This glossary is curated for importers, manufacturers, distributors, and designers who work with SPC and veneer hybrid flooring (VSPC) products.
From core structure and materials to surface coatings, installation systems, testing standards, and environmental compliance, each term is clearly defined to help you communicate confidently across production, marketing, and international trade.
Whether you’re sourcing flooring products or training your sales team, this page helps bridge the technical language between engineering, design, and commercial operation.
| Term | Definition |
| VSPC (Veneer SPC) | Hybrid structure combining natural wood veneer with a rigid SPC core. |
| SPC Core | Rigid Stone Polymer Composite core providing dimensional stability. |
| Wood Veneer | Thin layer of natural wood applied to the surface for authentic grain appearance. |
| Wear Layer | Transparent protective top layer that resists scratches and abrasion. |
| Decor Layer | Decorative printed or wood veneer layer providing aesthetic appearance. |
| Backing Layer | Supporting bottom layer improving flatness and stability. |
| UV Coating | UV-cured coating enhancing stain and scratch resistance. |
| PUR Coating | Polyurethane-based reinforced coating for extra wear protection. |
| EIR (Embossed in Register) | Embossing process aligned precisely with printed grain for realism. |
| Micro-Bevel | Small edge bevel that visually separates each plank. |
| Square Edge | Straight edge with no bevel for a seamless floor look. |
| Click-Lock | Glue-free mechanical interlocking joint system. |
| Unilin Click | A patented click-lock system by Unilin. |
| Välinge 2G/5G | A patented click-lock system by Välinge, with 2G/5G variations. |
| Underlayment | Underfloor layer that provides cushioning and sound insulation. |
| IXPE Foam | Cross-linked polyethylene foam underlayment for noise reduction. |
| EVA Foam | EVA-based foam underlayment with resilience and sound absorption. |
| Attached Pad | Pre-attached acoustic pad integrated with flooring. |
| Floating Installation | Installation method where planks float without adhesive on subfloor. |
| Glue-Down | Adhesive installation directly bonding flooring to subfloor. |
| Expansion Gap | Perimeter gap allowing thermal expansion and contraction. |
| T-Molding | T-shaped molding used between floor transitions. |
| Reducer | Reducer molding for height transitions between floors. |
| Stair Nose | Nosing profile used on stair edges for finished look. |
| Skirting / Baseboard | Baseboard used along walls to cover expansion gaps. |
| PVC Resin | PVC resin powder used as primary base for SPC core. |
| Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) | Inorganic filler to increase rigidity and reduce cost. |
| Plasticizer-Free | Free from plasticizers, minimizing VOC emissions. |
| Stabilizer | Additives improving heat and light stability during processing. |
| Dimensional Stability | Ability to maintain dimensions under temperature and humidity changes. |
| Curling / Warping | Deformation where edges lift or bend unevenly. |
| Cupping | Upward warping along board edges across the width. |
| Telegraphing | Uneven subfloor texture showing through surface layer. |
| Indentation Resistance | Resistance to indentation from static or rolling loads. |
| Scratch Resistance | Resistance to visible scratches from use. |
| Abrasion Resistance | Resistance to surface wear and abrasion over time. |
| Impact Resistance | Resistance to impact damage from dropped objects. |
| Coefficient of Friction (COF) | Coefficient indicating surface slip resistance. |
| Waterproof | Fully waterproof, allowing wet mopping and damp environments. |
| Thermal Expansion | Dimensional change due to temperature fluctuation. |
| Underfloor Heating | Compatible with underfloor heating systems. |
| STC Rating | Sound Transmission Class measuring airborne sound insulation. |
| IIC Rating | Impact Insulation Class measuring impact sound insulation. |
| Fire Rating | Fire performance rating (e.g., Bfl-s1). |
| Slip Resistance | Slip resistance grading for safety standards. |
| Formaldehyde Emission | Formaldehyde emission level, typically near zero for VSPC. |
| VOC Emissions | Volatile organic compound emission affecting indoor air quality. |
| FloorScore | Indoor air quality certification program for flooring products. |
| GREENGUARD | Indoor air quality certification for low-emission materials. |
| Phthalate-Free | Free from phthalate plasticizers for safety compliance. |
| Extrusion | Extrusion process forming SPC core from mixed compound. |
| Calendaring | Rolling process forming films or sheets under heat and pressure. |
| Hot Press Lamination | Heat and pressure bonding of veneer/decor layer to SPC core. |
| Digital Printing | Inkjet printing of decorative wood patterns. |
| Embossing | Pressing process forming surface texture patterns. |
| Quality Control (QC) | Production monitoring and testing for quality consistency. |
| Color Variation | Color differences among boards or production batches. |
| Batch / Lot | Production traceability unit for quality tracking. |
| Tolerance | Permitted deviation range in dimension and thickness. |
| Peel Strength | Adhesion strength between layers preventing delamination. |
| Delamination | Layer separation due to adhesion failure. |
| Shade Range | Color shade management within one design series. |
| Plank Thickness | Total board thickness (commonly 4–8 mm, thicker for VSPC). |
| Wear Layer Thickness | Thickness of wear layer (e.g., 12 mil / 0.3 mm). |
| Plank Width | Visible width of each plank. |
| Plank Length | Visible length of each plank. |
| Square Feet per Carton | Total square footage covered per carton. |
| Palletization | Stacking and palletizing cartons for transport. |
| Yield | Percentage of usable product after production losses. |
| Subfloor | Base floor onto which flooring is installed. |
| Moisture Barrier | Film or coating preventing moisture migration from subfloor. |
| Flatness Tolerance | Acceptable deviation in subfloor flatness before installation. |
| Acclimation | Process allowing material to adapt to site temperature and humidity. |
| Below-Grade | Suitability for installation below ground level (basement). |
| SKU | Stock Keeping Unit code used for inventory tracking. |
| MOQ | Minimum Order Quantity required for production or shipment. |
| Lead Time | Lead time from order placement to shipment. |
| FOB / CIF | Trade terms defining transport cost and responsibility. |
| 20GP / 40HQ | Common shipping container types for ocean freight. |
| Claim / RGA | Procedure for claims or return authorization due to issues. |
| Warranty | Product warranty terms covering performance and defects. |
| Maintenance | Guidelines for regular floor cleaning and upkeep. |
| Neutral pH Cleaner | Neutral pH cleaner safe for surface coatings. |
| Microfiber Mop | Soft microfiber mop recommended for daily cleaning. |
| WPC | Wood Plastic Composite core—softer, less dense than SPC. |
| SPC vs WPC | Comparison of SPC (rigid, stable) vs WPC (soft, comfortable). |
| VSPC vs Engineered Wood | Comparison of VSPC (more water-resistant) vs engineered wood. |
As the global market for SPC and VSPC hybrid flooring continues to expand, understanding the right terminology is key to quality assurance, compliance, and brand trust.
Use this glossary as your daily reference for product specification, documentation, and communication with international partners.
If you’d like to download the full Excel version, or need localized translations (CN/EN) or customized technical content for your brand website — feel free to contact us.
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