Choosing your Kit
Are you not sure which HIDE Kit is right for your project? The steps below will help you understand key considerations like inlay depth, underside opening size, and the function of a drain cover with waterflow or an Access Cover covering plumbing. Choosing the right kit is straightforward.
Will the square cover work over my round inspection point?
YES! A Square HIDE Cover Works Over a Round Opening
It’s common for HIDE Covers to be installed over round skimmer boxes or inspection points—and that’s perfectly fine.
The key reason is aesthetics: most outdoor surfaces like tiles, pavers, and stone are square or rectangular, so a square HIDE Cover blends in far more naturally with the surrounding material. It also makes cutting and aligning tiles easier.
Since the opening beneath is completely concealed, it doesn’t matter whether it’s round, off-centre, or irregularly shaped. In fact, HIDE Covers are intentionally made slightly larger than standard openings to give installers the flexibility to position the lid in line with grout joints or design patterns—ensuring the most seamless and visually appealing result.
So when choosing your HIDE Kit, ensure it is larger than required, so you will have clear, free access.
The underside opening
Understanding the Underside Opening
While the top of the HIDE Cover is designed to blend seamlessly with your surface finish, the underside opening is where functionality matters most. This is the clear space beneath the frame that allows you to access what’s below—whether it’s a skimmer box, drain, or service point.
When selecting your kit, it’s important to check the underside opening dimensions to ensure you’ll have adequate clearance for access and maintenance. Remember, the internal space is slightly smaller than the lid’s external size, so always refer to the technical specifications to confirm the fit. Choosing a cover with a generous underside opening helps avoid restrictions and ensures hassle-free access long term.
Choosing the Right Kit Depth for Your Inlay
When selecting a HIDE Kit, the most important factor—beyond size and application—is the depth of your inlay material, whether it’s timber, turf, stone, pavers, or even concrete.
HIDE Kits are available in 10mm, 20mm, 30mm, and 40mm depths across all standard models (excluding our larger Utility Access Covers, which are available in 20mm and 30mm only, for weight and handling considerations).
Each kit is designed with a little extra space—the stated depth +2mm—to accommodate natural variations in material thickness. For example, if you're using 20mm stone tiles, a 20mm kit (e.g. HAC206-20 or HSL306-20) will suit perfectly, thanks to a true inlay depth of 22mm.
If your material is slightly thicker—say 25mm—you would simply choose the next size up, such as the 30mm kit. Any minor shortfall is easily resolved using the included Height Adjuster and adhesive, allowing you to build up a secure base for your inlay.
In short:
- Match your kit depth to your inlay: 10, 20, 30, or 40mm
- If you have a size somewhere inbetween, go up to the size just above and use the supplied height adjuster to pack the void
- Refer to the installation guide for detailed
instructions
More detailed information is available in our Installation Instructions, but this quick reference should help you confidently select the right kit.
Concrete applications: Choose the 40mm Kit and use the supplied Concrete Components which snap in.
Drain Cover vs. Access Cover
What’s the Difference?
The HIDE Drain Cover (HDC314) is designed to replace traditional drain grates, providing a discreet yet functional solution. While it completely conceals the drain opening with your chosen surface material, it includes a 5mm gap around the perimeter—between the inlay lid and the Edge Protector—allowing water to flow freely into the drainage system. This makes it ideal for wet areas such as pool zones, patios, and courtyards to manage surface water while maintaining a flush, stylish finish.
Access Covers such as the HAC206, HSL306, and HSL412 also conceal what’s below—typically plumbing junctions or inspection points—but are not designed for water flow. They include a 1mm gap around the lid to allow for air circulation and ventilation. These covers are intended for use in dry areas where visual integration and safe access are the priority.
In short:
- Drain Cover when water must pass through.
- Access Cover when you need secure, discreet access to services below—without the need for drainage.
Stock availability
Please note: While all products are shown here for reference, not every size or model may yet be available in Europe. HIDE is expanding local distribution, and we welcome your input to help shape future stock availability.
