This is a very confusing area. What is a Hybrid? Well, if you could imagine Timber clip lock floors
were merged with a glue down Vinyl Plank…it would be a Hybrid. A Hybrid is a Vinyl Plank that clip
locks together. It does not have to be glued down. Which makes it a great option for floating over
ceramic tiles. However, any floor that floats i.e., not glued, must allow for expansion around the
perimeters. This can be obtained by either undercutting skirtings, removing skirtings, or simply
hiding the gap with a scotia trim that matches in with the floor. The vinyl layer on top is the same as
a glue down vinyl plank. Various qualities apply here.
If you are working with a good and even surface i.e., concrete, glue down vinyl planks would be the
way to go. They can be installed right up to the skirtings – no gaps …however some floor prep would
be advised. You can certainly install on timber floors as well, would need to use hardboard underlay
to glue onto.
All floors need to be inspected for floor preparation, even if you are floating over ceramic tiles. You
do not want a clip lock joint directly over the top of a ceramic tile grout line. This would add pressure
to the joint and can either become squeaky or simply crack and break. This applies to all clip lock
floors – Timber and Laminates too.
So basically it all depends on what your circumstances are…where are you laying this floor and what
prep do I have to do ?
