Hybrid Flooring Pros and Cons
If you’ve been researching flooring, you’ve probably come across hybrid flooring. And like many Perth homeowners, you’re wondering—is it any good? In this article, I’ll walk you through the hybrid flooring pros and cons, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your space.
Hybrid flooring is a tough, waterproof flooring made from a combination of vinyl and laminate materials. It’s built with a rigid core—usually SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)—and features a click-lock system that makes installation simple. But while there are plenty of benefits of hybrid flooring, there are also a few disadvantages to be aware of.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’ve been supplying waterproof hybrid flooring for years. I’ve seen firsthand what works well—and where it can fall short. This guide will help you confidently choose the best option for your home, rental, or reno project.
What Is Hybrid Flooring?
Hybrid flooring is a type of floating floor that combines the best parts of laminate and vinyl into one tough, versatile board. It’s made up of several layers: a decorative printed layer, a tough wear layer, a rigid waterproof core (usually SPC or WPC), and a pre-attached underlay for comfort and noise reduction.
Most modern hybrid flooring in Perth, including the range we stock at Ross’s, uses an SPC core—that’s a stone plastic composite made from limestone powder, PVC composite, and stabilisers. It’s dense, stable, and doesn’t warp easily. The other common option is WPC, which has a wood-plastic composite core that’s lighter and softer underfoot but less impact-resistant.
Underneath, you’ll find an EVA foam underlay already attached, helping with foot comfort and acoustic performance—ideal if you live in a double-storey home or apartment.
If you want to dive deeper, check out our detailed guide on SPC hybrid vinyl flooring or read our full SPC vs WPC comparison for pros, cons, and real-world performance.
Pros of Hybrid Flooring
If you’ve been wondering ‘is hybrid flooring good?’, you’re not alone. More and more Perth homeowners are choosing it for their renovations—and with good reason. The benefits of hybrid flooring come down to its durability, water resistance, and ease of installation. It’s a smart choice for busy homes, rentals, and even commercial spaces that require a stylish floor that can withstand daily wear and tear.
Let’s take a closer look at why it’s such a popular choice.
Water-Resistant or 100% Waterproof
One of the biggest advantages of hybrid flooring is its water resistance. Most hybrid boards, including the SPC options we sell at Ross’s, are fully waterproof. That’s thanks to their SPC core. As mentioned, it’s a mix of limestone powder and PVC that won’t swell or warp, even with spills or high humidity.
The click-lock system keeps each plank tightly sealed against water ingress, making it a perfect option for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, laundries, or entryways. Many of our customers specifically choose hybrid for its reliability in these wet zones, especially over timber or laminate, which simply can’t cope with water the same way.
If you’re after a floor that looks great but won’t let you down in the damp, hybrid flooring’s water resistance is one of its biggest drawcards.
High Durability & Scratch Resistance
Hybrid flooring is built tough—and that’s one of the reasons it’s become so popular in Perth homes. With a hard-wearing top layer and a rigid composite core, it withstands daily wear well. Even in high-traffic zones like hallways, kitchens, or living rooms, hybrid vinyl flooring is designed to resist dents, scratches, and stains.
The range we offer at Ross’s includes a 0.7mm wear layer, which is thicker than most entry-level options on the market. That means better scratch resistance and longer-lasting protection, especially for families with kids or pets. It’s one of the few flooring types that offers this level of durability without requiring sanding or sealing over time.
If you’re looking for flooring that holds up under pressure, hybrid is one of the strongest floating floors out there.
Dimensional Stability (Temperature & Humidity)
One of the biggest issues with traditional laminate flooring is how it reacts to changes in temperature and humidity—it expands, contracts, and sometimes even buckles. Hybrid flooring solves that with its rigid core stability, especially when built using a limestone powder core like the SPC range we stock at Ross’s.
This core gives it excellent resistance to both warping and shrinking. Based on EN 434 test results, our boards achieved a warpage score of just ±1.0mm (click method) and a shrinkage value of ≤0.02%, both well within acceptable limits. That means your floor stays flat, tight, and stable—even when exposed to Perth’s heat, air conditioning, or direct sunlight.
If you want a floating floor that holds its shape through the seasons, hybrid flooring is far more reliable than laminate or timber.
Easy Installation
Another benefit of hybrid flooring is its straightforward installation. Thanks to its click-lock system, it simply floats over most existing floors—including concrete, tiles, and even timber—without the need for glue or nails. This makes it one of the best options for DIY installation or quick renovations.
Most boards, including our SPC hybrid range at Ross’s, come with a built-in underlay that provides both comfort and acoustic benefits. That’s one less step to worry about, and it helps reduce sound in multi-level homes or rentals.
If you’re laying over concrete, it’s worth reading our guide on how to install hybrid flooring on concrete to ensure you get the best results. However, for most projects, it’s a flooring option that goes down quickly and looks great right away.
Low Maintenance & Hygienic
Hybrid flooring is a great option for anyone seeking an easy-care surface that requires minimal upkeep. It’s resistant to stains, and the smooth, sealed surface doesn’t trap dirt or bacteria—ideal for families, pet owners, or allergy sufferers.
The surface layer is designed to handle daily mess with minimal fuss, and regular cleaning is simple. Just a sweep and a damp mop are usually all it takes. If you’re looking for a detailed guide, I’ve put together everything you need to know about how to clean hybrid flooring.
And with a pre-attached underlay on each board, you don’t need to worry about what’s hiding underneath—there’s no dust or trapped debris, which makes hybrid one of the most hygienic flooring options on the market.
Aesthetics & Comfort
One of the biggest benefits of hybrid flooring is its aesthetic appeal while still being practical underfoot. Whether you’re chasing a timber-look floor for your living room or a modern stone finish for the kitchen, there are plenty of design options to suit any space. Hybrid floors come in realistic textures and finishes that feel more premium than laminate but without the upkeep of real timber.
Comfort-wise, the built-in foam underlay provides a soft, cushioned feel underfoot. That makes a big difference in busy areas where you’re standing often—like the laundry, kitchen, or hallway.
At Ross’s, our hybrid flooring range includes SPC hybrid vinyl flooring with a 10-year wear warranty—built tough, looks good. If you’re still undecided about a finish, take a look at our hybrid flooring colour guide for help narrowing it down.
TL;DR: The benefits of hybrid flooring include waterproof durability, comfort, modern styling, easy installation, and low maintenance—making it a smart choice for most homes.
Cons of Hybrid Flooring
No flooring product is perfect—and hybrid is no exception. While it ticks a lot of boxes, there are a few factors worth weighing up before you decide. These hybrid flooring disadvantages aren’t dealbreakers for most people, but they’re important to consider depending on your budget, space, and expectations.
Higher Upfront Cost
One of the most significant disadvantages of hybrid flooring is the higher upfront cost compared to laminate or basic vinyl. If you’re renovating on a tight budget, this can be a sticking point—especially for large areas where the cost quickly adds up.
But not all hybrid flooring is priced the same. According to hipages, most hybrid flooring ranges between $25/m² and $70/m². At Ross’s, our SPC hybrid vinyl flooring starts at just $30/m²—making it one of the more affordable flooring options in Perth for this quality level. And unlike tiles or timber, you don’t need a professional to install it. Many of our customers save big by laying it themselves.
Sure, hybrid might cost more than laminate—but it’s still cheaper than most tiled floors, and far easier to work with. If you’re trying to weigh up price vs performance, check out our timber-look flooring cost comparison for a full breakdown of where hybrid sits compared to other flooring options.
Difficult to Repair or Replace
Another real drawback of hybrid flooring is how tricky it can be to repair. Unlike tiles or loose lay vinyl, hybrid boards use a click-lock system—so if one board gets damaged, you usually need to lift the entire row back to the wall to replace it. That’s time-consuming and can be frustrating, especially in larger rooms.
The repair process is made harder once the floor has been lived on for a while, as boards can settle tightly into place. It’s not impossible—but it’s far from simple. These repair challenges are something to keep in mind, particularly for busy homes or areas prone to heavy use.
Cannot Sand or Refinish
One of the biggest problems with hybrid flooring, as opposed to real timber floorboards, is that you can’t sand or refinish it once it starts to show wear. That means what you see is what you get—there’s no way to refresh the surface if it gets scuffed or scratched over time.
That said, hybrid is still a long-wearing option. Our SPC hybrid flooring range at Ross’s features a 0.7mm wear layer, which is thicker than many entry-level products on the market. According to EN 660-2 testing, it achieves a wear group rating of T, which means it offers high resistance to surface abrasion. For most households, that’s more than enough to last the life of the floor.
Still, once the surface wears through or gets damaged, the only fix is replacing the affected boards. That’s worth considering if you’re accustomed to the renewability of solid timber floors.
Discolouration Risk
Hybrid flooring is tough, but like most hard floors, it can still fade if exposed to too much direct sunlight. Rooms with large north-facing windows or unfiltered UV light can slowly cause some discolouration over time. Certain rubber-backed mats or low-quality rugs may also leave marks if left in place too long.
That said, our SPC hybrid flooring at Ross’s has been tested to a colour fastness to light grade of 6, which is considered very good. This means it holds up better than most when it comes to UV exposure. But if you’re installing it in a sunny space or using it in a sunroom, it’s still wise to rotate rugs and use blinds or sheer curtains to prevent patchy fading.
Slippery When Wet
Like many smooth-surfaced floors, hybrid flooring can become slippery when wet—especially in kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways where spills are common. This can be a safety concern, particularly for kids or elderly family members.
However, our SPC hybrid flooring range has a slip resistance rating of R10, which offers moderate grip underfoot. That’s a solid rating for residential use, but we still recommend using mats near sinks or external doors and cleaning up spills quickly to avoid accidents.
Subfloor Preparation Required
While hybrid flooring is designed for DIY installation, it still needs a flat, clean, and level surface underneath. If your subfloor is uneven—especially over older concrete or timber—you may need levelling compound, which adds time and cost.
At Ross’s, we always recommend checking your subfloor first. Our installation guide for concrete floors outlines exactly what to look for and how to prep the surface properly to avoid issues later on.
Environmental Concerns
One of the lesser-known disadvantages of hybrid flooring is its environmental impact. Most boards are made from PVC and other synthetic compounds, including a rigid composite core. While this gives excellent durability, it also means the flooring isn’t easily recyclable. The production of hybrid boards—especially those with PVC and limestone powder—can contribute to a higher environmental footprint compared to timber or cork alternatives.
That said, Ross’s SPC hybrid flooring range is formaldehyde-free, which makes it a healthier option for indoor air quality and a more environmentally conscious choice compared to traditional laminate flooring that may contain VOCs. It’s a small but meaningful step in reducing environmental load while still enjoying a modern, long-lasting floor.
If sustainability is a key priority for your build or renovation, it’s worth weighing up this factor against the long-term lifespan and performance benefits hybrid flooring offers.
TL;DR: While hybrid flooring has many strengths, there are some disadvantages of hybrid flooring to be aware of—upfront costs, tricky repairs, non-renewable surface, potential discolouration, slip risks, subfloor prep, and environmental footprint. That said, with the right expectations and prep, it still offers great value, especially for busy Aussie homes.
Hybrid Flooring vs Laminate
When weighing up flooring options, many homeowners compare hybrid flooring to laminate. Both offer a timber look at a more affordable price than hardwood—but there are key differences worth knowing.
Hybrid flooring uses a rigid SPC hybrid vinyl core or WPC core, making it fully waterproof and ideal for wet zones. It’s built with multiple layers, including a wear layer and often an EVA underlay, delivering comfort and acoustic benefits. Laminate, on the other hand, is made from high-density fibreboard (HDF), which isn’t waterproof and can swell with moisture.
Laminate usually feels firmer underfoot, while hybrid offers better noise insulation and water resistance. Both are scratch-resistant and come in a wide range of wood-look designs. When it comes to rigidity and long-term performance, hybrid tends to outperform—especially in kitchens and laundries.
For a more detailed comparison, check out our article: SPC Hybrid Flooring vs. Laminate.
TL;DR: Laminate is affordable and scratch-resistant, but SPC hybrid vinyl flooring wins on water resistance, rigidity, and comfort—especially in moisture-prone areas. If you’re stuck choosing, think about where you’re installing and how much daily wear your floors will cop.
Should You Choose Hybrid Flooring?
So, is hybrid flooring good? It definitely can be—especially if you need something waterproof, tough, and easy to live with. It suits busy households, investment properties, and homes where flooring is likely to cop spills, pets, or high traffic. The benefits of hybrid flooring make it an ideal choice for laundries, kitchens, and open-plan spaces.
But it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for a floor that can be sanded and refinished, or you prefer a fully recyclable product, timber or bamboo may be a better fit. And for those with extremely tight budgets, laminate still holds its place.
Ross’s SPC hybrid range is a practical middle ground. With a 10-year wear warranty and formaldehyde-free construction, it’s built for everyday living in Perth homes—without the drama.
TL;DR: Hybrid flooring is great for families, rentals, and water-prone rooms. It’s less suited to those wanting a natural product or ultra-low-cost flooring. Match your flooring choice to your renovation type, budget, and lifestyle needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the hybrid flooring pros and cons come down to your priorities. It’s a waterproof, low-maintenance, and durable flooring option that offers the look of timber without the fuss—but it also comes with limitations in repairs, environmental impact, and refinishing.
If you’re planning to upgrade your flooring or undertake a full renovation project, it’s well worth considering hybrid flooring as a middle ground between laminate and vinyl. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we stock cheap hybrid flooring in Perth at just $30/m²—with expert advice, local Perth support, and warranties that back it up.
So, if hybrid sounds like the right fit for your home, visit our home renovation warehouse at 57 James Street, Guildford, to see our range in person or explore it online.
