Karndean FAQs

Karndean is a leading brand of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring that replicates the look and feel of natural materials like wood and stone while offering the benefits of vinyl. It is popular because it combines strong design aesthetics, durability, waterproof performance and relatively low maintenance. Karndean designs are exclusive and the product is backed by lifetime residential warranties.

Maintaining Karndean is straightforward:

Sweep or vacuum (soft brush) to remove grit and debris

Mop with a damp mop and a pHneutral cleaner suitable for vinyl

Avoid excessive water or soaking the floor

Use felt pads under furniture legs

Clean spills promptly

Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, abrasive cleaners, or waxes incompatible with vinyl

Periodic deep cleaning may be necessary in high traffic areas

The surface finish is designed to resist stain penetration, but proper maintenance ensures visual quality over time. Our Spacers showrooms can advise on the correct cleaning products.

Yes, one of the inherent advantages of luxury vinyl tile is modular replacement. If a plank or tile is damaged, an installer can remove the affected piece and replace it with a matching one (assuming you have the spare or can source a match). This makes maintenance less invasive compared to continuous flooring materials.

We always advise ordering a small extra quantity (e.g. 5 – 10 %) at the time of installation to allow for future replacements or edge cuts.

The final cost depends on several variables:

Collection / range selected (Art Select, Van Gogh, Knight Tile etc)

Format and finish (rigid core, glue-down, loose lay)

Design complexity (pattern layout, border strips, inlays)

Subfloor condition and preparation (levelling, moisture barriers, smoothing)

Adhesives, underlays, trims and edge finishes

Labour / tradesperson rates (dependent on locality and difficulty)

Access, waste removal, delivery and logistics

Visit any Spacers showroom for a free personalised quote showing how each cost component contributes to your total price.

Our three showrooms are located to serve a broad regional catchment:

• Ruislip - catering to Uxbridge, Harrow, Pinner, Northwood, Hillingdon areas
• High Wycombe - serving Beaconsfield, Marlow, Gerrards Cross, Bourne End
• Maidenhead - covering Windsor, Slough, Bracknell, Ascot and neighbouring towns

Clients from Rickmansworth, Slough, Windsor, Beaconsfield, Harrow or the wider Home Counties often visit our showrooms to view full Karndean displays, compare options and receive quotes.

Here are a few compelling reasons:

We are authorised Karndean stockists and showcase full display ranges

You can see actual tiles, planks and layout options in large format samples in our Ruislip, High Wycombe and Maidenhead showrooms

Our teams are expert in guiding design decisions, format choices, matching and specification

We can recommend installers with experience in Karndean products

We assist with warranty registration and aftercare support

We provide all necessary accessories - adhesives, trims, thresholds and maintenance products

vs Solid Wood / Engineered Wood: Karndean is waterproof, more stable in humidity changes, and requires less maintenance than wood. 

vs Laminate: Karndean offers more realistic textures, better water resistance and the possibility of replacing individual tiles, which is not typically possible with laminate. 

vs Basic Vinyl Sheet: Karndean LVT has superior design flexibility, thicker layers, better textures and performance. 

vs Competing LVT Brands: Karndean offers design originality (exclusive patterns), multiple installation formats, and strong warranties. 

Karndean offers a broad portfolio of collections to meet different needs. Some principal ones include:

• Art Select - a premium range with high wear layer options, in both gluedown and rigid core formats. 
• Korlok Select - a rigid core collection with locking system, ideal for quicker installation. 
• Korlok Reserve - engineered rigid core boards inspired by various wood species. 
• Van Gogh - a midrange design collection offering both gluedown and rigid core versions. 
• Opus - a more creative and contemporary range with design strips, border options and pattern possibilities. 
• LooseLay - a frictionbacked loose lay option (reduced adhesive) that installs more simply in certain applications. 
• Knight Tile - an entry to mid range collection in both wood and stone inspired effects. 

Spacers showrooms hold physical samples so you can compare visual appearance, textures, formats and colour options side by side.

Karndean supports several installation formats to suit different subfloors, site conditions and design preferences:

• Gluedown - the traditional method where tiles / planks are adhered directly to the subfloor. This allows for design flexibility and pattern work. 
• Rigid core / click systems - boards lock together without full area adhesive. Good for quicker installation, over some imperfect subfloors, or where you want a floating installation. 

LooseLay - uses friction grip backing that holds boards in place without full spread adhesive, though perimeter adhesive may still be needed. This format is suited to renovation or where minimal interruption is desired. 

Your choice of format depends on subfloor type, room conditions, acoustic or noise considerations, access and design complexity. Our Spacers consultants can help you decide.

Yes. Karndean is designed to be waterproof, which makes it suitable for installation in kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and hallways without fear of warping or swelling. 

That said, correct installation and edge sealing is crucial, especially at perimeters, door frames or areas where water may pool. Spill cleanup, moisture management and good perimeter sealing will help preserve performance in wet or humid zones.

Absolutely. One of the key selling points of Karndean is its durability, scratch resistance and hygienic surface. The KGuard+® technology protects the surface from scuffs and marks, even in households with pets.

Because Karndean does not absorb moisture and is easy to clean, it works well in busy homes with children and animals. Many users comment on its resilience after years of use.

Karndean offers lifetime residential warranties on its products, reflecting confidence in longterm performance.

With proper installation, maintenance and care, you can expect the flooring to last for decades. Of course, longevity depends on usage, care, environment and whether the subfloor remains stable over time.