The benefits of hybrid and vinyl flooring.
Remember your grandparents’ kitchen floors? Geometric patterns in green, orange or brown, sharp strips of metal between joins, corners lifting and the worn-out spots from a chair being pushed in and out over years of use…? Fast forward a few decades and vinyl flooring has grown into a superior luxe product, with a big beautiful sister: hybrid. Waterproof, easy to maintain and install, the inclusion of a wood core in hybrid planks means the versatility, durability and beauty we’ve come to expect of vinyl has been ratcheted up a few notches. That wood core provides more rigidity, which in turn provides more stability against the Sunshine Coast variables of heat and moisture. Still not convinced your need hybrid or vinyl floor in your life? Read on…
Installation.
With the Coverings Sunshine Coast team on site, installation with either floor is straightforward, though each has different approaches. Vinyl floors are usually glued down to the concrete substrate. Depending on the condition of that substrate, the Coverings Sunshine Coast team will go through numerous steps to prepare a smooth and level surface before gluing the vinyl planks. With more strength thanks to the wood core, hybrid planks utilise a click-lock system requiring few if any adhesives. This rigidity also allows hybrids to be laid over some existing floors without fear of small bumps or lines (like tile grout lines) appearing, something the more flexible vinyl planks can be prone to.
Durability.
Everyday scratches and sunlight-induced fading are minimal with modern vinyl and hybrid floors. Additionally, when installed properly both types are waterproof, making them an excellent solution to high moisture areas such as the kitchen, bathrooms and any areas opening out to the pool. For those with children and pets, this is another positive: cleaning hybrid and vinyl floors are easy. A broom and mop or ultra-hygienic steam clean are both acceptable.
Style.
Aesthetically, hybrids and vinyl planks offer an outstanding alternative to hardwood floor. State-of-the-art technology like print layering, microprinting and bevelling produce flooring which is almost indiscernible from real hardwood. This also allows for greater flexibility in colours, plank width and design, ensuring your interior style is perfectly matched.
Regarding edging, vinyl can be laid directly to the skirting (2-3mm between substrate and skirting needed). Hybrids require an expansion joint, the skirting to be removed or a scotia (double skirt) to be installed to allow for the slight expansion and contraction of the wood core. This in itself can become a stylish feature of you home, and is used extensively in the Coastal and Hamptons aesthetic.
Underfoot feel.
Luxurious and comfortable, vinyl and hybrid planks have the look of hard wood without the hard pressure underfoot. Rather, underlay is often used when installing this type of flooring, which gives a softer, slight yielding feel as well as improving the acoustics for anyone on a level below. Hybrid planks impart an even greater level of luxe, with their wood core ensuring a premium feel: a deeper timbre and reverberation than vinyl is heard when walked across, but with the same supple feel.
Pet and Child Friendly.
Scratches and spills are common place with pets and children, something hybrid and vinyl floors are highly resistant to. Installed properly, these floors are waterproof. Being able to stand up to thorough cleaning, this type of flooring is excellent for allergy sufferers, smoothie droppers and excited ‘accident’ makers.
Affordability.
Both vinyl and hybrid floors are very cost-effective when compared to hardwood and polished concrete floor. Considering their durability, versatility in style and ultra-realistic wood look, they represent outstanding value at a very comfortable price point. Get in touch with the experts at the Coverings Sunshine Coast showroom for more details.
Feel the difference.
Our range of premium hybrid and vinyl flooring is wide and varied. To really see and feel just how wonderful this cost-effective floor is, come down to the showroom: we have numerous samples ready for you to explore. Convinced already? Call us to organise a free measure and quote.