The ongoing debate about which is better, Hybrid VS Laminate Flooring, may probably never end. But don’t worry, we’ll crack the case. Unless you are already set on one of these two types of flooring, we encourage you to keep reading to find out the main differences between them and discover all the benefits of each type.
So what exactly is “flooring”? Let’s start by looking at it as a product that lies beneath your feet every day (well almost). There are many types of flooring options like wood or tile, but today we’re going to break down some details on laminate and hybrid flooring.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is often confused with solid timber flooring, but the truth is that it’s a different type of product. Laminate flooring can be made from a variety of materials such as plywood, fiberboard or MDF (Medium-density Fiberboard). It is a 5mm – 10mm thick sheet of material that has a high-quality printed image of wood on top and is finished in some type of coat to resemble the look of real wood. It is scratch-resistant and moisture resistant. It may not fade over time and any indentations left from furniture or appliances may disappear within hours after being walked on again.
The Pros of Laminate Floors
Laminate floors are more affordable than solid timber flooring because they’re not actual wood. Homeowners can walk on them in socks or stockings and they won’t damage the floor. They’re much easier to clean than solid timber flooring, but you still need to use a cleaner that is specially made for a laminate floor.
Laminate flooring comes in a variety of styles, finishes colours and designs. The printed image looks very realistic and makes any room look spectacular especially when it catches the light at different angles. There are also different levels of durability depending on how thick your floor is.
The Cons of Laminate Floors
Laminate floors may not last as long as solid wood floors because the coating is thin (even if it looks like it isn’t). One strong spill can ruin your entire floor so be careful with liquids near your new floor. Laminate flooring is more susceptible to indentations and scratches than solid timber flooring, but they’re easily fixed, which we may discuss later in the article.
Hybrid Flooring
Hybrid flooring is a combination of natural materials and synthetic materials. The natural material is made from recycled rubber that gives it more of a green feel. It also has some amount of wood. The synthetic material is the top layer of the flooring which is designed to imitate natural surfaces, such as wood or stone.
The Pros of Hybrid Floors
Hybrid flooring is good for people who have allergies because they are not polluting the environment. They come with an organic finish so they are more environmentally friendly than laminate floors. They are also made with no VOCs which means you don’t have any toxic fumes coming into your home, office or workplace.
The Cons of Hybrid Floors
A downside to hybrid flooring is that they tend to be more expensive than laminate flooring. They are also heavier than other types of flooring, so they can be costly when it comes to installation.
Difference Between Hybrid and Laminate Flooring
The biggest difference between hybrid flooring and laminate flooring is the quality. Laminate flooring tends to have a thinner coat, so it may scratch or indent easier, whereas a hybrid floor has a heavier coating that makes them stronger and more durable. They also tend to be less expensive than solid timber flooring which might make you think they are cheaply made. But do not fear, you get what you pay for. With higher prices comes higher durability and better materials so your hard-earned money goes further.
Overall Thickness for Each Flooring Product
Laminate floors come in various thicknesses from 5mm – 10mm whereas hybrid floors only come in 7mm – 9mm thick because it needs to be strong enough to hold up against heavy objects being dropped on it. It can’t be too thick or it won’t install properly.
The biggest difference is in price, durability and installation time. Generally speaking, hybrid floors cost more than laminate floors because they are all-natural (made with recycled rubber). Laminate flooring is made with synthetic materials which means you’re getting good quality at an affordable price. You can usually find cheap laminate flooring for around $20 per square metre whereas hybrids start at $30 per square metre.
The installation may take longer for hybrid floors because they require more steps to complete the installation process whereas laminate floors only need one coat of finish on top before installing them. Both are easy to install but a laminate floor has a shorter process. This makes it easy to fix any indentations left by furniture or appliances within a few hours after it’s been walked on.
Laminate vs Hybrid Flooring
Engineered wood floors are the cheapest type of hybrid flooring because they are made from a combination of wood particles that have been glued together and pressed into planks or tiles. These boards come with a high-pressure laminate layer which makes them look similar to solid timber flooring but aren’t as sturdy. If you choose engineered floors, make sure it has a top-of-the-line finish to protect it from scratches and water damage.
Difference Between Laminate and Hybrid Flooring
Hybrid floors are more eco-friendly than laminate because they have a smaller carbon footprint. Since these types of flooring use renewable resources to manufacture them rather than man-made products, it means they fit into the idea of green living since they’re sustainable and won’t require as much energy during production.
Laminate floors can’t handle high traffic areas as well as solid timber flooring or hybrid floors can which is why you could probably choose those two options if your house is occupied by heavy foot traffic all the time. With that being said, you can still install laminate in any room as long as you follow all installation instructions properly. In order for your laminate to last a long time, make sure it has a topcoat finish to protect it from moisture.
Hybrid vs Laminate
Hybrid floors can be slightly more difficult to clean depending on the finish. If you have a floor that has a matte/rubber finish then it’s as simple as mopping with a damp cloth and some water. To really bring out that shine, you can buy specific cleaners just for rubber finishes. The only type of hybrid flooring that requires a special cleaner is those with a polished stone surface since they require stronger cleaning products. Keep in mind though, you don’t want to use harsh chemicals on any type of natural flooring so always stick to something gentle and organic.
When it comes to spills, both types are equal. Spills may leave marks on the floor no matter what type of material it’s made from so you could try to clean them up as quickly as possible. If spilled drinks or other liquids have dried up for a few days prior to cleaning, then it could be difficult to remove so always take care of spills right away.
The Two Main Types of Hybrids are:
- engineered wood floors
- cement board floors
Cement board is the second highest quality behind solid timber flooring because they are made with natural materials, sand, limestone and cement. They come in 1, 2 or 3-layered boards that are compressed together using high pressure which makes them stronger than traditional plywood. Engineered wood flooring is made from a combination of high-density plywood, hardwood boards and sometimes even bamboo. To give your floor an authentic wood look, most companies may print a photo of real wood on the boards under a high-pressure laminate top layer.
Laminate vs Hybrid
If you’re on a low budget, then engineered wood is the best option for you because it offers more bang for your buck than laminate does. Both laminate and vinyl plank flooring types are relatively cheap and easy to install. On the other hand, if you want something that looks like solid timber flooring but doesn’t require much upkeep like laminate or vinyl flooring, then go with hybrid flooring as a flooring option, since they look and feel like real wood minus the high price tag of solid timber flooring.
But whatever type of flooring you decide to install in your home, always make sure it has some sort of protective coating so that it can last almost anywhere inside or outside your home without getting damaged or discoloured. Always do your research before deciding on any type of flooring.
Hybrid Flooring vs Laminate Flooring
Hybrid floors are made from renewable resources. Thanks to new technologies, hybrid floors can now mimic the appearance of real hardwood flooring while still being eco-friendly. A lot of homeowners are switching to these types of floors because they’re resistant to moisture and don’t warp at all. They’re perfect for bathrooms thanks to their waterproof finish.
Laminate is more affordable than solid wood or tile which makes it a popular flooring choice among homeowners on a budget. While laminate flooring isn’t as strong as engineered wood, it’s very versatile so you can install it in any room inside your house, including basements or garages.
Laminate Flooring vs Hybrid Flooring
Laminate floors are easier to install because they are so lightweight compared to hybrid floors which can be damaged during installation if you drop them on the wrong angle. To protect your floor, make sure you have padding or blankets underneath when moving it around throughout the house. You could also take precautionary measures just in case anything happens while installing it that could cause damage.
Some people find that laminate floors work better for active households because there is no need to buy special cleaners for them like you would with hardwood floors which need their own cleaner made specifically for wood flooring. All laminate needs is a regular mop with water and vinegar or any other natural cleaning solution to keep these types of floors shining bright. Another reason why laminate floors are a better option for active households is that they are water-resistant. This means they won’t absorb liquids as solid timber floors, tile or a carpet flooring option would. Water-resistant and waterproof hybrid can easily be produced to fit the needs of wet areas.
Maintenance for Both Products
The process is virtually the same. Vacuum your floors once a week and sweep them to keep dirt from getting stuck in between the joints. When vacuuming, you could also use a microfiber or cotton mop so that you don’t damage the flooring. Avoid wearing high heels on your floors because they can cause scratches and dents which are hard to repair. Sometimes, accidents happen which is why you should consider having an insurance policy for your floors, but that is a costly flooring solution.
The Verdict – Hybrid Floorboards or Laminate Floorboards
Solid timber floors are gorgeous to look at but they’re very sensitive so you need to be extra careful when walking on them. And if your pets accidentally scratch the surface or anything else happens that damages it, then you’ll have to pay for repairs or even replacement which can cost a ton of money.
Hybrid floors are eco-friendly and water-resistant meaning there’s less hassle in maintaining them compared to solid hardwood flooring. And since they act like real wood, they help make your home look more elegant and classy without having to break the bank buying expensive solid hardwood flooring instead. But whatever type of flooring you decide on installing (laminate, engineered wood or hybrid), always make sure it has protective coatings so that it stays in good condition for years to come.
When deciding between hybrid flooring and laminate, both of these types of flooring have their pros and cons so it’s really a matter of what type of look you want to achieve inside your home. Either way, always do your research before choosing a new type of flooring for your abode.
