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Ready to upgrade your home? This easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide is all you need to install hybrid flooring yourself. Whether you're an experienced DIYer or just starting out, we'll walk you through the process for a flawless finish. Let's get started! Key Takeaways Austrix SPC installs as a floating floor—straightforward for DIY with Uniclic system. Safety and subfloor prep are essential, ensuring it's clean, dry and level. Acclimate panels for stability; maintain 10-16mm expansion gaps based on humidity. Mix panels from boxes for natural variation; no underlay needed if using recommended combination. Easy maintenance with mild cleaners; suitable for heated floors up to 28°C. Tools and Materials Needed Gather these for efficiency: Measuring tape, pencil, chalk line Utility knife for scoring/snapping Rubber mallet, tapping block (or offcut) Pull bar/pry bar for edges Spacers (10-16mm per spec) Jigsaw/circular saw/multitool for cuts/undercuts Safety gear: Eyewear, steel-capped boots, dust mask/respirator, gloves Step 1: Storage and Acclimation Store and acclimate to ensure stability—SPC is natural with shade variations. Store in dry, ventilated area at 18-28°C and 35-65% RH. Unbox panels; shuffle/mix from multiple cartons for uniform look. Acclimate for 48-72 hours in install room (longer in humid areas like Queensland/NSW). Maintain room conditions post-install. Tip: Avoid extreme temps/humidity during storage to prevent warping. Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor Subfloor must be hard, flat, dry—SPC fits over concrete/timber/tiles. Remove soft coverings (e.g., carpet); inspect for damage. Clean thoroughly: Sweep/vacuum debris. Check flatness: ≤2mm variation over 1m; sand/grind highs, level lows with compound (cure 24-48 hours). Undercut door jambs/architraves for flush fit; ensure door clearance. For heated floors: Surface ≤28°C max. Warning: No nailing/gluing; floating install only. In high humidity, consult Austrix for extra gaps. Step 3: Plan and Begin Installation Plan for aesthetics and expansion. Choose direction: Parallel to longest wall/light. Measure: Calculate panels; first/last row ≥1/3 width—trim as needed. Start in corner: Lay first row left-right, groove to wall (Uniclic system). Use spacers for 10-12mm gap (14-16mm in humid/large areas); angle at 20-30° to click. Fit row snugly; score/snap end panel. Tip: Multi-room installs may need extra gaps under doors. Step 4: Install Subsequent Rows Build seamlessly with Uniclic. Stagger joints: ≥30cm offset (brick pattern). Interlock: Angle short end into prior row groove, lower/tap long side with mallet/block. Use pull bar for wall edges; ensure no gaps. Trim for obstacles; check alignment often. Continue to cover room; larger/humid areas need independent expansion zones. Warning: Tap gently on edges; direct hits damage. If not clicking, realign—don't force. Step 5: Finishing Touches and Cleaning Complete for polished look. Remove spacers; cover gaps with skirting/trims (protect from moisture/dirt). Install transitions at doorways/height changes. Clean: Vacuum debris, wipe with damp cloth/mild solution—no abrasives/excess water. Inspect: Test for movement/squeaks; fix if needed. Tip: Add furniture pads; regular care preserves wear layer. FAQ Do I need an underlay or a moisture barrier when installing hybrid flooring? No. Hybrid flooring typically comes with a pre-attached underlay, which eliminates the need for additional underlayment or a separate moisture barrier. Can hybrid flooring be installed in wet areas like bathrooms and laundries? Hybrid flooring planks are 100% waterproof, making them an excellent choice for kitchens and laundries. While they are highly water-resistant, it is generally not recommended for areas with continuous standing water exposure, such as inside shower cubicles. For these extremely wet areas, tiles are still the best option. Is hybrid flooring suitable for rooms with high or fluctuating temperatures (like a sunroom)? Yes, hybrid flooring is designed for excellent stability in Australian conditions. Its rigid core (often Stone Plastic Composite or SPC) is highly resistant to expansion and contraction, making it ideal for areas that experience significant temperature swings, though direct, prolonged intense sunlight should still be minimised with blinds or curtains. Can I install hybrid flooring over existing tiles or floorboards? In many cases, yes. Hybrid flooring can be installed over existing hard floors (like tiles or timber) as long as the subfloor is flat, clean, dry, and structurally sound. Large grout lines or damaged subfloors may require levelling first. How durable is hybrid flooring against dents and heavy furniture? Hybrid flooring is known for its high durability due to its dense core and wear layer. It is highly resistant to scratches and everyday wear and tear. However, it is not entirely "dent-proof." To prevent indentations from heavy items, use floor protectors or castor cups under furniture legs.

Pets are the lifeblood of countless Australian homes, but let’s be honest, they treat your floors like a personal obstacle course. Whether it's a boisterous blue heeler dragging mud into the kitchen or a ginger cat using your floorboards as a launchpad, floors in Australia need to be seriously durable. In our humid coastal areas or across the sun-baked inland, your flooring needs to be as resilient as the Aussie spirit. Austrix Flooring offers a range of innovative flooring solutions that are built to manage pet-related mayhem without compromising your home's stylish look.   The Pet Pitfalls That Test Your Floors   Furry mates bring love, but they also bring a few headaches that quickly show up on a sub-par floor: Claw Damage: Sharp nails from an energetic pup can scratch and gouge softer materials like timber or laminate. The Big Wet: Tipped water bowls, "accidents," and tracking in rain can cause serious, long-term damage to non-waterproof floors. Slippery Slopes: Highly polished or glossy floors can cause pets to skid, which is a major concern, especially for older dogs with joint issues. Constant Traffic: The non-stop patrol of busy paws demands a wear layer that can handle the daily grind without looking tired.   Why Austrix Flooring is a Ripper Choice for Pets   Austrix Flooring's core ranges are engineered with a focus on both durability and safety, making them a perfect match for Australian pet owners. We meet and exceed all tough Aussie standards, ensuring your home stays in top-notch shape even with the wildest of housemates.   The Pet-Proof Edge   Feature Austrix Benefit Why It Matters for Pets Water Resistance Full Spill-Proof Core Cleans up puppy accidents and tipped bowls in a flash, preventing warping or mould. Scratch Resistance Rock-Solid Top Layer Stands up to vigorous scratching from dogs and cats, keeping the floor looking mint. Safe Traction Textured Finishes Provides excellent grip, reducing slips and falls—vital for your older, more creaky mates. Cleaning Dead-Easy Maintenance A quick sweep and mop with pet-safe cleaners keep things sparkling. Durability High-Density Construction Won't buckle under heavy paw traffic and constant running, offering a long lifespan.   A 2024 independent survey of Australian homeowners found that 68% prioritise water resistance and scratch-proof properties when choosing a floor for a pet-friendly home (Austrix Customer Research, 2024).   Austrix vs. The Rest: A Fair Comparison   When you compare Austrix's top-tier pet-friendly ranges against traditional options, the difference is clear: Floor Type Waterproof Scratch Resistance Pet Grip Maintenance Level Austrix (Premium Range) Yes Top-Notch Solid Easy-Peasy Timber No Poor Slippery High-Maintenance Laminate No So-So Slippery Bit of Work Tiles Yes Excellent Slippery Moderate   Austrix Flooring offers the waterproof confidence of a tile but with superior traction and warmth that’s much better for pets and their joints. It also runs rings around softer options like timber for claw protection and spill resistance.   Nailing the Right Austrix Floor   Choosing the right flooring means balancing the practical needs of your pets with your desired home style. Here’s the drill for selecting your perfect Austrix floor: Think Thick: Opt for a product with a substantial wear layer to handle high-volume pet traffic. Grip is Key: Look for textured or low-gloss finishes to enhance pet traction and reduce slips. Colour Clever: Neutral tones like light greys and earthy beiges are fantastic at camouflaging pet hair and minor dirt. For a house full of active animals, consider darker shades to keep dirt under wraps while still looking flash. Check the Warranty: Austrix backs its top pet-friendly floors with long-term warranties, giving you extra peace of mind against damage.   Installation and Care Hacks   Getting your Austrix Flooring laid is a doddle thanks to simple click-lock installation systems, perfect for the DIY enthusiast. Underlay Winner: Always install a quality underlay to help quieten the noise of scampering paws—a win for you and your neighbours! Keep it Tidy: A daily sweep or vacuum and a weekly mop with a pet-safe cleaning product is all it takes to keep your floor looking new. Mat Magic: Place waterproof mats under water and food bowls to catch the biggest spills.   Last Word   Austrix Flooring is a cracking choice for Aussie pet owners, expertly tackling the daily challenges of spills, scratches, and slips. From a modern pad in Sydney to a family home on the Gold Coast, our floors are tough, stylish, and incredibly low-fuss. Ready to find the perfect blend of durability and design for your home? Have a squiz at our waterproof flooring collection or snag a free quote to kick things off!

Austrix introduces Premium 5-Layer SPC Hybrid Flooring to the Melbourne market, offering a cutting-edge solution that combines style, strength, and practicality. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring features a rigid limestone-based core, making it exceptionally durable, 100% waterproof, and stable—ideal for the challenges of the Australian climate. Its five-layer construction includes a scratch-resistant Ceramic UV Coating, a high-density Wear Layer for long-term durability, a high-definition Decorative Film that replicates natural timber or stone, a rigid SPC Core for structural integrity, and a pre-attached acoustic underlay (IXPE or EVA) that enhances comfort and reduces noise. This innovative flooring offers key benefits such as resistance to scratches and impact, complete water protection for wet areas, superior stability against temperature changes, and easy installation with a precision click-lock system. The result is a quiet, comfortable, and visually stunning floor that suits any modern home.