Flooring Tips
If you want to upgrade, revamp, or breathe new life into any room in your home, you can’t go wrong with new flooring.
Not only does new floor instantly revive a space – without breaking the bank – but it also helps increase the resale value of your home and provide properties that you may have been missing from your previous floor.
That said, it can be hard to figure out which type of flooring to choose. The ‘Vinyl vs Hybrid Flooring’ debate is one with no clear answer.
To help you make an informed decision, we’re going to directly compare vinyl and hybrid flooring, explore the pros and cons, and give you the info you need to make the right choice for your family and your Perth home.
If you want to learn more about hybrid flooring, check out our other resources:
1. How much does hybrid flooring cost?
2. What are the best hybrid flooring brands?
3. Pros and cons of hybrid flooring
4. Hybrid vs laminate flooring
6. How long does hybrid flooring last?
If you want to go with a synthetic flooring, two of the most popular options are hybrid and vinyl flooring - and for good reason.
Unlike other flooring options like carpet and hardwood floor, synthetic flooring is generally more anti-allergenic, more durable, and easier to maintain. What’s more, modern hybrid and vinyl floorings are extremely attractive and versatile, available in a variety of colours, textures, and styles.
These aesthetic advantages are a far cry from the first vinyl floor products to hit the market with modern products helping to ensure that you can achieve the look of your choice, whether you want a home that’s modern, traditional, bohemian, or any other style.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the main distinctions between vinyl and hybrid flooring.
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring option that’s created using at least four layers of material:
First, there is the backing layer, which is generally made from cork or foram and used as an underlayment and cusion layer.
Second, there is the waterproof layer, which is designed to absorb moisture without swelling or warping. You can get a waterproof layer that’s made from a wood and plastic deposit called WPC, or one that’s made from SPC stone and plastic deposit.
Third, there is the design layer. This is the layer that can make vinyl effectively imitate hardwood, stone, or marble,
Finally, you have the wear layer. This is essentially the protective layer that prevents the floor from being damaged.
If you choose a luxury vinyl flooring, it can be composed of even more layers, including a top coat layer, an additional cushion layer, or a fiberglass layer that provides additional support.
Hybrid flooring, as the name suggests, is actually a mix between vinyl flooring and laminate flooring, and it essentially takes the best qualities of both flooring options to create a great final product.
Like vinyl flooring, hybrid flooring consists of four primary layers:
An underlay, which comes with acoustic backing to absorb sound and provide cushion underfoot.
Limestone composite, which makes the floor temperature and water resistant.
A decorative layer, which can mimic the appearance of timber or stone floor.
A UV-coated top layer that’s durable and impact resistant.
As you can see, there are slight differences in the four layers – and this will have an impact on the comfort, durability, and repairability of the floor (more on that later).
Looking for a long lasting floor? Find out how long hybrid flooring lasts
✔ Affordable (costing less than many other flooring materials)
✔ Durable and designed to withstand more wear-and-tear than other flooring materials
✔ Water-resistant which makes it great in humid environments like bathrooms or kitchens
✔ Versatile and available in various textures, colours, and styles
✘ Toxic chemicals are used during vinyl manufacturing
✘ Vinyl can be difficult to repair if there are scratches or punctures
✘ Vinyl flooring doesn’t particularly add to a home’s resale value
✘ Vinyl won’t seem as “real” as true hardwood floor
✘ It can be difficult to remove
✘ Vinyl can fade if it faces significant UV exposure, which makes it less than ideal for extremely sunny areas
✘ Vinyl is not durable under heavy weight
✔ Easy to install and repair (can be layered over existing flooring with a click and lock installation mechanism)
✔ Affordable which makes it attractive for those on a budget.
✔ Waterproof and can be used anywhere without the risk of water damage
✔ Low maintenance to save time
✔ More rigid and stable than vinyl floors, particular when it comes to changes in temperature or weather.
✘ Slightly more costly than vinyl or laminate flooring (though it costs less than timber)
✘ Not completely scratch and dent resistant
✘ Prone to discolouration in direct sunlight
Check out more hybrid flooring pros and cons here
In many instances, the answer to this question is yes.
The right new flooring can modernise your space and breathe new life into a tired our outdated room. As a durable solution, synthetic floors offer durability and support for those with allergies as they are dust resistant, which can help improve the health of you and your loved ones.
If you’re looking to upgrade an existing space, a hybrid floors can make your space appear more open and light, particularly if you are making the switch from carpet or heavy rugs.
Add in the opportunity to increase your home’s resale value and curb appeal - which can be important if you’re ever planning to sell or rent your space, and it’s easy to see why more and more Perth families are turning to non-timber floors.
Looking to save time and money? Check out the Hybrid Flooring Industry Price Guide now
So how do you choose between these high-quality synthetic flooring options?
Well, in many senses, these two products tie when compared directly: both are waterproof, affordable, easy to maintain, and available in a variety of colour options and styles.
That said, vinyl flooring is more difficult to remove and less able to withstand heavy weight, so if you’re dealing with heavy loads or you think you will want to change your floor, hybrid flooring may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you want a straightforward and more budget friendly choice, vinyl may be the better pick.
If none of these elements factor into your final decision-making, reach out and chat to a member of the Allen Brothers Flooring team for obligation-free advice, quotes and support.
Call now on 0407 983 020 or request a fast and FREE quote online!
