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Flooring is central in the world of interior design and it impacts both the style of our homes and keeps our houses safe and warm. Hybrid flooring is a new innovation that combines two of the most popular flooring types and uses aspects from both to create an all round flooring solution.
What is Hybrid Flooring?
Hybrid flooring is a combination of laminate and vinyl flooring and it brings the best elements of these two flooring types together. Putting these floor types together also deals with the weaknesses of each because laminate is well known for struggling with moisture resistance, and vinyl can be difficult to install. Hybrid flooring deals with both these issues.
How Hybrid Floor is Constructed
Hybrid floors have four layers:
First, there is a tough top layer that is exceptionally hard wearing. It is also UV-cured, which protects the flooring from daily wear and tear.
The second layer is the decorative surface, which can look like a variety of natural materials such as stone or timber. This design is high resolution, so it looks very authentic.
The core layer is constructed from a blend of limestone and PVC and it is this which makes the flooring stable and completely waterproof.
The final layer is an integrated acoustic underlay, which gives a comfortable feel underfoot but also reduces noise. This is an important benefit for people who live in flats or apartments or who have noisy families or pets.
The Advantages of Hybrid Flooring
Resilience
Hybrid flooring is very durable, it can withstand heavy use and it doesn’t scratch easily. It is also very stable when it comes to temperature fluctuations and humidity, which would otherwise affect traditional flooring types.
Water Resistance
Unlike laminate floors that will warp or swell up if they get wet or wooden floors that can rot, hybrid floors can be installed in any room of the home. As it can withstand spills, splashes and moisture, it can be installed in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry or utility rooms.
Easy to Install and Maintain
Hybrid flooring is very easy to install. Most varieties have a click/lock system where the planks snap together easily and this takes away the need for adhesives or professional installation. Maintenance is also simple as all it needs is regular sweeping and an occasional mop to keep the floor looking fresh.
Style Versatility
One of the best points of hybrid flooring is that it comes in lots of different styles and designs, which should suit almost every home. Advanced printing technology lets the flooring copy the appearance of natural materials like timber and stone while feeling warmer and smoother underfoot.
Potential Limitations of Hybrid Floors
Hybrid flooring can be more expensive than traditional vinyl or laminate floors, and depending on the design you choose, it may not look exactly the same as the natural materials. Also, if one section gets damaged, the entire plank may have to be replaced as it cannot be sanded and repaired.
As manufacturing technologies, design techniques and installation methods continue to improve, hybrid flooring will become even more advanced. Watch out for further innovations in hybrid flooring in the future for a more resilient flooring choice for your home.