Buy vinyl with HDF or SPC carrier?

Hello everyone,

we are currently in the process of choosing a new floor for the living room, children's room, and bedroom. It will be click vinyl, but during the search, we noticed that there is vinyl with HDF as well as SPC carriers. Are there reasons why one should choose a floor with an HDF carrier instead of SPC?

The only disadvantages I can think of with HDF are:

- Despite the integrated impact sound insulation, a foil is needed as a vapor barrier
- More sensitive to moisture

At Parador there is no price difference between HDF and SPC. However, for HDF I still need a foil = higher costs.

Have I missed something, or is vinyl with an SPC carrier basically the better choice?

I can only think of disadvantages with HDF: - Despite integrated impact sound insulation, a foil is needed as a vapor barrier

Why? If the floor below the room is normally inhabited/heated, I see no reason for a vapor barrier.

You are of course right there. I had only looked at the manufacturer's specifications. Then we would only need these on the ground floor. Are there any other differences between an HDF and SPC substrate board in vinyl? Using the search function, I only found entries on click vinyl with HDF. Is there anyone who uses vinyl with an SPC substrate in living areas and if so, why?

Vinyl flooring with SPC is usually thinner and stiffer. The subfloor must be significantly more even than with HDF. The plastic content is even higher. Be sure to buy plasticizer-free! I myself do not have vinyl floors in the house, as I avoid plastic whenever possible.

Why? If the floor under the room is normally inhabited/heated, I see no reason for a vapor barrier.

We were advised to use a vapor barrier for the floorboards on the upper floor because the concrete ceiling and screed were fresh and would still release moisture. After about one to two years of drying time, there would have been no concerns. Such a foil costs at most about one euro per square meter.

That's true, the film really doesn't cost that much, but the issue with the plasticizers is of course a good argument.

Thank you all very much!