What is Hybrid Flooring?

Merriam-Webster defines “hybrid” as meaning “having or produced by a combination of two or more distinct elements : marked by heterogeneity in origin, composition, or appearance”. And that pretty well sums up Hybrid flooring. 

Hybrid flooring combines the gorgeous, natural aesthetic of hardwood, with durability and longevity previously reserved only for the realm of Laminate or Vinyl flooring. In other words – It’s the best of both worlds.  

How Is Hybrid Flooring Created? 

Our Hybrid flooring is crafted from a mixture of materials designed to provide maximum resilience and aesthetics. 

A 0.5mm UV and wear resistant top layer is born from PU coating that has been designed using superior imaging technology, with textures and edges that mimic the real look and feel of traditional hardwoods. 

This beautifully matte finished layer is then supported by a collection of environmentally friendly compounds which have been specially blended to provide a 100% waterproof guarantee, dent resistance and superior stability in all climatic conditions. 

The specific blend varies based on which collection you are purchasing from, but all Imagine Floors by Airstep Hybrid Flooring is low VOC, phthalate free and DIBT Certified and REACH Compliant, meaning it won’t release nasties into your home or the environment. 

What Design Options Are Available? 

Decors printed on Imagine Floors by Airstep Hybrid floors are designed to mimic Australian timbers and European Oaks with about twenty options. 

Those interested in paler designs, would most likely find what they are dreaming of amongst our three lightest shades: Glacier OakRift Oak and Windsor Oak

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Carob OakCappuccino OakJasper Oak and River Spotted Gum round out our deeper shades, with colour options available to suit any preferred tones or design. 

 

How Is Hybrid Flooring Installed? 

Hybrid flooring is considered a floating floor and therefore generally does not require fixation to the sub-floor. Regardless of which collection they fall under, Hybrid floors created by Imagine Floors can be laid over existing flooring and feature a built-in locking mechanism. 

This means that, when installed correctly, generally from left to right, your new Hybrid floorboards will happily click into place with minimal effort and stay locked to each other for years to come. 

You will find specific information on how to achieve this within the packaging, but essentially, your new Hybrid floorboards simply need to be slid into place with their micro-groves lined up and one angled upwards. Once your floorboards are in the desired position, simply lay the angled board down so it rests flat against your sub-floor and both pieces will lock together.  

What Kind Of Warranty Is Available? 

Imagine Floors Hybrid Flooring features a 0.5mm, commercial grade wear layer. This offers strong resistance against staining, fading, wear, and protection against hard impact, to the extent where we are pleased to be able to offer a lifetime residential warranty. 

Those considering our floors for commercial use can also sleep soundly at night, with a 15-year commercial warranty available on our Hybrid floorboards.  

If you’re imagining the possibilities, but still have a few questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer support team. Our goal is to help empower you to design the home of your dreams, so we are always happy to provide information and advice. 

PRE-ADHERED UNDERLAY

Good acoustic properties are important both for the health of your family and regulatory obligations. Quieter environments are better for everyone, so our Hybrid floors come with a pre-adhered underlay that helps ensure their acoustic compliance.

WATERPROOF SURFACE

Floors that feature a waterproof surface are a great choice for those worried about spills or other accidents in their home. Our Luxury Vinyl Plank floorboards and Hybrid floors feature an inherently waterproof surface thanks to their water-resistant construction, while our Laminate floors enjoy a waterproof surface thanks to their aluminium oxide wear layer.

 

In some cases – like with our Luxury Vinyl Plank floors and Hybrid flooring – a waterproof surface also means that floorboards are suitable for installation in wet areas such as bathrooms (excluding shower bases) and laundries. This allows for the creation of a seamless design throughout your entire home – a great perk for those who want consistency in their style. 

CLASS RATING 23

Hard floors are assigned a Class Rating based on their suitability for different situations.

 

When you see Class Rating 23 assigned to a floor, this means that it is suitable for installation in even the highest traffic areas of your home.

 

Class Rating 23 is the highest residential rating achievable and is applicable to most Imagine Floors by Airstep flooring collections.

CAMP HILL

Our Reclaimed Wild Oak Engineered Timber floors in colour Brushed Natural Oak looking impressive in a luxury display home in Camp Hill. Floors installed by retailer Flooring Creations.