What is Glue-Down SPC (LVT) Flooring? The complete guide
Glue-Down SPC (LVT) is changing the way floors are renovated. Known internationally as LVT — Luxury Vinyl Tile — it is an engineered floor covering that faithfully reproduces wood or stone, bonds with adhesive directly over most existing substrates, and stands up to water and heavy traffic alike. Here is everything you need to know, explained by the factory that makes it in Rabat-Salé, Morocco.
What is a glue-down SPC floor made of?
A 2.55 mm Herculex plank layers four components pressed into one homogeneous piece:
- The UV lacquer: an embossed matte finish that protects against scratches and stains.
- The transparent wear layer: 0.35 mm for residential use, 0.55 mm for commercial, 0.75 mm for heavy traffic. This layer determines the floor's service life.
- The high-definition decor film: a reproduction of wood or stone realistic enough to be hard to tell from the natural material.
- The SPC core: a rigid composite of calcium carbonate and polymer (Stone Plastic Composite), 100% waterproof and dimensionally stable — it neither swells nor shrinks, even in wet rooms.
Why glue-down? The difference that matters
Vinyl floors come in two families: click systems that float, and glue-down SPC (dryback) with square edges, fully bonded to the substrate. Herculex chose glue-down exclusively, and for good reason:
- Stability in hot climates. A floating floor expands with heat; a fully bonded floor does not move, even behind a sun-facing window in August.
- Silence and feel. Bonded to the substrate, a plank never sounds hollow underfoot.
- Thinness. Just 2.55 mm: doors rarely need trimming, and transitions to adjoining rooms stay discreet.
- Decorative patterns. Herringbone, chevron and Hungarian point all require square-edged, glued planks.
The everyday benefits
A glue-down SPC floor is 100% waterproof — bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms included. It installs directly over flat existing tile, with no demolition, no rubble, no weeks of works. It is underfloor-heating compatible, pleasant barefoot, and maintenance comes down to a broom and a damp mop. Every Herculex decor carries a 25-year warranty.
What does it cost?
A project budget combines the flooring, the adhesive and the installation. The good news: in renovation, skipping demolition (breaking out old tile, hauling rubble, releveling, retiling) often offsets a large share of the cost. Precise pricing depends on surface area and substrate condition — exactly what your authorized reseller is there for.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between LVT and SPC?
LVT is the international name of the category (Luxury Vinyl Tile). SPC refers to the core technology (Stone Plastic Composite), more rigid and stable than first-generation flexible vinyl. A Herculex floor is an LVT with an SPC core, installed with adhesive.
Can glue-down SPC be installed over existing tile?
Yes — it is one of its greatest strengths. If the tile is flat and well bonded, the joints are simply skimmed and the planks are glued on top. No demolition, no rubble.
Is glue-down SPC suitable for a bathroom?
Yes. The SPC core is 100% waterproof and unaffected by water or humidity. It is one of the best-suited floors for wet rooms, provided the glue-down installation is done properly.
Which wear layer should I choose?
0.35 mm for a home or apartment, 0.55 mm for a shop, office or hotel, 0.75 mm for heavy-traffic zones such as lobbies and public buildings.
Where can I buy a Herculex floor?
Herculex is sold exclusively through its authorized reseller network. The factory does not sell directly to consumers — but it answers every question on WhatsApp and points you to the nearest point of sale.