Hybrid Floor Installation – A Step by Step Guide

Hybrid floors are an excellent floor choice that combines multiple layers to create a strong board with many advantages. Aside from being durable and versatile, these floors are also easy to install due to their click-lock system. Find our step-by-step guide for hybrid floor installation.

First of all, what are hybrid floors?

Hybrid floors emulates the look and feel of real hardwood floorboards but are four layered floating floor boards made from a hard wearing top layer, a decorative layer, a core board and an acoustic underlay. They are made for durability, are water resistant and bring style to your home for a fraction of what hardwood floors would cost.

The core board in hybrid floors can be made from two different materials, Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) which is made from PVC and limestone, and Wood Plastic Composite (WPC), a board made from PVC and recycled wood. At Silver Trading Timber Flooring, we have chosen to only supply SPC floorboards due to the heightened durability and stability features that it has over WPC products.

Installing Hybrid Floors

Preinstallation

Prior to laying your boards, proper preparation of your subfloor will lead to the successful laying of your hybrid boards. As a floating floor, hybrid boards need to be installed on even surfaces in order to avoid future buckling or cracking. Any existing carpet or floating floors need to be removed and furniture taken out from the room. If you have an even finished floor such as concrete, tiles or plywood, the hybrid boards can be installed on top of these surfaces. However, this is not always recommended as it will not only add extra height to your floors but also run the risk of not being a completely even surface.

Aside from ensuring you have the right type of surface to lay your boards on, it’s essential that the area is free from dirt, oils and paints and is dry and clean. This will usually require sweeping, vacuuming or mopping before laying the first row of hybrid boards.

At this point, also take note of any obstructions, such as power outlets or columns that you will need to account for when cutting to size.

Remove existing skirting

Gently remove any existing skirting to allow room to lay your flooring, enabling the process to flow smoothly and fit the boards seamlessly.

Laying the boards

You will need the following tools:

-Drop saw

-Table saw

-Rubber mallet

-Utility knife

-Pencil

-Ruler

-Spacers

-Pull bar

-Tape measure

Hybrid floors already come with an underlay backing but some may choose to install extra underlay underneath the boards for their extra properties such as acoustic insulation. Silver Trading sells many types of underlay for various purposes – please contact us to find out more about our options.

To begin installation, start in the top left corner of the room by facing the long tongue side of the board away from the wall. Working from left to right, connect the short side of the boards to each other until you reach the wall on your right.

Make sure to use the spacer for uniform distancing from the walls to allow expansion gaps – usually between 6 and 10mm, depending on the climate.

A staggered end joint between each row is highly recommended for a more homogenous look. This can be done by cutting the first board of the row using a knife or saw.

To connect the second row to the first, insert the board grooves at a 30° angle into the tongue of the planks, then gently tap your rubber mallet to ‘lock’ it in. If installed correctly, the boards will sit flat and have no gaps.

Continue this process until you finish installing the whole room.

Reinstall the skirting

The final part of the process is to reinstall the skirting you removed at the beginning and add edge trims where necessary for a complete and neat look.

Ongoing Maintenance and Care

Now that you have done the hard work, keep it looking its best by following a few simple upkeep steps.

Your boards will wear well, usually for decades, when you regularly sweep, vacuum and mop any dirt or dust that builds up. Even though these boards are water resistant, managing any spills as soon as they happen will help you avoid any staining.

To further protect the boards from the elements, use blinds or curtains to ward off direct sunlight. This protects the boards from exposure to extreme changes in temperature and UV.

Professional Installation

Installation not for you? Our team of professional installers have got your back! Not only do they have all the knowledge and skills to do the job perfectly, they also know all about building codes and safety standards. Contact us today to purchase hybrid floors or our floor board and installation package.