Aquila SPC Rigid Core Vinyl Plank

What SPC rigid core construction means

Aquila is built on an SPC rigid core. SPC stands for stone plastic composite, a dense core made primarily from limestone powder and PVC, and it is what separates rigid vinyl from flexible glue-down vinyl. The rigid core does not flex, soften, or expand the way thin flexible vinyl can. Aquila installs as a floating floor: the planks click together edge to edge with a Uniclic locking system and rest over the subfloor with no glue or nails, a fast, clean install handled by our in-house vinyl installation team. A rigid core bridges minor subfloor imperfections better than a thin plank. It is rated for installation on, above, or below grade, which includes basements. One honest note: a floating floor still wants a reasonably flat, clean, dry subfloor.

Decision line: choose Aquila when you want a waterproof floor that installs quickly and floats over the subfloor.

100% waterproof, and what that actually covers

Aquila carries a 100% waterproof rating, and the SPC core is the reason. A stone composite core does not absorb water or swell, so spills, mopping, humidity, and damp conditions will not damage the plank, and the floor can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and below-grade basements. One honest clarification still applies, explained in our guide on what waterproof flooring really means: a waterproof plank is not the same as a waterproof installation. A floating floor has seams between every plank and an expansion gap around the perimeter, and water left standing long enough can still reach the subfloor. For a shower pan, a sealed tile system with a waterproofing membrane remains the correct choice.

What the IIC 72 and STC 73 ratings mean

The standout feature of Aquila is sound control. Two ratings describe how a floor handles noise. IIC, Impact Insulation Class, measures impact sound such as footsteps and dropped objects. STC, Sound Transmission Class, measures airborne sound such as voices and television. Aquila is tested at IIC 72 and STC 73, helped by the 1mm acoustic pad attached to every plank. Both numbers are high, comfortably above the minimums many condo boards set before approving a hard floor. If you are flooring a condo, our guide to the best flooring for a Toronto condo is a useful next step.

Decision line: if you are flooring a condo or an upper floor, Aquila's acoustic ratings make building approval far simpler.

Aquila Collection FAQs

Is Aquila waterproof?

Yes. Aquila is rated 100% waterproof thanks to its SPC stone composite core, which does not absorb water or swell. It can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. Note that a waterproof plank is not a waterproof installation, so a shower pan or area with constant standing water still needs a sealed system with a separate waterproofing membrane.

What is SPC rigid core vinyl?

SPC stands for stone plastic composite. It is a dense, rigid core made mainly from limestone powder and PVC. Unlike thin flexible vinyl, an SPC core does not flex or expand easily, so the planks stay stable, bridge minor subfloor imperfections, and install as a floating click-together floor with no glue.

What do the IIC 72 and STC 73 ratings mean?

IIC measures how well a floor blocks impact sound such as footsteps, and STC measures how well it blocks airborne sound such as voices. Aquila is tested at IIC 72 and STC 73, both high figures helped by its attached acoustic pad. These ratings are typically well above what condo boards require before approving a hard floor.

Can Aquila be installed in a basement?

Yes. Aquila is rated for installation on, above, or below grade, and its 100% waterproof SPC core makes it well suited to below-grade basements. As with any floating floor, the subfloor should be clean, dry, and reasonably flat before installation.

Does Aquila need a separate underlayment?

No. Every Aquila plank has a 1mm acoustic pad attached to the underside, so a separate underlay is not required. The attached pad is part of what gives the collection its IIC 72 and STC 73 sound ratings.

Where can I see the Aquila collection in person?

Aquila is available at both Squarefoot Flooring showrooms: 700 Dundas St E in Mississauga and 112 Saunders Rd in Barrie. Visiting in person lets you compare the full range of finishes under real lighting.