How to Install Hybrid Flooring on Concrete: A Step-by-Step Guide for Perth Homes
If you’re wondering how to install hybrid flooring in your home, you’re in the right place. As someone whohas been involved in renovations for decades—both personally and professionally—I’ve seen just how popular SPC hybrid flooring has become in Perth homes. And for good reason.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we stock a wide range of SPC hybrid flooring that looks just like timber, but comes with a click-lock system and integrated underlay, making it ideal for DIYers. It’s 100% waterproof, easy to clean, and tough enough to handle anything a busy household throws at it.
While this guide focuses on laying hybrid flooring over concrete, the same process applies to most hard, flat subfloors—including tiles, hardwood, vinyl, and plywood. If the surface is clean, level, and dry, you’re good to go.
This is a no-fuss, step-by-step hybrid flooring installation guide to help you get the job done right the first time—without any confusion.
Why Hybrid Flooring Is Perfect for Perth Homes
Whether you’re renovating an investment property or updating your forever home, hybrid flooring is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. It’s practical, stylish, and incredibly DIY-friendly. Over the years, I’ve seen more and more Perth homeowners choose hybrid flooring—especially SPC hybrid flooring—because it handles everyday wear and tear like a champ.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, our SPC range is perfect for Perth’s conditions. It’s 100% waterproof, won’t warp or swell, and is tough enough to handle kids, pets, and heavy foot traffic. Plus, with its built-in underlay and click-lock system, you can install it yourself over
SPC Hybrid Flooring Explained
SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite, and it’s exactly what gives this flooring its strength. Each plank is made up of several layers:
- A UV-protected wear layer to guard against scratches and fading
- A high-resolution decorative layer that mimics timber (we’ve got plenty of options, from warm Blackbutt tones to light European Oak)
- A rigid SPC core made from limestone and stabilisers for maximum strength
- An integrated acoustic underlay for comfort and noise reduction
The result? A flooring solution that’s completely waterproof, easy to install, and looks like the real deal.
Advantages Over Other Flooring Types
We’ve considered selling every type of flooring over the years—laminate, vinyl, engineered timber—you name it. The reason we went with hybrid flooring is that it takes the best features from each and leaves the hassles behind.
- Laminate can swell with moisture. Hybrid flooring doesn’t.
- Vinyl can feel a bit soft or flimsy underfoot. Hybrid feels more solid.
- Engineered timber is beautiful but expensive, and usually needs gluing or nailing down.
With hybrid, you get that natural timber look without the price tag or maintenance. And thanks to the click-lock system, you don’t need nails, glue, or even a tradie.
For more information about how hybrid flooring compares with other flooring options, read our comparisons of SPC Flooring vs. Laminate and SPC vs. WPC Hybrid Flooring.
What Subfloors Are Suitable?
Although we’re focusing on concrete in this guide, you can install hybrid flooring over a range of surfaces—as long as they’re clean, flat, and dry.
Suitable subfloors:
- Concrete slabs (old or new)
- Ceramic tiles (if securely fixed and grout lines aren’t too deep)
- Existing hardwood or laminate (if flat and stable)
- Vinyl or linoleum (fully bonded and not cushiony)
- Plywood or particleboard (common in raised homes)
Not suitable:
- Carpet (must be removed)
- Soft vinyl with cushion backing
- Uneven, damaged or water-damaged floors
If you’re unsure, come see us in-store—we’re happy to help you work it out.
TL;DR: Hybrid flooring is a top choice for Perth homes thanks to its durability, waterproof design, and easy installation. Ross’s SPC hybrid flooring suits most flat, hard subfloors—not just concrete—and delivers that high-end timber look without the fuss.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you get started, it’s important to have everything on hand. I’ve installed hybrid flooring in twice now, and trust me—having the right gear from the beginning makes a huge difference. Whether you’re doing one room or the whole house, this checklist will keep your install on track and frustration-free.
Essential Tools
- Tape measure and pencil for accurate marking
- A 1.5-metre straight edge to check floor flatness
- Utility knife or drop saw for cutting boards
- Concrete grinder (optional, but a lifesaver for prepping uneven floors)
- Vacuum to clean dust after grinding
- Safety gear: dust mask, ear protection
- Tapping block and rubber mallet to lock boards together securely
- 10mm spacers or packers to create expansion gaps around the room
Materials Checklist
- SPC hybrid flooring from Ross’s Discount Home Centre (ours includes an integrated underlay, so no extra layers needed)
- Black plastic sheet or moisture barrier (recommended for older concrete slabs)
- C-channel trims or matching Scotia for finishing along doorways or cabinetry
- Sikaflex 11FC or another quality adhesive for securing trims
TL;DR: You don’t need fancy tools to lay hybrid flooring—just a few basics and a bit of preparation. Our hybrid planks already come with an underlay, so you can skip that extra step and focus on getting a clean, smooth install.
Step 1: Preparing Your Concrete Subfloor
If you ask me, floor prep is where most DIY jobs either succeed or fail. It doesn’t matter how good your hybrid flooring is—if the subfloor isn’t flat, you’re going to have problems. I always say, take your time with this step and you’ll thank yourself later. Here’s exactly how I get concrete surfaces ready before laying boards.
Check Flatness with a Straight Edge
The first thing I do is grab a 1.5-metre straight edge and run it across different parts of the room—lengthways, sideways, and diagonally. Your floor doesn’t need to be perfectly level, but it does need to be flat. The rule of thumb is no more than a 3mm dip under a 1.5-metre straight edge.
Mark any high spots or low points as you go. I usually use a pencil or chalk, depending on the surface. These markings will help you know exactly where you’ll need to grind or fill.
Grinding Down High Spots
Once you’ve found your high spots, it’s time to deal with them. I use a concrete grinder—nothing fancy, just something solid that can take off the edges without much effort. Hook it up to a vacuum if possible to minimise the mess. And don’t forget your dust mask—grinding concrete kicks up more dust than you’d think.
Go back and forth slowly, checking with your straight edge as you go until everything is nice and flat. You don’t need to go overboard, just knock down the peaks so your hybrid flooring can float smoothly.
Clean the Surface
Before you start laying anything, the surface needs to be clean, dry, and free of debris. Vacuum thoroughly and wipe up any fine dust left behind. If you’ve used a moisture barrier before, now’s the time to give that slab a final once-over.
This is one of those simple steps that make a big difference in the long run. A clean slab ensures proper adhesion for trims and keeps dirt from interfering with the click-lock joints.
TL;DR: Don’t skip prep. A bumpy floor causes problems down the track. Use a grinder if needed, mark high and low spots with a straight edge, and make sure the surface is clean and dry before you lay your first board.
Step 2: Laying a Moisture Barrier (Optional but Recommended)
Even though our SPC hybrid flooring is fully waterproof, I still recommend laying down a moisture barrier—especially if you’re working on an older concrete slab. It’s a small step that can save a lot of hassle down the track. Think of it as cheap insurance to protect your new floors and keep your install stress-free.
Why Use a Plastic Moisture Barrier
Concrete may appear dry on the surface, but moisture can still seep through over time—especially in Perth homes built before proper slab sealing became standard. A plastic sheet acts as a barrier between your slab and the rubber backing of the hybrid planks, preventing moisture from causing any unwanted movement or odour.
It also helps the floor float more freely, which is exactly what you want. Without a barrier, the underlay can stick to the concrete in some areas, stopping the planks from expanding and contracting properly.
How to Lay It Properly
Start by rolling the plastic sheet out across the floor, edge to edge. If your room is wider than the roll, overlap each sheet slightly—about 20 to 30mm is plenty. Use scissors or a utility knife to trim it neatly around corners and edges.
If you’re dealing with multiple sheets, tape the seams down to stop them from shifting while you lay the boards. You don’t need anything fancy here—just simple duct tape or packaging tape will do the job.
TL;DR: A moisture barrier isn’t mandatory, but it’s a smart extra step—especially on older slabs. It protects against rising damp, helps your floor float properly, and gives you peace of mind for years to come.
Step 3: Cutting and Prepping Your Trims
This is one of those steps that’s easy to overlook, but it makes the job go a lot smoother. If you’re using trims—whether it’s C-channel trims or matching Scotia from our hybrid flooring range—it’s best to get them cut and ready before you start laying your boards. That way, you won’t have to stop mid-install to measure, cut, and clean up the glue.
Mark and Cut Trims First
Start by deciding which type of trim you’re using. We stock colour-matched Scotia to suit every style in our SPC hybrid flooring range, giving you a neat, blended finish around the room’s perimeter. Scotia trims are a great alternative to C-channels and are commonly used to cover the expansion gap along skirting boards and kickboards.
Measure each wall or transition area, and mark out your cuts with a pencil. Use a drop saw for accurate, clean edges. Whether you’re working with Scotia or C-channels, I always recommend a dry fit before gluing, so you know everything sits flush and even.
Use Construction Adhesive for Installation
For both trim types, I use Sikaflex 11FC or any quality construction adhesive. Run a bead of glue along the trim, press it into place, and then wipe away any excess glue with a rag before it sets.
If you’re installing Scotia, press it gently against the skirting (not the flooring itself) to allow your hybrid planks to expand and contract underneath without pressure.
Whichever option you choose, preparing your trims now will save you time and leave your installation looking clean and professional.
TL;DR: Choose between C-channel or colour-matched Scotia trims—both are available at Ross’s. Pre-cut and glue them down before laying your boards for a smooth finish and faster install.
Step 4: Laying Your First Row of Hybrid Flooring
Now the fun begins—this is where your floor starts to take shape. I always recommend starting along the longest wall in the room, laying the boards in the same direction as the natural light. It helps the space feel larger and showcases the grain in your hybrid planks.
If you’ve already prepped your trims or Scotia, this step becomes even easier.
Set Expansion Gaps Around the Edges
Before laying your first board, grab your 10mm packers or spacers and place them along the wall. These create an expansion gap that allows the floor to move naturally in response to changes in temperature or humidity.
Don’t be tempted to skip this step—even SPC hybrid flooring, with its rigid core, needs room to expand and contract. This gap will later be covered neatly by your trims or Scotia, so it won’t be visible once the job’s done.
Click and Lock the First Row
Take your first plank and hold it at a 45-degree angle, lining it up with the next board in the row. Then lower it gently to click into place. Continue this along the full length of the first row.
You may not need tools here, but if you do, use a tapping block or a rubber mallet—never hit the board directly. You want a snug, secure fit, but not so tight that you damage the locking system.
If your wall isn’t perfectly straight (and let’s be honest, most aren’t), you can scribe the edge of the first row for a cleaner finish—but that’s optional if your skirting or Scotia will hide any gaps.
TL;DR: Start laying boards along the longest wall and follow the direction of the light. Use 10mm spacers to allow expansion and click each board at a 45-degree angle for a tight, smooth fit.
Step 5: Continuing the Installation Room-by-Room
Once your first row is in, you’ll start to find a rhythm. This is where things really come together. I always suggest standing back every few rows to check your layout and ensure it looks natural. Take your time with cuts and spacing—it’s the little details that give you a clean, professional finish in the end.
Stagger Joints to Avoid Patterns
When installing hybrid flooring, one of the biggest mistakes I see is lining up the board joins too evenly. It might feel easier, but it creates a visible pattern (like a staircase), which doesn’t look great.
Instead, aim for a minimum 300mm gap between the end joints of each board and the next. I like to mix lengths from different boxes to break up the pattern even more and give the floor a more natural flow—just like real timber.
Cutting to Fit at the Ends
When you reach the end of a row, you’ll need to cut a board to fit. The best way to do this is to flip the board around, mark the cut line with a pencil, and leave a gap of around 8–10mm from the wall for expansion.
I recommend using a drop saw for speed and accuracy, but a flooring guillotine works great too—especially if you’re doing this as a DIY project without access to power tools. Avoid cutting boards in place if you can—take them outside or to a separate cutting area to reduce dust.
Reverse Laying in Hallways or Tight Spots
Eventually, you’ll hit a hallway or narrow space where laying boards in the usual direction becomes tricky. The good news is that SPC hybrid flooring can be installed in reverse, thanks to the click-lock system.
Just take your time, and use a hook tool or flooring pull bar to lock the boards in place. Reverse laying might be a bit fiddly, but it’s completely doable—and your floors will look seamless right through to the last plank.
TL;DR: Keep board joins staggered by at least 300mm, cut cleanly at the ends with room for expansion, and use a hook tool to reverse lay boards in tight areas like hallways. Take your time—it’s worth it.
Step 6: Final Touches and Doorway Transitions
With the last full row down, you’re almost there. This is where the small finishing touches come into play—and they really do make all the difference. Getting a neat, clean edge around doorways and trims is what takes your DIY install from “good enough” to “looks like a pro did it.”
Installing Under Door Trims
When you’re fitting boards under architraves or around door frames, it’s worth taking the time to get it right. I recommend leaving around a 5mm expansion gap between the board and the trim. This gives the floor room to move, but still looks tight once the trims or Scotia are in place.
To mark your cuts accurately, you can use an offcut board to scribe around the architrave. Just hold the offcut tight in place, trace the curve or angle, and then cut along your mark using a jigsaw or table saw. It might seem fiddly, but once you’ve done one, the rest come easy.
Gluing Final Trims in Place
Now’s the time to install your C-channel trims or matching Scotia—whichever you’ve chosen. If you’re using C-channels at doorways, apply a small bead of Sikaflex or Liquid Nails along the base, gently push it into place, and wipe away any excess glue before it sets.
For Scotia, align it with your wall or skirting and press it firmly over the expansion gap. Just remember—Scotia should sit against the skirting, not the flooring, to allow for proper floor movement.
If you’re installing a final row of boards next to the trim, a hook tool or pull bar can help you get them locked in tight before pushing the trim into place.
TL;DR: Cut around architraves with a 5mm gap and use an offcut to scribe curves or tricky spots. Finish with C-channels or Scotia, glued down carefully for a clean, polished look.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering how to install hybrid flooring, I hope this hybrid flooring installation guide has shown you just how straightforward it can be. With the right preparation and a few basic tools, this is a DIY project most Perth homeowners can tackle confidently—especially when using the SPC hybrid flooring we stock at Ross’s Discount Home Centre.
Our hybrid flooring features a click-lock system and built-in underlay, allowing you to skip the complicated steps and focus on achieving a great-looking finish. It’s tough, waterproof, and designed for everyday life—perfect for family homes, investment properties, or DIY renovations.
If you’re ready to give your floors a fresh start, visit us at our Guildford showroom or browse our range online. And remember: if you can measure, cut, and click, you can install your own hybrid flooring—and do a bloody good job of it too.
