The Ultimate Hybrid Flooring Buying Guide

In the past, we’ve been strong advocates for timber-look tiles over floorboards, and this is because of the many benefits they offer. Such benefits include the fact that they are low maintenance and more resistant to water. However, the game has now changed thanks to hybrid flooring.

Along with providing quality products at the lowest possible prices, our goal is to provide the best, most innovative products to help you achieve your dream renovation to the best standards. As such, we took a keen interest in hybrid flooring and now offer an excellent range to our Perth customers.

If you’re looking for a contemporary flooring solution that is low maintenance and water-resistant, that isn’t tiles; then hybrid flooring may be the solution you’re seeking. Today, we dive deep into hybrid flooring to explain what it is, its many benefits, and how you go about buying hybrid flooring in Perth.

What is Hybrid Flooring?

So, what is hybrid flooring, and what makes it different from the other laminate flooring options in Perth?

The name itself alludes to what hybrid flooring is; it’s a fusion of two different materials. Hybrid flooring blends vinyl and laminate flooring to create a harder, more robust flooring solution. As such, it is suitable for both commercial and residential applications.

Hybrid flooring comprises four distinct layers, which may alter from manufacturer to manufacturer. Generally, and in the case of the hybrid flooring available at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, there are:

• a top coating that features ceramic additives, making it very durable and waterproof,
• a decorative layer, which depicts a very realistic timber-look design,
• a composite core board made from either 80% limestone and 20% PVC or 80% recycled wood and 20% PVC, and,
• a sound-dampening high-performance cross-linked foam IXPE acoustic underlay backing to minimise noise.

The composite core is the crucial difference between hybrid flooring and vinyl and laminate flooring. Rather than being a single material that swells and expands with water and moisture, hybrid flooring comprises a very stable and rigid composite core; it won’t expand or contract due to water, moisture, or temperature changes.

Hybrid Flooring Benefits

Hybrid flooring is an innovative flooring solution that takes the best attributes of vinyl and laminate flooring and combines them. As such, there are many benefits to avail.

100% Waterproof

One of the most significant advantages of hybrid flooring is that it is 100% waterproof. Timber, laminate, and bamboo flooring can be easily damaged by water, causing it to expand and rise. Hybrid flooring features a composite core board and waterproof coating, making it resistant to water and moisture. No water can penetrate the boards and cause any damage.
Consequently, hybrid flooring is a popular solution for anyone with pets or young children, and it is suitable for high-moisture areas like kitchens and dining rooms.

Cost-Effective Flooring Solution

As mentioned, the core layer of hybrid flooring is made from limestone and PVC or recycled wood and PVC. The combination of these relatively cheap materials is much more affordable than materials used in other flooring alternatives such as bamboo, timber, or other engineered timber flooring.

Versatile Application

Due to being 100% waterproof and its hybrid characteristics, hybrid flooring is one of the most versatile flooring solutions, second to only tiles. It is ideal for residential applications and in high-moisture areas such as the kitchen. It is also great in commercial applications that receive high foot traffic.

Hardwearing & Durable

The innovative design and commercially rated coating used in the manufacturing of hybrid flooring makes it extraordinarily hardwearing and very durable. It is excellent in high foot traffic-areas, family homes, and homes with pets.

DIY Installation

Hybrid flooring requires no glue, no experience and very few tools to lay. Like other engineered floorboards, it features an easy click-locking system, or a floating floor system, that you can easily install without professional installation.

Low-Maintenance

Unlike other flooring solutions, hybrid flooring offers very low maintenance. The top coating protects it against stains, and with a light sweep and spot clean, it will look as good as new for many years to come.

It Looks Like Real Timber

As with vinyl, laminate and other engineered floorboards, hybrid flooring looks incredibly realistic and authentic. The decorative layer uses advanced imaging technology to transfer designs directly onto the boards that mimic hardwood timber. As such, they are also available in an array of designs to represent popular timber floorings.

Fade & Heat Resistance

Along with being durable and waterproof, the top coating of hybrid flooring is UV-resistant. The dies in the decorative layer are also fade-resistant to ensure colour longevity.

The composite core board is also very stable. It won’t expand or contract with temperate changes, further contributing to hybrid flooring’s longevity.

Comfort

The textured surface of hybrid flooring provides warmth and comfort. The underlay backing is often optional; however, its inclusion will make for a more cushioned and comfortable experience.

Hybrid Flooring Disadvantages

When looking for any flooring solutions, it’s always important to look at the pros and the cons. And while the pros of hybrid flooring are plentiful, there are, of course, a few cons to consider before determining if this is the right flooring solution for you.

Level Subfloor Needed

Hybrid flooring uses a click-locking system, which requires a level subfloor for the system to seal tight. There is little room for deviation here, approx 3mm over 2m². If the floor is not level, a self-levelling agent should be used to level out the floor prior to installation.

Cannot Re-Sand

Unlike timber flooring or even some engineered floorboards, you cannot sand back hybrid flooring to remove any wear, scratches, or indentations. There is generally a 0.5mm wear thickness, which is too fine to allow for sanding. Therefore, any damage to the boards is unrepairable. The board will need replacing. In saying that, hybrid flooring is exceptionally durable. It would require heavy wear or damage to need re-sanding.

Can Fade/Discolour Overtime

While the top coating of hybrid flooring is UV-resistant, some fading and discolouring will occur over time, especially in areas that cop constant direct sunlight. Applying an additional UV protection sealer can help the boards maintain their colour.

Less Affordable

Hybrid flooring is much more affordable than timber flooring and engineered flooring, but it is more expensive than vinyl and laminate flooring, which are the cheapest ‘timber look’ flooring options. You have to weigh the benefits listed above to see if the extra money is worth the added benefits of hybrid flooring.

Timber-Like

Nothing mimics authentic timber floorboards like authentic timber floorboards. Although hybrid flooring looks more authentic and realistic than vinyl and laminate flooring, engineered floorboards are superior in their authenticity. They also don’t feel as authentic underfoot as timber or even bamboo flooring because of their composite core, which comprises PCV.

How to Choose Hybrid Flooring

Choosing Hybrid Flooring is relatively easy, thanks to the many benefits offered. There are just a couple of decisions to make: the type of hybrid flooring and the boards’ colour/design.

Types of Hybrid Flooring

There are two types of hybrid flooring: SPC hybrid flooring, which we stock here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, and WPC hybrid flooring. When looking at the four layers of hybrid flooring, it’s the second layer—the composite core—that changes depending on the flooring type.

SPC Hybrid Flooring

SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite. SPC hybrid flooring comprises a limestone and PVC composite core—80% limestone and 20% PVC. It is slightly more dense and durable than WPC hybrid flooring due to limestone being superior to wood.

SPC hybrid flooring is slightly cheaper than WPC hybrid flooring.

WPC Hybrid Flooring

WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite. WPC hybrid flooring comprises a recycled wood and PVC composite core—80% recycled wood and 20% PVC. As such, it isn’t as dense or durable as WPC hybrid flooring. However, it is quieter and softer underfoot than SPC hybrid flooring due to its wood composition.

WPC hybrid flooring is slightly more expensive than SPC hybrid flooring.

Flooring Colour and Design

Once you know the type of hybrid flooring you’re after, you can concentrate on the available designs, and they are plentiful.

The colour/design options will vary between manufacturers, so if one manufacturer doesn’t have the look you’re after, you’re sure to find it elsewhere. Because the decorative layer uses advanced imaging technology to transfer designs directly onto the boards, options are endless.

Think about the overall design style of your home and select a design that complements this. For example, if your home has a coastal or Hamptons design style, an aged or grey timber design such as our Capricorn, Pisces or Aquarius would be a good choice. However, if your home has a traditional design style, a traditional hardwood like Scorpio, Virgo or Gemini may be better.

Hybrid Flooring at Ross’s Discount Home Centre

Ross’s Discount Home Centre offers a great range of SPC hybrid flooring to suit your home’s design style and budget. Our range includes six modern designs: Aquarius, Capricorn, Pisces, Gemini, Scorpio, Leo and Virgo. Each board is 182mm x 1220mm in size and 6.5mm (including 1.5mm IXPE underlay) in thickness. Each pack covers 2.2204m².

Our SPC hybrid flooring is of exceptional quality and is backed by a 10-year residential / 5-year light commercial wear warranty. Click here to read everything you need to know about our SPC hybrid vinyl flooring range.

Conclusion

Hybrid flooring in Perth has quickly become one of the most popular and versatile flooring choices, combining the best attributes of different materials to create a durable, stylish, and cost-effective solution. Offering the perfect blend of longevity, water resistance, and easy maintenance, hybrid flooring delivers exceptional value for both residential and commercial spaces.

There are two main types of hybrid flooring: SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) and WPC (Wood Plastic Composite). SPC hybrid flooring, made from a limestone and PVC core, is celebrated for its durability and affordability, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. WPC hybrid flooring, on the other hand, features a recycled wood and PVC core, providing a quieter and softer feel underfoot. Each type has its strengths, but both offer unique benefits that make hybrid flooring a practical choice for modern homes.

With the look of natural timber, the convenience of tiles, and the installation ease of laminate or vinyl, hybrid flooring is an excellent option for any room in the house, including areas prone to moisture. Its waterproof nature, resilience, and ease of care make it a fantastic choice for homes with children or pets and for anyone seeking a low-maintenance solution.

While hybrid flooring offers many advantages, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons when choosing the right flooring for your space. For those comparing different options, see our detailed guide on Choosing Between Floor Tiles vs. Engineered Flooring to make an informed choice.

If you’re ready to explore the benefits of hybrid flooring in Perth, Ross’s Discount Home Centre has a fantastic range of SPC hybrid options to suit any style. Visit us in-store or online to find the perfect flooring for your next renovation.

View Our Range of SPC Hybrid Flooring