Pad
Bright, light oak tone that reads well in north-facing rooms and smaller condos. 7.09-inch wide plank, 12mil wear layer, Valinge 5G locking. Best for: Scarborough condos, North York basements, rental properties where a clean light floor adds perceived value.
Riche Taupe Grey Oak 6mm SPC with IXPE Pad
A mid-tone greige that bridges light and dark decorating schemes — popular in Mississauga and Brampton family homes where the floor needs to work with existing furniture and wall colours. The same 12mil wear layer and Valinge 5G system. Best for: open-concept GTA homes, basements with mixed-use furniture, households that want a floor that does not commit to a single colour family.
Riche Warm Mocha Oak 6mm SPC with IXPE Pad
The warmest option in the 6mm lineup — reads as a rich brown hardwood without the moisture sensitivity of real wood. Works well in Vaughan and Richmond Hill homes with traditional or transitional decorating styles. Best for: principal-floor installations where you want the warmth of hardwood with full waterproof performance.
All three products are in stock at Top Floorings Depot. For the full Riche SPC lineup — including 8mm and 10mm options for projects that need a thicker core or heavier wear layer — visit the SPC vinyl collection at Top Floorings Depot.
What Else to Budget For
The $1.64/sqft Riche 6mm price covers the flooring itself. For a complete project budget, add the following estimated line items:
- Underpad (if needed beyond the pre-attached pad): $0.30–$0.50/sqft for 6mil poly film on concrete — roughly $150–$250 for a 500-sqft basement
- Transition strips: $15–$25 per doorway or linear run
- Baseboard removal and reinstall: typically $2–$4/linear foot if using a contractor; doable as a DIY project with a pry bar and caulk gun
- Professional installation: $3–$5/sqft GTA-wide depending on subfloor prep needs and layout complexity
- Delivery: Top Floorings Depot offers GTA-wide delivery — ask at the showroom for a quote tied to your postal code
For the budget-conscious GTA homeowner, the Riche 6mm at $1.64/sqft means a typical 500-sqft basement can be floored in SPC material for roughly $820 before tax. Compare that to $1,100–$1,300 for equivalent products at big-box stores once you factor in the separate pad — and you get better sound ratings (IIC 73) from the EVA pad that comes pre-attached.
Why the Riche 6mm Combo Beats Laminate for Toronto Basements
Laminate flooring and SPC vinyl occupy adjacent price bands, but for GTA basements specifically, SPC wins on moisture performance. Laminate is particle-board core — even with an AC5 rating, it will swell and buckle if exposed to standing moisture or sustained high humidity. SPC has a stone-polymer core that is impervious to water by material design.
The Riche 6mm with pre-attached pad at $1.64/sqft sits in the same price range as mid-tier laminate products like Krono Original 12mm AC3 — but delivers waterproof performance that laminate cannot. For a Toronto home with a below-grade basement suite that occasionally sees moisture through the concrete, that distinction is the difference between a floor that lasts 15 years and one that needs replacing in five.
Visit Top Floorings Depot
See and feel the Riche 6mm SPC line in person at the Top Floorings Depot showroom — 3781 Victoria Park Avenue, Unit 1, Toronto, ON M1W 3K5. The showroom stocks all 10 Riche 6mm colours and can advise on whether the 6mm or a thicker 8mm/10mm product is more appropriate for your specific subfloor conditions.
Top Floorings Depot
3781 Victoria Park Avenue, Unit 1, Toronto, ON M1W 3K5
www.topfloorings.com
Call 416-499-0117 | Text 416-770-8819
Showroom Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sunday Closed
We serve homeowners and contractors across Scarborough, North York, Markham, Vaughan, Mississauga, and Brampton. Visit our showroom to see these products in person, or contact us for contractor pricing and bulk orders. GTA-wide delivery available.
Follow us on Instagram: @topflooringsdepotgta — we love seeing completed projects from GTA homeowners and contractors.