With so many different forms, styles and designs, picking your flooring material can be a tricky decision. From ceramic tile to laminate, engineered timber to carpet, the range of choice is enormous. Here we break down what the difference is between two popular flooring options – hybrid or engineered – to help you make the right decision for your home or business.
● Hybrid flooring combines the best features of laminate and vinyl flooring. It’s available in a wide range of designs, is 100% waterproof and very affordable.
● Engineered flooring has a high content of real hardwood, so the beauty and character of real wood is able to shine through; making this a very popular option for people who want an elegant, eco-friendly and durable flooring option. Both types of flooring have pros and cons, so it’s important to identify your needs and weigh up your budget, tastes and lifestyle before making a choice.
DURABILITY:
There’s not a lot between these two materials when it comes to durability – they’re both very durable and stable and will last for years, provided you take care of them. This being said, hybrid floor’s surface is known to be more slightly more durable than engineered flooring. This is because the upper layer of engineered flooring is made from a thin layer of natural hardwood, so it’s more vulnerable to dents and scratches, while a hybrid floor has a UV coated top layer. For this reason, hybrid flooring is more suited to high traffic areas, as well as bathrooms and kitchens, as it’s also 100% waterproof.
APPEARANCE:
When it comes to price, engineered timber is more expensive than hybrid flooring. This is due to the more complicated engineering process, which involves the layering of natural hardwood on top of several layers of plywood. This gives engineered timber a natural wood appearance, without being quite as expensive as a natural wood option. Hybrid, meanwhile, often lacks the authenticity of real wood. So if your main aim is to replicate an elegant wood look without the hefty price tag, engineered timber could be the way to go – particularly in areas where you don’t get quite as much foot traffic.
INSTALLATION
Both flooring options are relatively easy to install, compared to some other types, with click-and-lock options and the ability to “float” the floor over your current floor (so your existing floor becomes the subfloor). Engineered flooring does tend to provide more variety when it comes to installation and keep in mind that hybrid can be harder to handle. When installing, don’t cut corners or rush the process. If in doubt; hire a professional to make things easy for yourself and to ensure your brand new flooring lasts.
So which one should I choose?
Making the choice between engineered and hybrid flooring comes down to personal preference – ask yourself what you want the overall look of your home to be, the function each room performs and the budget you have to work with and go from there. If you need help deciding, feel free to contact the friendly team at Ace Timber Floor Solutions and we can provide the guidance you need.