How to Properly Prepare and Install Hybrid Flooring

Hybrid flooring has gained popularity for its durability, versatility, and attractive visual appearance options. As a fusion of laminate and vinyl flooring technologies, hybrid flooring offers the best of both worlds, eliminating the downsides of each. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on preparing, laying, and installing hybrid flooring for a seamless and hassle-free installation experience.

Flooring Tools & Material Inspection:

Before starting your DIY hybrid flooring installation, it's essential to inspect your floorboards for any imperfections or defects. Set aside any boards with damaged joins or blemishes, as these can be used against walls or where cuts are required. Some helpful tools for DIY hybrid flooring installation include:

• Chalk line
• Pull bar or pry bar
• Tape measure
• Tapping block (a piece of trimmed flooring)
• Pencil
• Metal straightedge
• Stanley knife with sharp blades
• Jigsaw
• 3M scotch-blue 2080 tape

Scotia and Skirting Removal & Re-installation:

You can either remove the skirting boards before installing hybrid flooring and then reinstall the existing skirting or replace it with new skirting after the installation. Alternatively, you can leave the skirting in place and use scotia to cover the edges, providing a clean finish after the hybrid flooring is installed.

Removing Skirting:

To safely and effectively remove your skirting, follow these steps:

• Make a plan for removing your skirting and moving in a single path throughout the house. To identify where each skirting piece fits back into place, number each one as you proceed.
• Run a knife along where the skirting meets the wall to prevent paint from tearing away.
• Use a tool similar to a butter knife to pry the skirting open, giving it a tap with a hammer if necessary.
• Work your way up each piece of skirting bit by bit, using another butter knife to open it further.

Reinstalling Scotia and Skirting:

After the installation of the new hybrid flooring, you have three options for installing scotia and skirting:

• Leave your skirting on and install scotia.
• Reuse your original skirting in its original place.
• Install new skirting.

Subfloor & General Preparation:

Ensure your subfloor is:

• Dry
• Free of imperfections
• Level

An uneven subfloor can lead to premature damage and an unstable feel in your newly installed hybrid flooring. If your subfloor is concrete, ensure it has had time to cure completely (approximately 60 days).

Checking Subfloor Tolerance:

• Use a straight edge and spacer to check if your subfloor is level within the tolerance outlined by the supplier. If the subfloor is not within tolerance, you may need to:
• Use a self-levelling compound to level the floor
• Hire a concrete grinder to grind high points down

Caution with Subfloor Preparation:

• Subfloor preparation requires a high skill level, and it's recommended to enlist the help of a professional if you're not experienced in this area.

Chipboard Subfloors:

• When laying hybrid flooring over a chipboard subfloor, use a belt sander to level the surface, and fine sandpaper (180-200 grit) to smooth out any imperfections.

Measuring & Cutting Away Door Jams:

• To allow the hybrid flooring to sit flush underneath the door jam, use a multitool and a piece of hybrid flooring to measure and cut away the necessary area.

Using Floated Floors:

Hybrid floors are designed to be installed as "floating floors," allowing for a DIY-friendly and cost-effective installation process. Ensure your subfloor is perfect, and use the floor locking system to secure the flooring in place.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to a successful hybrid flooring installation. Remember to take your time, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

Measuring Your Space for a Flawless Installation

Before installing hybrid flooring, it's crucial to measure your space accurately to achieve a professional-looking finish. This section will provide you with four easy methods for measuring your floor space.

• Ensure planks in the final row are at least 1/3 of the full plank width for the best visual appeal
• Move boards around to create different layouts until you find a pleasant mix of shades and an appealing look

The Walkthrough: Planning and Preparation

A walkthrough is essential at multiple stages of the project to ensure a smooth installation process. Before installation, a preliminary walkthrough should confirm the following essential details first.

• Which way should the flooring be installed?
• How will it work, and what do you need when you hit difficult areas?
• Measure your board widths to minimize difficulty when encountering door jams and other challenging areas

Understand your locking system and how it will tackle difficult areas

Hybrid Flooring Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Laying the First Row:

• Select a wall to begin with, then arrange one or two product rows beneath it, just below a board space.
• Use a scrap-width piece of board to overlap the first row and trace the wall's line on the laid hybrid board
• Cut the boards where marked, reassemble them, and slide that section of flooring into place

Building on the First Row:

• Ensure the lines are straight and the locking system is engaged as you go
• Use weights and excess boxes of products to weigh down the newly installed hybrid flooring
• Pay extra attention to ensure all joins are correctly clicked together

Tapping the Boards in:

• Use an offcut from a board as a tapping block to spread the force of your hammer or mallet
• Never use a hammer or mallet to tap the sides of the boards directly

Cutting Hybrid Flooring:

• Use a sharp blade and keep it sharp throughout the project
• Score slowly with pressure, and never let your fingers overhang the straight edge
• Use a jigsaw to navigate difficult cuts, such as door jams, corners, and irregular shapes

Trims: The Finishing Touch

Trims are an essential part of the installation process, and there are various types to choose from. Which trim type is most appropriate for each region will be determined during your tour.

• Find out what kind of trim you have and how to install it using the details in the link: Trims for flooring for All Floor Types.
• The installation of hybrid flooring requires the addition of specific trimmings, such as C-channels.
• Take your time getting used to the feel of each product because they are all unique. Every locking system has a unique feel, therefore it's critical to know how to operate it.

Hybrid Flooring Cleaning & Maintenance

Following the installation of your hybrid flooring, it's crucial to keep a few tips in mind:

• To get rid of any dirt or debris, dust, mop, or vacuum your floor on a regular basis.
• To move any furniture onto the floor, use an appliance hand truck or hardboard runways.
• During peak hours, use drapes or blinds to block the sun to prevent prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Benefits of Hybrid Flooring

Hybrid flooring offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• Waterproof
• Versatility
• Durable
• Appearance
• Comfort
• Sound
• Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
• Final Thoughts

We hope this comprehensive guide to hybrid flooring has provided you with everything you need to install hybrid flooring yourself. Take your time with the installation, and don't hesitate to seek expert assistance if needed. Your feedback and questions are welcome.