Is Luxury Vinyl Better Than Laminate Flooring?

Many people believe that hybrid vinyl and laminate flooring are two different names for the same product. Two decades ago this might have been the truth. Today, however, there’s a huge difference between premium vinyl and laminate flooring.

Let’s take a closer look at four of the most important qualities of flooring solutions: Look and Feel, Durability and Reliability, Applications, and Price. We will compare these characteristics of premium vinyl and laminate flooring to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Look And Feel

The design of vinyl and laminate flooring is very similar, they both offer timber flooring looks. As both products use advanced 3D printing solutions, both of them are able to replicate various natural materials and textures with excellent accuracy. The real gain is the extremely low price of these floors in comparison to stone, wood, and other such exquisite materials. Briefly put, both vinyl and laminate are as versatile as to suit almost any type of interior design style or project, no matter how complex.

Durability And Reliability

Before getting into more details, let’s see what durability and reliability mean.

Durability – The hardness of the top layer of the floor. The more durable this layer is, the less wear and tear your flooring will be subject to overtime.

Reliability – The ability of the floor to hold its shape and size even in high humidity or climate change conditions. More often than not, the thicker the floor, the better its reliability. Also, the quality of the materials can make a difference in terms of stability and reliability.

Both hybrid and laminate floors feature a top layer that has a protective role, a photographic layer showcasing the desired pattern, and a backing system. The difference between the two is the composition of these layers.

Most laminate floors are made from HDF, a high-density board made up of recycled wood. As laminate isn’t waterproof, you should never install it in bathrooms, kitchens, or any other spaces that are prone to high humidity or accidental spills. Laminate best suits rooms with controlled air temperature.

On the contrary, hybrid floorboards has excellent waterproof properties, thanks to its very structure. Parterre vinyl, for instance, is ideal for high-humidity areas. Even though vinyl floors don’t require a sealant, applying one could prove to be a great idea if you intend to install these floors in high-moisture areas.

Even though laminate is a hard floor, it is also hollow. This means that you should only apply it on even and smooth surfaces. Vinyl has the ability to expand and contract without breaking, being, therefore, a better solution for intense traffic areas. Both vinyl and laminate are easy to clean.

Applications

Taking into consideration the characteristics of the two types of flooring, we can safely say that premium hybrid vinyl flooring is more versatile and suitable for a wider array of applications than laminate. In commercial buildings that have to withstand high-moisture and frequent spills, vinyl behaves much better and lasts much longer.

Vinyl flooring suits any industry or area of activity. On the contrary, laminate doesn’t work so well for those industries with high levels of humidity or frequent exposure to water and other liquid spills.

Price

Here’s the ultimate detail you need to know whether to choose vinyl or laminate flooring for your building. Laminate costs $20—$30 per square foot. This is slightly lower than the price of the cheapest premium vinyl which is around $30 to $40. As you can see, at similar prices, vinyl offers more flexibility and has wider applicability. The best choice is obvious. Visit Timber Flooring Melbourne to get the best product and installation service that will make you happy for such a long time.

What Is Hybrid Timber Flooring?

Hybrid flooring is also known as spc vinyl flooring. This process of it’s production involves the real wood being mechanically and chemically bonded to a resin to create a durable, moisture resistant product. This process is different than most other types of wood flooring. It creates a more durable product than regular wood flooring because it does not contain the knotty pattern common to real wood floors. Instead, it is left with an imitation grain look that is similar to the appearance of hardwood.

The synthetic version of this wood can be used in any room because it mimics the look and feel of real wood. Many customers prefer this type of wood flooring because of its appearance and durability. It can last for decades and can provide equal flooring whether it is placed in high traffic rooms or bedrooms.

Many people are choosing this type of wood flooring because of its ability to mimic the look and feel of hardwood. The high degree of versatility is another plus for the synthetic floor. You can use it in almost any room, even bathrooms. Synthetic wood floors provide excellent traction and resistance to staining and spills. You can clean up almost any spill and stain with a simple sweep of a cloth.

What is hybrid flooring has an excellent water resistant properties, making it an environmentally friendly choice? Using recycled content gives wood floors a more eco-friendly feel and therefore reduces the carbon footprint we all have to deal with on a daily basis. Rain and moisture will bead on the wood flooring and simply being an imitation of natural materials reduces the risk of water damage due to humidity.

The biggest advantage to what is hybrid wood flooring is that it uses a product that offers superior performance and longevity. It offers a wide range of designs that will fit well into any home, regardless of your personal style or decor. Unlike real hardwoods, you don’t have to worry about dead, cracking or damaged wood underneath your lovely new floor. It is also stronger and easier to care for than real hardwoods, which adds to the reason that it is an attractive and long lasting flooring option.

Hybrid flooring is a cross between real wood and man made materials, providing a great look but with none of the drawbacks that come with real wood. The materials used are usually a combination of recycled wood fibers and vinyl resins, giving the flooring the appearance and durability of wood without the hassles of real wood. The materials are easy to maintain and clean, requiring little to no maintenance at all. This is a huge benefit over traditional flooring options, where wood cleaning can be a nightmare. Traditional flooring is also more expensive, which is also a big factor in the decision to use what is hybrid wood flooring.

One of the biggest benefits of choosing what is hybrid wood flooring is the fact that it is an excellent replacement for hardwood. Hardwoods are far more expensive to grow, and also require a large amount of care to keep them looking their best. The growing and upkeep costs add up very quickly, making them a poor choice for those who cannot afford them or do not have the time. With what is hybrid wood flooring, homeowners can have beautiful floors that require very little maintenance, are strong and durable, and can look just as good as hardwoods. You can even install a laminate over hardwood, if you want to keep the look of wood floors while saving money and increasing the appeal of your home.

What is hybrid wood flooring? A beautiful new flooring solution that saves you money, looks just like hardwood, and performs like hardwood, but is much more affordable, this new option is something to definitely consider. With what is hybrid wood flooring, you can get all of the great features of hardwood floors with the beauty and durability of laminate flooring.

How To Care For Your Hybrid Timber Flooring?

Hybrid timber flooring (also sometimes known as recycled flooring) is a revolutionary product that is rapidly gaining popularity amongst home owners across the world. Basically, hybrid flooring consists of a base of PVC and limestone which doesn’t absorb moisture while being incredibly durable. Furthermore, the top surface is comprised of a hard-wearing glass-ceramic combination, with the remainder consisting of a tough clear protective layer on the bottom. This means that it is highly resistant to scratching and denting. In addition, it can be custom-made to perfectly match existing floor clippings and patterns and can be further finished in a wide range of colors and finishes.

There are many benefits associated with this kind of flooring. For example, it is extremely waterproof and therefore ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and conservatories. Because the outer surface is extremely waterproof, germs and bacteria cannot collect underneath the wood planks. It is also a hypoallergenic solution because the bamboo fibre used in it is non-allergenic. However, one major drawback of hybrid timber flooring is that it cannot handle extremely high humidity levels, so it is wise to regularly wipe excess water from it using a mop or damp cloth to prevent water-spots from forming. Another major disadvantage is that it is only available in white to create a minimalist look.

With this information in mind, it is important to know what types of hybrid flooring are currently available in the market. One of the most popular varieties is the rigid core flooring collection. Rigid core solid wood floors are typically used as wall coverings, especially in bedrooms as they are incredibly easy to install. However, the disadvantage of rigid core flooring collection is that it is only available in white and black colors. The most attractive feature of this type of flooring is that it is not susceptible to water-spots and hence is an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

Another popular variety is the spc hybrid flooring. The advantage of using vinyl is that it is highly flexible, easy to install, and comes with scratch resistant features. Moreover, it is available in a variety of colors so that you are sure to find one that suits your room. On the downside, vinyl is a fairly flimsy floor and if damaged, it is difficult to replace.

Perhaps the most expensive type of hybrid flooring is the lifetime structural flooring. This type of flooring is not only waterproof but it also comes with scratch resistant features as well as moisture and termite resistance. However, this drawback may prove to be an unwanted investment as it is significantly more expensive than its counterparts. Lifetime structural timber flooring is also available in various colors and styles. To increase the life span of your hybrid flooring, you should opt for an annual maintenance plan that is recommended for all types of wood products.

The main disadvantage of using vinyl plank flooring lies in the fact that it cannot be installed in elevated locations such as above the kitchen. It is also susceptible to water damage and must be protected from extreme temperatures. In addition, moisture tends to build up under the surface of wood flooring and this can lead to the growth of mould, mildew and bacteria. An option that is available in the market is the engineered flooring which is basically a plank made of recycled plastic. Unlike vinyl plank flooring, engineered flooring is not prone to water, mould, termites and moisture and hence is considered to be the best choice for your hybrid floor.

If you want your hybrid flooring to have maximum water resistance, then you should opt for the rigid core flooring instead of the vinyl. The rigid core flooring is made of recycled plastic and as such it is completely water resistant. Moreover, this type of flooring also offers the same level of durability and safety that you will get with the luxury vinyl flooring.

Hybrid flooring is ideal for use on floors that are subject to high traffic such as the ones found at home, office and retail stores. However, even though it is ideal for such areas, you still need to give it additional care because this flooring is highly susceptible to scratching. Thus, you should ensure that you buy the right type of rubber-based polish to maintain its glow and beauty.