Hybrid Flooring Cost Guide – 2023 Sydney & NSW

Hybrid flooring is the leading-edge technology of waterproof wood-look flooring, and is surprisingly much more affordable than you might expect. Combining the durability of laminate and waterproofing of vinyl flooring, hybrid flooring is arguably one of the best flooring options in the market for value. It provides a smooth, luxurious and premium look to your modern Australian home.

In this article, we will break down the cost of purchasing, installing and maintaining hybrid flooring. Furthermore, we’ll provide a brief cost comparison with similar flooring options.

What is Hybrid Flooring?

There are two types of hybrid floors available – stone-plastic composite (SPC) and wood-plastic composite (WPC). SPC is slightly more affordable and durable, however WPC options are more comfortable underfoot. Hybrid flooring is made up of four main layers:

1. UV Wear Layer – A thin surface coating of (usually) aluminium oxide which protects the print layer from sunlight and scratches.
2. Print Layer – Advance print and embossing technology allows us to replicate the look and feel of real solid timber.
3. Composite Core Layer – 100% waterproof materials consisting of either a stone-plastic composite or wood plastic composite. This layer helps to strengthen the floorboards, thus improving durability of hybrid flooring.
4. Pre-attached Underlay – A Sound-proofing foam/ rubber layer is pre-attached to the core in order to reduce noise transmission. This is especially important if you live in an apartment or building with strict strata policies. This saves costs upon installation as separate underlay purchases are not needed.

If you would like to learn more, check out our Ultimate Guide to Hybrid Flooring. Here are some samples from our popular Marvel Hybrid SPC range:

Dieskau	Blackbutt	Spotted Gum	Brown Land

Hybrid Flooring Cost

The cost of hybrid costing in Sydney in 2021 is listed below. (Source: ATFA & FloorVenue Research Team)

Cost of Purchasing Hybrid Floors

There are a vast range of hybrid floors available in the market at various price points, which depend on the brand, thickness and quality. The cost of hybrid flooring will usually cost between $35-$60 per square metre for supply only. Be careful of manufacturers who charge below this price range, be sure to check basic information including warranty and specifications of the floorboards.

Cost of Installing Hybrid Floors

The cost of installation depends on the installer you employ, or whether you decide to do it yourself. Cost of installation is generally around $30 per square metre for floating floor installation. As direct stick installation is more complicated and requires adhesives, the cost will generally be higher at around $40 per square metre. 

If the subfloor is not very even, it will be necessary to do a subfloor levelling job which can incur extra costs. The prices vary significantly depending on the subfloor situation and will likely require an expert to conduct an on-site inspection. The majority of hybrid floors have a maximum threshold of 2mm difference across one diameter of subfloor. One in three homes in Sydney require some form of subfloor levelling jobs when installing hybrid flooring. Whether you will make cost savings is dependent on the evenness of your subfloor, as hybrid flooring installation requires a very even subfloor.

Hybrid flooring is also DIY friendly, which means you can convert the monetary cost into time by installing the floorboards yourself. If this interests you, feel free to check out our Beginners Guide to Installing Hybrid Flooring.

Cost of Maintenance

Hybrid floors usually have an expected life time of around 10 to 15 years. Repairs and replacements are relatively easy due to the fact that it is a floating floor. The damaged plank(s) can easily be taken out if damage occurs to specific areas. Most ordinary floorboard replacements will cost between $600 to $1200 for most small projects. Cost of maintaining hybrid floors will vary significantly depending on what strategies you choose to implement in your home. 

However, here are some recommended basics: 

• It will be wise to invest in some exterior doormats at the entrances to prevent any extra dirt or grime that shoes will have from coming into the house and causing damage to the floor.
• If you do not have one already, using a vacuum and a mop to clean the floor occasionally will be very beneficial for removal of loose dirt which can scratch the planks. Any stains and scuff marks which may occur can also be removed with a diluted alcohol rub.
• You may also choose to install a blind system or tint your windows to minimise prolonged exposure of the floor to direct sunlight. This is to minimise the risk of discolouration which may occur as a result of overexposure to sunlight and cause the planks to lose their authentic timber look.

How Long Does Hybrid Flooring Last?

Hybrid floors can typically last around 10-15 years with the appropriate care and reasonable amount of wear and tear in a residential environment. As they are fully waterproof, you won’t have to worry about the plethora of humidity and leakage risks which wood type floors come with. Most warranties will be valid for this timeframe, however be sure to check with your manufacturer before purchasing. 

Image courtesy of Stonefloor

Hybrid Flooring vs Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring, like hybrid flooring, is also a 100% waterproof flooring solution. It is made of polyvinyl chloride. Vinyl sheet flooring is most commonly used in commercial areas such as schools, labs or hospitals due to its ability to be installed with sealing properties. As such, no harmful chemicals or dirt can go through gaps and damage the subfloor.

Vinyl floors are also similarly priced for supply at $35-$50 per square metre, however their installation price is higher at $30-$50 per square metre as vinyl flooring is required to be glued down and sealed. There are also floating vinyl planks which cost $25 – $30 per square metre to lay.

Hybrid flooring can cost around $40 for supply, however, installation costs will be cheaper at $30 per square meter if you install them as a floating floor.

Hybrid floors are also generally thicker than vinyl planks for increased comfort and foot feel when you walk across. In the end, it is about your individual circumstances. Vinyl flooring is geared towards a commercial environment, whilst hybrid flooring can be ideal for a typical residential home.

Hybrid Flooring vs Laminate Flooring

Water resistant vs waterproof — that’s the biggest differentiation between laminate floors and hybrid floors out there. Laminate flooring is water-resistant, meaning it can become damaged by being exposed to liquids. Hybrid flooring is not water-sensitive, offering greater durability with 100% waterproof capabilities. However, laminate flooring is able to better recreate a hand scraped, authentic texture in their planks.

Cost Comparison – Hybrid flooring is more expensive at $35 to $60 per square metre, while laminate flooring is the more cost effective option at $20 to $50 per square metre. Installation can also be more expensive for hybrid flooring if you opt for a direct stick method instead of a floating floor method.

Overall, it is more about what the aims for your floor are. Take into account your individual circumstances in order to make an informed decision between the two floor types.

Hybrid Flooring Cost Comparison

*Note that MDF Scotia is usually offered at most flooring retailers which can substitute for skirting at a much lower price, usually beneath $5 per metre*