Hybrid Flooring Pros & Cons – Ultimate Guide

What Is Hybrid Flooring?

Emerged in the recent years, hybrid flooring is the latest technology in the flooring industry that combines the best features of other types of floorings-namely, the waterproof nature of vinyl, the cost-effectiveness of laminar with the style and beauty of hardwood.

Hybrid flooring is made of a printed decorative layer pressed between a commercial-grade top protective layer and the water-proof composite core layer. Many hybrid flooring models also come with an acoustic layer that eliminates the need for an underlayment installation and reduces the noise created when you step on the flooring.

Advantages Of Hybrid Flooring

Waterproof

One of the biggest advantages of hybrid flooring is that, like vinyl flooring, it is 100% waterproof. Thanks to the hard protective top layer and PVC-infused inner board, hybrid flooring is immune to water damage. In fact, you can immerse hybrid flooring for a week or more without swelling.

Being waterproof means that hybrid flooring is suitable for wet rooms or where the chance of water spillage is high. You can install hybrid flooring in rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, the attic or underground room having no worry about the effect of high moisture or water splashes on the flooring or underlayment.

Durable

Apart from being water-resistant, hybrid flooring is engineered to be resilient and hard-wearing and can hold its own against high foot traffic. So, hybrid flooring is one of the best flooring choices for homes with kids or pets. You can use quality hybrid flooring in areas that are prone to tear and wear such as an entry hall, kids or living room.

The top layer is made of ultra-durable substances like a UV protected aluminium oxide which guarantees the flooring can withstand dents and scratches and gives you peace of mind for years. Besides, hybrid flooring is so durable that is a suitable choice for commercial and public buildings.

Style and Beauty

Like laminate flooring, hybrid flooring uses a printed decorative layer. Thanks to the advanced printing technology employed, it can mimic the pattern and texture of almost any natural wood or stone. So, with hybrid flooring, you have great flexibility in the style of flooring you want.

Whether you prefer vintage flooring or you are a fan of modern shining styles, you can find a hybrid flooring you’ll love. Hybrid floorings realistically simulate texture and style of more authentic surface Australian hardwood timbers, oak timbers, tiles, marble, and slate. The best is you’ll get away from the maintenance cost and have to pay only a fraction of what you would pay for hardwood. Besides, Embossed textures make the hybrid flooring look more attractive and realistic.

Comfortable

Because hybrid flooring is made of soft plastic or limestone, it’s very comfortable underfoot. The underlayment also slightly changes shape when you step on the flooring creating a very nice sensation. Besides, hybrid flooring is heat and water-resistant. This means that your feet warm and dry.  This is particularly useful when used as an alternative of wet and rigid tiles in the kitchen.

Hybrid flooring is also compatible with the radiant underfloor heating, so if you want you can use make the benefits of both hybrid flooring and floor heating to make your home warm and cozy for all around the year.

Affordable

Hybrid flooring is not only cheaper than timber or engineered wood but also needs less money to repair and maintain. in addition, because it is a floating flooring that you can install hybrid flooring over the existing flooring. This is particularly useful when you install flooring temporarily or in a rental home.

Many models of hybrid flooring come with the tongues and groove locking system. This reduces the cost of preparation and installation and eliminating the need to use any expensive adhesive. Besides, with a click and lock interlocking system, you can install the flooring yourself as a DIY project and bypass budget needed for hiring a professional installer.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Aside from being affordable and easy to install hybrid flooring is simple to clean and maintain. Hybrid floorings are often installed using click and lock system on the edges, so no gap remains for dirt and grime to hide. This means you don’t need more than an occasional cleaning by a vacuum cleaner or broom to keep it fresh. You need also remove any sand, dirt or abrasive as soon as they happen. And as an advantage, hybrid floorings are 100% waterproof. Therefore, to clean the flooring you can use a wet mop too.

Sound Proof

Many flooring types generate a hollow sound when walked on. The rigid core and underlayment layer included in hybrid flooring absorb the noise and provide a soundless and nice stepping sensation. This means that it can keep the noise from reaching your room and provide a quiet and peaceful space for you.

Fade Resistant

The top layer of hybrid flooring is made of a protective coating that is resistant to UV and stains. So, unlike some more expensive flooring types, it can hold up its colour and shape for years. As a result, the flooring is a worthwhile investment in residential and commercial buildings.

Disadvantages Of Hybrid Flooring

Relatively expensive

Well, hybrid flooring is more affordable than flooring options such as timber, tile or Bamboo but are more expensive than laminate or vinyl flooring. The reason is advanced technology it uses. So, if you are on a very tight budget, you may want to choose laminate or vinyl floorings instead.

Requires a flat sub-floor

Similar to many types of flooring, hybrid flooring needs a flat sub-floor to be installed properly, generally a floor with less than 3mm height deviation in 2m in length. A levelled sub-flooring ensures that the floorboards will be installed appropriately and they won’t creak and crack when walked on.

Less Authentic

Because hybrid flooring uses a printed decorative layer in lieu of texture of natural flooring, so it may look less authentic than high-end flooring options such as timber, tiles or marble. Some cheaper hybrid flooring can have a pattern that repeats too often, making them less authentic.

Less Solid

Hybrid flooring is often less thick compared to timber or Bamboo. So, if you used to timber flooring you may find that Hybrid flooring sounds slightly more hollow and less rigid when you step on it.

May Discolour

Although hybrid flooring features a UV-resistant coating it can fade when exposed to the direct sunlight for a long time. So, it’s a good idea to install curtains or blinds on the windows.

Hybrid floorings can discolour on contact with rubber product such as rug backing or slippers. You should be aware of this when you’re going to choose furniture for your home.

Thanks to the advanced manufacturing technology, Hybrid flooring inherits the best features of different flooring types. It is not only affordable and durable but also waterproof, comfortable, stylish and resistant against fade and noise. It is easy to install and maintain as well. However, it is less solid and authentic than timber flooring, needs a flat sub-flooring and can discolour when exposed to the direct sunlight or rubber products.