The Largest Range of Hybrid Flooring Solutions Now Available in Our Mobile Showroom
Hybrid flooring is the ultimate innovation in flooring technology, offering the stunning look of hardwood with the practical benefits of vinyl and laminate. It’s designed to handle everything life throws at it—spills, heavy foot traffic, pets, and kids—without compromising on style.
At Beare Flooring, we provide a wide range of high-quality hybrid flooring to suit Australian homes and businesses. Whether you’re looking for modern, minimalist tones or a rustic timber-look finish, we have the perfect flooring solution for you.
What Is Hybrid Flooring & Why Is It So Popular?
Hybrid flooring is a revolutionary product that combines the best features of laminate and vinyl flooring. It consists of multiple layers, including a rigid core that enhances durability and stability. This multi-layered construction makes hybrid flooring waterproof, highly resistant to scratches, and comfortable underfoot.
Its rising popularity is due to its incredible versatility and low-maintenance qualities. Homeowners love that it offers the realistic look of timber without the high cost and maintenance associated with natural wood.
What Are Hybrid Planks Made Of?
Hybrid flooring is made up of four key layers, each playing an essential role in its strength and performance:
- Wear Layer –The top protective layer that provides resistance against scratches, stains, and everyday wear. This ensures your floors look new for years.
- Decorative Layer – A high-resolution image layer that replicates the look and texture of real timber like oak, walnut, spotted gum, and more.
- Rigid Core – A stone-plastic composite (SPC) or wood-plastic composite (WPC) that provides strength and stability. SPC cores are more rigid and provide excellent durability, while WPC cores offer a softer, more comfortable underfoot feel.
- Backing Layer – A built-in acoustic underlay that helps with sound absorption and enhances comfort underfoot.
Why Install Hybrid Planking?
Thanks to advanced printing and core technology, hybrid flooring has evolved significantly in recent years. Today’s hybrid floors not only look like real timber but also feel like it underfoot, offering a natural warmth that was once exclusive to hardwood flooring.
Hybrid flooring is the result of decades of advancements in flooring technology. While traditional timber and laminate flooring have been around for years, they came with drawbacks such as susceptibility to moisture and maintenance challenges. Vinyl flooring was introduced as a waterproof alternative but lacked the rigid, stable feel of timber.
Hybrid flooring was developed to solve these issues, offering the best features of both laminate and vinyl while eliminating their disadvantages. With enhanced core strength, realistic designs, and complete water resistance, hybrid flooring has become the go-to option for modern Australian homes.
Benefits of Hybrid Flooring for Australian Homes
Choosing hybrid flooring means enjoying the perfect blend of style, practicality, and long-term durability. Here’s why it’s an excellent investment for any home.
Hybrid Floors Are Waterproof
Ideal for Kitchens: Unlike laminate or timber, hybrid flooring is completely waterproof, making it a perfect choice for areas like kitchens and laundries. Spills, splashes, and humidity won’t cause warping or damage, so you can enjoy peace of mind.
Scratch & Stain Resistant
Perfect for Families with Kids & Pets: If you have children or pets, you know how quickly floors can get scratched or stained. Hybrid flooring is designed to withstand heavy use, thanks to its durable wear layer that resists scratches, dents, and stains.
Easy to Install & Maintain:
A Hassle-Free Flooring Option: Unlike traditional timber floors that require nailing, sanding, and sealing, hybrid flooring is designed for quick and easy installation. The click-lock system allows planks to be snapped together, making it easy to replace planks if they become damaged.
Hybrid Flooring vs. Laminate
Laminate flooring has long been a popular choice due to its affordability and resemblance to natural wood. However, when compared to hybrid flooring, it falls short in key areas.
Durability and Water Resistance
Laminate flooring is made from compressed wood, which means it is highly susceptible to moisture. Even minor spills, if not cleaned immediately, can lead to warping, swelling, or damage. Hybrid flooring, on the other hand, is 100% waterproof, making it suitable for kitchens, laundries, and even bathrooms.
Underfoot Comfort and Noise Reduction
Hybrid flooring comes with a built-in underlay that absorbs noise and provides a comfortable surface to walk on. Laminate, unless installed with a separate underlay, tends to be noisier underfoot and lacks the same cushioning effect.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both flooring types are relatively easy to maintain, but laminate requires more careful cleaning as excess water can cause damage. Hybrid flooring only needs regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a damp cloth, making it a more practical choice for busy households.
Hybrid Floors vs. Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is another water-resistant option that is often compared to hybrid flooring. While both share some similarities, hybrid flooring provides additional benefits.
Core Strength and Stability
Standard vinyl flooring is flexible, meaning it can sometimes show imperfections in the subfloor or feel less stable underfoot. Hybrid flooring has a rigid core (SPC or WPC), providing greater structural integrity, making it a better choice for homes with uneven flooring.
Appearance and Realism
Vinyl flooring often comes in roll or tile form, and while modern designs mimic wood, they don’t have the same level of texture and depth as hybrid flooring. Hybrid planks are designed to closely replicate the grains, knots, and natural variations of real timber, creating a more authentic look.
Installation of Hybrid Floors
Hybrid flooring features a floating click-lock installation system, whereas vinyl typically requires adhesive application. This makes hybrid flooring much easier to install, whether professionally or on your own as a DIY job.
Hybrid Planking vs. Timber
Timber flooring is a classic choice, admired for its natural beauty and timeless appeal. However, it comes with significant maintenance and cost considerations that hybrid flooring avoids.
Maintenance and Durability
Timber floors require regular sanding, polishing, and sealing to maintain their appearance. They are also prone to scratches, dents, and moisture damage, making them a high-maintenance option. Hybrid flooring replicates the warmth and texture of real wood but eliminates the need for ongoing maintenance, making it a more practical choice for modern homes.
Hybrid Flooring is Cheaper
Timber flooring is one of the most expensive flooring options, with both the materials and installation costs being significantly higher than hybrid flooring. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to achieve the look of real wood without the associated upkeep and expenses, hybrid flooring is the ideal alternative.
Suitability for Australian Homes
Australia’s climate varies from humid coastal areas to dry inland regions, which can cause timber floors to expand, contract, and warp over time. Hybrid flooring is designed to be dimensionally stable, ensuring it withstands environmental changes without compromising its integrity.
