If you’re looking to completely revamp your home by replacing the flooring in your living room, kitchen, and two bathrooms, it can be hard to choose the best type of flooring material to use. There are many options available, including ceramic tile, laminate wood floors, bamboo floors, and even vinyl floors. To help you make the right decision, we put together this guide on the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid flooring so that you can see what some of your choices are.
What is hybrid flooring?
A hybrid floor is a type of flooring that comes in several different layers, which makes it easy to customize according to your personal preferences. Some people purchase a hybrid floor for its quality and unique style; others are drawn in by price.
A hybrid floor can cost you hundreds or thousands less than other floor types, and you don’t need to be worried about durability or appearance. It’s a smart investment: most homeowners find that within just a few years, they save thousands on floor maintenance as well.
Is it Better Than Other Types of Flooring?
Most flooring types that you can purchase at a home improvement store today are made from synthetic products that mimic natural materials, so it’s easy to assume that real wood flooring is best. But many of these modern hybrid floor products look nearly identical to real wood, making it impossible for even an expert to tell them apart.
In other words, if you go with a modern flooring product other than timber flooring, there’s no reason not to go with hybrid hardwood flooring over any other option—the only reason people choose traditional hardwood is because of its authentic look and feel.
What are the Unique Features?
The unique feature of hybrid flooring is that it offers the best of both worlds when it comes to hardwood and laminate flooring. This includes the durability of laminate flooring but with a less-commercialized, natural look that also blends in well with wood furniture.
Like other wood floors, it doesn’t get damaged by moisture and heat so you don’t have to worry about replacing it for some time to come. It offers the resistance of hardwood against scratches but without the problems associated with rotting or fading over time. Plus, hybrids are much lighter than hardwood or traditional laminates so they’re easier to install on your own (or by professionals) while helping save money on installation costs.
What’s the Cost Difference?
There’s one big difference that might be a turnoff for buyers around timber floors: cost. While the price difference isn’t substantial, it can definitely mean more money out of your pocket if you want to use timber floorboards.