SPC vinyl plank flooring is a 100% waterproof rigid-core flooring made from a stone-plastic composite core that clicks together without adhesive — making it the most practical choice for Toronto basements, condos, and kitchens. At Top Floorings Depot (3781 Victoria Park Ave, Toronto), we carry Riche SPC vinyl in five thickness options from 6mm to 10mm, starting at $1.64/sqft with the attached pad included.
What Is SPC Vinyl Flooring Made Of?
SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite — the core layer is a blend of limestone powder, PVC, and stabilizers pressed into a rigid board. This gives SPC its signature rigidity: it doesn't flex or bend the way older WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) vinyl does. The result is a plank that snaps together tightly, resists dents from dropped objects, and stays flat even over slightly uneven concrete — which is exactly what you need in a 1970s Scarborough bungalow basement or a Markham condo with an imperfect subfloor.
A typical SPC plank has four layers stacked from bottom to top:
- Attached pad (IXPE or EVA): 1.5mm to 2mm cushion layer that adds sound insulation and slight warmth underfoot. IXPE is denser and more moisture-resistant; EVA is softer and provides better sound absorption.
- SPC core: The rigid backbone — 4.5mm (in our 6mm planks) up to 8mm (in our 10mm planks). This is what makes SPC dimensionally stable and 100% waterproof.
- Decorative film: High-resolution print layer that mimics oak, walnut, or other wood species.
- Wear layer: Clear urethane coating measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch). Our collections offer 12mil (0.3mm) or 20mil (0.5mm) wear layers.
Every SPC plank we sell at Top Floorings Depot is 100% waterproof — not water-resistant, not "moisture-proof marketing speak" — actually waterproof. You can spill a bucket of water on it and it won't swell, warp, or delaminate. That's why it's our top recommendation for basement flooring in the GTA.
Thickness: 6mm vs 8mm vs 9mm vs 10mm — Which Is Right for Your Toronto Home?
SPC vinyl thickness is the single most important spec to understand — and it's the one most homeowners get wrong. The total thickness includes the pad, so a "6mm" plank actually has a 4.5mm SPC core with a 1.5mm IXPE pad attached. Here's how each thickness performs in real GTA homes:
| Thickness | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 6mm (4.5mm core + 1.5mm IXPE) | Rentals, budget renos, guest rooms | From $1.64/sqft |
| 6.5mm (5mm core + 1.5mm IXPE) | Above-grade rooms, light residential | Contact for pricing |
| 8mm (6mm core + 2mm EVA) | Condos, basements, full homes | Mid-range |
| 9mm (7mm core + 2mm EVA) | High-traffic homes, main living areas | Mid to premium |
| 10mm (8mm core + 2mm EVA) | Premium feel, commercial-grade durability | Premium |
For Toronto basements: We recommend 8mm or above. The thicker core provides more rigidity over concrete slabs that may have minor dips or unevenness. The Riche 8mm Standard Series with its IIC 73 and STC 72 ratings is our best seller for basement installations in North York and Scarborough.
For condos: 8mm is the sweet spot — thick enough for sound isolation (important when your condo board asks for STC ratings), thin enough that it won't create a tripping hazard at transitions. The 8mm series uses a Valinge 5G Drop locking system that's installer-friendly for DIYers or our professional installation team.
For whole-home renovations: If budget allows, 9mm or 10mm feels noticeably more solid underfoot. The Riche 10mm Ultra-Thick Series with 8mm core has almost no flex, even over a slightly uneven plywood subfloor — it feels closer to real hardwood than any other SPC product we carry.
Wear Layers: 12mil vs 20mil — What You Actually Need
The wear layer is the clear urethane coating on top of the decorative print. It's what determines how well your floor resists scratches, scuffs, and fading. SPC vinyl comes in two common wear layer thicknesses:
12mil (0.3mm): Standard residential wear layer. Fine for homes without pets or heavy foot traffic. All of our 6mm, 6.5mm, and most 8mm/9mm collections use 12mil. If you're a couple in a Richmond Hill detached home with no pets, 12mil will serve you well for 10-15 years.
20mil (0.5mm): Heavy-duty wear layer designed for commercial traffic, homes with large dogs, or rental properties where turnover is high. Our 8mm Wide Plank Series (7.09" width) and select 10mm colours come with 20mil. The Riche Golden Prairie 8mm with 20mil wear layer is one of our top picks for homes with active Labs and Golden Retrievers — the kind of scratch resistance that actually holds up.
Here's the practical breakdown: if you have two or more large dogs, kids tracking in grit from a Vaughan driveway, or you're a landlord flipping units in Etobicoke every 2-3 years, spend the extra on 20mil. For everyone else, 12mil is plenty. Don't oversell yourself on wear layer — a 12mil plank in a quiet Mississauga condo will look just as good in year 10 as a 20mil plank would.
Click Systems: Valinge 5G vs UniPush vs I4F
The locking system determines how the planks connect and how forgiving the installation is. All three systems we carry create a floating floor — no glue, no nails, just click and walk.
Valinge 5G Drop: Used on our 8mm, 9mm, and 10mm collections. This is the gold standard in click-lock flooring. The 5G system has a folding tap that snaps audibly into place — you hear and feel each connection lock. It's the most installer-friendly system and provides the tightest seam. If you're DIY-installing a basement in Pickering, Valinge 5G is what you want.
UniPush: Used on our 6mm Budget Series. A simpler angle-tap system that requires angling the plank and pushing it down. Works well but doesn't have the audible click confirmation of Valinge 5G. Best for straightforward rectangular rooms without complicated cuts.
I4F: Used on our 6.5mm Calgary Collection. A push-down system that's faster to install than angle-tap but requires a perfectly flat subfloor for best results. Good for above-grade installations where the subfloor is already level.
All three systems create a waterproof joint — the water resistance comes from the SPC core material, not the locking mechanism. A properly locked Valinge 5G joint will resist topical water at the seams, but no floating floor is a bathtub. If you're installing in a bathroom or laundry room in a Brampton home, run a thin bead of silicone at the perimeter edges as extra insurance.
Sound Ratings: IIC and STC for Condos and Multi-Unit Buildings
If you live in a Toronto condo or you're a landlord with rental units, sound ratings matter — and your condo board may require specific IIC (Impact Insulation Class) and STC (Sound Transmission Class) minimums.
Our Riche 8mm Standard Series is independently tested and rated at IIC 73 / STC 72. That's above the Ontario Building Code minimum of IIC 50 for residential construction and exceeds what most Toronto condo boards require (typically IIC 55-65). The 2mm EVA pad built into each plank does the heavy lifting for sound — it absorbs impact noise from footsteps and muffles sound transmission between floors.
For comparison:
| Flooring Type | Typical IIC | Typical STC |
|---|---|---|
| Riche 8mm SPC (with EVA pad) | 73 | 72 |
| Riche 9mm SPC (with EVA pad) | 73+ | 72+ |
| Laminate (no pad) | 45-55 | 40-50 |
| Engineered hardwood (no pad) | 40-50 | 35-45 |
If your condo board in Thornhill or downtown Toronto asks for sound test results, we can provide spec sheets for the Riche 8mm and 9mm collections. Bring your condo requirements to our showroom and we'll match you with a product that meets or exceeds them.
SPC Vinyl vs WPC Vinyl vs Sheet Vinyl: Which Is Best for GTA Homes?
We get asked this comparison daily at our Victoria Park Avenue showroom, so here's the straight answer:
SPC vs WPC: SPC has a stone composite core (limestone + PVC), WPC has a wood composite core (wood flour + PVC). SPC is denser, more dimensionally stable, and more dent-resistant. WPC is slightly softer underfoot and more forgiving on imperfect subfloors. For Toronto homes, we carry SPC exclusively because it performs better on concrete slabs — which is what most GTA basements and condos have. WPC has largely been replaced by SPC in the Canadian market.
SPC vs Sheet Vinyl: Sheet vinyl (linoleum-style rolls) is cheaper but has three big drawbacks: it shows every subfloor imperfection, it's difficult to repair (one tear means replacing the entire room), and it looks like sheet vinyl. SPC plank gives you the realistic wood look, individual plank texture, and the ability to replace a single damaged plank without ripping up the whole floor. For a rental property in Ajax or a family home in Whitby, SPC is the better long-term choice.
SPC vs Laminate: This is the most common comparison. SPC is waterproof; laminate is not. SPC can go in basements and bathrooms; laminate cannot without risk. However, laminate has a harder surface that feels more like real wood underfoot, and our German-made laminate from $0.50/sqft is significantly cheaper. If you're installing above grade in a dry area, laminate offers better value. For anything below grade or moisture-prone, SPC wins.
Riche SPC Collections at Top Floorings Depot: A Colour and Spec Overview
We carry Riche Flooring SPC vinyl in five thickness tiers, with over 80 colours between them. Here's what each tier offers:
6mm Budget Series — 12mil wear layer, IXPE pad, UniPush lock, 7.09" wide. From $1.64/sqft. Ten colours including Blonde Sand Oak, Warm Mocha Oak, Dusk Greige Oak, Moonlight Oak, and Roasted Pecan. Best for: rental units, budget basement renos, above-grade spare rooms.
6.5mm Calgary Collection — 12mil wear layer, IXPE pad, I4F lock, 7.09" wide. Ten colours including Smoked Walnut, Driftwood Grey Oak, Honey Harvest Oak, and Charcoal Storm Oak. Best for: above-grade rooms where the wider 7.09" plank look is preferred on a budget.
8mm Standard Series (5.9" narrow plank) — 12mil wear layer, EVA pad, Valinge 5G Drop, IIC 73 / STC 72. Ten core colours plus four Montreal Collection colours. Includes Dark Walnut, Arctic White Oak, Golden Hickory, and Charcoal Noir. Best for: condos, basements, and any installation where sound ratings matter.
8mm Wide Plank (7.09" wide, 20mil wear layer) — 20mil wear layer, EVA pad, Valinge 5G Drop. Ten colours including Driftwood Mist, Golden Prairie, and Nordic Frost. Best for: high-traffic homes, pet owners, and anyone wanting a thicker wear layer with wide-plank aesthetics.
9mm Series (5.9" plank) — 12mil wear layer, EVA pad, Valinge 5G Drop. Over 20 colours across three sub-collections. Includes Nordic Breeze Oak, Cloud White Oak, Warm Chestnut, and the Vancouver Collection (Maple Bay, Burrard Walnut, West Coast Sand, Coastal Greige). Best for: main living areas where the thicker core provides a more solid feel.
10mm Ultra-Thick Series — 12mil or 20mil wear layer, EVA pad, Valinge 5G Drop. The most premium SPC option we carry. Over 25 colours across two wear layer options. Includes Washed Driftwood, Toasted Caramel Oak, and premium 20mil options like Honey Ridge, Desert Sand, and Caramel Dune. Best for: homeowners who want the most solid-feeling vinyl floor available and are willing to invest in a premium product.
Can You Install SPC Vinyl Over Concrete in a Toronto Basement?
Yes — SPC vinyl plank is the best flooring option for Toronto basements with concrete subfloors, and you don't need any adhesive or underlayment beyond what's already attached to the plank. Every Riche SPC plank we sell comes with an attached pad (either IXPE or EVA), so you can install it directly over a clean, dry, level concrete slab.
Here's the pre-installation checklist for concrete basements in the GTA:
- Test for moisture: Tape a 2'x2' square of clear plastic sheeting to the concrete floor and wait 24 hours. If condensation forms under the plastic, your slab has a moisture problem that needs to be addressed first.
- Check for flatness: Place a 6-foot straightedge on the floor. Gaps greater than 3/16" over 6 feet need to be filled with self-levelling compound. SPC can handle minor variations, but large dips will cause plank separation over time.
- Clean thoroughly: Vacuum and wipe the floor. Debris under SPC planks causes clicking sounds and uneven joints.
- Acclimate the planks: Bring boxes into the room 48 hours before installation. Keep temperature between 18-29°C. Don't skip this — unacclimated planks can expand and contract, creating gaps.
If you'd rather leave it to professionals, our SPC vinyl installation service covers the entire GTA, starting at $1.50/sqft. We handle moisture testing, subfloor prep, and installation — and we've installed thousands of basements across Scarborough, Markham, and North York.
Our Top Picks at Top Floorings Depot
With 80+ SPC colours across five thickness tiers, it helps to have a starting point. Here are four products we recommend most often, each from a different tier:
1. Riche Dark Walnut 8mm SPC Vinyl — The best-selling colour in our most popular thickness. IIC 73 / STC 72 sound rating, Valinge 5G Drop lock, 5.9" wide plank. Works in any room, any home. See Riche Dark Walnut 8mm
2. Riche Nordic Breeze Oak 9mm SPC Vinyl — A light, airy grey-oak that's become one of the most requested colours in our showroom. 7mm core + 2mm EVA pad, 7.09" wide plank, Valinge 5G Drop. Perfect for open-concept living and dining areas in Vaughan and Richmond Hill homes. See Riche Nordic Breeze Oak 9mm
3. Riche Washed Driftwood 10mm SPC Vinyl — Our premium pick for homeowners who want the most solid-feeling vinyl floor available. 8mm core + 2mm EVA pad, 5.9" wide, 12mil wear layer, Valinge 5G Drop. The 10mm thickness gives a noticeably more substantial feel underfoot — closer to real hardwood than any other SPC product we carry. See Riche Washed Driftwood 10mm
4. Riche Warm Mocha Oak 6mm SPC Vinyl — Our budget champion. At $1.64/sqft with IXPE pad included, this is the most affordable waterproof flooring we carry. 12mil wear layer, 7.09" wide plank, UniPush lock. Great for rental properties, basement rec rooms, and anyone who needs waterproof flooring without the premium price tag. See Riche Warm Mocha Oak 6mm
All four are in stock at our Toronto showroom at 3781 Victoria Park Avenue. Come in during business hours (Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-4) to see and feel the difference between thicknesses in person — seeing 6mm next to 10mm on the display floor makes the choice much clearer.
SPC Vinyl and Ontario Building Code: What You Need to Know
Ontario Building Code (OBC) doesn't regulate the type of flooring you install in a single-family home — but it does have requirements that affect your installation choices:
Fire rating: SPC vinyl meets the OBC flame spread requirements for residential flooring (Class C or better). All Riche SPC products we carry are FloorScore certified for indoor air quality and meet CARB2 compliance for low emissions.
Condo sound requirements: Many Toronto condo boards require minimum IIC and STC ratings for flooring installations. Our Riche 8mm and 9mm collections with IIC 73 / STC 72 exceed the OBC minimum of IIC 50 and most condo board requirements of IIC 55-65. Always check your condo corporation's specific bylaws before purchasing — some boards require IIC 65+.
Egress stairs: If you're flooring a basement that serves as a secondary dwelling unit, the OBC has specific requirements for stair materials and finishes. SPC vinyl can be installed on stairs but requires adhesive and stair nosing — it can't be installed as a floating floor on stair treads.
Radiant heating: All Riche SPC vinyl is compatible with in-floor radiant heating systems up to 29°C surface temperature. Don't exceed this — it can soften the PVC layer. If your Oshawa or Aurora home has radiant heat, set the thermostat to cycle gradually rather than jumping from cold to hot.
Visit Top Floorings Depot
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 9–5:30 | Saturday 9–4 | Sunday Closed
We serve homeowners and contractors across Scarborough, Markham, North York, Pickering, and Mississauga. Visit our showroom to see and feel these products in person, or contact us for contractor pricing and bulk orders. GTA-wide delivery available.
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