To know the answer to this question, you first need to know the difference between the terms water-resistant, waterproof, and flood-proof.

When a material is water-resistant, it can withstand water and other spills for a certain period of time, but the liquid will eventually permeate the surface of the material and cause issues. When something is waterproof, it can also withstand daily spills and small puddles, but the water will never permeate the surface, no matter how long the liquid remains on the surface.

Being flood-proof is a different matter. If large amounts of water or other liquids are spilled and not immediately cleared away, and the cracks between the planks have not been sealed, the liquid will seep into a waterproof floor and get beneath it. If your home experiences flooding or standing water for an extended period of time, it becomes possible you will need to replace your luxury vinyl plank flooring before any major damages can set in. Thus, luxury vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, but like all flooring options not flood-proof.

This waterproof feature sets vinyl plank flooring apart from laminate and hardwood options. Because it is completely synthetic, vinyl plank flooring is able to resist penetration of water and avoid the buckling and warping that can occur with laminate and hardwood flooring that has been exposed to water for a prolonged period of time. In fact, you can submerge a piece of luxury vinyl plank in water and it will come out looking exactly the same. Waterproof vinyl flooring is also more resistant to mold and mildew, though as we’ve mentioned, flooding will likely cause mold and damage to the sub floor eventually, which is why replacement may be required in that instance.

If you’re looking for a durable, low-maintenance flooring solution that is easy to clean and maintain, vinyl plank floors are an excellent choice. The best way to keep it looking like new is by regularly sweeping or vacuuming, followed by mopping with a mild detergent and warm water. For tougher stains, use a soft cloth dampened with the same solution and gently scrub the area until the stain disappears. With no grout lines to trap dirt you can spend less time cleaning and more time living!

Yes, a huge advantage of vinyl plank flooring is its ease of replaceability. As it is not held together with an interlocking mechanism like floating floor options, singular pieces can be changed quickly without disturbing multiple rows and areas of your floor. This is seen as a big selling point for landlords, pet owners, young families or anyone who just doesn't want to live their life stressing about their floor!

No, because vinyl plank does not require a gap for expansion and contraction like hardwood or floating floors it does not require scotia or skirting. This offers another benefit at existing kitchen cabinetry where a sleeker finish can be produced. That said skirting boards are a functional way to protect your walls from damage and do look fantastic. We can recommend reputable businesses to provide quotations for this service.

No, because vinyl plank is a malleable product the grout lines may show over time and affect the adhesive's ability to maintain an adequate bond. We can remove any of your existing floor tiles or with the use of priming and self leveling compounds prepare them in a way that is flat and ready for installation.

There is no short, right or wrong answer to this question. Both products have their pros and cons and all must be understood and considered to find the right floor for your home.

Hybrid is a floating floor with an interlocking mechanism that is more rigid than LVP. It is waterproof, comes in a wide range of colors, is durable, easy to maintain and faster to install than LVP. Some products have the added advantage of being able to be installed straight over existing tiles without voiding manufacturer warranties.

Luxury vinyl plank is a glue down floor which is also waterproof, available in a wide range of colors, durable, easy to maintain, soft and beautifully quiet underfoot.

Both products have good insulating properties and are relatively warm under foot.

• Some advantages of LVP over Hybrid:
  

• Sound - LVP is hands down quieter especially under the paws of our four legged friends. Hybrid being a floating floor does predispose it to have the infamous "click clack" sound.
  

• No expansion gap - Because LVP does not require an expansion gap it can be cut neatly to kitchen cabinetry, tile trims, carpet trims and existing skirting boards. Most people consider this to be a sleeker, more seamless look particularly in the kitchen where scotia can look slightly cheap and become a trap for dirt and dust.
  

• Replicability - Because LVP does not interlock individual pieces can be replaced quickly with no need to remove skirting and multiple rows of flooring. This can save a great deal of time and possibly expense of hiring a contractor.
  

• Stability - LVP adheres directly to the subfloor and feels very stable underfoot. Floating floors inevitably will have some movement underfoot because of the void between the floor and the product itself.
  

• Softness - Many LVP manufacturers produce products with a soft inner core that offers a superior comfort underfoot, this is something not yet available in Hybrid products.

Some advantages of Hybrid over LVP:

• Less preparation - In some cases Hybrid flooring will require minimal or even no subfloor preparation prior to installation. Provided your floor or existing tiles have been professionally assessed and meets the manufacturer's installation warranty standards hybrid flooring can be installed.

• Speed - The installation of Hybrid is often faster than vinyl plank due to the fact installers do not have to cut neatly to obstacles that will be covered later.
  

• Removal - If for any reason you wanted to remove your hybrid flooring and change for a different floor type it would be faster due to the fact it is floating and not adhered to the subfloor.
  

Both hybrid and LVP can be great flooring options if the right product selection, preparation and installation is achieved. We pride ourselves on offering good, honest advice to help you in making sure you get the best possible flooring solution to meet your needs.

We are a small family business with a focus on attention to detail and customer satisfaction. Because we take care of all components of your project from start to finish there is minimal chance of scheduling issues and miscommunications. Treating our clients and their homes with care and respect is at the forefront of what we do, leaving projects as clean or cleaner than when we arrived. Offering good old fashioned service coupled with quality products and installation we believe offers terrific value for money, call us to arrange a free in-home consultation today. To see what some of our customers have to say, click here.