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Quick Answer Box: Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose between vinyl, hybrid, and engineered timber flooring:
The best choice depends on your lifestyle, room use, and how much you want to invest in long-term performance. |
You want that timber-look finish; warm, stylish, classic. But the moment you start researching, things get murky. Luxury vinyl? Hybrid? Engineered timber?
They all sound good. They all look similar. So how are you supposed to know which one’s right for your home, all without the high cost, the upkeep, or the stress. Here’s a little secret: luxury flooring, that works hard for real life? It’s possible.
In this guide, we break down the three most popular hard flooring types for Kiwi homes, and help you find the one that gives you the most design impact, durability, and long-term value. Let's dive in…
Vinyl, timber or hybrid? How they perform in Kiwi homes
Timber-look flooring has come a long way, especially in New Zealand, where we demand both beauty and durability from our floors. Here’s what you can expect day-to-day from each of the main timber-look options:
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Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVT): Soft, quiet, and surprisingly warm underfoot. Great for households where comfort matters, and ideal in spaces like kitchens or bathrooms where spills happen often. You’ll barely hear a footstep, even in busy zones.
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Hybrid (SPC): More rigid and dense underfoot, think of it as the tough all-rounder. Hybrid flooring handles high foot traffic, pets, furniture moves and moisture with ease. It's built for busy households, and installation is quick thanks to the click-in system.
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Engineered Timber: Real timber on the surface, with stability built in. You get the authentic look and feel of natural oak — but in a way that’s easier to install and more forgiving in modern homes. It’s the choice for people who want a floor that elevates the whole room.
Want to dive deeper? Check out Carpet Court’s full flooring guides, or read on as we take a closer look at Carpet Courts three standout picks, each offering a different kind of luxury, without the stress.
Top pick: Rhino Premium LVT.
Designer looks without the fuss
Rhino’s premium luxury vinyl flooring is one of Carpet Court’s most versatile options, and it's easy to see why:
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Soft underfoot and quieter than laminate or hybrid
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Water-resistant and incredibly easy to clean
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Realistic timber visuals that suit any space
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Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and open-plan homes
Why it works: If you want the look of timber, but none of the stress that comes with spills or scratches, Rhino LVT delivers. You can install it with peace of mind; it’s compatible with underfloor heating, and the boards are stain and scratch-resistant, even in busy households.
Top picks: Malmo Scandia Hybrid.
Built tough, styled beautiful
Hybrid flooring is one of the fastest-growing categories in New Zealand, and Malmo’s Scandia SPC range leads the pack:
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Stone Polymer Core = ultra-durable and waterproof
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Pre-attached acoustic underlay makes it quiet and easy to install
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Works with underfloor heating
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Scandinavian-inspired visuals exclusive to Carpet Court
Why it works: Hybrid is the “set and forget” flooring that handles whatever life throws at it. It’s ideal for active households, rentals, or anyone who wants a low-maintenance floor that still looks high-end.
Top pick: Quick-Step Cascada Timber.
Real oak, real impact
Want that unmistakable real timber feel underfoot? Quick-Step Cascada is a premium engineered oak flooring that looks, and feels high-end.
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Real timber veneer in timeless oak tones
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Easy click-in install system
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Waterproof surface, rare for timber!
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Works with underfloor heating
Why it works: This is the floor that elevates open-plan living rooms and adds resale value to your home.
Not sure what to choose? Use this quick comparison
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Flooring Type |
Comfort |
Best For |
Water Resistance |
Cost |
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Luxury Vinyl (LVT) |
Softer and more comfortable underfoot |
Living rooms, bedrooms, and general residential use |
Water-resistant, but less so than SPC in high moisture areas due to its flexible core. |
An affordable option that delivers great style and performance. |
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Hybrid (SPC) |
Firmer underfoot due to its rigid core, but often includes a sound-absorbing underlayment. |
High-traffic homes and areas exposed to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. |
100% waterproof, making it excellent for basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. |
Mid-range; slightly higher than LVT but good value for durability. |
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Engineered Timber |
Naturally warm and authentic underfoot. |
Living spaces where the look of real wood is desired and moisture is not a concern. |
Not waterproof; sensitive to moisture and temperature fluctuations unless treated. |
Premium option; higher cost but adds resale value. |
So go ahead and explore the full range online, or head in-store to see the difference underfoot and chat with your local flooring expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I choose between vinyl, hybrid, and engineered timber flooring?
Start with your lifestyle. Choose vinyl for softness and water resistance in wet areas, hybrid for durability and easy install in high-traffic homes, and engineered timber if you want real wood with resale appeal.
2. Which type of flooring adds the most value to a home?
Engineered timber tends to add the most resale value, thanks to its real wood veneer and premium feel. But hybrid and luxury vinyl offer great long-term value too — especially when professionally installed and maintained.
