If you are renovating your home and struggling to decide which type of flooring is going to be best, then this is the article for you. We’re going to look at hybrid vs. engineered flooring. Which is best? Which is the cheapest option? Which of the two is easiest to install? And how long are they likely to last you? Read on to find out more.
What is the difference between hybrid vs engineered flooring and which is better?
What are the key differences between hybrid and engineered flooring? And which of the two is best? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each flooring type and then we will compare the two.
Hybrid flooring – Pros and cons
Hybrid floating floor is an excellent and innovative style of flooring that combines the greatest characteristics of vinyl and laminate flooring to create a new and improved floating floor option.
Hybrid floorboards are made up of multiple layers of various materials that are pressed together – as such hybrid flooring is available in a grand variety of styles and design options. The upper-most layer is UV coated and provides a wear and tear layer of protection; the second layer is for the decorative print; the centre of the flooring is composite core board and provides waterproofing and additional stability; the final layer is the acoustic underlay the provides comfort underfoot whilst reducing the overall sound resonance.
There are two main types of hybrid flooring:
- Stone plastic composite: the core is comprised of natural limestone and tends to be thinner, denser, and slightly cheaper than the following option
- Wood plastic composite: the core is comprised of recycled wood and plastic, making the planks thicker and more comfortable underfoot
Pros:
- Hybrid flooring is 100% waterproof
- Exceptional durability and can withstand scratches and dents in high-traffic areas of the home
- Maintains colour and quality
- Affordable and easy to install (floating floor and click-and-lock)
- Minimal maintenance required
- Easy of cleaning due to waterproof feature
Cons:
- Lacks the authenticity of natural hardwood floors
- Doesn’t feel quite as natural underfoot as authentic hardwood
- Can feel less solid underfoot when compared to other, thicker flooring options
As you can see both hybrid and engineered flooring are quite close, with a few pros and cons over one another. For example, engineered flooring boasts a natural hardwood aesthetic, though it is more expensive and slightly less durable. Hybrid flooring is also 100% waterproof which gives it yet another advantage over engineered. All in all, hybrid is the winner, though it really depends on the application and what is more important to you.
Engineered flooring – Pros and cons
Engineering flooring is a layered style of timber flooring with an upper layer of natural hardwood atop several layers of plywood. The upper layer is prefinished and then bonded with the under layers of plywood, giving it a natural wood appearance, without being quite as expensive. Engineered flooring is ideal because it combines the aesthetic appeal of real timber flooring, with the versatility of the floating flooring design which makes it ideal for DIY installation.
Pros:
- Engineering flooring has the look and feel of natural hardwood flooring
- Provides excellent stability when compared to natural hardwood options
- Simple and easy to install
- Is water resistance – though not completely waterproof
Cons:
- Can be quite expensive when compared to other flooring options
- There is only a fine layer of natural hardwood on the top – this makes it hard to sand and polish compared to proper natural hardwood flooring
- The thin upper layer is more susceptible to damage – scratches, and dents
Which flooring is easiest to install hybrid vs engineered?
Which is easiest to install, hybrid or engineered flooring? This is a tie round as both flooring options are relatively simple and easy to install with click-and-lock options. Engineered flooring does provide more variety in terms of installation methods, however, which can be an advantage depending on how you like to work.
Which lasts the longest hybrid vs engineered flooring?
Which flooring lasts longest, hybrid or engineered? Both hybrid and engineered flooring are highly durable and can last you for a long time. Provided you take excellent care of your flooring and maintain them both well, you shouldn’t have any problems. You may get between 10 and 20 years from both options. However, engineered flooring isn’t quite as tough or durable as the hybrid. This is because the upper layer of engineered flooring is made from a thin layer of natural hardwood. As such, engineered flooring is much more susceptible to scratching than hybrid flooring, which makes hybrid the clear winner in that regard.
Conclusion
To recap, both hybrid and engineered flooring options are viable for your DIY home renovation project. When it comes to deciding on which one is best, it really comes down to personal preference.
For bathrooms and kitchens, you should opt for hybrid flooring. This is because it is 100% waterproof and is the cheapest option of the two.
For high-traffic areas, you should also likely opt for hybrid flooring. This is because engineered flooring has a soft, natural hardwood layer on top. While this gives it a wonderful aesthetic appeal, it is far more susceptible to scratching.
However, in areas of your home that do not get quite so much foot traffic and where moisture and spillages won’t be much of an issue, engineered flooring can provide a far more attractive aesthetic appeal.
If you cannot quite make up your mind and would like some more information on the pros and cons of hybrid vs. engineered flooring, then please feel free to contact us today. One of our friendly staff would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
