SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) has become the dominant hotel flooring choice across North America, and for good reason. Built with a limestone-PVC composite core, SPC is 100% waterproof through the full thickness of the plank — not just at the surface. This matters for hotels because housekeeping mops daily, HVAC condensation is common, and rooms shift between occupied and vacant across seasons. SPC cores don't swell, buckle, or gap with humidity changes, which means the floor you install during a summer renovation will still look perfect after a humid winter.

The wear layer is the most critical specification for hotel use. For guestrooms, 20 mil is the commercial standard. For corridors, lobbies, and fitness centers — anywhere with rolling luggage carts or housekeeping equipment — step up to 28 mil. Residential products with 6–12 mil wear layers will show visible scuffs and wear marks within 2 years in a hotel environment.

Engineered hardwood remains the prestige choice for upscale and luxury hotel segments where genuine wood warmth is part of the brand story. Unlike solid hardwood, it tolerates subfloor imperfections and minor humidity variation, though it should not be used in areas with regular mopping or water exposure. Best applied in low-humidity climates with controlled HVAC environments.

Laminate delivers the hardwood look at the lowest price point per square foot — making it ideal for budget renovations at economy and midscale properties. Its fiberboard core is moisture-vulnerable, so it should only be used in dry areas. For any space that sees regular mopping, SPC or LVP is the correct specification. At United Hotel Supply, we'll never recommend laminate for a wet-prone application just to close a sale.