If you’ve been researching new flooring options, you’ve probably come across Karndean more than once. It’s become one of the most talked-about flooring choices in the UK, and for good reason. But what is Karndean flooring exactly, and why has it earned such a strong reputation among homeowners and designers alike?
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Karndean, from what it’s made of to where it works best in your home, helping you decide whether it’s the right choice for your next flooring project.
Understanding Karndean: The Basics
Karndean is a brand of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring manufactured by Karndean Designflooring, a British company that’s been producing high-quality floors since 1973. When people ask what type of flooring is Karndean, the simple answer is that it falls into the luxury vinyl category, but that description doesn’t quite do it justice.
Unlike standard vinyl flooring, Karndean is specifically engineered to replicate the look and texture of natural materials like wood and stone, but without the practical drawbacks those materials often bring. It’s designed to give you the aesthetic appeal of traditional flooring with modern performance benefits.
What Is Karndean Floor Made Of?
Understanding what Karndean flooring is made from helps explain why it performs so well in busy households. Each plank or tile consists of multiple layers, each serving a specific purpose.
The core of Karndean flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC. This forms a stable, flexible base that gives the flooring its durability and water-resistant properties. The PVC core is what makes Karndean fundamentally different from laminate flooring, which uses a wood-based core that can swell when exposed to moisture.
On top of the core sits a high-definition photographic layer. This is where Karndean’s realistic appearance comes from. Using advanced printing technology, this layer reproduces the natural grain patterns of wood or the subtle variations found in stone with remarkable accuracy. Every knot, every vein, every texture is captured in detail.
Above the photographic layer is a clear wear layer made from polyurethane. This protective coating is crucial to Karndean’s longevity. It shields the design layer from scratches, scuffs, and general wear, keeping your floor looking fresh for years. Different Karndean ranges feature different wear layer thicknesses, with thicker layers offering greater protection for high-traffic areas.
Finally, some Karndean products feature an additional textured surface that mimics the feel of real wood grain or stone texture underfoot. This attention to tactile detail is part of what sets Karndean apart from cheaper vinyl alternatives.
How Karndean Compares to Other Flooring Options
When weighing up your options, it helps to understand how Karndean stacks up against other popular flooring types.
Compared to solid wood flooring, Karndean offers several practical advantages. Real wood is beautiful but demanding. It can scratch, warp in humid conditions, and requires regular maintenance including oiling or varnishing. Karndean delivers a similar visual warmth without any of that upkeep. It’s also considerably more affordable than quality hardwood and far easier to install.
Against laminate flooring, Karndean wins on durability and water resistance. While laminate has improved over the years, its wood-fibre core remains vulnerable to moisture damage. Spill water on laminate and leave it, and you risk permanent swelling. Karndean’s PVC construction means it’s completely waterproof, making it suitable for rooms where laminate simply isn’t practical.
When compared to standard vinyl, Karndean’s superior build quality becomes apparent. Budget vinyl can look and feel artificial, often lacking the texture and depth that makes flooring convincing. Karndean’s multi-layer construction and realistic embossing create a floor that genuinely looks and feels like the natural material it’s imitating.
Key Benefits for Homeowners
Beyond the comparisons, Karndean offers several benefits that make it particularly appealing for modern homes.
Durability is perhaps the standout feature. Karndean is built to handle real family life, from muddy boots and pet claws to dropped toys and high heels. The protective wear layer resists scratching and scuffing, while the stable core won’t dent under heavy furniture.
The waterproof properties open up design possibilities throughout your home. Unlike wood or laminate, you can confidently install Karndean in kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and anywhere else moisture might be present.
Maintenance couldn’t be simpler. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner is all that’s needed to keep Karndean looking its best. There’s no need for specialist treatments, sanding, or refinishing.
Comfort underfoot is another advantage. Karndean feels warmer and softer than ceramic tiles or stone, making it more comfortable to stand on for extended periods. It’s also compatible with underfloor heating systems, adding extra warmth during colder months.
Finally, the design range is exceptional. Karndean offers hundreds of styles across multiple collections, from pale Scandinavian oak effects to rich, dark walnut, from rustic slate to elegant marble. Whatever your interior style, there’s a Karndean design to complement it.
Where Karndean Works Best
Given its properties, Karndean is versatile enough for almost any room, but some spaces benefit particularly from its qualities.
Kitchens are an obvious choice. The combination of water resistance, easy cleaning, and durability makes Karndean ideal for the most hard-working room in your home. Spills wipe up easily, and the floor can handle the constant foot traffic kitchens typically see.
Bathrooms and en-suites are another natural fit. Where wood flooring is generally unsuitable and tiles can feel cold and hard, Karndean offers a comfortable, waterproof alternative that still looks sophisticated.
Hallways and living areas benefit from Karndean’s scratch resistance and longevity. These high-traffic zones need flooring that can cope with daily wear without showing it.
Beyond residential settings, Karndean’s durability has also made it popular in commercial environments like shops, restaurants, and offices, which speaks to its quality and performance credentials.
Is Karndean Right for Your Home?
If you’re looking for flooring that combines authentic good looks with genuine practicality, Karndean deserves serious consideration. It’s an investment that pays off through years of low-maintenance performance and lasting style.
At Kent Flooring, we’re proud to supply and install the full range of Karndean products. Our experienced team can help you choose the perfect design for your space and ensure a flawless professional installation.
Ready to explore your options? Browse our Karndean collection or get in touch to discuss your project with our friendly team.
