How to choose between hybrid or vinyl plank flooring?

[LSJ]

 

  

 

Hi, I want to replace the carpet laid  on concrete in my 1BR apartment with either vinyl plank or hybrid flooring. The building has a minimum acoustic hard level of 50db. 
 My questions are:

1. Is vinyl plank or hybrid a better option?  Most of vinyl planks will need underlay to meet acoustic requirements, but I have found a few. 
2. There is a row of tiles in the  kitchen area at the rear of the living room. Should I  remove the tiles  and lay the hard flooring  throughout the apartment , or leave the tiles and lay the hard flooring alongside? The tiles are in reasonable condition, though need  regrouting and buffing, or maybe colouring? 

Thanks in advance for  your advice  

Liz

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi Liz (@LSJ),

Thank you for your question.

Vinyl Plank Flooring is affordable, easy to install, and 100% waterproof, but it may need an underlay to meet acoustic requirements. Hybrid Flooring is more durable and stable and often includes a built-in underlay, making it a better option for meeting acoustic standards, though it is generally more expensive.

Personally, I would go with Hybrid Flooring, but the choice is entirely up to you.

My main concern would be avoiding changes in the height of the flooring, so if the tiles are the same thickness as your flooring, I would leave them in place and butt up to them, using Transition Cover Trims to cover the gap. If the tiles are not the same thickness, I would remove them and lay your new flooring across the whole area. 

Allow me to tag our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their thoughts.

Jacob

[LSJ]

Hi JacobZ,

Thanks for your advice. 
When you advise to check the flooring height of the tiles and hybrid , do you mean  a measuring the tiling height and hybrid before ordering,?  I don’t  think the vinyl planks would be as thick as the carpet and would  be lower than the tiles . Would the transition cover trim correct any height difference ? The acoustic vinyl sample plank  I have is 5mm. 

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @LSJ 

I like Hybrid styled flooring, mainly because I feel it gives more of a warmth feeling.

I would think that @JacobZ does mean to measure the height of the tiles to the concrete before ordering. It will help show if you need to add a layer of material or decide to remove the tiles. Having as small a transition within a floor area would be the best option.

Colouring your tiles, I must admit I have not heard of this before. Ive heard and been temped to paint my existing tiles but they are an older style. Is that what you mean?

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @LSJ 

I think the main question has already been asked and replied being to ensure what ever you choose matching floor height to adding room coverings are met. If the adding tiles are in good condition and you still like the finish, then aim fort matching in with those. Personally I would be avoiding colouring tiles.This means colouring the grout too. And then the entire finish in my opinion looks fake as natural grout finishes complement the tile colour.

Then choosing between vinyl or hybrid may be answered for you. If it's 50/50 then I think it comes down to how much you want to spend on the quality of the material. I would focus on durability and how easily it can be cleaned and what that process is. 

Regards Nailbag

[LSJ]

Thanks for your advice Dave.  I saw Bunnings had some paint for  tiles . I thought painting mine might be an option as they are cream in colour and I was looking to install  a grey toned  hardfloor covering , which wouldn't blend well with the tiles.( if I keep them )

Liz 

[LSJ]

Thanks for more great advice Nailbag (good name:) 

Can you recommend a good thickness for a hybrid plank and notable hybrid brands that you could recommend, in addition to  Bunnings of course 

Liz 

[EricL]

Hi @LSJ (Liz)

Let me tag @Nailbag to make them aware of your question.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @LSJ 

Yeah I know that feeling, I was about to say that you are heading towards ripping up the tiles. Then I looked at your area nad realsied you have your stove and hotplates, sink and fridge. All stuff that commonly has either water or grease spatters. Maybe paint a corner somewhere out of teh way and see how it looks and after a week or so see if it scuffs easily? The boards wont take to water particulary well over time. 😕

Dave

[LSJ]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all your replies with great advice . 

You are all amazing 👏🌟