What is Hybrid Flooring? A Complete Guide to Benefits, Installation, and Cost

what is hybrid flooring

Introduction: What is Hybrid Flooring?

Would you prefer a flooring solution that is waterproof, long-lasting, and stylish? Yes, then hybrid flooring would be ideal for you. Hybrid flooring is a combination of the finest qualities of laminate flooring and vinyl flooring. It has grown more popular among residential and commercial property owners during the past several years. What is it, though, and why should you use it for your property? Let us closely examine all that you should know about hybrid flooring.

What is Hybrid Flooring?

Hybrid flooring is a new flooring product that takes the best qualities of laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring (LVT). It features a rigid core made from a mix of vinyl and limestone, making it stronger and more stable than other flooring products. The top layer is a hard wear layer, which is scratch, stain, and water resistant.
This is an ideal flooring solution for heavy traffic zones, homes with kids and pets, and where waterproof flooring is required.

Types of Hybrid Flooring โ€“ Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) Flooring vs Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) Flooring

At Timber Flooring Clearance Centre, we mostly stock SPC hybrid flooring but occasionally we have some WPC hybrid flooring.

It is important that we explain what the differences are between the two so you can make an informed choice when purchasing hybrid floorboards from us.

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) hybrid flooring, also known as Rigid Vinyl Plank flooring, consists of multiple layers, a UV coat, a print layer, a SPC core (limestone core), and a balanced layer.

SPC hybrid floors create minimal noise when walked on and is completely waterproof, as is all our hybrid flooring.

WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) hybrid flooring main difference is in the naming of the product, named for the wood-like materials it is made from, instead of the limestone core/limestone composite core, of SPC hybrid floors.

Key Features of Hybrid Flooring

1. Water Resistance

One of the greatest benefits of hybrid flooring is that it’s 100% waterproof. Laminate flooring swells and buckles when exposed to water; yet, hybrid flooring repels water spills, which makes it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

2. Durability and Longevity

Due to its rigid core technology, hybrid flooring is extremely durable and resistant to wear, dents, and scratches. It is an ideal choice for busy homes or commercial areas where the floor receives plenty of foot traffic.

3. Simple and Fast Installation

Hybrid flooring has a click-lock installation system, and hence you don’t require glue or nails to install it. Hybrid flooring can be installed as a DIY project even if you’re not a professional, which will save your money and time.

4. Range of Colors and Designs

In hybrid flooring, you have the luxury of a broad selection of styles, textures, and colors that replicate natural wood or stone. No matter whether you require a rustic, modern, or classic appearance, there is a choice that suits your interior decor.

Comparison: Hybrid Flooring vs Other Flooring Types

Hybrid Flooring vs Laminate Flooring

Feature Hybrid Flooring Laminate Flooring
Water Resistance 100% Waterproof Not Waterproof
Durability High Moderate
Installation Easy (Click-Lock) Easy (Click-Lock)
Cost Slightly Higher Lower

๐Ÿ† Winner: Hybrid flooring is the better option for areas prone to moisture.

Hybrid Flooring vs Vinyl Flooring

Feature Hybrid Flooring Vinyl Flooring
Core Material Rigid Core (Limestone & Vinyl) Flexible PVC
Water Resistance 100% Waterproof 100% Waterproof
Stability High Moderate
Appearance More Realistic Wood Look Less Realistic

๐Ÿ† Winner: Hybrid flooring offers a more natural timber feel and better stability.

Hybrid Flooring vs Hardwood Flooring

Feature Hybrid Flooring Hardwood Flooring
Water Resistance Waterproof Not Waterproof
Maintenance Easy Requires Maintenance
Cost More Affordable Expensive
Durability High Can Scratch Easily

๐Ÿ† Winner: If you desire the appearance of wood without any of the high maintenance, hybrid flooring is your best option.

Advantages and Drawbacks of Hybrid Flooring

Benefits of Hybrid Flooring

โœ… 100% Waterproof โ€“ Ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens.
โœ… Highly Durable โ€“ Scratch and dent-resistant.
โœ… Easy to Install โ€“ DIY-friendly click-lock system.
โœ… Stylish and Realistic Look โ€“ Appears like real wood or stone.
โœ… Low Maintenance โ€“ Simple to clean using a mop or vacuum.
โœ… Added warranty information (up to 25 years).
โœ… Mentioned wide variety of colors available.
โœ… Stated that underlay is not needed as it is pre-attached.
โœ… Highlighted cost-effectiveness due to reduced installation and material costs.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Flooring

โŒ More Expensive But Less Expensive โ€“ More expensive than laminate but less expensive than hardwood.
โŒ Not as Soft as Vinyl โ€“ Can be less soft underfoot.

When searching for hybrid flooring, understandably, you want to purchase your flooring from a company that has received many great reviews from previous customers. When shopping around, it can be hard to know if you are getting a good deal, as well as a quality product and service. With Timber Flooring Clearance Centre, our positive reviews mean that you can make your purchases with confidence whether online or in-store.

 

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How to Install Hybrid Flooring

Tools Required
  • Measuring tape
    Utility knife
    Rubber mallet
    Spacers
    Underlayment (optional)

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Prepare the Subfloor โ€“ Ensure it is clean and level.
2. Lay the Underlayment (if needed) โ€“ This helps with sound absorption.
3. Start Installing Planks โ€“ Use the click-lock mechanism to connect them.
4. Cut and Fit the Final Planks โ€“ Adjust the last row to fit properly.
5. Add Finishing Touches โ€“ Install baseboards and clean the floor.

Maintenance and Cleaning of Hybrid Flooring

  • Sweep or vacuum regularly.
  • Use a damp mop with mild detergent.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners to prevent surface damage.

Best Hybrid Flooring Brands

Some of the best brands in the market include:
  • Karndean
  • Quick-Step
  • Godfrey Hirst
  • Flooring Xtra

Hybrid Flooring Installation and cost

One major benefit of hybrid flooring we havenโ€™t mentioned during this article is that hybrid flooring installation is extremely easy. This makes hybrid flooring great for the D.I.Y type, allowing you to install the floors yourself, even without any prior experience!

However, if you do not feel confident installing your own hybrid flooring, the team at Timber Flooring Clearance Centre is here to help and we have different installation options to suit our customer needs.

Hybrid Flooring available at Timber Flooring Clearance Centre starts from $25mยฒ.

 

Final Thoughts

Hybrid flooring offers the best of both worldsโ€”the beauty of natural wood with the durability of vinyl and laminate. Whether youโ€™re renovating your home or upgrading your office space, hybrid flooring delivers a long-lasting, stylish, and practical solution.
Thinking about installing hybrid flooring in your home? Explore the latest designs and find the perfect match for your space today! ๐Ÿš€

Hybrid Flooring – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is hybrid flooring ideal for bathrooms?

Yes! Hybrid flooring is 100% waterproof and, as such, ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Can I DIY hybrid flooring?

Yes! The click-lock installation system is easy to install yourself, and you don’t need a pro.

3. Is hybrid flooring prone to scratching?

No, it’s scratch-resistant coating, so it’s perfect for families with kids and pets.

4. Is hybrid flooring superior to laminate?

Yes, particularly since hybrid flooring is waterproof, whereas laminate is not.

5. What is the difference between WPC, SPC, Limestone Core, Limestone composite core , when it comes to choosing Hybrid Flooring?

There are two main choices when it comes to hybrid floors, Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) hybrid flooring and Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) hybrid flooring.

What this refers to, is the mixture of the material to create your hybrid floorboards.

Where SPC hybrid flooring is made from a combination of Limestone core, or Limestone composite core, and vinyl; WPC hybrid flooring is made from a mixture of wood and vinyl.

This makes SPC hybrid flooring slightly more durable, however due to the slightly higher density of these floorboards, it can be seen a less comfortable that WPC hybrid flooring.

If you are unsure which type of hybrid flooring is best for your home/business, then please contact us onย 03 8400 45 32ย or visit one of our 6 Melbourne showrooms and our flooring experts can give you the right advice.

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