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Laminate vs. Hybrid Flooring: Which is Right for You?

laminate wood flooring

Renovating your home comes with one major crucial decision— the type of flooring that will be installed. The fact is you will have a lot of options to choose from, which may make you confuse. 

But there’s no need to worry! Before selecting any option, there are often two main elements on which you make your decision, i.e., aesthetics and affordability.

So, when you are looking for a kind of flooring system that is easily installed and comes at a nominal price, we have narrowed down your options to only two— laminate and hybrid.

Both these flooring options have their pros and cons. In this blog, we will examine both options and determine which is better for your Australian home.

So let’s get started. 

Laminate Flooring

Invented by a Swedish company named Perstorp in 1977, using leftover wood materials. They applied intense pressure, heat, and binding chemicals to these wood projects to generate laminate wood flooring.

This type of flooring comprises a layer of wood particles at the bottom, followed by an image layer and a transparent protective layer. The flooring is commonly used in various home areas, excluding areas with excessive moisture. It is a popular and reliable choice for many households due to its low maintenance and affordability. 

To create a durable plank, the flooring is usually made of four layers, merged with heat and pressure. 

  • Back layer: The back layer is in charge of keeping the plank safe from moisture and keeping the floor stable.

  • Core layer: The core layer, located above the bottom layer, is made of a strong and dense material that offers protection against dents and moisture.

  • Dense layer: It is a highresolution photograph of what the floor looks like and is placed on top of the core layer.

  • The wear layer is a protective clear surface made of aluminum oxide that safeguards against water damage, spills, fading, stains, and everyday accidents.

If you are considering laminate flooring for your home, it’s time to read its benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits of laminate flooring

  • Budget friendly: It is affordable for many homeowners who want to install new flooring in their homes but are on a tight budget.

  • Easy to install: The floating installation method of laminate flooring does not require adhesives, making it easier for do-it-yourself projects and saving money on installation expenses.

  • Scratch proof: The laminate flooring’s resilient wear layer prevents dings and scratches, extending its lifespan.

  • Range of options: Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of designs that emulate the appearance of different natural materials like tile, stone, and wood, making it easy to blend in with any decor.

  • Easy maintenance: Keeping the flooring neat and clean does not require much maintenance.

Drawbacks of this flooring choice

  • Water sensitivity: Laminate floors are moderately water resistant; however, extended wetness exposure can result in warping and swelling. Therefore, areas prone to spills or high humidity might not be the best places for it.

  • Limited sound absorption: Laminate flooring tends to reflect sound more readily than other flooring alternatives. Thus, this may be something to consider when noise pollution is an issue.

Now, let us move on to the other option.

Hybrid Flooring

Combining the best features of vinyl and laminate flooring, hybrid flooring is a more trendy and modern option for homeowners in Australia. Its structure consists of a base layer for stability, a hardcore mix of materials, and a transparent wear layer.

As the name implies, hybrid flooring combines the most outstanding qualities of both laminate and vinyl flooring. This ‘hybrid’ sculpture is constructed from various elements, mainly polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and wood fibres or limestone powder.

The end product is a floor that combines the long-lasting toughness and water resistance of vinyl flooring with the attractiveness of laminate flooring. Hybrid flooring provides an excellent balance of longevity, aesthetic appeal, and use.

Benefits of hybrid flooring

  • Water resistant: Because of its water resistance, the flooring is an excellent option for moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

  • Enhanced durability: Hybrid flooring’s strong core offers more resilience against dents, scratches, and impacts, extending its lifespan in high-traffic areas.

  • Comfort beneath the foot: Because of its thicker and more resilient structure, it is softer and more comfortable to walk on.

  • Environment-friendly: Compared to traditional flooring options, hybrid flooring is more environmentally friendly because it is frequently made from recycled materials.

  • Extended lifespan: If taken care of and maintained, the flooring can last up to 25 years, which ensures its long lifespan.

Drawbacks of bunnings hybrid flooring

  • An expensive option: Because of its superior features and durability, hybrid flooring typically costs more than laminate flooring.

  • Has less range of styles: Although bunning hybrid flooring is available in various types, it may not have as many options when it comes to styling.

Let’s move towards the main question that brings us to this blog post: deciding the right option between these two alternatives.

A comparative overview

Feature Laminate Flooring Hybrid Flooring
Water resistance Moderate  Excellent
Durability  Good Excellent
Comfort  Good  Excellent
Environmental impact Moderate Good
Lifespan 10-15 years 20-25 years 
Cost $2-$4 per square foot $3-$5 per square foot

Choosing the right flooring for your home

The decision between hybrid and laminate flooring ultimately comes down to your choices, needs, and budgetary constraints. Here are some considerations you must consider before picking the right flooring type for your home:

  1. Living environment: Due to its improved waterproofness, hybrid flooring is the best choice if you reside in a high-humidity environment.

  2. Foot Traffic: Hybrid flooring’s increased resilience will survive wear and tear better than laminate flooring in high-traffic areas.

  3. Budget: If you are on a tight budget, laminate flooring is the right choice as it is less expensive.

  4. Personal Style: Various designs are available for laminate and hybrid flooring to complement your preferred decor.

  5. Environmental Considerations: Hybrid flooring is eco-friendly because it uses recycled materials if sustainability is a priority.

Conclusion

Both laminate and hybrid flooring are attractive choices to improve your Australian house’s appearance, cosiness, and longevity. These flooring options offer a range of benefits to suit your needs and tastes, whether you prioritise cost-effective solutions, excellent water resistance, or a balance of sustainability and comfort.

If you want to learn more about flooring choices and are looking for the best dealer who can improve the aesthetics of your house, visit FirstChoiceFooring.com

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