Complete Guide to Hybrid Flooring
- Imperial Flooring Australia
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
1. Introduction
Hybrid flooring has quickly become one of the most popular flooring solutions in Australia, blending the best qualities of laminate and vinyl into one durable, stylish, and versatile product. It’s 100% waterproof, highly scratch-resistant, and designed to handle both residential and commercial wear and tear.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know — from what hybrid flooring is, to how to choose, install, and care for it.
2. What is Hybrid Flooring?
Hybrid flooring is an innovative floating floor that combines a rigid core board (usually made of limestone composite or SPC – stone plastic composite) with a decorative printed layer and a hard-wearing protective top coat.It takes the natural look of timber or stone and fuses it with cutting-edge technology for strength and practicality.
Key features:
100% waterproof – perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.
Highly durable – ideal for high-traffic areas.
Realistic textures – authentic timber or stone appearance.
Easy maintenance – simple cleaning routine.
3. The Benefits of Hybrid Flooring
a) Waterproof Performance
Unlike timber or laminate, hybrid flooring can handle water spills, making it a great choice for wet areas.
b) Superior Durability
The wear layer protects against scratches, dents, and UV damage, meaning it’s great for pets, kids, and sunny rooms.
c) Comfort & Sound Reduction
Often installed with an attached underlay, hybrid flooring feels soft underfoot and reduces noise compared to harder surfaces.
d) Low Maintenance
A regular sweep or vacuum and occasional damp mop is all it takes to keep your floors looking new.
4. Types of Hybrid Flooring
1. SPC Hybrid Flooring (Stone Plastic Composite)
Rigid core made from limestone and stabilisers.
Extra dense, stable, and resistant to extreme temperature changes.
2. WPC Hybrid Flooring (Wood Plastic Composite)
Core made from wood fibre and plastic.
Slightly softer underfoot with better sound absorption.
Feature | Hybrid Flooring | Laminate | Vinyl Plank | Timber |
Waterproof | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Scratch Resistant | ✅ | ✅ | Moderate | ✅ |
Realistic Look | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
DIY Friendly | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Cost | $$ | $ | $$ | $$$$ |
6. Choosing the Right Hybrid Flooring
When selecting hybrid flooring, consider:
Thickness – ranges from 6.5mm to 9mm. Thicker boards often feel more solid and offer better sound insulation.
Wear Layer – thicker wear layers increase scratch and dent resistance.
Colour & Finish – match your décor, lighting, and desired style (matte, satin, gloss).
Brand & Warranty – reputable brands offer long-term guarantees.
7. Installation Guide
Hybrid flooring is designed for easy DIY or professional installation using a click-lock system.
Basic installation steps:
Prepare and level the subfloor.
Start from the left corner and work across the room.
Click boards into place using the tongue-and-groove system.
Leave expansion gaps around the edges (10mm minimum)
8. Care & Maintenance
Do:
Sweep or vacuum regularly.
Mop with a damp microfiber mop and pH-neutral cleaner.
Use furniture pads to prevent scratches.
Don’t:
Use abrasive cleaners or steam mops.
Drag heavy furniture without protection.
9. Common Myths About Hybrid Flooring
Myth: Hybrid flooring is cold underfoot.
Truth: With underlay, hybrid floors feel warm and comfortable.
Myth: It looks fake.
Truth: Modern printing technology gives hybrid flooring a highly realistic timber or stone look.
10. Conclusion
Hybrid flooring offers the ideal mix of style, durability, and practicality for modern Australian homes. Whether you’re renovating or building, it’s a smart, low-maintenance choice that’s designed to last.
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