Karndean Designer Flooring: Everything You Need to Know

Karndean flooring is a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike, thanks to its durability, stunning designs, and easy maintenance. If you're considering installing Karndean, you might have some questions about the product. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here’s a handy FAQ page to answer all your burning questions and help you decide if Karndean is the right flooring for you.

 

1. What is Karndean Flooring?

Karndean is a high-quality brand of luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) known for its beautiful, realistic designs and durable construction. Made to resemble natural and premium wood and stone materials, Karndean flooring provides the aesthetics you love with the practicality you need.

• Key Benefits:
  • Waterproof: Perfect for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Durable: Resistant to scratches, dents, and fading.
  • Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain without the need for waxing or polishing.
  • Stylish: Wide range of designs that mimic the look of real wood, stone, and tile, so you can find the perfect look for your space.

 

 

2. How to Clean Karndean Flooring?

One of the biggest advantages of Karndean flooring is how easy it is to clean and maintain. Here's a simple guide to keep your floors looking as good as new:

• Daily Cleaning:
  • Use a broom or vacuum (make sure it’s set to a hard floor setting) to remove dirt and dust. 
• • Mop with a damp cloth or microfiber mop—avoid soaking the floor, as too much water can damage the seams.

 

• Stubborn Stains:
  • For tougher marks, use a Karndean Floor Cleaner or a mild soap solution. Just spray it on the stain and wipe away with a soft cloth.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
  • Stay away from harsh chemicals like bleach, wax-based cleaners, or abrasive scrubbing tools, as they can damage the finish.

Pro Tip: Keep your floors protected with felt pads on furniture legs and avoid dragging heavy items across the floor.

3. Is Karndean Flooring Good?

Absolutely! Karndean flooring is considered one of the best options for luxury vinyl flooring. Here’s why:

• Durability: It’s built to withstand high traffic, heavy furniture, and even pets. Karndean flooring is scratch-resistant, making it perfect for busy homes.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Whether you prefer the look of natural wood or stone, Karndean’s stunning designs are incredibly realistic.          Korlok Select Baltik Limed Oak

• Comfort: Vinyl floors are softer underfoot than tile or stone, providing added comfort in your home or business.
• Easy to Maintain: With minimal effort, your floors will retain their beauty for years.
• Lifetime Warranty (Residential): One of the standout benefits of Karndean flooring for homeowners is the lifetime warranty. This means you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your floors are protected for life against defects in material or workmanship.

4. Does Karndean Need Underlay?

Karndean does not require underlay, but using one can enhance the performance and comfort of your floors.

• Advantages of Underlay:
  • Noise Reduction: Underlay can help reduce footstep noise, making it quieter to walk on.
  • Added Comfort: It provides a cushioned feel underfoot, making your floors more comfortable.
  • Improved Insulation: Underlay can help with temperature control, especially on cold floors like concrete.

That said, if you are installing Karndean Glue Down tiles, underlay is not necessary. For click-lock systems or loose-lay installations, an underlay can improve the overall feel and performance.

 

5. Does Karndean Scratch Easily?

No, Karndean flooring is highly scratch-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children. While it is durable, it’s still important to take precautions to avoid scratches:

• Furniture Pads: Use felt pads on the legs of furniture to prevent scratches from heavy items.
• Avoid Dragging: Always lift furniture or heavy objects instead of dragging them.
• Clean Regularly: Dust and dirt can cause tiny scratches over time if not cleaned regularly.

Pro Tip: Karndean floors come with a wear layer that helps protect them from scratches, scuffs, and stains, so they will look great for years.

 

6. How Do You Lay Karndean Flooring?

Laying Karndean flooring is straightforward, but the process will vary depending on the type of product you choose (Glue Down, Loose Lay, or Click).

• Glue Down Tiles:                        

  • Prepare the subfloor by ensuring it is clean, dry, and level.
  • Apply adhesive and lay the tiles down, starting from the center of the room and working outward.
  • Allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours before walking on the floor.

• Loose Lay or Click Flooring:

  • Loose lay flooring can be installed without adhesive and is great for DIYers.                                 
  • Click flooring features a simple click-lock installation system that doesn't require glue or staples.

Pro Tip: If you’re not confident about installing the floor yourself, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional installer.

 

7. How Much Does Karndean Flooring Cost?

The cost of Karndean flooring depends on a few factors:

• Style & Design: More intricate designs like wood or stone replicas may cost more than simpler styles.
• Type of Installation: Glue Down tiles tend to be more affordable than Click systems, which require less installation time.

On average, Karndean can cost anywhere between $3 to $8 per square foot. Be sure to factor in any additional costs for installation or underlay.

 

8. How Thick is Karndean Flooring?

Karndean flooring is generally about 2mm to 5mm thick, depending on the range and type of tile or plank you choose. The thickness contributes to its durability and comfort underfoot.

• Wear Layer: The wear layer typically ranges from 0.3mm to 0.7mm and is designed to provide long-lasting protection against wear and tear.
• Total Thickness: The total thickness of Karndean tiles will depend on the specific product but is typically between 2mm and 5mm.

Pro Tip: For high-traffic areas, choose a thicker wear layer for increased durability.

9. Can I Use Karndean Flooring in My Bathroom?

Yes! Karndean is an excellent choice for bathrooms because it is waterproof and highly resistant to moisture. Whether you're updating your bathroom with wood, stone, or tile looks, Karndean ensures your floors remain beautiful and functional in wet conditions.

10. Is Karndean Environmentally Friendly?

Yes, Karndean flooring is made with sustainability in mind. The company uses eco-friendly practices, and their products are 100% recyclable at the end of their life. They are also certified by several environmental organizations, including California Prop 65, ASSURE CERTIFIED™, FloorScore®, LEED projects, NSF/ANSI 332. The products are included in mindful MATERIALS database, which provides environmental information for architects, designers and contractors. They are all manufactured in purpose-built factories certified ISO 14001 environmental standard.