PVC or SPC? In a photograph the two materials can look much the same. The difference shows up when you have to carry the panels into the room, fit them to the wall and line up the pattern. So do not base the choice on colour alone. Format, rigidity and the way panels join have a strong influence on the installation and on the final result.
In this guide we compare the panels available at Dizzplace. PVC panels measure 280 × 122 cm and are 3 mm thick. SPC panels come in sets of three elements of 60 × 280 cm, are 4 mm thick and join with a click system. Assembled, the set forms a decorative surface of 180 × 280 cm with a continuous pattern.
PVC or SPC: the short answer
Choose PVC if what matters is a very large single board, a wide choice of designs and finishes, and a thin wall covering. It is the practical option for a quick transformation of a wall, including over stable old tiles.
Choose SPC if you care more about a more rigid construction, a precise click connection and a pattern designed as one composition running across three panels. A single element is 60 cm wide, so it is easier to manoeuvre in a narrow hallway or a small bathroom.
No single material is best for every project. The best one is the material that suits the dimensions of the wall, the installation conditions and the effect you want.
How do PVC and SPC wall panels differ?
PVC wall panels
The PVC panels in the current Dizzplace range are made of solid PVC. They are 3 mm thick and measure 280 × 122 cm. The large surface of a single board limits the number of joints. The panel is bonded to a prepared substrate with hybrid polymer mounting adhesive.
Available surfaces include smooth, gloss and textured finishes. That lets you choose not only the colour but also the character of the finish. A smooth panel gives a calmer effect, while texture emphasises the stone look more strongly.
SPC wall panels
SPC is a stone-polymer composite with a more rigid core. At Dizzplace one set consists of three panels of 60 × 280 cm with a thickness of 4 mm. The elements join with a click system, and their artwork is designed so that after installation they form a single composition 180 cm wide.
The click system takes care of an accurate joint along the sides. The panels themselves are still fixed to a properly prepared wall with the correct mounting adhesive. This matters, because “click” describes how the elements join to each other, not the removal of the need to fix the covering to the wall.
PVC and SPC panels at Dizzplace compared
| Feature | PVC | SPC Click |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 280 × 122 cm | 3 panels of 60 × 280 cm, 180 × 280 cm together |
| Thickness | 3 mm | 4 mm |
| Construction | Solid PVC | Rigid stone-polymer composite |
| Joining | Edges aligned during bonding | Click system |
| Pattern layout | Large decor on a single board | Artwork continuing across three panels |
| Fixing to the wall | Polymer adhesive | Polymer adhesive plus click joint |
| Finishes | Smooth, gloss and textured designs | Smooth, semi-matt surface |
| Wet rooms | Yes, once joints and edges are properly sealed | Yes, once joints and edges are properly sealed |
The comparison covers the panels currently available at Dizzplace. Check the specification of the particular design before buying.
When is PVC the better choice?
PVC works well when you want to cover a large part of a wall with as few elements as possible. A board 122 cm wide can reduce the number of vertical joints, especially in a small bathroom or on the wall above a worktop.
It is also a good direction when you are after a particular kind of surface. The collection includes smooth PVC wall panels and textured PVC panels with a more pronounced structure. So you can match the material to a calm, minimalist interior or pick a decor that plays the leading role.
Check the route in beforehand, though. A board of 280 × 122 cm needs room in the stairwell, in the hallway and at the door of the room being renovated. In a small space it is worth planning for a second person to position the panel before it is bonded.
When is SPC Click worth considering?
SPC deserves attention when you want a precise joint and a coherent marble drawing across a larger surface. In the current collection three panels form one planned pattern. The veins do not start at random on each element but run through the whole composition.
A single panel is 60 cm wide. It is easier to carry into a small bathroom and more comfortable to position against the wall than one wider board. The material itself is more rigid, however, so the substrate should be even, stable and carefully prepared. See the SPC wall panel sets with a click system.
What to choose for a bathroom, kitchen and living room?
For the bathroom
Both solutions can be used in a bathroom, including over stable existing tiles. First check that the old covering is firmly attached to the wall, then clean, degrease and dry the surface thoroughly. In the wet zone the water resistance of the panel alone is not enough. The joints, corners and the areas around the shower tray, bath and taps must be sealed as well.
If you are planning installation without demolition, read the guide on how to renovate a bathroom without removing the old tiles.
For the kitchen
On the wall above the worktop, easy cleaning and few joints are what count. PVC lets you cover a wide section with a single board. SPC, in turn, gives a precise pattern layout and narrower elements that are easier to manoeuvre between cabinets. Near the hob, follow the safety rules for heat sources and the specification of the chosen product.
For the living room or a television wall
Here the decision usually comes down to the design. PVC gives you freedom between a smooth finish, gloss and texture. SPC comes into its own when you want a large, ordered marble composition with continuous veining.
Five questions before you order
- What are the exact dimensions of the wall? Measure the height and width in several places. Allow for corners, recesses, sockets and service penetrations.
- Can the panel be brought in safely? Check doors, stairs, the lift and the space needed to turn the element.
- Where will the joints fall? Draw the layout before cutting. With SPC, keep the order of the panels so the composition is not interrupted.
- How does the surface look in your own light? A phone screen will not show colour, gloss or texture accurately.
- What does the substrate require? The wall must be stable, clean, dry and sufficiently even. In a wet room, plan for sealing the edges as well.
The simplest way to reduce the risk of a poor choice is to order samples of PVC and SPC panels. Look at them in the morning and in the evening, hold them against the floor, the furniture and the taps. That quickly shows whether the shade really suits the room.
The most common mistakes when choosing panels
- choosing a design from an internet photograph alone,
- not measuring the route in for a large board,
- starting installation without planning the joints and the direction of the pattern,
- bonding to a dusty, greasy or unstable substrate,
- skipping the sealing of edges in the wet zone,
- buying adhesive without checking that it suits the panel and the substrate.
For the installation, pick up adhesive and accessories for wall panels at the same time. That way everything is ready before you start.
PVC or SPC: which will it be?
If you want a large single board, a small thickness and a wide choice of surfaces, start with PVC. If a rigid construction, a click joint and a composition running across three elements matter more, look at SPC.
When renovating a bathroom or kitchen, the material is only part of the decision. The condition of the wall, the right adhesive and a sealed finish weigh just as much. A well-chosen panel should not only look good on the sample, but also suit the place where it will be installed.
Frequently asked questions
Can PVC and SPC panels be installed over old tiles?
Yes, if the tiles are stable and the substrate is thoroughly cleaned, degreased and dried. Loose pieces and damage should be repaired before installation.
Which panels are quicker to install?
That depends on the room. A large PVC board reduces the number of elements but needs more room to manoeuvre. An SPC panel is narrower and easier to position, and the click system helps join the parts accurately.
Does a click system mean installation without adhesive?
Not with the Dizzplace SPC wall sets. The click joins the panels to each other, while the whole covering is fixed to a prepared substrate with the appropriate mounting adhesive.
Are both materials suitable for the wet zone?
According to the specification of Dizzplace panels, both materials are waterproof. In the shower enclosure and around the bath, all joints, corners and service penetrations must additionally be sealed.