The short answer, it depends. Like most things in life, there are many variables that need to be considered, and flooring is not a one size fits all.
Choosing the perfect flooring for your home can feel like navigating a labyrinth. With so many options out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t sweat it; today, we're zoning in on two of the most popular choices: hybrid flooring vs laminate flooring. By the end of this post, you'll have a clear idea of what each offers and, more importantly, which one is best suited for your Sunshine Coast property.
First up, let's talk about hybrid flooring.
As the name suggests, hybrid flooring is a combination of two products. The best qualities of both laminate and vinyl flooring have been used to create hybrid. When it first hit the scene there were some issues with the clicking mechanisms, and the product was slow to really take off. But with new and improved designs, hybrid has fast become one of the most popular choices of flooring on the Sunshine Coast.
So, what makes it so popular? For starters, it's completely waterproof. This makes it an excellent choice for rooms that tend to have higher moisture levels, like your kitchen or laundry. You can even use it in bathrooms, although from an aesthetic point of view we don’t suggest it.
But there's more to hybrid than just its waterproof superpower. Hybrid flooring comes with a built-in underlay, which helps reduce noise (no more annoying tapping sounds underfoot) and simplifies installation. It is also extremely durable, with some of the higher-end hybrid floors carrying commercial ratings similar to a commercial vinyl (yes, the stuff you see in the kitchens at a restaurant).
Now let’s discuss laminate flooring
In most instances, laminate is a more economical choice. Laminate flooring is known for its resilience and easy installation process. Just like hybrid, laminate flooring offers a wide range of colours and styles, making it a versatile choice for different interior styles. It is important to note however, while it's resistant to scratches and general wear, laminate isn't fully waterproof.. in some cases you would be stretching the truth to even call it water-resistant, with entry-level laminate flooring being very susceptible to water damage.
What exactly happens when laminate flooring gets wet?
Well if the moisture is not removed, it will slowly penetrate the board, and you will be left with water damage in the form of what can most accurately be described as a bubble. The core layer of laminate is a high-density fibro. It is light, and durable, but it cannot handle moisture.
The water resistance qualities of laminate have drastically improved over the years. Gone are the days where you were scared to even sneeze around a laminate floor. However the moisture issue still exists, and it is a very important consideration to make.
In terms of cost, laminate flooring starts at approx $20.00 per m2, while hybrid flooring begins at approx $28.00 per m2 for entry level options. Keep in mind though, not all flooring is created equal. Factors like thickness, wear layer, acoustic qualities, and click-system will affect the price, and ultimately the quality of the product.
Installing your flooring.
In terms of installation, the two products are very similar. Both require a flare surface, and both require expansions-gaps to be left around the perimeter of the rooms they’re installed in. These gaps will be covered by either scotia or skirting boards. Proper expansion is very important when installing flooring on the Sunshine Coast, mostly due to humidity. Your Whala Pro can advise the best-case to allow for expansion in your home.
As both flooring types require a flat surface, the question that is very often asked is; can this flooring go over tiles? In most cases, the answer is yes. So long as the tiles were installed well, are not cracking, don’t have overly large grout lines, and there aren't any high or low points. If there are some imperfections in your tiles, your Whala Flooring Pro will be able to apply some floor-preparation to remedy them.
So, which option is the better choice?
The answer depends on your home, your lifestyle, and the purpose of the flooring. If you're looking for a forever-option for your forever-home, a high-quality hybrid floor is likely the best option for you. If you're seeking a cost-effective option for a space that isn’t exposed to too much water, like a home-office or rumpus room, laminate could be your go-to.
Obviously these aren’t the only two options available, so what else is there? We’ll give you a rapid-fire rundown on some of the other flooring options out there:
Vinyl Plank Flooring
High-quality vinyl planking is great, however installation is the let-down. Vinyl planking is thin and flexible, and can only be installed over a 100% perfect sub-floor. The chances of laying this flooring over tiles is very low, at least not without thousands of dollars worth of floor preparation.
Tiles
Almost all of us have lived on tiles at some point. Durable and waterproof, but also very cold and hard compared to floating floors. The cost of tiles is substantially higher, and the installation of tiles is a much bigger exercise. A Whala Pro Tiler can help if you’d like to explore tiles as an option.
Timber floors are stunning and timeless, and create a warmth like nothing else. However they need to be treated with care. If you have pets or a young family, timber might cause you more anxiety than it’s worth. It is prone to scratching and somewhat susceptible to damage from moisture. The cost of timber is considerably higher than both laminate and hybrid, but the price to install timber flooring is usually similar.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is a no-go, please don’t do it to yourself. And if you’re ever looking to purchase a property with existing bamboo floors, factor new flooring into the equation. Moisture, scratching, and mega-expansion are all huge issues with bamboo floors. Most retailers have taken them off the shelves.
There you have it, flooring in a nutshell. Remember, you don't have to make this decision on your own. The experts at Whala are ready and waiting to assist you in making the right choice of flooring for your Sunshine Coast home. They can take all the guesswork out of choosing between hybrid or laminate flooring, helping you select the perfect fit, and fitting it for you perfectly!
Get in touch with a Whala Flooring Pro today and make your flooring dreams a reality!
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