Eclipse is the SPC (stone polymer composite) hybrid range produced by Big Panda Flooring and stocked at The Flooring Guys. It’s a 6.5 mm rigid-core plank aimed at Australian buyers who want a waterproof timber-look floor without paying engineered-timber money. This review covers what’s actually in the plank, the colourways worth knowing, where it suits, where it doesn’t, and how it compares to other hybrid flooring brands on the Australian market.

What Eclipse hybrid flooring is

Eclipse is a 6.5 mm SPC hybrid: a rigid stone-polymer core, a printed timber-look decor layer, a clear PVC wear layer on top, and a pre-attached IXPE acoustic underlay on the bottom. The dense SPC core is what gives the plank its dimensional stability — it doesn’t expand and contract with daytime temperature swings the way laminate does, so you can run it across an open-plan kitchen, living and dining without worrying about gapping in summer or buckling in winter.

• 6.5 mm SPC rigid core, built with a core designed to resist ordinary water exposure; the installed floor is not a waterproofing membrane
• Pre-attached IXPE acoustic underlay (no separate underlay needed)
• Embossed wear layer for a more realistic timber feel underfoot
• Click-lock joinery, glueless install over a level subfloor
• Manufacturer warranty covering residential and light commercial use

The Eclipse colour range

The range covers the colours Australian buyers actually ask for, built around recognisable native species and the grey-oak palette that suits newer builds.

• Blackbutt — a warm mid-brown with a clean grain. The all-rounder; works with white joinery and warm-grey paint.
• Spotted Gum — deeper character markings and a richer brown. Suits coastal and contemporary interiors.
• Highland Oak — a softer, lighter oak tone that opens up north-facing rooms.
• Silver Grey — a cool, washed grey-oak look. Pairs with matte-black tapware and crisp white kitchens.
• Seasoned Grey — a darker, smokier grey for buyers who want contrast against pale walls and joinery.

Where Eclipse works well

Because the core is waterproof, Eclipse suits the rooms where laminate or engineered timber would struggle: kitchens with regular spills, laundries, downstairs living on slab, and even bathrooms if the silicone seal at the perimeter is done properly. The wear layer holds up well to dropped pans and dog claws, which makes it a sensible pick for households with kids or pets. Because the IXPE underlay is bonded to the plank, install is faster and you’re not buying a separate roll of foam.

Where it doesn’t suit

SPC is hard underfoot. If acoustic transmission to the room below matters — for example, in an upstairs apartment — the IXPE underlay helps, but a thicker acoustic underlay rated to the body-corporate spec may still be required. Eclipse also doesn’t suit subfloors that aren’t level: SPC won’t hide undulation the way carpet does, and a high spot will telegraph through and can stress the joints over time. We’d recommend self-levelling anything outside a 3 mm tolerance over a 2 m span before laying. For full-time outdoor or sun-room locations with prolonged direct sunlight, a hybrid isn’t the right product either — UV will fade the decor layer faster than the warranty assumes.

Install notes

Eclipse uses a click-lock system for a glueless floating install over most subfloors — concrete, plywood, or existing tile (provided the tile is sound and grout lines aren’t too deep). A few practical notes from our installers:

• Acclimatise the boxes flat in the room for at least 48 hours before laying.
• Leave a 10 mm expansion gap around the perimeter and at any vertical penetration.
• Don’t run a single field longer than the manufacturer’s maximum without a transition strip — usually around 10 m.
• Concrete subfloors need a moisture test; SPC is waterproof but trapped vapour can still affect the underlay over time.

How Eclipse compares to other hybrids

Eclipse sits squarely in the SPC category. If you’re cross-shopping it against an RCB (rigid core board) hybrid, the practical difference is rigidity: SPC is denser and more dimensionally stable, RCB is slightly softer underfoot but a bit more forgiving on imperfect subfloors. We’ve written a full SPC vs RCB comparison if you want to dig into that decision. At 6.5 mm with a pre-attached underlay, Eclipse competes directly with mid-tier SPC ranges; it’s not the thickest plank on the market, but the core density and the IXPE backing punch above the price point. For where this lands in real installed dollars per square metre, the hybrid flooring cost guide is the place to start.

Should you buy it?

If you want one floor running across kitchen, living and laundry that handles spills, scratches and the daily knock-about of a busy home, Eclipse is a fair pick at its price point. If your priority is acoustic comfort in an apartment, or you’re laying over a problem subfloor, factor the upgraded underlay or self-levelling into your budget before deciding. We carry Eclipse across our Sydney and Brisbane showrooms — bring a swatch home, look at it under your own light, and check it next to your joinery and skirtings before you commit. For a wider view of what passes the wet-zone test, see our guide to waterproof flooring options.

Eclipse hybrid flooring FAQs

Is Eclipse hybrid flooring waterproof?

Yes. The SPC core itself is not damaged by ordinary water exposure, so spills sitting on the surface won’t swell the plank. Standing water at perimeter joints over long periods will still find its way to the subfloor, so silicone the perimeter in wet zones.

Is it suitable for pets?

Yes. The wear layer resists scratching from claws better than engineered timber, and the waterproof core means accidents won’t damage the floor. Wipe spills promptly and trim claws as you would on any hard surface.

Can Eclipse go over underfloor heating?

It’s compatible with most low-temperature hydronic and electric systems, capped at the manufacturer’s maximum surface temperature (typically around 27°C). Ramp the system up slowly after install and confirm the spec with your installer before turning it on at full temperature.

How do you clean it?

Sweep or vacuum on a hard-floor setting, then damp-mop with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid steam mops and aggressive solvents — they can soften the wear layer and dull the finish.

What to verify before you buy