If you are looking for the right kind of flooring for your home, deciding on which variety can be incredibly difficult. The sheer volume of options available on the market can fast become overwhelming, particularly when each comes with so many different benefits.
In this article, we’re going to take a particular focus on laminate and hybrid flooring. Which is the better out of the two? Is hybrid more expensive than laminate? And how long do these flooring options last.
Read on if you’d like to find out more.
Are hybrid floors better than laminate?
Are hybrid floors better than laminate? That all depends on what it is that you are looking to achieve. For example, if you need a flooring solution that is 100% waterproof, then hybrid flooring is significantly better. However, if you aren’t fussed about having a waterproof flooring and could do with a little more scratch resistance instead – say because you have pets at home – then laminate is a great alternative.
On the whole, hybrid flooring is the winner – as it combines the key advantages of laminate flooring and vinyl flooring and combines them to make a superior product. Then again, there are some disadvantages, for example, how much does hybrid flooring cost in comparison to laminate?
Is hybrid flooring more expensive than laminate?
Is hybrid flooring more expensive than laminate? Yes, it is. In fact, for entry-level hybrid flooring, you are looking at paying around $10.00 more per square metre.
- For cheap laminate flooring, it’s around $20.00 per sqm.
- As for hybrid flooring, it starts at $30.00 per sqm.
Of course, the higher price tag comes with certain advantages. Yes, you will have to spend more money on laying hybrid flooring in your home, however, you get what you pay for.
How long do laminate floors last?
How long does laminate flooring last? On average, laminate flooring can last anywhere between 15 and 25-years. This all depends on how well you look after it. For example, as laminate flooring is not waterproof, if you allow it to get wet too often, as the water soaks into the material it will begin to warm and deform over time. In that case, your laminate flooring is not going to last very long at all. However, if you do make a conscious effort to care for your laminate and ensure that all spillages are cleaned up appropriately, you can easily get 25-years out of it.
How long does a hybrid floor last?
How long does a hybrid floor last? Due to the tough top coating of hybrid flooring, easily withstanding scratches, and dents, this flooring type can last decades. In fact, most flooring companies will provide at least 20-years warranty on their hybrid flooring due to its inherent longevity.
Which is easiest to install? Laminate or hybrid?
If you are going to DIY the flooring installation yourself, you’ll likely want to know which of the two flooring types is easiest to install. Laminate flooring, being the lighter of the two materials, is far easier to install DIY. However, if of course, you are going to pay the professionals to install your flooring for you then this is a non-issue.
Which of the two should I choose?
If you can’t decide between hybrid flooring and laminate flooring, think about cost and location. So, if you are having your bathroom or kitchen renovated, hybrid flooring is 100% waterproof and thus the superior contender in this situation. However, for any other room in the house, if you are trying to save as much money as you can, laminate flooring is still a solid contender.
In fact, laminate flooring has great scratch resistance and has a photo-print layer on the top mimicking natural wood or stone (depending on your preference), as such, you can have beautiful-looking flooring without breaking the bank.
Then again, at only another $10.00 (approximately) per square metre, hybrid flooring is arguably the superior choice and preferred by many homeowners.
Conclusion
We hope that you have found this article helpful. If you are still unsure about which of the two options are for you, rest assured that there are many alternatives on the market. Do your research and shop around for other flooring materials and perhaps you might find a more suitable product for your project. Whatever the case, we wish you the best of luck with your renovations.
