You may be familiar with traditional luxury vinyl plank flooring, but hybrid vinyl flooring is a new category on the market. There are some key differences to note between these two flooring options that set them apart. We will compare traditional LVT vs hybrid flooring and outline the key pros and cons, so you can select the right floor for your project.

Construction – A traditional LVT and a hybrid vinyl are very different when it comes to construction. This is the main factor that sets these floors apart. A hybrid vinyl floor will have two main construction features that a traditional LVT will not.

One is the rigid core construction that gives this floor impeccable dent resistance and stability. The second is the aluminum oxide wear layer that is more durable for dents, fading and stain resistance than the wear layer of a standard luxury vinyl. A hybrid vinyl has the same top coating as a laminate floor, allowing it to be classified with an AC rating.

A typical LVT has an urethane based top coat that is less resistant to UV rays, certain chemicals and dents. It will also have a flexible construction that is softer and less resilient compared to a hybrid vinyl.

Plank Thickness – Hybrid flooring will usually be thicker than traditional LVT. Luxury vinyl flooring usually ranges from 2mm to 4mm, while a hybrid floor can be 6mm or more.

Subfloor – Both a traditional LVT and a hybrid vinyl can be installed over plywood, cement and existing floors, but a traditional vinyl will not be as forgiving with subfloor imperfections. If you have any dents or protrusions, a traditional LVT will take on the shape. Due to the thickness and specialized core, a hybrid vinyl will not change shape and can mask small imperfections.

Installation – You can find traditional LVT planks with a glue down, loose lay or click lock installation. Hybrid vinyl floors will be a floating click lock, tongue and groove system that is DIY friendly.

Dent Resistance – Traditional LVT floors are soft and pliable, which means heavy furniture can easily dent the material. A hybrid vinyl is very dent resistant and a great option for commercial settings.

Price – Due to the engineering of hybrid vinyl flooring, it is a more expensive option compared to LVT. A luxury vinyl floor will be significantly cheaper and is a popular option for budget projects.

100% Waterproof – Traditional LVTs and hybrid vinyls are 100% waterproof. Spills and humidity will not cause any damage to these types of vinyl flooring options.

Availability – Both traditional LVT and hybrid vinyl floors are available in a variety of colors, decors, patterns, textures and plank widths. You can find each type of floor in a variety of styles, from modern to rustic.

Application – Like most vinyl flooring options, traditional LVTs and hybrid vinyls can be installed below, on and above grade. They are great flooring options for kitchens, baths, laundry rooms and businesses like restaurants or cafes.

Maintenance & Cleaning – All vinyl flooring options are very easy to clean and maintain. It just takes a little effort to regularly sweep and deep clean occasionally

Underlayment – You can use vinyl underlayment with an LVT and hybrid floor. Typically, a hybrid vinyl will feature an attached underlayment. With a floating LVT, you can use an LVT specific underlayment for any floor of 4mm or more. Underlayment can help to add cushion, reduce noise and add comfort underfoot.

Looking at different vinyl options? Learn more about other types of vinyl flooring with these detailed comparisons below:

• WPC vs SPC Vinyl

• LVT vs WPC Vinyl

• LVT vs SPC Vinyl

• WPC vs Hybrid Vinyl

• SPC vs Hybrid Vinyl

Interested in learning about how vinyl differs from other popular flooring types? Check out our vinyl comparisons with laminate, tile, hardwood and carpet to see how it stacks up against other flooring options.

• Vinyl vs Laminate

• Vinyl vs Hardwood

• Vinyl vs Carpet

• Vinyl vs Tile