If you have been in the market for flooring, Hybrid has become a popular choice for consumers for many reasons.

As the name implies, hybrid flooring is a fusion of technologies that takes design elements from both Vinyl Plank and Laminate Flooring. This combination results in a flooring option that combines some of the best aspects of vinyl and laminate while eliminating some downsides.

Benefits of Hybrid Flooring

Hybrid flooring offers a wide range of benefits including:

  • Waterproof – Unlike the most laminate, hybrid flooring is designed to be 100% waterproof, making it an excellent option for busy households or businesses.
  • Versatility – Hybrid flooring can be installed over existing subfloors and tiled floors.
  • Durable – Thanks to a rigid core and Polyurethane PVC Wear Layer, hybrid planks are resistant to dents, stains, UV damage, and scratches. If you have kids, heavy foot traffic, or pets, it is certainly a strong option to consider.
  • Appearance – Created using eye-catching imaging technology, hybrid planks feature edges, textures, and colours that mimic the feel and look of timber without the drawbacks.
  • Comfort – Rigid core construction makes hybrid flooring thicker and denser than traditional vinyl. The attached underlay will also help to add an additional layer of sound absorption and comfort.
  • Sound – Hardwood and laminate floors can create a hollow sound when walked on. Rigid core technology helps ensure a solid step that produces less sound with hybrid flooring.
  • Easy Maintenance and Cleaning – Just like laminate and vinyl, hybrid flooring is easy to maintain and clean just with regular spot cleaning, sweeping, and a weekly deep clean.

While these benefits are certainly noteworthy, hybrid flooring offers another advantage: it is user-friendly. It is common for individuals to install hybrid flooring themselves, allowing them to save on the cost of professional installation.

Let’s take a look at some of the general guidelines for DIY hybrid flooring installation to help you determine if it is a good option for you.

Kerri Day
Kerri Day
1597757820
We ordered the Beaufloor hybrid flooring and it was shipped really quickly. We installed in the whole house and it is amazing. Feels terrific and looks great. Much better than expected. Online flooring store has really good service and answered all my questions. Thanks so much. 👍
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DIY Hybrid Flooring Installation – The Basic Preparation

  1. Inspect Your Materials
  2. Prep Subfloors Before Hybrid Flooring Installation
  3. Gather the Proper Tools
  4. Measure Your Space and Consider the Finished Look

1. Inspect Your Materials

Prior to installation, it is important to look over your flooring and make sure it is free of any imperfections or defects. Put any boards to the side with damaged joins or blemished. You will use these against walls or where cuts are required, as boards will need to be cut to finish certain areas of your floor.

 

2. Prep Subfloors Before Hybrid Flooring Installation

Ensure your subfloor is dry, free of imperfections, and level. An uneven subfloor will lead to premature damage and an unstable feel in your hybrid flooring. It is also important to make sure your subfloor has had time to completely cure if it is concrete (this generally takes about 60 days from the time the concrete is poured).

Be sure to confirm that your subfloor and site conditions are compliant with all installation requirements.

 

3. Gather the Proper Tools

Power saw

Some helpful tools for DIY flooring installation include:

  • Chalk line
  • Pull bar or pry bar
  • Tape measure
  • Tapping block (a piece of trimmed flooring)
  • Pencil
  • Metal Straightedge
  • Stanley Knife with Sharp Blades
  • Jigsaw
  • 3M Scotch-Blue 2080 Tape

Tip: If you’re unsure which tools you need, we recommend visiting your local Bunnings or other hardware store for further advice.

 

4. Measure Your Space and Consider the Finished Look

Before the actual installation, it is important to measure the room and visualize the finished result you desire. This blog provides four easy methods for measuring floor space

For the best visual appeal, planks in the final row should be at least 1/3 of the width of the plank. Because of this, planks in the first row may need to be cut to a smaller size. 

Move the boards around to create different layouts until you find a pleasant mix of shades and an appealing look.

Hybrid Flooring Installation Guide

'Do It Yourself' Hybrid Flooring
Installation Guide

Download Guide

 

5. Follow the Instructions

Every hybrid floor has an installation guide. These are usually in or on the product’s boxing and can be downloaded from our website.

It is important to read this guide prior to installation and follow the manufacturer’s requirements at all times. This will ensure the best results for your floor and the continuation of your warranty.

 

Tips for Maintaining Your Hybrid Flooring After Installation

Young woman vacuuming floor

Our high-quality flooring is designed to provide lasting beauty and durability when cared for properly.

 

Following the installation of your hybrid flooring, it is important to keep a few tips in mind:

  • Dust, mop, or vacuum your floor regularly to rid it of any dirt or debris
  • Use hardboard runways or an appliance hand truck to transport any furniture onto the floor
  • Avoid lengthy exposure to direct sunlight by using drapes or blinds to block the sun during peak hours
  • Use non-staining mats (rubber may cause the floor to become discoloured)
  • Use non-staining floor protectors to equip furniture and large appliances with felt pads or large surfaces.
  • Use mats at entrances to help prevent debris from being tracked onto your hybrid flooring.
  • Turn the beater bar off when using your vacuum, and avoid electric brooms
  • Clean up spills right away
  • Avoid harsh cleaners or chemicals – Use a PH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner, and follow the instructions.

 

Final Thoughts

While this is not a comprehensive guide to DIY hybrid flooring installation, we hope this gives you a good idea of what to expect.

We look forward to hearing your feedback and answering any questions you might have.