Most hybrid flooring have a rigid core (SPC, WPC and EPC) which made from the water proof stone and plastic composite materials. Even all these materials to make hybrid flooring are water proof materials. However we call hybrid floors is highly water-resistant floorings. If the water go underneath of floor boards and stay long time, water may still damage the subfloors or underlays, then cause hybrid floor boards structure change after sunlight and room temperature change, like wrapping or bucking may still happen after. Comparing to other flooring like laminate which can swell quickly, and much more water resistant than engineered natural timber. If you notice water under your hybrid flooring, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage.
So the good maintenance is also very important. It will make your floors like new for many years.
We still recommend traditional tile for these wet area. If you have flood or water leaking, the water may go and stay underneath of floor boards, it takes long time to evaporate from the underneath. Water slowly can still damage subfloor or underlay attached with floor boards, then it may cause hybrid floors structure change like wrapping or bucking. But if only small amount of water drop above the hybrid, this will not cause any inconvenience, just mop them off.
Comparing traditional timber and laminate flooring, hybrid flooring use stone polymer composite material to make the boards structure more solid and stable. that means hybrid flooring boards density is much higher than traditional flooring. that is why you may feel the boards are very heavy even they are only 5mm, 6.5mm or 7mm thick. It is not necessary to make hybrid boards thicker as timber and laminate flooring. So since the year of 2018 to 2022, the hybrid floors on market are mostly about 5-7mm thick. From 2023, we start to supply 8mm, 9mm, and even 12mm thick boards as the hybrid floors have become the most popular flooring choice in Australia market.
Hybrid flooring is highly water-resistant, structure stable, and easy maintenance. However the strong direct sunlight, especially during the hot summer can cause the hybrid structure movement, bucking, and may peel the coating off as well. We recommend to use curtain, shutter or blinds to cover windows and clear ceiling during the hot days. Not just for hybrid flooring, the very strong sunlight in Australia can cause all type of timber, laminate and bamboo floors problems. Good care and maintenance can make your new floors last many years.