Whether you want to refurbish your present residence or do up your new home, one of the most important aspects to keep in mind is the flooring. You have to consider durability, water-resistance, wear-worthiness and much more in the pursuit of the best flooring. Although there are several options to choose from, you might feel overwhelmed in your quest. Don’t worry, we are here to assist you.  

Today, we are going to talk about hybrid flooring in this article. We will try to throw some light on its pros and cons to help you conclude whether hybrid flooring is right for you. Let’s begin!

What is hybrid flooring? 

Hybrid flooring is literally what it sounds like – a fusion of two different flooring options. It uses cutting-edge technology to give your Australian home the look and feel of hardwood without breaking your bank. It blends the technical aspects of luxury vinyl planks with the look of timber flooring in Melbourne.

Hybrid flooring can do what other flooring options can’t, without compromising the finished look and all-important comfort. It is made from multiple layers that are pressed together to form an extremely rigid, waterproof, functional and beautiful product. These layers are: 

• Top layer – A hard-wearing and scratch-resistant layer, which acts as a UV-coated surface to provide durability and resilience. 
• Design layer – A decorative layer that mimics textures and styles of authentic timber.
• Inner core – Features a limestone composite that creates the actual body of the hybrid flooring. 
• Underlayment – Acts as a cushion and creates a comfortable feeling when you walk on the hybrid floor. 

What areas in your house are the best for hybrid flooring? 

Hybrid flooring is the next-gen flooring technology. Thanks to its waterproof and durable nature, you can install it in any room in your house. While hybrid flooring is great for any room, some rooms are particularly best for its use. For instance, you can install hybrid flooring in those rooms that are at the risk of unexpected spills, sun exposure, high-traffic or moisture. 

Since it’s not a great idea to install traditional laminate or timber flooring in rooms where dampness might be a problem, hybrid flooring would be a perfect solution to complement such areas. It’s a hard-wearing, hardwood-look flooring option that you can lay anywhere in the house, such as bathrooms, dining rooms, kitchens, entryways, laundries and living rooms. 

What are the advantages of hybrid flooring? 

As discussed above, hybrid flooring is realistic, waterproof, durable and UV-resistant. All these properties make it easy to clean, maintain and repair. Additionally, hybrid flooring offers several worth-mentioning advantages. Let’s discuss them!

Suitable for wet areas

Hybrid flooring is 100% waterproof flooring. Even if you immerse its plank in water for an entire week, it won’t swell. This feature makes it particularly suitable for wet areas like laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and dining rooms. And if there is any pet in the house, there’s nothing better than hybrid flooring.

Perfect for high-traffic areas 

Since hybrid flooring is designed to resist scratches and dents, it is great for high-traffic areas that require something durable and hardwearing underfoot. It uses rigid core technology to create the perfect flooring solution that will last long without cracking. Generally speaking, hybrid floors would last for decades when they are maintained well. 

Easy to fix and repair 

Nothing lasts forever, but hybrid flooring is built with cutting-edge technology. Because of its floating nature, it can be easily replaced with a new board. We advise you to buy a few extra boards when doing your floor. It will be handy when you are going to replace a few boards in the future. 

Easy to clean and care

No need to buy special cleaning products, waxes or polishes. A damp mop would be enough to clean your hybrid floor. Since hybrid flooring is waterproof and scratch-resistant, it creates an ideal floor that can be cleaned with a mop, helping your floor stay beautiful for years and years to come.

Quiet and sound-proof 

While some flooring options produce a hollow sound when walked on, hybrid flooring is one of those extraordinary solutions that can reduce the sound of the impact. This is because of the presence of the underlayment, which actsas an excellent sound absorber. 

Comfortable and soft underfoot

Due to the thermal insulation provided by the cushion, hybrid flooring gives you an extra comfortable feeling when you walk on it. It has a thick, rigid core that provides a dense walking surface. This feature makes hybrid flooring a superb choice for high-rise apartments and busy areas. 

Great for harsh Australian weather 

UV coating is a chief feature of hybrid flooring, helping it hold up against extreme sunlight. Its floorboards are manufactured with advanced technologies. These floors are built to stand out in the most difficult weather conditions of Australia, such as intense sunlight and extreme temperature changes. 

What are the disadvantages of hybrid flooring? 

Despite its prominence, hybrid flooring has some cons too. For some people, it’s less realistic than natural timber when it comes to texture and warmth. Hybrid flooring should be professionally installed on a perfectly flat surface. Otherwise, it may bounce or crack every time you step on the floor. Also, its planks require regular and thorough cleaning to avoid discoloration and dirt formation. Lastly, you can’t re-sand hybrid flooring, unlike natural timber or engineered wood. However, you can easily replace damaged planks, which is a different significance. 

The bottom line: Go hybrid 

Hybrid flooring has everything. It’s a comprehensive solution to modern homes that are looking for something durable, beautiful, rigid, waterproof and affordable. 

If you want to learn more about hybrid flooring or European Oak timber flooring in Melbourne, feel free to get in touch with the flooring experts at Western Distributors.