Laminate vs. Vinyl vs. Hybrid Flooring – The Difference

Laminate vs. Vinyl vs. Hybrid flooring is frequently misunderstood flooring type. These floors are installed in rafts and follow a similar installation method. They lock together at the joints with a locking system and have perimeter raft breaks to allow the product to move as needed.

Laminate vs. Vinyl vs. Hybrid Flooring: What Should You Know Before Buying it?

Understanding the differences between vinyl, hybrid, and laminate flooring are essential as you navigate the excitement of renovating, restoring, or building. 

Most homeowners and builders are surprised to learn how similar these flooring options are in terms of visual appeal, durability, and cost. 

However, there are a few things that distinguish them. To make things easier, we’ve broken down each flooring option so you can feel confident when browsing our massive selection of floors.

What Exactly is Hybrid Flooring?

The term “hybrid flooring” means exactly what it sounds like: a seamless combination of vinyl and laminate flooring! It not only combines the benefits of both, but it also has the appearance of genuine wood (without the price tag). 

The interior layer of hybrid flooring is made of limestone composite core board. Each layer serves a purpose, including an acoustic base floor to reduce noise and a decorative layer that resembles hardwood timber.

The PVC wear layer and underlay also offer excellent impact resistance and comfort underfoot, making it a popular choice for commercial spaces.

What Exactly is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring, also known as adaptable flooring, is available in tiles or sheets. It’s made of synthetic materials like fiberglass, PVC, or plasticizer. However, using plastic as the primary material in your flooring may initially seem unappealing. 

However, there are numerous advantages to using this man-made material, and its environmental impact is far less than that of harmful single-use plastics. 

Vinyl flooring’s composition makes it flexible and extremely easy to maintain. One of the most popular features of this type of flooring is its moisture resistance.

Indeed, many vinyl flooring options are water resistant, making them ideal for high-moisture areas of the home, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

What Exactly is Laminate Flooring?

The primary distinction between laminate and vinyl flooring is that laminate is composed of 99% wood byproducts at its core, with a base, design, and wear layer on top.

In addition, a polyurethane coating seals it, providing additional resilience that vinyl may not offer. As a result, laminate floorings, like vinyl and hybrid flooring, are inexpensive and have a beautiful and authentic appearance. In many cases, laminate can increase a home’s resale value.

Is Hybrid Flooring a Good Choice?

Hybrid flooring, like vinyl flooring but unlike timber flooring, is naturally waterproof and ideal for rooms such as the kitchen or laundry. It is also extremely durable, simple to clean, and reasonably priced. 

Our collection is available in various colors, textures, and styles and can be installed on almost any subfloor surface. Hybrid flooring could be the ideal solution if you can’t decide between vinyl and laminate flooring. 

More information on hybrid flooring can be found in our dedicated article here. In addition, we offer a variety of attractive and long-lasting hybrid flooring options.

What is the Installation Process?

Preparing the Subfloor

You must ensure that your subfloor is level and free of large nails or other obstructions. If you have an uneven subfloor, consider installing a plywood base to provide a flat surface for your new flooring.

Installing the Underlayment

Most underlayments are self-adhesive and can be installed easily by simply unrolling it across the subfloor and smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles with a roller or squeegee. However, some underlayments require adhesive, which should be applied according to manufacturer instructions before installation begins.

Replace the Flooring

Divide the room’s width by the width of a plank to determine how many full rows of the plank are required.

• Next, make a light mark on the wall where the last full plank will go.

• Unload and mix your planks to avoid laying identical color variations and patterns next to each other.

• You’re ready to begin laying your first row of hybrid planks next to the area’s longest wall.

• Alter your layout so that the end joints of consecutive rows are never in line. Instead, allow at least 30 cm in between them.

• Continue by securing the first plank of the second row into the first plank of the first row.

Complete the Installation

Remove the wedges and spacers and finish with the skirting boards once you’re happy with your layout. Finally, clean the flooring using the recommended products.

Selecting the Ideal Flooring 

Regarding flooring for your home or business, vinyl, hybrid, and laminate are all excellent options. Each option will give you the visual appeal of genuine wood without the added hassle and expense. In addition, it is cost-effective, easy to install, and relatively simple to maintain. 

New Wave Flooring provides an excellent choice if you want something that looks and feels more like wood. However, hybrid is the best option if upkeep and appearance are more important.

For those looking for durable flooring, hybrid flooring combines vinyl’s stunning appearance with the laminate’s durability and strength. Vinyl, hybrid, and laminate flooring come in a variety of styles.