Hybrid Flooring

The timeline depends on the area size and flooring type. A standard 3-bedroom home (80–120 sqm) typically takes 1–2 days. Larger areas, complex layouts, or parquetry patterns may take 2–4 days. We'll give you a more specific timeline when we assess your job. We can usually provide supply-only quotes within 24 hours and schedule installs within 1–2 weeks of confirmation.

Yes — the installation area needs to be clear before we arrive. We don't carry furniture removal as part of our standard service, so please arrange to have all furniture, rugs, and personal items moved out of the rooms being floored. For large or heavy pieces, we recommend organising a furniture removalist or getting help from friends or family the day before. We're happy to discuss specific circumstances if you have items that are difficult to move.

The key difference is waterproofing. Hybrid flooring has a waterproof rigid core (SPC or WPC), making it safe for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. Laminate has an HDF core that can swell and buckle if exposed to moisture — it's only suitable for dry areas. Hybrid also tends to have a more resilient surface and is dimensionally more stable in Australia's variable temperatures. Laminate is generally more affordable, making it a solid choice for bedrooms and dry living areas on a budget.

Yes — quality hybrid flooring has a fully waterproof core. The SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) or WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) core will not swell, warp, or degrade when exposed to water. This makes it safe for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and any space at risk of spills or moisture. Note that while the planks themselves are waterproof, subfloor moisture can still be an issue — we assess subfloor conditions as part of our installation process and will advise on any moisture barrier requirements.

In many cases, yes. Hybrid and some vinyl products can be floated directly over flat, sound ceramic or porcelain tiles without removal, saving significant time and cost. The tiles must be firmly adhered with no hollow or cracked sections, and the height difference at doorways and transitions needs to be manageable. If tiles are lifting, damaged, or create too much height variance, removal will be required. We assess this during your quote.

Our quotes are itemised and transparent. A full supply-and-install quote includes: flooring materials (with your chosen product and tier), installation labour, standard acoustic underlay, basic door trimming (up to 3 doors), and waste disposal. Additional items such as subfloor levelling, old flooring removal, stairs, skirting work, or regional travel are quoted separately as line items so you can see exactly what you're paying for. We don't bundle hidden costs into the material price.

Our primary service area is Melbourne metro and surrounding suburbs out to approximately 50km from the CBD. We do take on select jobs in regional Victoria — Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and the Mornington Peninsula for example — but a travel surcharge applies and we'll be upfront about this in your quote. Contact us to discuss your location and we'll let you know if we can accommodate you.

The preparation required depends on your existing subfloor and the product being installed. Hybrid and vinyl floating floors tolerate minor imperfections but need subfloors that are within ±3mm over a 1.8m span. Significant highs and lows require grinding or patching. Engineered timber and glue-down vinyl require a very flat, clean surface. We assess subfloor condition at quote stage and include any required preparation costs as a separate line item. Subfloor levelling compounds are quoted at cost plus labour.

Maintenance varies by product type. For hybrid and vinyl: sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit, damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner, avoid steam mops, and use felt pads under furniture. For laminate: vacuum or dry sweep, clean spills quickly, use a barely-damp mop only, and never use steam. For engineered timber: sweep daily in traffic areas, use a timber-specific cleaner, and avoid excess water. We provide care instructions specific to your installed product on completion, and the manufacturer's care guide is included with all products.

Most of our standard hybrid, vinyl, and laminate products are available from local warehouse stock, with supply times of 3–7 business days. Engineered timber and selected premium products may have lead times of 2–4 weeks depending on availability. Specialty finishes, wide-format planks, or imported products can occasionally take 4–8 weeks. We'll confirm exact availability when preparing your quote, so there are no surprises before installation day.

For floating installations, we include standard acoustic underlay in our supply-and-install quotes. If you require an upgraded underlay — for example a thicker acoustic option for apartments, or a moisture barrier for concrete slabs — we'll recommend and include this in your quote. Some hybrid products come with underlay pre-attached to the plank, which affects the underlay spec. We'll guide you through what's needed for your specific situation.

Floating floors require a small expansion gap around the perimeter, which is usually covered by skirting boards or scotia moulding. We offer several skirting options: reattaching your existing skirting (if they're removable), supplying and attaching new scotia over existing skirting, or replacing all skirting with new boards. Each option is priced as a separate line item. We'll advise on the most practical and cost-effective approach for your home during the quoting process.