Which product is right for me? With so much conflicting information available, the decision can be overwhelming. In New Zealand, laminate and hybrid (SPC) floors have become popular choices due to their durability, affordability, and aesthetic appeal. This article will delve into the composition, advantages, and disadvantages of each flooring type to help you with your decision. 

What is Laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer product designed to mimic the appearance of natural wood. It consists of:

• Wear Layer: A clear, protective top layer that provides durability and resistance to fading, scratches and stains. 
• Design Layer: A high-resolution, textured photographic layer that replicates the look of real wood.
• Core Layer: Made of high-density fibre board (HDF), this layer provides the stability and strength. 
• Backing Layer: A moisture-resistant layer that provides additional stability and protection against cupping or warping.

Laminate floors are laid ‘floating’, meaning they are not glued to the subfloor. The boards have a locking system on all edges and are clipped together. Laminate floors are laid on top of a 2mm underlay.  

Laminate planks usually range between 8 and 10mm total thickness and board widths and lengths vary between brands.

What is Hybrid (SPC) Flooring? 

Hybrid flooring, also known as Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) combines the features of vinyl and laminate flooring. Its main components include: 

• Wear Layer: A durable, transparent layer that protects against wear and tear.
• Decorative Layer: A printed vinyl layer that offers a variety of designs, textures and patterns to create the look of stone or timber. 
• Core Layer: A rigid core made of limestone composite and polymer.
• Underlayment: An attached acoustic underlayment that reduces sound and adds comfort underfoot. 

Hybrid floors are laid ‘floating’, meaning they are not glued to the subfloor. The boards have a locking system on all edges and are clipped together. Hyrbrid floors have a built in underlay which comes fixed to the bottom of the board.  

Hybrid planks range in thickness between 6 and 8mm thick. Board widths and lengths vary between brands.  

Advantages and Disadvantages 

Laminate Flooring

Advantages:

• Price: Slightly more affordable than hybrid flooring.
• Durability: Highly resistant to scratches and dents, suitable for high-traffic areas, family homes with pets. More durable than hybrid. 
• Dimensional stability: Expands and contracts less than hybrid floors when exposed to big changes temperature making it more suitable for high sun areas 
• Better fade resistance: Better for high sun areas 

Disadvantages: 

• Water Resistance: Most quality laminate floors now come with a surface guaranteed as being water proof  (waterproof warranty durations vary product to product). However if the HDF core is exposed to water in a flood event the floor will be damaged. We don’t recommend this product for bathrooms. 
• Slippery on stairs: Some brands are worse than others 

Hybrid (SPC) Flooring 

Advantages: 

• Waterproof: Ideal for bathrooms and wet areas

Disadvantages: 

• Price: Generally, more expensive than laminate flooring.
• Dimensional stability: Expands and contracts with changes in temperature. This amount of expansion can be hard to allow for in large, sunny rooms. We don’t recommend this product for large, high sun areas.
• Can fade: As a general rule, laminate’s have slightly better fade resistance than hybrids.

What areas are these products suitable for? 

Laminate Flooring: Best suited for living and dining rooms and kitchens. It requires a dry, flat subfloor. 

Hybrid (SPC) Flooring: Bathrooms, laundries, toilets. Living, dining rooms and kitchens with low levels of direct sunlight. 

Floor Preparation Requirements 

Both products require a clean, dry, and flat subfloor. Floors must be within 3mm of flat over a 3m distance. Can be laid over existing flooring in some instances. 

If you are unsure if either of these products would be suited to your subfloor we recommend getting an obligation free assessment and quote enabling you to get an idea on what product is best suited to your space, and also get an idea the amount of floor preparation is required. 

Hybrid & Laminate Comparison Chart

Conclusion

Choosing between laminate and hybrid (SPC) flooring depends on your specific needs, budget and the areas of your home you’re renovating. Laminate flooring is a cost-effective choice that can handle pets, families, high traffic and high sun areas. On the other hand, hybrid flooring provides superior water resistance, so is a good option for wet areas.

One thing to remember is that while hybrid floors may seem to be a safer bet due to the product being completely waterproof, in the event of a flood your flooring will likely have to come up anyway especially if the subfloor is made of wood. For more detailed advice and a wide selection of flooring options, visit your local retailer for expert advice and ask for an obligation free quote.