Question 1

What is hybrid flooring?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid flooring, also known as engineered vinyl plank (EVP), is a fixture that combines the durability of vinyl with the toughness and visual appeal of laminate flooring. Cairns hybrid floors have three layers, including:

Waterproof core: This layer features a high-density fibreboard (HDF) or a stone-plastic composite (SPC), whose moisture-resistant properties make it ideal for high-moisture areas, such as kitchens, laundry rooms, guest toilets, and entryways.
Decorative layer: This printed vinyl design layer makes Cairns hybrid flooring planks have their realistic, striking appearance. Whether you prefer wood-grain designs, stone or tile visuals, timber-stone combinations, herringbone patterns, or 3D printed textures, the decorative layer’s visual appeal delivers a high return on investment.
Protective wear layer: This layer’s clear urethane component effectively resists scratches and offers long-term durability, protecting the two other layers from long-term wear and tear.

Experienced professionals consider hybrid timber flooring in Cairns a versatile, practical, low-maintenance, resilient, and easy-to-install fixture. Whether installing hybrid flooring in your residential, commercial, or industrial property, its durability and long lifespan provide good value for money.

Regardless of your preference, hybrid flooring can transform high-traffic areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways, and significantly enhance long-term property value.

Question 2

How do I lay hybrid flooring?

Accepted Answer

We recommend following these steps to lay hybrid flooring: Prepare the subfloor: Clean, dry, and flatten the subfloor. Remove old, decayed flooring and sand down high spots. Use a levelling compound to eliminate cracks and fill subfloor voids. Measure the room's area: Use a laser distance meter to measure the floor area and determine the allotted space for your hybrid flooring. Plan: Arrange the hybrid flooring layout to prevent tiny pieces from jutting out at the edges. Acclimatise the flooring: Open the hybrid flooring boxes and allow the fixture to adjust to the room's temperature and humidity for 48 hours. It's important to note that this strategy helps prevent post-assembly expansion and contraction, ensuring a seamless fit. Assemble the underlayment: If your fixture requires an underlayment, we strongly recommend following the instructions of your Cairns hybrid floor supplier. Choose an underlayment (typically foam, cork, or acoustic underlay) that's compatible with your preferred hybrid floor. Next, lay the underlayment along the room's length, ensuring the textured side is facing down. Butt the edges securely together and use a utility knife to shape the flooring around doorways, corners, and obstacles. If your hybrid flooring isn't self-adhesive, tape it along the seams. Do not use nails or staples unless your manufacturer allows it. Check for any wrinkles or folds to ensure a smooth installation of the best hybrid flooring in Cairns. Install the first row: Lay your hybrid flooring along the room's longest wall, ensuring that the tongue side is facing it. Place spacers between the floor and the wall to create an expansion gap. Cut the last plank: Measure and cut the last plank in the row to leave a small gap, ensuring a seamless fit. Assemble the next rows: Install the next rows, assembling each one that measures at least 30 cm. Keep the end joints at least 15 cm apart and use a tapping block and rubber mallet to connect the planks, leaving the recommended expansion gaps. Cut the last row: Measure and cut the last row, and leave the recommended expansion gap to ensure an excellent fit. Insert transition strips: Place transition strips at doorways or areas where hybrid flooring and other floor types meet. These strips prevent tripping, enhance indoor safety, and improve long-term visual appeal. Install baseboards and trim: Install the baseboards and trim them to seal the expansion gaps around the room's edges. Sanitise: Remove the spacers and eliminate debris from your hybrid flooring.

Question 3

How to clean hybrid flooring?

Accepted Answer

We recommend following these steps to clean cheap hybrid floors in Cairns: Sweep or vacuum often: We recommend sweeping your hybrid floor two to three times weekly or every day in high-traffic areas. Consider vacuuming your flooring once a week or more frequently in heavily-used rooms or homes with pets. Wipe spills immediately: Wipe spills immediately with a damp cloth or a mop to prevent accidents and long-term damage to your hybrid flooring. Use a hybrid flooring-friendly cleaner: Use a mild pH-neutral cleaner to clean hybrid flooring. Dilute it with water and mop the fixture following your manufacturer's recommendations. Avoid using excess water, as this can damage hybrid flooring. Avoid harsh cleaners: Harsh cleaners, such as bleach or ammonia, can compromise your hybrid flooring's long-term structural integrity. Use a microfibre mop: A microfibre mop is gentle on hybrid flooring, preventing scratches and streaks and leaving it immaculate and unblemished. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the surface thoroughly with water to remove residue. Dry the surface: Use a clean mop or a towel to dry your hybrid flooring. We recommend placing furniture pads, especially under large fixtures, to prevent scratches and marks on the floor.

Question 4

What materials make up hybrid flooring?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturers combine the materials of premium vinyl and laminate to create hybrid flooring, whose four layers include:

Rigid core layer: This layer, which is made of either wood-plastic composite (WPC) or stone-plastic composite (SPC), makes hybrid flooring stable, durable, and waterproof.
Decorative layer: This layer resembles natural wood, stone, or tile using high-resolution images, enhancing hybrid flooring’s visual appeal.
Wear layer/protective top layer: This transparent protective coating provides scratch, stain, and UV resistance.
Underlayment: Some manufacturers equip hybrid flooring with a pre-attached foam or acoustic underlay to reduce noise and enhance comfort.

Manufacturers use heat and pressure to fuse these layers together and create a single flooring, ensuring long-term stability, durability, and reliability.

Question 5

How can I safely cut PVC hybrid flooring?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend wearing goggles, earplugs (or earmuffs), and a dust mask to protect you from dust or debris while cutting hybrid flooring.

You can cut hybrid flooring by following these steps:

AS/NZS 1337 eye and face protection: This Australian standard recommends wearing goggles, face shields, or visors to prevent eye or facial injuries.
AS/NZS 1716 respiratory protective devices: Under this Australian standard, individuals cutting hybrid flooring must use filters or respirators to protect their respiratory health.
Use the recommended tools: We recommend using a hybrid floor guillotine to cut your flooring. Alternatively, you can use a circular saw, a jigsaw, or a hand saw if you don’t have one. Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for cutting hybrid flooring.
Measure and mark the SPC: Use a measuring tape to estimate the hybrid flooring’s length. Use a straight edge or a square to draw a straight line on the cutting mark afterwards.
Secure the SPC: Use clamps or a vice attached to a workbench or sawhorse to stabilise the hybrid flooring for smooth, precise cutting.
Cut slowly and carefully: Cut the flooring carefully along the marked line. Meticulous cutting helps preserve the flooring’s material and structural integrity.

Question 6

Is hybrid flooring toxic?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturers consider hybrid flooring safe and non-toxic. However, it’s important to note that large quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in sealants and adhesives can compromise respiratory function.

For this reason, we recommend using low-VOC or VOC-free products, ensuring good room ventilation, and wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks or respirators, when installing hybrid flooring.

Question 7

Is hybrid flooring waterproof?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid flooring is a durable, water-resistant fixture. Its rigid core layer, made from materials such as HDF or SPC, is designed to block water from seeping into the core and causing long-term damage. On the other hand, the core layer protects the flooring from moisture and water damage and provides long-term stability.

Hybrid flooring’s water-resistant properties are perfect for high-traffic, moisture-prone environments, such as kitchens, guest bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

However, it’s important to note that this fixture isn’t 100% waterproof, meaning excess water can seep into the seams and damage it. We recommend using the precise amount of water recommended by your manufacturer and wiping spills immediately to preserve your hybrid flooring.

Question 8

Can you lay hybrid flooring over tiles?

Accepted Answer

You can install hybrid flooring over existing tile flooring. Following our recommended guidelines ensures a smooth installation: Tile condition: Check the condition of the tiles. Fix or replace cracked, chipped, or damaged tiles before installing hybrid flooring. Surface flatness: Manufacturers recommend installing hybrid floors on flat surfaces. If your tiled surface is uneven, apply a self-levelling compound to flatten it. Floor height: Installing hybrid flooring on tiles will raise the floor height. For this reason, consider checking adequate clearance for doors, skirting boards, and other fixtures. Tile type: Some tiles may not be suitable for adhesion to hybrid flooring, such as those with polished or glazed surfaces. We recommend using a primer or a levelling compound to strengthen the bond between the tiles and the flooring. Assembly technique: Your choice of installation technique (floating or glue-down) depends on the condition of the tiles and your preferred finish. Consult a professional installer to determine the appropriate method for your indoor area.

Question 9

Can you use a steam mop on hybrid flooring?

Accepted Answer

We don't recommend using a steam mop on hybrid flooring. Its heat, pressure, and moisture can harm the flooring's top protective layer, leading to warping or peeling over the long term. Instead of using a steam mop, we recommend these best practices for cleaning hybrid flooring: Regular cleaning: Sweep hybrid flooring with a soft-bristle broom two to three times weekly. Vacuum the flooring once a week for general maintenance. Busier areas or homes with pets require more frequent cleaning. Mopping: Use a damp mop and a mild hybrid flooring solution once every one to two weeks. Ensure you mop the floor with the recommended amount of water. Spills: Wipe spills immediately with a soft cloth to prevent stains and long-term damage. Furniture considerations: Attach felt pads, rubber caps, or silicone guides under the legs of chairs, tables, and sofas to prevent scratches, dents, and scuff marks. Consider placing rugs in high-traffic areas, such as under dining tables or sofas, to protect hybrid flooring. No toxic cleaners: Always use a mild, manufacturer-recommended hybrid flooring cleaning solution. Avoid harsh cleaning solutions, which can harm the flooring's wear layer. Always follow your manufacturer's cleaning guidelines to achieve the best outcomes.

Question 10

Does hybrid flooring expand and contract?

Accepted Answer

Temperature fluctuations and humidity can cause hybrid flooring to expand or contract over time. Nevertheless, its stone-plastic composite (SPC) makes it more stable than laminate or hardwood flooring.

Always acclimatise your hybrid flooring to the room temperature for two days before installation. This strategy allows the flooring to adjust to the prevailing humidity and ensure a seamless fit.

We recommend leaving expansion gaps measuring 5 mm around the room’s perimeter for spaces up to 30m² and 8 mm for larger ones, allowing the flooring to naturally expand or contract and prevent warping or buckling.

Question 11

How thick is hybrid flooring?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid flooring is usually thinner than its timber or hardwood counterparts. However, it’s often thicker than vinyl or laminate flooring. The thickness of hybrid floors hinges on the brand and product type and typically ranges from 5 mm to 9 mm.

Knowing the thickness range of each hybrid flooring layer allows homeowners to determine the appropriate depth for their indoor spaces:

Wear layer: This top layer, which can resist stains and scratches, usually measures 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm thick.
Design layer: This is the thinnest layer featuring eye-catching wood, stone, tile, or contemporary designs that enhance the flooring’s visual appeal.
Core layer: This is the thickest layer, which measures between 3 mm and 7 mm. The core layer stabilises hybrid flooring and prevents long-term moisture damage.
Underlay: Some manufacturers equip hybrid flooring with an underlay to enhance underfoot comfort and reduce noise.

Question 12

Is hybrid flooring better than laminate?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid and laminate flooring's durability and versatility resonate with many Australian homeowners. It's important to note that each customer has unique preferences and needs, so neither option is better than the other. Critical factors to consider when choosing between hybrid and laminate flooring include: Resilience: Hybrid flooring's impressive water resistance makes it more durable than laminate flooring. Since hybrid flooring combines the best features of laminate and other flooring types, it can withstand scratches and moisture. For this reason, hybrid flooring is ideal for busy, high-moisture areas, such as kitchens, laundry rooms, guest bathrooms, and homes with pets. Assembly: Both hybrid and laminate flooring are easy to assemble. However, the former is more ideal for areas with fluctuating temperatures or humidity. Visual appeal: Both flooring types can closely resemble natural timber or stone. Laminate flooring's photographic layer and hybrid flooring's design layer serve the same purpose. They use high-resolution images to mimic various elements, enhance realism, improve visual appeal, and mesh seamlessly with the indoor theme. Cost: Although laminate is more affordable than hybrid flooring, the latter's premium water resistance and resilience provide a high return on investment. Comfort: Hybrid flooring's multiple layers significantly reduce noise and improves underfoot comfort, making it ideal for homeowners who stand frequently. Although laminate flooring remains a cost-effective alternative, hybrid flooring's versatility, resilience, and water resistance offer excellent value for money.

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Frequently Asked Questions