Are hybrids safe for wet areas likes bathrooms, laundry and toilets?
Hybrids tend to have two kinds of finishes:
- Smooth finish: This type of hybrids are very smooth and can be slippery and hence not recommended for wet areas.
- Embossed finish: This type of hybrids have a brushed texture which runs along the grains which improves their slip resistance and also attempts to imitate a timber’s texture.
Can I install hybrid on other floor boards?
Yes. Hybrid can be installed on other hard floors provided the surface is fairly flat without much variations. If there are variations then a floor prep may be needed. A floor prep can be done by adding a layer of leveling compound or using Masonite boards. What is expansion rate of hybrid flooring?
A hybrid flooring is made predominantly from PVC (vinyl) and limestone powder. Its expansion is the least compared to any other type of flooring.What are the pros and cons of hybrids?
Pros- Better resilience than laminates and other floating floors
- Has great scratch resistance
- 100% waterproof
- Easy maintenance
- Easy installation. The boards can be click-locked together
- Built-in underlay.
- Stable with temperature variations and waterproof
- Compared to laminatesthey can be expensive
- The subfloor needs to be fairly flatwithout bumpsor variations. If not, a floor prep is needed before hybrid installation
- The click-lock systems are sensitive and needs to be installed with care. Once installed properly they can last several years.
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight for several years can lead color variations/fading.
What is hybrid?
Hybrid flooring is one of the recent trends in the flooring industry in Australia which can be installed throughout the house including wet areas. It's a fusion between vinyl planks and laminate floors. These are imitation of timber floors on synthetic materials that improve the durability and resilience of the floor.
It's completely waterproof and suitable even for bathrooms and laundry. It's one of the most rugged flooring and highly resistant to scratches. Hybrids are heatproof and stable even in extreme temperatures. The hybrids are floating floorboards with a click-lock system which makes its installation easier. The hybrid planks come with their own layer of underlay which enhance the insulation and sound proofing properties. Among floating floors, hybrids are among the ones with the best acoustic properties. A hybrid plank construction is illustrated below.
