Exploring flooring options can be a fun but challenging journey. With the wide variety of flooring options on the market, you can find the right match for your home. Hybrid flooring is a popular choice for several reasons, including its versatility and durability. In this hybrid flooring guide, we'll compare it to other options so you can determine the right one for your project.  

What Is Hybrid Flooring and What Is It Made Of? 

Hybrid flooring is made from a combination of different materials, most often laminate and vinyl. These materials are blended together to produce quality flooring that is more versatile, waterproof and durable. 

Hybrid flooring generally has four layers that make up its design unique: 

• Top wear layer: The multiplayer protective top layer's sturdy design makes the hybrid flooring durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic. 
• Print or design layer: This is where your design is applied to give the floorboard a decorative look to suit various styles. 
• Core board layer: The core board or stability layer is made from wood plastic composite (WPC), stone plastic composite (SPC) or stone wood composite (SWC). This vital layer makes the flooring rigid, strong, resistant to temperature changes and waterproof. 
• Acoustic underlay or base layer: The base layer provides thermal insulation and typically has sound-absorbing properties. 

Types of Hybrid Flooring 

The three main types of hybrid floors are WPC, SPC and SWC. These types refer specifically to the type of core the flooring has:

• WPC: WPC uses a mix of plastic resins and wood fibers to create a strong and waterproof core layer. This construction is similar to luxury vinyl tile (LVT) but has a softer feel underfoot, making it an excellent choice if comfort is a top priority. 
• SPC: This special type of vinyl is a mix of limestone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and stabilizers. SPC is noticeably dense and strong, making it ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic, like the kitchen and living room. SPC has a good life span of around 20 to 30 years. It is also waterproof, making it a reliable choice for homeowners in humid regions.  
• SWC: SWC is a newer option than its counterparts and is made from a blend of wood and stone composites. This hybrid flooring is designed to be both highly durable and comfortable, but because it strikes an excellent balance between the qualities of WPC and SPC, it is more expensive and less readily available. 

Hybrid Flooring Benefits

With the many benefits homeowners can enjoy from hybrid floors, it is no wonder they are an increasingly popular choice. Hybrid flooring provides these advantages: 

• Durability: Hybrid flooring can last for several decades thanks to its durable, layered design. The top layer can withstand wear and tear like dents, stains and scratches, while the core board provides additional strength and stability to support heavy floor traffic.
• Waterproof qualities: Hybrid flooring is waterproof thanks to a hard topcoat that helps prevent spills from entering its layers. The composite core layer also offers an additional layer of water resistance as it is typically infused with PVC.
• Easy maintenance: Hybrid floors generally do not require much maintenance apart from the same standard cleaning and upkeep required with any other flooring. Hybrid floors will hardly require anything more than normal sweeping and mopping to maintain their appearance. 
• Comfort and noise reduction: The acoustic underlay provides thermal insulation and helps quiet your flooring. This adds to the comfort you can enjoy from hybrid flooring, as it won't be as cold, hard or noisy as other types. 
• Aesthetics: Thanks to the print or decorative layer, hybrid floors come in various designs to suit a wide range of aesthetic preferences. You can mimic the look and texture of other materials, like wood.
• Affordability: Hybrid flooring can be an affordable option, as it is a floating floor that can be laid over existing flooring (if the existing floor is smooth and flat). This also makes it relatively easy to install. 

Hybrid Floors vs. Other Flooring Options

Hybrid floors compare well to other types of flooring, including laminate and vinyl. Compared to laminate, hybrid floors are more water and scratch-resistant. Hybrid floors also withstand wear and tear better than laminate. Compared to vinyl flooring, hybrid floors have a far more authentic look and feel if you want the appearance of hardwood without the high costs. Hybrid floors are also more durable than vinyl. 

If you are debating hybrid flooring versus vinyl planks or laminate, hybrid flooring is often better in homes that see heavy foot traffic or if you have children. It is also a good flooring option for pets. It is more durable and long-lasting than laminate and vinyl and requires little maintenance.

What to Look For When Choosing a Hybrid Floor

While it is difficult to go wrong with vinyl flooring, there are still a few key factors to consider, including your budget, unique needs around the home, your style and installation. 

Though most hybrid flooring is affordable compared to other high-quality options, there are options to suit all budgets. As part of your budget, consider whether you will need a professional installation. If you have basic DIY experience, the correct tools and appropriate existing flooring, DIY is a possible option. If not, professional floor installations are well worth the extra cost to have reliable flooring that can last for decades. 

When it comes to aesthetics, take your time choosing your hybrid floors — there are many types available, making it easy to match your floors to your preferred style. 

How to Lay Hybrid Flooring

These basic tips and reminders can make a difference to your DIY installation, but always remember to consult flooring experts if you are unsure of how to install hybrid flooring.

• All installations should start with measuring the room to determine the amount of flooring needed. Allow for a little extra flooring to combat cuts and potential errors. 
• Prepare the subfloor or existing flooring by ensuring that it is level, free of debris and protrusions, clean and dry. 
• Plan the layout and know where and how to place the planks before you begin. For a natural and professional look, place planks perpendicular to the longest wall. 
• Use spacers to separate the planks and walls. 
• Start in the corner of the room when laying the first row of planks. If you want a staggered look or offset pattern, start each new row with a plank that is a different length. 
• Once all rows are installed, you can remove the spacers and place the baseboards or molding around the room's edges. 

Shop Carpet & Tile Mart for High-Quality Hybrid Flooring 

Hybrid floors are versatile and reliable. At Carpet & Tile Mart, we have a range of competitively priced, high-quality flooring options to suit all your home projects. In addition to providing flooring and carpets for every room of your house, we also work with professional contractors to offer installation services.

Shop online for our flooring products, or visit a Carpet & Tile Mart store near you to explore our range of affordable, quality products.