Three flooring types dominate the Australian market — hybrid (SPC), engineered timber, and solid hardwood. They look similar on the surface, but underneath they’re completely different products with different lifespans, price points, and limitations. Here’s how to choose the right one for your home, your rooms, and your budget.
In This Guide
1. What Are the 3 Types?
Hybrid Flooring (SPC)
Hybrid flooring uses a rigid stone–polymer composite (SPC) core made from limestone and PVC. It’s topped with a photographic print layer and a scratch-resistant wear layer, then backed with acoustic underlay. The result is a 100% waterproof plank that clicks together without glue or nails. Available at Hippo Floors in 6.5mm and 9.5mm thicknesses.
Engineered Timber
Engineered timber features a real hardwood veneer (typically 2–4mm thick) bonded to a plywood or HDF base. You get the look, feel, and smell of real wood, with better dimensional stability than solid hardwood. Can be sanded and refinished 1–2 times depending on veneer thickness. Hippo Floors stocks 15.3mm engineered timber in 10 colourways.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like — a single piece of milled timber, typically 14–19mm thick. Australian species like Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, and Victoria Ash are prized for their hardness, natural character, and longevity. Can be sanded and refinished multiple times over decades. Hippo Floors carries 14.3mm Australian hardwood in 8 species.
What About Laminate?
Laminate uses an MDF/HDF core with a photographic print — similar idea to hybrid but not waterproof. We don’t stock laminate because SPC hybrid outperforms it in every metric that matters: water resistance, stability, and durability. If you’re considering laminate, look at our 6.5mm SPC Hybrid range instead.
2. Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Hybrid (SPC) | Engineered Timber | Solid Hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 6.5mm – 9.5mm | 15.3mm | 14.3mm |
| Core material | Stone–polymer composite | Plywood / HDF + real wood veneer | Solid milled timber |
| Water resistance | 100% waterproof | Water-resistant (not waterproof) | Poor — swells and cups |
| Scratch resistance | Excellent (0.5mm+ wear layer) | Moderate (real wood surface) | Varies by species (Janka rating) |
| Price per m² | $32 – $54.99 | $48 – $117 | $83 – $121 |
| Installation | DIY click-lock (floating) | Glue-down or floating | Nail-down (professional only) |
| Lifespan | 15 – 25 years | 25 – 40 years | 50+ years (with refinishing) |
| Best rooms | Everywhere incl. bathrooms & kitchens | Living, bedroom, dining | Living, bedroom, dining |
| Herringbone available? | Yes (9.5mm SPC) | Yes | No |
Quick Summary: Hybrid is the most versatile and affordable option — waterproof, scratch-resistant, and DIY-friendly. Engineered timber gives you real wood at a mid-range price. Solid hardwood is the premium, long-term investment that can be refinished for decades.
3. Pros & Cons for Each
Hybrid Flooring (SPC)
Pros
- 100% waterproof — safe for bathrooms, kitchens, laundries
- Most affordable option ($32–$55/m²)
- DIY click-lock installation — no trades needed
- Scratch-resistant 0.5mm+ wear layer
- Pre-attached acoustic underlay reduces noise
- Won’t expand or contract with temperature changes
Cons
- Not real wood — printed design layer
- Cannot be sanded or refinished
- Shorter lifespan than timber (15–25 years)
- Can feel hollow underfoot compared to solid timber
- Less prestige / resale appeal than hardwood
Engineered Timber
Pros
- Real hardwood surface — authentic look and feel
- Can be sanded and refinished 1–2 times
- More stable than solid hardwood (resists cupping)
- Available in herringbone and wide-plank formats
- Adds genuine value to your home
Cons
- Not waterproof — avoid wet areas
- Scratches more easily than hybrid
- Higher price ($48–$117/m²)
- Professional installation recommended
- Requires more maintenance (oiling, sealing)
Solid Hardwood
Pros
- The real deal — solid timber through and through
- Can be sanded and refinished many times over 50+ years
- Highest resale value and prestige
- Australian species are exceptionally hard (high Janka ratings)
- Develops beautiful patina and character with age
Cons
- Most expensive option ($83–$121/m² + installation)
- Not waterproof — swells, cups, and stains from moisture
- Expands and contracts with humidity changes
- Professional nail-down installation required
- Not suitable for concrete slabs without special preparation
The “Refinishing” Argument
Hardwood fans often cite refinishing as the key advantage. It’s valid — but consider this: refinishing a 30m² room costs $1,500–$3,000 and takes a week. Over 50 years you might refinish 3–4 times. Meanwhile, you could replace a hybrid floor twice in that period and still spend less overall.
4. Price Breakdown
These are real Hippo Floors prices — what you’ll actually pay per square metre for materials (excluding installation).
$32/m²6.5mm SPC Hybrid
$52–$55/m²9.5mm SPC Hybrid
$48–$117/m²Engineered Timber 15.3mm
$83–$121/m²Australian Hardwood 14.3mm
| Product | Material /m² | Install /m² | Total /m² (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5mm SPC Hybrid | $32 | $25–$35 | $57–$67 |
| 9.5mm SPC Hybrid | $52 | $25–$35 | $77–$87 |
| 9.5mm SPC Herringbone | $54.99 | $35–$50 | $90–$105 |
| Engineered Timber 15.3mm | ~$104.54 | $40–$60 | $145–$165 |
| Engineered Herringbone | $48–$117 | $45–$65 | $93–$182 |
| Australian Hardwood 14.3mm | $83–$121 | $50–$70 | $133–$191 |
Installation Costs Vary
Hybrid click-lock can be DIY (saving $25–$35/m²), while hardwood always requires a professional. Herringbone patterns cost more to install than standard plank due to the extra cuts and precision required. Always get 2–3 quotes from local installers.
5. Which Flooring Is Best for Each Room?
| Room | Best Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | Hybrid (SPC) | Only option that’s 100% waterproof — timber and hardwood will swell |
| Kitchen | Hybrid (SPC) | Handles spills, splashes, and dropped food without damage |
| Laundry | Hybrid (SPC) | Waterproof core protects against washing machine leaks |
| Living room | Any — all three work well | Low moisture, high visibility. Choose based on budget and style |
| Bedroom | Any — all three work well | Low traffic, low moisture. Hardwood adds warmth and luxury |
| Hallway / entry | Hybrid or Hardwood | High traffic — hybrid resists scratches; hardwood can be refinished |
| Open-plan living | Hybrid (SPC) | One floor from kitchen to lounge — no transitions needed |
| Basement / slab | Hybrid (SPC) | Floating install works over concrete; hardwood nail-down doesn’t |
The Rule: If the room has water, choose hybrid. If the room is dry and you want real timber, choose engineered or hardwood based on your budget and whether you value refinishing.
6. Find Your Perfect Flooring
Answer four quick questions and we’ll recommend the best Hippo Floors product for your home.
Which Flooring Should You Choose?
Question 1 of 4
What’s your budget per m² (materials only)?
Which room is the flooring for?
How much water exposure will the floor get?
What matters most to you?
Compare All Three Ranges
Browse All Collections →
SPC hybrid from $32/m², engineered timber, and Australian hardwood — all in stock with free delivery.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Is hybrid flooring as good as real timber?
For performance, hybrid is actually better — it’s waterproof, more scratch-resistant, and cheaper. But it’s not real wood. If you value the authentic feel, grain, and warmth of genuine timber underfoot, engineered timber or hardwood will always win on that front. Modern hybrid prints are very realistic, but you can still tell the difference up close.
Can I put hybrid flooring in a bathroom?
Yes. SPC hybrid is 100% waterproof — the stone–polymer core cannot absorb water, swell, or warp. It’s the only timber-look flooring you can safely use in bathrooms, ensuites, and laundries. Engineered timber and solid hardwood should never go in wet areas.
Which flooring adds the most value to a home?
Solid hardwood adds the most resale value because buyers perceive it as a premium, long-lasting material. Engineered timber is close behind. Hybrid flooring is increasingly accepted by buyers, especially in newer homes, but doesn’t command the same premium as real wood. That said, a well-maintained hybrid floor looks just as good at open-for-inspection day.
How long does each type of flooring last?
Hybrid (SPC): 15–25 years with no maintenance required. Engineered timber: 25–40 years with occasional refinishing. Solid hardwood: 50–100+ years with periodic sanding and refinishing. Hardwood wins on pure longevity, but the total cost of ownership (including refinishing) can be higher than replacing a hybrid floor twice.
Can I install hybrid flooring myself?
Yes. SPC hybrid uses a click-lock system that doesn’t require glue, nails, or special tools. Most homeowners can install a room in a day. Engineered timber can also be floated in some cases, but glue-down is preferred. Solid hardwood must be nail-gunned by a professional — it’s not a DIY job.
What’s the difference between 6.5mm and 9.5mm hybrid?
The 9.5mm SPC hybrid has a thicker core, which means better underfoot feel, improved sound insulation, and a more premium look. It’s also available in herringbone format. The 6.5mm is the budget-friendly option — same waterproof performance and wear layer, just thinner. For living areas and bedrooms where comfort matters, 9.5mm is worth the upgrade. For rentals or secondary rooms, 6.5mm does the job.
Find the Right Floor for Your Home
Hybrid, engineered timber, or hardwood — we stock all three with free delivery Australia-wide. Order free samples and compare them side by side in your own space.
