The Home Depot’s hybrid resilient plank flooring represents the best of modern flooring technology. That means it’s extremely scratch resistant, dent and gouge resistant, has an interlocking waterproof surface, and is wrapped in ultra-realistic wood-look planks.
This hybrid resilient flooring is easy to install, adaptable to any room, and durable enough for homes with children and pets or where the risk of spills is high. What’s not to love?
Here’s everything you need to know about Lifeproof flooring from The Home Depot.
What is hybrid elastic flooring?
Hybrid resilient flooring is in a class of its own. A durable, easy-to-maintain flooring option, it improves the scratch resistance of standard laminate flooring with waterproof interlocking surfaces and a rigid core that resists warping even during extreme temperature changes. It is becoming increasingly popular because the required prep work and installation are easy for DIYers to tackle, while still providing the look and feel of real hardwood.
Even though hybrid resilient flooring is a new option on the market, contractors are already recommending it for various types of projects.
“Hybrid (resilient flooring) is higher quality, thicker and performs better than basic vinyl plank, especially in large rooms with potential for expansion and contraction or where moisture is a concern,” said Greg Canter, president and CEO of San Diego-based home improvement firm Murray Lampert Design Build Remodel.
Lifeproof, a brand available exclusively at The Home Depot, has released its own hybrid elastic plank flooring. The dense core and extremely durable top layer resist dents, stains, scratches, and spills, and comes with a lifetime residential warranty to back up these claims.
Advantages and disadvantages of durable hybrid elastic flooring
Lifeproof’s hybrid resilient flooring has some impressive benefits, especially for homeowners who want to do a DIY installation.
Strong Points
- Matches any room including the kitchen and bathroom
- Click-lock mechanism makes DIY easy
- Minimal preparation required before installation
- High resistance to physical damage
- Great aesthetics that mimics real wood
- Made from recyclable materials (PVC-free)
- Comes with a lifetime residential warranty (30 years commercial).
- No maintenance required
- Stable product that requires no acclimatization before installation
Cons
- New product with little track record
- Shorter lifespan than hardwoods
Lifeproof hybrid resilient floor features
Lifeproof’s hybrid resilient flooring has several great features that make it a great choice for your next flooring project.
- 100% waterproof surface: Hybrid elastic floors have interlocking waterproof surfaces and a stable core that will not warp or swell due to humidity changes or direct contact with water on the surface. This makes it a good option for bathrooms and kitchens where spills and leaks are possible.
- Stable composite core: The stiff composite core is highly stable and does not react to temperature changes. It can also be installed in sunrooms and over certain types of radiant flooring systems.
- Durable top layer: The top layer of this flooring product utilizes Scratchdefender technology, making it extremely scratch resistant. Home Depot also touts it as dent and gouge resistant, making it a good choice for households with children and pets.
- Pre-installed underlayment: Lifeproof’s hybrid resilient flooring comes with a pre-installed foam layer that reduces subfloor preparation work and also improves underfoot comfort.
- Clicklock mounting system: The flooring features a click-lock system commonly found in laminate flooring, making it easy to DIY without special tools or experience.
- Low VOC emissions: Lifeproof’s hybrid elastic flooring is PVC-free and UL GREENGUARD certified. This means it has proven low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
- Nice appearance: Lifeproof’s hybrid resilient flooring has a similar look to LVP flooring, making it similar to hardwood without the cost or maintenance requirements.
Which rooms are best suited for hybrid resilient flooring?
“In most cases, hybrid resilient flooring is a good option,” Kanter says. “Perfect for families, children and pets with heavy traffic.”
One of the biggest benefits of hybrid resilient flooring is that it is suitable for any room. It’s waterproof, so you can safely use it in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms where there’s a chance of water leaks or spills. It also has good resistance to physical wear, so you can install it in your living room, bedroom, or even playroom without worrying too much about damage.
This high level of adaptability throughout your home is not available with most other flooring materials. Hardwood and engineered wood can warp when exposed to water or moisture. Laminate may not be the look you want for your main living area, and vinyl may not provide enough cushioning under your feet for comfort throughout your home.
Hybrid resilient flooring is a great versatile solution that can be adapted to any room or space, but most homeowners prefer the look of more traditional options such as wood flooring or real stone flooring.
How to choose waterproof flooring from Home Depot
Lifeproof makes five types of flooring available from The Home Depot, including hybrid resilient flooring, laminate, vinyl, engineered wood, and carpet. Here’s how to decide which type of flooring is best for your space.
- Resistance to physical wear: Consider the material’s resistance to physical abrasion, especially if you have children or pets.
- Water and moisture resistance: For bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, prioritize materials that won’t warp due to moisture or mold.
- Comfort and warmth: Carpets are comfortable underfoot, and unlike flooring options, they add warmth to your bedroom and also reduce noise.
- Upfront costs: Flooring prices start at $2.25 per square foot, and installation can easily double that cost, so consider your budget and the long-term value you want to get.
- exterior: Most homeowners choose visually appealing materials for the main living areas, but some may choose functionality in low-traffic rooms.
- Maintenance and lifespan: Consider maintenance requirements and the lifespan of the floor before it needs to be replaced.
- Room features: The room in which you are installing your new flooring will determine which option is right for you. Use the table below to understand which floors are suitable for different spaces.
| Types of waterproof floors | suitable room | not ideal |
| carpet | Bedroom and low-traffic living area | High-traffic living areas, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements |
| artificial wood | living area and bedroom | kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, basement |
| Hybrid resiliency | All rooms including living area, kitchen, bathroom and basement | Not applicable |
| laminate | High traffic area | Main living area |
| Vinyl (LVP, LVT) | All rooms including living area, kitchen, bathroom and basement | Not applicable |
Should I install Lifeproof Hybrid Resilient myself or hire a professional?
One of the main appeals of hybrid resilient flooring is its easy DIY installation. Like laminate flooring, hybrid resilient flooring does not need to be glued or nailed, and a pre-installed underlayment reduces preparation work. Lifeproof brands are also widely available.
“One of the biggest benefits of Lifeproof is how common it is,” said Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes, a California-based small home construction company. “Not only is it available at almost every home improvement store, but many competitors have designed products specifically to be compatible with it.”
However, hiring a professional is still a good idea for several important reasons. Professional installation can increase your property value by providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
A professional will be able to identify any underlayment issues that cannot be covered by the included foam underlayment alone. This may avoid further damage and resolve existing mold issues. Although hybrid resilient flooring is waterproof, it can trap moisture underneath, which can encourage mold growth. A professional can install a vapor barrier to reduce the risk of this happening.
Home Depot Waterproof Flooring Reviews
Lifeproof’s hybrid elastic flooring is a relatively new product, so there aren’t as many reviews and general opinions about the flooring compared to other options. But to find out what real customers think, we read dozens of reviews on The Home Depot’s website and looked at customer comments on Reddit.
As for the floor itself, customers are satisfied with the quality and also with the appearance. DIYers rave about the ease of installation, and homeowners comment on how easy it is to clean and maintain. Contractors note its durability and high-quality appearance.
Many of the negative reviews we read were about damage to the floor from shipping, rather than the quality of the product itself. Most of The Home Depot’s hybrid resilient flooring is only available for delivery to your home or local store, so this will continue to be an issue and can lead to more waste and costs than necessary.
How does USA TODAY rate flooring companies?
When evaluating flooring manufacturers such as Lifeproof, there are a few important things to consider.
- Types of flooring available
- flooring quality
- Warranty coverage offered
- cost per square foot
- Installation is easy
- Customer reviews and general opinions
Your home’s flooring is likely to wear the hardest of any household material, so we especially value reviews from customers who report a lack of problems or defects even years after installation.
Bottom line: Is The Home Depot Lifeproof flooring right for you?
Home Depot’s Lifeproof hybrid resilient flooring is a widely available and affordable option, so you can keep your flooring project within your budget while enhancing your home.
Lifeproof hybrid resilient flooring is especially suitable for whole-home use and boasts high levels of visual appeal, durability and water resistance. This means you can keep your space looking great while keeping pets, children, spills, leaks, and foot traffic out.
FAQ
Which is better: hybrid flooring or laminate?
One is not better than the other, and each has its benefits, but when cost is not a consideration, hybrid flooring is often the better option. This flooring is more resilient to foot traffic, scratches and dents, and resembles real hardwood, giving your home a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is more affordable, so it could be a better option if you’re on a tight budget.
What is the difference between laminate flooring and vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring has a long lifespan, is resistant to physical abrasion, and has excellent resistance to water and moisture. Because the core of laminate flooring is high-density fiberboard, it can swell and warp if moisture or water reaches the core. Laminate flooring is more affordable and may be suitable for low-traffic areas, especially where the appearance of the flooring is not the main concern.
How much does hybrid flooring cost?
Lifeproof hybrid resilient flooring costs between $2.99 and $3.70 per square foot, with an additional charge of $3 to $7 per square foot for professional installation. Installation costs can vary widely, so check with your local The Home Depot.
