<article>
  <p>
    <a href="https://info.skimmerlids.com.au/drain-knowledge-centre">
      ← Back to HIDE Drain Knowledge Centre
    </a>
  </p>

  <h1>How do I buy a HIDE Drain or Access Cover kit?</h1>

  <p>
    HIDE kits are used in projects around the world, but the way you buy them depends on your region and whether you are a trade customer or homeowner.
    In summary, all HIDE kits are off-the-shelf complete kits: you receive the 316L stainless steel frame and lid, HIDE Key or Keys, HIDE Adhesive, A height adjuster, care and maintenance and installation guidance documents, then simply add your chosen inlay on site.
  </p>

  <!-- SECTION 1: MANUFACTURING ORIGIN -->
  <section>
    <h2>Where are HIDE Drain and Access Covers manufactured?</h2>
    <p>
      HIDE Drain and Access Covers are manufactured in Australia from 316L stainless steel. Simply put, each kit is a support system for your tile, stone, concrete or decking inlay, so the finished lid matches its surroundings while still providing safe, straightforward access to drains and plumbing inspection points.
    </p>
  </section>

  <!-- SECTION 2: AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND -->
  <section>
    <h2>How do I buy HIDE in Australia and New Zealand?</h2>
    <p>
      First, visit 
      <a href="https://www.skimmerlids.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
        www.skimmerlids.com.au
      </a>.
      Next, use the information there to connect with an authorised distributor. In Australia and New Zealand, HIDE is supplied through a large network of
      tile shops, pool and landscape trade outlets and specialist building suppliers.
    </p>

    <h3>Can I buy directly from HIDE in Australia or New Zealand?</h3>
    <p>
      No. In this region, HIDE does not sell directly to the public. Instead, kits are sold through authorised distributors who supply licensed trade customers such as builders, pool builders, tilers and landscapers. Key takeaway: Ask your retailer for your trade price that sits below the recommended retail price (RRP). Always call your distributor to make sure they have the kit you need in stock. If it's not in stock, they will place the order with HIDE Head office, and it should be available to you within five business days.
    </p>

    <h3>What is the best way for a homeowner to buy HIDE in Australia and New Zealand?</h3>
    <p>
      For homeowners, the easiest path is through your installer. For example,
      you can:
    </p>
    <ul>
      <li>Ask your pool builder, tiler or landscaper if they already use HIDE.</li>
      <li>Send them a link to skimmerlids.com.au and request HIDE by name.</li>
      <li>Have them order from an authorised distributor at trade rates.</li>
      <li>Confirm tray depth and model before installation begins.</li>
    <li>Homeowners can purchase the kit themselves and insist their builder uses HIDE, but it's best to work with your builder and discuss your preferences. </li>
    </ul>

    <p>
      Common mistake: leaving drain and access cover decisions to the very end. Instead, decide on HIDE early so falls, set-downs and surface materials can be coordinated properly. The HIDE Frame 'Edge Protector' is deeper than the inlay material thickness, so a recess in the bedding must be considered at the planning stage.
    </p>
  </section>

  <!-- SECTION 3: NORTH AMERICA & CANADA -->
  <section>
    <h2>How do I buy HIDE in North America and Canada?</h2>
    <p>
      In North America and Canada, HIDE is available through a similar network of distributors, with the added convenience of online ordering. First, visit 
      <a href="https://www.skimmercovers.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
        www.skimmercovers.com
      </a>;
      next, choose whether to buy through a distributor at trade pricing or order online at RRP.
    </p>

    <h3>What are my purchasing options in North America and Canada?</h3>
    <p>
      To compare, there are two main paths:
    </p>
    <ul>
      <li>
        <strong>Through distributors:</strong> tile shops, pool and landscape outlets and trade suppliers who sell to builders and installers at trade pricing.
      </li>
      <li>
        <strong>Online at RRP:</strong> ordering via skimmercovers.com for convenient, direct retail purchases.
      </li>
    </ul>

    <p>
      In summary, trade professionals usually buy through distributors at trade price, while homeowners often order online at RRP or work through their preferred contractor.
    </p>

    <h3>Can contractors still get trade pricing when ordering online at www.skimmercovers.com?</h3>
    <p>
      Yes. Contractors can register with distributors for trade accounts while still using skimmercovers.com as a reference for product information and RRP. Key takeaway: online ordering is an option, not a replacement for trade relationships.
    </p>
  </section>

  <!-- SECTION 4: EUROPE -->
  <section>
    <h2>How do I buy HIDE in Europe?</h2>
    <p>
      Europe is a newer region for HIDE, with stock centralised in a German warehouse. First, visit 
      <a href="https://hidecovers.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
        hidecovers.com
      </a>.
      Next, check current product availability and shipping options for your country. Stock arriving at the German Warehouse in late November 2025, and when in the country, the purchasing facility will be enabled on the website store.
    </p>

    <h3>Will HIDE be sold through distributors in Europe?</h3>
    <p>
      Yes, but the network is still growing. At present, HIDE has a small but expanding group of European distributors. In the meantime, most customers purchase online from hidecovers.com at RRP. Over time, more tile, pool and landscape outlets will be added so trade customers can buy locally.
    </p>

    <p>
      In summary, treat hidecovers.com as your primary purchasing channel in Europe today, and expect more local options as the network matures.
    </p>
  </section>

  <!-- SECTION 5: OTHER REGIONS -->
  <section>
    <h2>Is HIDE available outside these regions?</h2>
    <p>
      HIDE is actively expanding into new markets. If you are outside Australia, New Zealand, North America, Canada or Europe, first decide which regional site is closest to you; next, contact the HIDE team through that website. Alternatively, you can contact HIDE Head Office in Australia on +61 7 3807 2551 or email admin@skimmerlids.com.au to organise purchasing directly. 
    </p>

    <p>
      For example, projects in nearby regions such as the Middle East may be supplied from Australia or Europe, depending on logistics. The team can advise on freight options and any emerging distributor partnerships in your area.
    </p>
  </section>

  <!-- SECTION 6: CHOOSING THE RIGHT KIT -->
  <section>
    <h2>What information do I need before ordering a HIDE kit?</h2>
    <p>
      First, confirm whether you need a HIDE Drain Cover (HDC) or a HIDE Access Cover (HAC). Next, gather some basic project details so you or your supplier can select the correct kit. 
    </p>

    <h3>Which project details should I have ready?</h3>
    <p>
      As a simple checklist, you should know:
    </p>
    <ul>
      <li>Whether the location needs surface water drainage or dry access only.</li>
      <li>The approximate drain or inspection point size and position.</li>
      <li>The surface material (tile, stone, concrete, decking, etc.).</li>
      <li>The actual inlay thickness so the correct tray depth can be chosen.</li>
      <li>Whether the area is strictly pedestrian or subject to heavier loads.</li>
    </ul>

    <p>
      Common mistake: guessing inlay thickness. Instead, ask your tiler, stonemason or engineer to confirm actual build-up before ordering. HIDE Drain Covers come in six depths. But more common are four depths to suit common landscape inlay materials. It's important to understand that the inlay doesn't have to fill the entire void of the tray. It's necessary to have extra space for the adhesive. A void of 1 mm to 8 mm is acceptable.
     <li>The 10mm Kit is compatible with inlay materials up to 12 mm in thickness.</li>
     <li>The 20mm Kit is compatible with inlay materials up to 22 mm in thickness.</li>
     <li>The 30mm Kit is compatible with inlay materials up to 32 mm in thickness.</li>
      <li>The 40mm Kit is compatible with inlay materials up to 42 mm in thickness.</li>
    </p>
  </section>

  <!-- SECTION 7: WHAT COMES IN THE KIT -->
  <section>
    <h2>What comes in a standard HIDE kit?</h2>
    <p>
      Every HIDE kit is designed to be off-the-shelf and complete, so you do not need to source extra components or adhesives. Simply put, once you have your inlay material, you have everything you need to finish the cover.
    </p>

    <h3>What components are included?</h3>
    <ul>
      <li>Precision-made 316L stainless steel Frame and Lid.</li>
      <li>
        HIDE Key or Keys for safe, controlled lid removal:
        HIDE kits designed for inlays up to 12–32 mm include one HIDE Key to pivot the lid from the frame. Deeper kits for inlays up to 42–62 mm include two HIDE Keys so the lid can be lifted out vertically.
      </li>
      <li>
        Specially formulated HIDE Adhesive, designed to bond your inlay materials to the stainless steel lid.
      </li>
      <li>
        Installation guidance via QR Codes to comprehensive instructions. Concrete models include snap-in Lugs and Key-way slot formers.
      </li>
      <li>
        Everything you need except the inlay surface material, which is added on site to match your surrounds. Pro Tip: Cut tiles to match the surrounding grout lines and/or patterns, so the pattern is continuous through the lid. This result is a more natural, seamless finish.
      </li>
    </ul>

    <p>
      Key takeaway: HIDE Kits are not “parts lists”; they are complete systems, ready to install once you have confirmed the size, depth and surface finish.
    </p>

  <p>
      Key takeaway: HIDE Drain Kits do not form part of the actual drain. They are decorative flush-mount finish that supports the inlay above the drainage system. All drainage components, such as pits, pipes, and plumbing, are not part of the HIDE Kit and must be installed below the HIDE Cover as per their manufacturers instructions.
    </p>
  </section>

  <!-- SECTION 8: HOMEOWNERS VS TRADE CUSTOMERS -->
  <section>
    <h2>Should homeowners or trade professionals place the order?</h2>
    <p>
      Both approaches can work, but each has pros and cons. First, consider how your project is being managed; next, decide who is best placed to coordinate sizes, depths and timing.
    </p>

    <h3>What are the advantages of trade-led ordering?</h3>
    <p>
      When trade professionals order HIDE, they can:
    </p>
    <ul>
      <li>Align tray depths with the rest of the build-up and falls.</li>
      <li>Coordinate with waterproofing, pipework and concrete pours.</li>
      <li>Access trade pricing where distributor relationships exist.</li>
      <li>Resolve any technical questions with HIDE or the supplier directly.</li>
    </ul>

    <p>
      For homeowners, ordering directly (where available) can be convenient, but it is important to share all details with your installer to avoid sizing or depth mismatches.
    </p>
  </section>

  <!-- FAQ SECTION -->
  <section>
    <h2>Buying HIDE kits: FAQ</h2>

    <h3>Why can’t I buy directly from HIDE Head Office in Australia?</h3>
    <p>
      In Australia and New Zealand, HIDE operates through a distributor model. This supports local trade outlets and ensures builders, pool builders, tilers and landscapers can buy at trade pricing, then supply and install HIDE as part of a complete project. In summary, it keeps technical conversations close to the people doing the work on site.
    </p>

    <h3>Can I still get trade pricing if I am a contractor in North America or Europe?</h3>
    <p>
      Yes. Contractors can register with authorised distributors for trade pricing, while online stores such as skimmercovers.com and hidecovers.com provide RRP-based ordering for convenience. Common mistake: assuming online pricing is the only option; in reality, distributors should offer better trade terms for ongoing work.
    </p>

    <h3>How does buying HIDE fit with design and performance decisions?</h3>
    <p>
      Buying HIDE is just one step in the process. For where HIDE can be used, see
      <a href="https://info.skimmerlids.com.au/drain-applications-locations">
        Where can I use HIDE Drain and Access Covers?
      </a>.
      For flow-rate tables and gap behaviour, visit
      <a href="https://info.skimmerlids.com.au/drain-flow-rate-performance">
        How do HIDE Drain Covers perform for flow rate and water management?
      </a>.
      Key takeaway: design, performance and purchasing should all be considered together, not in isolation.
    </p>
  </section>
</article>