Hybrid Floors Vs Hardwood Flooring – What should you choose?
In this current age, we are spoilt for choice when choosing flooring. To help you decide, we have compiled a list of pros and cons of two types of floors (hybrids and hardwood flooring) to help you determine what will give you the look, feel and longevity at a cost that is suitable for your needs.
First of all, what is hybrid flooring?
Hybrid floors are a relatively new invention that have risen in popularity in recent years. They are extremely versatile and combine advantages from laminates and luxury vinyl floors to create durable, water resistant and aesthetically pleasing boards. They are highly innovative and are composed of multiple layers – a hard wearing top layer, decorative layer, a stone/plastic composite core and backing, making this floor extremely unique and revolutionary for both homes and commercial spaces.
Stone composite boards (SPC) are much more durable and stable compared to wood composites (WPC) so Silver Trading purely sells SPC floorboards.
Benefits of Hybrid Flooring:
While hardwood timber planks are the pinnacle of luxury, the innovative engineering behind hybrid floors make it an extremely appealing option. Reasons include:
-Easy to install
Hybrid floors fall under the category of floating floors – these are boards that are connected with a click-lock system that can be installed over an existing surface. Floating boards are much easier to install than timber floors due to the click system as well as the preparation required before installation.
-Highly water resistant
These boards are highly water resistant – everyday spills are no longer a problem. This makes these floors highly attractive for families with children or pets.
-Durable
One of the great benefits of these boards is that they can be laid throughout the whole home – due to their durable nature, they can withstand all kinds of foot traffic.
-Cost-effective
These boards come at just a fraction of the cost of real hardwood floors. Due to their durable nature, they can easily last up to two decades or more without needing expensive maintenance.
-Low maintenance
Hybrid floors require little maintenance, especially when compared to timber boards. Simply cleaning regularly will keep your boards looking in top shape. If a panel needs replacing, the click system allows a single board to be replaced easily.
Cons of Hybrid Flooring:
Hybrid floors do not have many cons and are a solid choice for homes and commercial spaces. However, two concerns may be deal-breakers for those still love the look and feel of timber boards.
-May lack authenticity
The natural look and feel of timber boards is a well-loved design choice for homeowners. While hybrid planks emulate the authenticity well, they can sometimes be slightly off to a keen eye.
-Less solid than timber boards
Wooden boards are extremely solid and feel sturdy underfoot due to their thickness. Although hybrid planks are made up of 4 layers, they are likely to feel less solid than hardwood floors.
A Closer Look at Hardwood Timber Floors
Timber floor boards have been a feature of Australian homes for many generations. The warmth from the natural grains give homes a sophisticated yet comforting look that works with many styling choices.
While longevity and authenticity are amongst its benefits, its natural aging is what many homeowners love about this product in their homes.
Benefits of Timber Floors:
Hardwood timber floors are the pinnacle of luxury that also provide many other benefits that make it a classic flooring choice. These include:
-Lasts a lifetime
When well maintained by regularly cleaning and proper care, these boards can last a lifetime. Even if you neglect your floors, sanding them back and polishing them will add new life to your boards.
-Ages naturally
The beautiful natural aging process of timber boards gives them continual new life and is an absolute delight to have in your home.
-Aesthetically beautiful
When authentic hardwood floors have been done well (especially when the grain and natural tones are highlighted), they shine within the space and add so much sophistication and warmth.
-Easy to clean
A simple sweep and mop is all that is required in order to keep it looking tip-top.
-Natural acoustics
Timber boards have incredible natural acoustics as solid planks do not create any hollow sounds or vibrations.
Cons of Timber Flooring:
While the much-loved timber flooring has many positives, it also has a few shortcomings, especially when compared to hybrid planks. If you’re on the fence between timber and hybrid, these reasons may help you decide.
-More expensive than hybrid floors
The beautiful look of authentic hardwood timber comes at a steep cost. These floors are the most expensive flooring choice, not only at the initial purchase but over the years to come due to ongoing sanding and polishing requirements.
-Unsuitable for the whole home
While hybrid floors are suitable for the whole home, these boards are not. Timber floors should not be used in wet areas including bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. This means you will not be able to have a seamless look throughout your home or business.
-Requires refinishing
Timber floors scratch easily – especially when compared to the extra durable and scratch resistant hybrid floors. This means that every few years, owners will need to sand back the floors and re-apply stain/wax to give them new life and protection.
Still undecided which flooring option is right for you? Contact our team to find the best flooring option for your needs. We offer a range of both hybrid floors Sydney as well as authentic hardwood flooring at some of the cheapest prices in the industry.
Neither option works for you? Silver Trading also offers laminates and engineered floorboards. Contact us today for a complete flooring experience – we will help you through the entire process, from start to finish.
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