Product Highlights
Hybrid vs Laminate Flooring: What’s the Best Choice in 2025?
Thinking about new floors? You've probably heard the buzz about hybrid flooring. It's making waves, promising the best of vinyl, tile, and hardwood all rolled into one. But here's the real question: is it really as good as, or even better than, trusty laminate?
Let's be real, choosing the right floor is a big deal. We know you want the perfect floor, one that ticks all the boxes. You want something that looks fantastic, handles life's spills and thrills, and doesn't break the bank. That's why we're putting hybrid and laminate head-to-head. We're going to break down the real differences, no fluff, just the facts you need to make the best decision for your home. So, are you ready to see which floor wins? Let's find out!
Hybrid Flooring: Style, Durability & Simplicity in One Range
If you're looking to upgrade your floors with a stylish, low-maintenance, and durable option, hybrid flooring is the ultimate solution. At Beaumonts, we’ve curated a hybrid range that brings together the beauty of natural timber with the strength of modern flooring technology. Whether you’re refreshing your home or designing a commercial space, our Evo, Ava, and Charm collections offer versatile options to suit every lifestyle and design vision.
Why Choose Ava, Evo or Charm Hybrid Flooring.
Excellent Acoustic Performance – Enjoy added comfort and noise reduction with a built-in sound-absorbing pad, offering extra protection and a softer feel underfoot.
Water-Resistant & Durable – Hybrid flooring is built to withstand moisture, making it perfect for kitchens and high-traffic areas, while offering long-lasting durability that stands up to everyday wear and tear.
Exceptional Stability – The stone and plastic composite (SPC) core offers outstanding stability, helping prevent expansion and contraction from temperature changes for a consistently secure fit.
Comfort You Can Feel – The sturdy core gives a stable, comfortable feel underfoot, and many options include built-in underlay for extra softness and noise reduction.
Low Maintenance – Designed for easy upkeep, requiring only regular sweeping and the occasional mop to maintain a clean and polished look.
Let’s Breakdown the Layers to help explain what this plank is!
- 0.55mm Wear Layer Protective Coating
A highly durable, easy-to-clean surface with a 0.55mm thick wear layer, providing extra protection against heavy foot traffic, scuffs, and stains. Features added PureCoat technology for anti-microbial properties, anti-glare effect. - Authentic Textured Decorative Layer
Giving your room the look and feel of hardwood. - SPcore Technology
A limestone-based core that is water resistant, stable, rigid, dent resistant and ortho-phthalates free. It’s thermally stable and doesn’t expand or contract significantly with environmental changes enhancing the floor’s overall stability. - Fast & Easy DIY Install
A tight lock (angle-drop click) system allows for fast, easy and clean installation. Boards securely click together without the need for glue, nails, or special tools. - Pre-Attached Sound Absorbing Pad
For extra protection, sound absorption and extra soft underfoot.
Important Note: we recommend using curtains, blinds, or UV-protective window coverings to minimise direct light and help maintain the floor's appearance.
Before installation, please read the manufacturer’s warranty and installation guide to ensure the product is the right fit for your needs.
Brooklyn Laminate Flooring – Timber Look, Modern Feel, Built to Last
If you're looking for a cost-effective flooring solution that doesn’t compromise on style or durability, the Brooklyn 8mm Standard Laminate is a top contender. Designed with everyday living in mind, this laminate flooring offers the timeless appeal of classic wood looks while being tough enough to handle daily wear and tear.
Ideal for homeowners or renovators working within a budget, the Brooklyn 8mm range delivers the perfect balance of affordability, functionality, and aesthetic charm. With its scratch-resistant surface and easy maintenance, it's a smart choice for busy households, rental properties, or light commercial spaces.
Whether you're updating a bedroom, lounge, or hallway, the Brooklyn 8mm Laminate provides a reliable and stylish foundation that stands the test of time—without stretching your budget.
Why Choose Brooklyn Laminate Flooring?
Authentic Timber Look - Offering all the practical benefits of laminate while delivering the genuine aesthetic of timber flooring, rich colour tones and warmth of hardwood.
Ideal for busy households - The Brooklyn Laminate range is built to withstand the demands of everyday life while adding a touch of luxury to your space. Whether you're renovating your living room, kitchen, hallway, or bedroom, this flooring creates a welcoming and elegant atmosphere underfoot.
Easy to clean and maintain - spills and marks wipe away effortlessly with a soft microfiber cloth, and dust or dirt is easily swept or vacuumed.
Let’s Breakdown the Layers to help explain what this plank is!
- Durable Abrasion Class (AC) system
AC3 Rating perfect for the average home withstanding daily traffic in areas such as the kitchen, hallway or living room. - Decorative Layer
Realistic timber look and textural feel bringing warmth to interiors. - HDF Core
High Density Fibreboard with Unilin Uniclic clicklock joining system providing better durability. - Balance Layer
This layer stabilises the floor and resists moisture preventing warping, buckling or delamination.
Installation Tip: We recommend using curtains, blinds, or UV-protective window coverings to minimise direct light and help maintain the floor's appearance.
Before installation, please read the manufacturer’s warranty and installation guide to ensure the product is the right fit for your needs.
Harmony & Mystic Laminate Flooring – Durable, Water-Resistant & Effortlessly Stylish
Looking for a flooring option that combines style, durability, and added moisture protection? The Water-Resistant (WR) Laminate Flooring ranges—8mm Mystic and 12mm Harmony—offer the perfect solution for modern, everyday living. These ranges deliver the classic, timeless look of laminate flooring with the added benefit of moisture resistance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with kids or pets.
Both options are budget-friendly and built to last, with two different thicknesses to suit your needs. Choose 8mm Mystic for a sleek, practical option, or upgrade to 12mm Harmony for enhanced underfoot comfort and sound absorption. These water-resistant laminates are perfect for spaces where occasional spills or moisture may occur—such as living rooms, kitchens, and entryways—offering peace of mind without sacrificing style.
Easy to maintain and effortlessly stylish, the Mystic and Harmony ranges are a smart, versatile choice for anyone wanting the look of real timber with modern-day performance.
Why Choose Brooklyn Laminate Flooring?
Scratch and Water-Resistant Surface – Ideal for families, pet owners, and allergy-sensitive spaces.
Strong & Stable Core – Made with a high-density core that’s up to 35% more stable than regular laminate Planks, helping prevent warping and keeping your floor looking great for longer.
Exceptional Durability – Durable flooring ideal for moderate commercial use and high-traffic residential areas, offering scratch resistance and long-lasting performance.
Effortless Maintenance – Spills and stains can be wiped away with a soft microfiber cloth, while dirt and dust are easily swept or vacuumed. It’s the perfect low-fuss option for families and pet owners alike. We recommend our Bona range of Spray Mops too!
Whether you're transforming your living room or designing a commercial project, these laminate floors bring long-lasting style and comfort.
Let’s Breakdown the Layers to help explain what this plank is!
- Durable Abrasion Class (AC) system
AC4 Rating is Commercial Grade perfect for busy households withstanding high traffic areas such as the kitchen, hallway or living room and is a great option for commercial uses such as office buildings. - Decorative Layer
Realistic timber look and textural feel bringing warmth to interiors. - HDF Core
Optimal Pure HDF Core: ultra stable high-density core provides a 35% better dimensional stability compared with standard laminate floors. - Balance Layer
This layer stabilises the floor and resists moisture preventing warping, buckling or delamination.
Important Note: We recommend using curtains, blinds, or UV-protective window coverings to minimise direct light and help maintain the floor's appearance.
Before installation, please read the manufacturer’s warranty and installation guide to ensure the product is the right fit for your needs.
Hybrid vs Laminate – Which is the Best Choice?
Now that we’ve gone through the contenders which one really is the best choice?
When it comes to choosing between hybrid and laminate flooring, both options are stylish, tough, and easier on the budget than hardwood — it just depends on your specific needs and lifestyle.
- If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution that still offers a stylish finish, laminate flooring is a great choice. It's perfect for homeowners on a tighter budget who still want durability and aesthetic appeal in low-moisture areas.
- Water resistant laminate flooring is an excellent middle-ground option. It offers water resistance in a stylish finish, high residential wear ratings, and remains affordable making it ideal for families with kids or pets who want durability without the higher price tag of hybrid.
- On the other hand, if longevity, water-resistance, extra impact resistant surface and durability are top priorities—especially in homes with pets, kids, or high foot traffic—then hybrid flooring is likely the better investment. Its advanced construction offers better resistance to moisture and wear, making it ideal for busy households.
In short, Laminate is ideal for affordability and ease of installation, Water resistant laminate bridges the gap with extra durability and moisture protection, and Hybrid is built for top-tier performance and long-term resilience. Evaluate your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget to make the best flooring choice for your home.
Hybrid vs Laminate Flooring: Quick Comparison
This table provides information on the key differences between the two ranges Hybrid, Water-Resistant Laminate and Laminate.
| Feature | Hybrid Flooring | WR Laminate Flooring | Laminate Flooring |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant | Water-resistant | Not Water-resistant |
| Durability | Extra Impact Resistant Surface & Durable against scuffs and stains | Moderate commercial-High residential wear & Scratch Resistant | Low-Moderate Wear & Scratch Resistant |
| Cost | More expensive | Affordable | More Affordable |
| Installation | Glueless Installation | Glueless Installation | Glueless Installation |
| Surface | Extra Impact Resistant surface | Harder surface | Harder surface |
| Maintenance | Steam Mop Friendly. Easy to clean due to its water-resistant nature | Steam Mop Friendly. Easy to clean due to its water-resistant nature | Requires more care to avoid water damage |
| Underfloor Heating | Compatible/follow the manufacturer’s instructions. | Not Compatible | Not Compatible |
| Who will love it? | Family, Friends & your Furry Friends! | Family, Friends & your Furry Friends! | Family & Friends |
Ready to transform your space?
Visit your local Beaumonts store or explore our full flooring range online to find the perfect match for your next project.
Follow these simple steps to get started on your journey toward achieving your dream floors—whether it's hybrid, laminate, or water-resistant laminate, the perfect choice is just a few steps away.
Ready to get started?
Browse inspiration on our website and request an appointment in-store.
Explore our Complete Bathroom Packages, use our tile visualiser, and find your style with "What's My Style?" to make informed decisions.
Need advice?
Check out our buying guides for helpful tips and tricks.
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Engineered Timber Enchant Frosted Ivory European Oak Engineered Timber Textured 14.5/3 Nested190.0mm x 1,900.0mm x 14.5mm
$99.95 per sqm -
Engineered Timber Jewel Tan Latte European Oak Engineered Timber 14/2 Nested190.0mm x 1,900.0mm x 14.0mm
$84.95 per sqm -
Engineered Timber Jewel Greige European Oak Engineered Timber Textured 14/2 Nested190.0mm x 1,900.0mm x 14.0mm
$84.95 per sqm -
Engineered Timber Australis Spotted Gum Herringbone Engineered Timber 14/3120.0mm x 600.0mm x 14.0mm
$155.95 per sqm -
Engineered Timber Australis Spotted Gum Engineered Timber Textured 14/3 Nested189.0mm x 1,860.0mm x 14.0mm
$155.95 per sqm -
Engineered Timber Enchant Farmhouse Grey Herringbone European Oak Engineered Timber Textured 14.5/3600.0mm x 120.0mm x 14.5mm
$119.96 per sqm -
Engineered Timber Enchant Roasted Barley European Oak Engineered Timber Textured 14.5/3 Nested190.0mm x 1,900.0mm x 14.5mm
$99.95 per sqm -
Engineered Timber Enchant Black Forest European Oak Engineered Timber Textured 14.5/3 Nested190.0mm x 1,900.0mm x 14.5mm
$99.95 per sqm -
Engineered Timber Enchant Sand European Oak Engineered Timber Textured 14.5/3 Nested190.0mm x 1,900.0mm x 14.5mm
$99.95 per sqm -
Engineered Timber Jewel Shadow Brown European Oak Engineered Timber Textured 14/2 Nested190.0mm x 1,900.0mm x 14.0mm
$84.95 per sqm
Engineered Timber Hard Flooring Collection Brochure
Made from layers of responsibly managed real hardwood timbers with an additional scratch resistant property.
Hybrid & Laminate Flooring FAQs
In this section, we'll answer some common questions about Hybrid and Laminate flooring to help you make informed decisions about whether it's the right choice for you.
What is Hybrid flooring?
It’s a multi-layer marvel! Hybrid flooring includes a protective wear layer, a decorative print layer (hello, gorgeous wood look), a rigid core like stone polymer composite, (SPC Core) and an acoustic underlay for comfort and sound control.
Can Hybrid flooring be installed over existing floors?
In many cases, yes. As long as your current floor is flat and in good condition, you can lay hybrid flooring right over the top. Please see the installation guide for more information.
Can I use Hybrid flooring in commercial spaces?
Yes, many hybrid floors are rated for both residential and commercial use due to their high durability and wear resistance.
Where can Hybrid flooring be installed?
Hybrid can be used in most fit outs. Here at Beaumonts we recommend installing in dry areas to keep the beauty of this flooring solution in tact. Here are some great application choices we love seeing Hybrid flooring in!
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
- kitchen
- Open plan living
What is Laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is simply a multi-layer flooring fused together using a lamination process. Our laminate floors have a durable wear layer on top and are available in plank-shaped lengths that emulate floating timber floors.
Can Laminate flooring be installed over existing floors?
Great news! Yes, laminate can be installed over existing flooring, but there are a few rules that come with this.
- Installing over carpet or cushioned vinyl is a no-go. Your laminate needs to be structurally sound.
- It needs to be squeaky clean.
- And also, dead level. It would be worth using a levelling compound if it’s not quite 100% flat.
For information on other flooring applications, refer to the Laminate installation guide or Water Resistant Laminate installation guide for more information.
Do I need underlay for laminate flooring?
Foam Underlay is required to be used (if not pre-attached), it is recommned in order to improve acoustic performance and absorb some irregularities on the substrate. Please refer to the Laminate installation guide or Water Resistant Laminate installation guide for further information on the process.Where can Laminate be installed?
Laminate flooring is a stylish and practical choice. Here at Beaumonts we recommend installing in dry areaso keep the beauty of this flooring solution in tact. Avoid wet areas or anywhere that may experience pooling water like bathrooms, laundries and powder rooms. These are some great application choices we love seeing Laminate flooring in!
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
- Studies
- Dining spaces
Find Your Hybrid and Laminate Flooring In-Store
Put on your shopping shoes and hit up those stores that have the goods! Not all Beaumont stores will have our full Hard Flooring Range on display, please check with the store before you visit.
