LVT Buying Guide
Choosing the right flooring can transform your home, and Karndean LVT offers the perfect blend of stunning looks and practical performance. This guide will help you navigate the options and make a confident decision that you'll love walking on for years to come.
LVT: The best of both worlds
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) gives you the gorgeous appearance of real wood or stone without the high maintenance, water damage worries, or hefty price tag. Unlike laminate that can feel hollow underfoot, quality LVT like Karndean feels substantial and realistic. You get the warmth and beauty of natural materials with modern durability that fits busy lifestyles.
Why karndean stands apart
Karndean isn't just another vinyl flooring company – they're craftspeople who've spent over 40 years perfecting their art. Their designs are created from real wood and stone samples, capturing authentic grain patterns and natural variations that cheaper alternatives miss. When you choose Karndean, you're investing in floors that fool even flooring experts into thinking they're looking at the real thing.
Perfect for modern living
Let's be honest – life happens. Kids spill juice, dogs have accidents, and muddy boots get forgotten at the door. Karndean LVT handles it all gracefully. It's completely waterproof, scratch-resistant, and comfortable underfoot. Plus, it works beautifully with underfloor heating, making it perfect for bathrooms and kitchens where traditional hardwood fears to tread.
Understanding Karndean Collections
Karndean offers several distinct collections, each with its own personality. Art Select features larger format planks with deeper textures for a premium hardwood feel. Knight Tile offers classic wood and stone looks in traditional sizes. Van Gogh provides authentic vintage wood appearances with unique character marks. Each collection serves different design visions and budgets.
Thickness matters more than you think
Karndean planks typically range from 2mm to 3mm thick, and that difference is significant. Thicker planks feel more substantial underfoot, provide better sound insulation, and are more forgiving over slightly uneven subfloors. If you're replacing thin vinyl or want that solid, quality feel, opt for the thicker options – your feet (and your neighbours below) will thank you.
The wear layer is your floor's armour
The wear layer is the clear protective coating on top, and it's crucial for longevity. Karndean's wear layers range from 0.3mm to 0.7mm. For busy family areas and hallways, choose 0.5mm or higher. For bedrooms and low-traffic spaces, 0.3mm is perfectly adequate. Think of it as insurance for your investment – a little extra upfront saves replacement costs later.
Design and aesthetics
Wood-look magic
Karndean's wood-look planks are incredibly convincing, featuring realistic grain patterns, knots, and color variations just like real timber. Popular choices include rich walnut tones for warmth, cool grey oaks for modern spaces, and classic honey oak for timeless appeal. The beauty is in the details – look for collections with beveled edges and varied plank widths for the most authentic appearance.
Stone and tile sophistication
Their stone-look tiles capture everything from rustic slate to polished marble, complete with natural veining and texture. These work beautifully in kitchens, bathrooms, and entrance halls where you want durability with elegance. The realistic surface textures mean they feel authentic underfoot, not plasticky like cheaper alternatives.
Size and layout flexibility
Plank sizes range from narrow strips that mimic reclaimed wood to wide planks for a contemporary feel. Consider your room size – wider planks make small spaces feel larger, while mixed-width installations add character and visual interest. Karndean also offers complementary borders and feature strips to create custom patterns that reflect your personal style.
We can fit planks and tiles in many different ways. The simplest plank style is "straight lay", the same as real wood flooring is normally fitted. The flexibility of LVT means that we can also fit at 45 degrees, with borders and with thin inlay strips between planks, meaning that the area you create can be truly unique!
Colour choices that last
Resist the urge to follow every trend – choose colours you'll love in five years, not just today. Karndean's mid-tone browns and greys are incredibly versatile and work with changing décor. If you love bold colours, consider using them as accents rather than throughout entire rooms. Remember, flooring is a long-term commitment!
Performance and durability
Built for real life
Karndean LVT is engineered to handle whatever your household throws at it. The multi-layer construction includes a stable core that resists expansion and contraction, plus protective layers that guard against scratches, stains, and wear. It's designed for commercial use too, so your home traffic is nothing it can't handle.
Scratch and dent resistance
While no floor is completely scratch-proof, Karndean's surface treatments make it remarkably resilient. Heavy furniture, pet claws, and dropped items rarely leave permanent marks. Small scratches that do occur often disappear with gentle warming (like from sunlight), and deeper scratches can usually be repaired rather than requiring plank replacement.
The waterproof advantage
Unlike hardwood that warps or laminate that swells, Karndean is completely waterproof. This makes it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. Spills simply wipe away without panic. However, while the planks themselves are waterproof, proper installation with sealed seams is crucial for complete moisture protection.
Room suitability
Karndean works everywhere in your home, including over concrete subfloors where traditional hardwood struggles. It's stable in temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for conservatories, and it's comfortable enough for bedrooms. The only limitation is extreme heat – keep it away from direct contact with wood stoves or fireplaces.
Installation considerations
Glue-down vs. loose lay
Glue-down installation creates the most authentic feel and look, with planks adhered directly to the subfloor. It's more permanent but provides superior stability and acoustic properties. Loose lay systems are quicker to install and easier to replace individual planks, but may feel slightly less solid underfoot. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise permanence or flexibility.
Subfloor success
A good installation starts with proper subfloor preparation. Concrete should be level, dry, and smooth. Wooden subfloors need to be structurally sound without squeaks or movement. Small imperfections can telegraph through LVT over time, so don't skip the prep work. It's worth investing in a professional subfloor assessment if you're unsure.
Professional installation pays off
While DIY installation is possible, professional fitting ensures your warranty remains valid and your floor performs as designed. Experienced installers know how to handle tricky areas like doorways and irregular walls. They also have the right tools and adhesives for optimal results. Consider it an investment in your floor's longevity and appearance.
Underfloor heating compatibility
Karndean works beautifully with underfloor heating systems, providing even heat distribution without the gaps that can appear in real wood. Just ensure the system doesn't exceed 27°C surface temperature, and always use a professional installer familiar with heated subfloor requirements. The combination of warm floors and Karndean's comfort underfoot is pure luxury.
Maintenance and care
Daily care is simple
Regular sweeping or vacuuming removes grit that could potentially scratch the surface over time. For deeper cleaning, damp mopping with warm water is usually sufficient. Karndean floors don't need waxing, sealing, or special treatments – they're designed to maintain their appearance with minimal effort.
Karndean's cleaning system
While many household cleaners work fine, Karndean's own cleaning products are specifically formulated for their floors. Their Clean product removes everyday dirt without leaving residue, while their Refresh product tackles stubborn marks and restores shine. Using the right products helps maintain your warranty and keeps floors looking their best.
Protecting your investment
Use door mats at entrances to minimize tracked-in dirt and moisture. Place protective pads under furniture legs, especially chairs that get moved frequently. While Karndean is scratch-resistant, prevention is always better than repair. Rearrange furniture occasionally to prevent permanent compression marks in high-traffic paths.
Dealing with damage
Most marks and scuffs can be removed with gentle cleaning or light buffing. For deeper scratches or damage, individual planks can often be replaced without disturbing surrounding areas, especially with loose lay installations. Keep spare planks from your installation for future repairs – colors can vary slightly between production runs.
Cost considerations
Understanding the investment
Karndean sits in the premium LVT category, typically costing more than basic vinyl but less than quality hardwood or natural stone. Prices vary significantly between collections – Knight Tile offers excellent value, while Art Select commands premium pricing for its larger formats and enhanced features. Consider it a long-term investment rather than just a flooring expense.
Installation costs matter
Professional installation typically adds £15-25 per square meter to your project, but this varies based on subfloor condition, room complexity, and distance from the showroom. Factor in potential subfloor preparation costs too. While this increases upfront investment, proper installation protects your warranty and ensures optimal performance.
Long-term value proposition
Calculate cost over the floor's lifespan, not just initial price. Karndean floors typically last 15-20 years with proper care, making the per-year cost very reasonable. Factor in savings on maintenance compared to natural materials – no sanding, refinishing, or sealing required. Plus, the ability to replace individual planks means localised damage needn't require complete floor replacement.
Warranty protection
Karndean backs their residential floors with impressive warranties – typically lifetime for wear and manufacturing defects. This protection only applies with proper installation and care, so keep all documentation and follow maintenance guidelines. The warranty provides peace of mind that your investment is protected.
Choosing Karndean LVT flooring means investing in floors that look stunning, perform exceptionally, and fit seamlessly into modern life. Take time to see samples in your home's lighting, ask about installation specifics, and choose based on your lifestyle needs rather than just appearance. With proper selection and installation, your Karndean floors will provide years of beauty and satisfaction.