Hybrid flooring combines the beauty of natural timber and the toughness of stone with the practicality of vinyl flooring. A multi-layered solution that is a product of years of research has changed the flooring industry. It is even suitable for wet areas.

Hybrid flooring has more pros than cons that’s what makes it the most preferable choice. It has taken positive aspects from the other flooring solutions, avoiding their drawbacks. Hybrid flooring is the most suitable for the Australian climate as it resists moisture and microorganisms. 

What is Hybrid Flooring?

Hybrid flooring is the new-gen solution of the hardwood flooring industry because modern problems require modern solutions. It is a mixture of two other types of flooring – laminate and vinyl flooring. Both of these types had their benefits and drawbacks. Laminate flooring was not moisture resistant while vinyl flooring was challenging to install. To overcome such drawbacks, hybrid flooring was developed. 

It blends the best attributes of both, which makes a durable, cost-effective solution and can be installed easily. It is also multilayered which makes it even more popular among customers. Let‘s explore these layers. 

What are the Layers of Hybrid Flooring?

This revolution in the flooring industry has a total of 4 layers. These layers are the protective layer, decorative layer, core stability layer, and backing layer. Let’s see the role of each layer in hybrid flooring. 

Protective Layer: It is the uppermost layer of the hybrid flooring. Its high-durability and transparent layer protects the lower layers from wear and tear from high foot traffic and daily use. 

Decorative Layer: You must have seen hybrid floors that look like hardwood but aren’t actually. This is because of the decorative layer. It is the second layer of the hybrid floors and replicates the look of natural timber. 

Core Stability Layer: The third and the most critical layer of hybrid flooring. It is a core layer made of a combination of minerals such as vinyl, limestone composites, etc., making the flooring waterproof and temperature-resistant. 

Backing Layer: The fourth and lowermost layer of the hybrid flooring provides additional support to the core layer. It is also adhered to below, which makes the installation process more manageable. You can also include it for sound reduction and comfort underfoot.

Pros & Cons of Hybrid Flooring

Just like every other flooring, it also has some pros and cons. However, the cons are not like laminate and vinyl flooring. Let’s see. 

Pros

Easy installation and maintenance: With underlayer adhered, you can easily install it over the existing floor of your house, office, etc. 

Aesthetic Variety: Your interiors will become even more beautiful with its classic timber finish, which makes it look like original hardwood. 

Waterproof: With this flooring, you will never complain about it being swollen because it is 100% waterproof. 

Durability: It has a protective layer that makes it resistant to dents, scratches, stains, etc which helps hybrid flooring last long. 

Sound Insulation: It comes with an extra underlayer that reduces unwanted noises. And you will also feel more comfortable with hybrid flooring. 

Cons 

Cost: Cost is one of the cons of hybrid flooring. However, it is not that big of a problem. It costs more than vinyl and laminate flooring but less than original timber flooring. 

Discolouration: Like other flooring, discolouration is also a problem with hybrid flooring. You will find colours and designs fade away from heavy foot traffic areas. 

Authenticity: Even after being made with the latest technologies to mimic the original hardwood and stones, it can not mimic the unique textures and variations. 

Beyond Resanding: Its inability to be resanded like original hardwood and stone makes the maintenance process costly. You need to change the damaged planks entirely. 

Require Subfloors: It requires an even, smooth and clean subfloor for installation. Any roughness will not allow the snap-lock system to work and won’t sit tightly. 

Types of Hybrid Flooring

Hybrid floors have a good variety of flooring options, from which you choose that suits you the best. Every type has qualities like some are more durable, some are silica free, some have a strong core, etc. Let’s explore all the different types. 

SPC

 Stone Plastic Composite flooring is highly durable because of its limestone and PVC composition. It should be your first choice if you don’t have much time for maintaining your floor, because it also requires very low maintenance. 

WPC

A hybrid flooring is Wood Plastic Composite made from recycled wood and PVC. It is the best option if you seek comfort for your loved ones because it offers a cushioning surface and sound isolation. 

How Can You Install Hybrid Flooring?

Installing a hybrid floor is more accessible than vinyl and laminate flooring because of the adhered underlayer. Even if it is easy to install, you should still go to experts for the installation process to get it installed flawlessly. Here’s a step-by-step guide for installation that experts follow.  

Set the Base

It is the first and the most crucial step of installing hybrid floors. Before starting the installation process, make sure that the base is clean, level, and has no moisture. Because any of these will leave air gaps, and the floors will come out and ruin the interior. 

Condition the Flooring

Adjusting the hybrid floors according to the place of installation is a crucial step. To change it, let it rest there for 48 hours, and it will adapt to the humidity level and room temperature. This step helps you get the best of hybrid floors.

Install the Underlayment

Usually, hybrid flooring comes with an adhesive underlayment that makes the installation process much more manageable. However, sometimes they don’t come with an underlayment. Install it before hybrid floors for extra comfort and moisture resistance. 

Lay the Planks 

It is a very delicate process and needs to be done with precision because any mistake will ruin the look of your room. Always start it from the corner of a room and click them together with the interlocking system. Always Leave some expansion gap to manage movements. 

Complete the Edges

The final step of installing the hybrid floor is giving a finishing touch to the edges. Don’t leave the expansion gap edges open; fill them with mouldings or install the baseboards once the planks are laid. 

Conclusion

Now you have every detail about the hybrid flooring you wanted. It is an excellent choice for your home, office or commercial areas. Hybrid flooring is perfect for those seeking easy-to-maintain, water-resistant, soundproof, and durable floors. Located in Frankston, Victoria, at  Club Interiors Flooring Gallery, you can choose from a range of 180 hybrid flooring options that suit you the best. Our experts will make the installation fast and easy without any fuss. You can also choose whether you want pre-attached underlayment or not. Just contact us for your flooring solutions.

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