What is Hybrid Flooring? Everything you need to know

Hybrid brings the best elements of laminate flooring and vinyl flooring together, making one of the most practical, beautiful and easy-to-live-with styles of timber-look floorings. Hybrid offers the rigidity of laminate and the resilience of vinyl.  It also features a waterproof surface which opens up the possibilities of where the product can be installed while offering a contemporary look and feel. What is hybrid flooring made of? Typically, hybrid is constructed from PVC and stone (such as limestone or calcium carbonate) with binders holding it together creating a modern and easy-case product.

There are many benefits of hybrid flooring.

• It’s extremely durable so it’s a great option for busy homes, homes with children, pets or a rental property.
• It’s also easy to care for which is a positive regardless of who lives in your home! If you’re looking for a low-maintenance hard flooring, hybrid offers many beautiful options.
• Hybrid flooring has a waterproof surface, meaning it can be installed in places like kitchens without any fear of the damage water may cause (of course, prompt cleaning of spills is still recommended). Because of this characteristic, hybrid works well in open-plan living spaces where continuity of materials is sought.
• While there are different budget levels within all products, hybrid flooring can be a cost-effective solution for your next project. To learn more about how to set a flooring budget you can read our Setting a Budget guide.

Hybrid floor boards can be installed in many areas of the home due to its durability but also the waterproof surface. Hybrid flooring offers a modern look and the seamless nature of running one style of flooring throughout living areas, for example, is a sleek and clean aesthetic. In entryways and hallways, it also works well, with its resilient nature making it a good option for high-traffic areas. Hybrid flooring can also work in bedrooms and children’s spaces (and the addition of a floor rug will add warmth to the hard flooring while also offering protection to the floor underneath).

If you’re replacing existing flooring, hard or soft, chat to your closest Flooring Xtra store for expert advice. Each store has an installation team equipped to ensure a stress-free flooring installation. It is advised that hybrid floor installation is completed by a professional. You can learn more about flooring installation here.

The timber-look styles and colours available are beautiful and there’s sure to be an option for all types of homes, whether it be a coastal cottage, a period renovation, an apartment or modern new construction.

• The hybrid colours range from pale and soft through to warm, bold, dark and everything in between.
• The characteristics of timber are replicated cleverly with technology. There are grains, knots and various timber species on offer with something to work for any project, modern or classic.
• Hybrid floor laying patterns are available in different styles, such as chevron which can become a real feature of a home. The Aspecta range is a wonderful example of this style.

While hybrid flooring is an easy-care option and extremely resilient, it also requires care as all flooring does. Some of the best ways to look after your hybrid flooring will revolve around preventative care. A commitment to consistent cleaning and maintenance, a shoes-off policy at home and responding to spills and accidents in a timely way will increase the life of your beautiful new hybrid flooring.

For an in-depth guide to caring for hybrid flooring, there are lots of tips and hints in the Hard Flooring Care Guide.

How to clean hybrid flooring

Hybrid flooring, like all flooring, requires maintenance to ensure it lasts for years to come. Residual grit, sand and dirt can lead to wear on hard flooring or stains on carpet. Ensure the floors are regularly swept or vacuumed and try to encourage a “shoe-free” home to minimise the transference of the outdoors in on shoes! For more care tips you can read our Hard Flooring Care Guide.

What are the benefits of a professional flooring installer?

Deciding what new flooring you will install at home is a big deal! There is a lot to consider and it’s an investment which is why it’s important to get the installation done by the professionals- they know what they are doing and are incredibly knowledgable. They have all the right tools, they can problem solve, drawing on years of experience and get things done promptly. Each Flooring Xtra store has its own professional installers so you can relax while the experts get the job done!

Are timber floors high maintenance?

Timber floors sit higher on the maintenance scale in the hard flooring world. But while laminate flooring, vinyl and hybrid flooring might require less maintenance, all flooring requires some level of care to keep it looking like new for longer. The look and feel of real timber is also aspirational, authentic and full of genuine character which can last for years if cared for. It also has the ability to be repaired in many cases, which is why we see beautiful old homes with original (restored, often) flooring.

In some states of Australia, the building regulations for Vinyl Planks, Vinyl Tiles and Hybrid flooring varies. Meaning they may not be suitable for areas requiring water resistance, such as bathrooms and toilets. We advise to always ask your local Flooring Xtra store for the correct advice regarding the local regulations. We also advise to follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions and guidelines, not following the instructions could make the product not fit for purpose, for the areas being installed into and void your product warranty. To ensure you get the appropriate product for those areas, please contact your local Flooring Xtra store.