What is Karndean flooring?

Due to it being a huge name in the flooring industry, many people think that Karndean is a type of flooring in itself. In fact, it is a type of Vinyl Tile flooring that was established as a small business in 1973. Since then, it has come a long way and is now one of the major players in contemporary flooring.

Karndean is made primarily from calcium carbonate (also known as limestone), polyvinyl, chloride and pigments. Five different layers make up this type of flooring product, including two PVC backing layers, a high definition photographic layer, a clear PVC embossed wear layer and a top PU (polyurethane) coating for protection.

It is an extremely durable form of vinyl that can successfully replicate the beauty of natural wood floors alongside providing value for money, easy maintenance and the opportunity to customise it to your own requirements.  Despite being waterproof, the nature of Karndean flooring means that it can become slippery when wet although they are designed to be slip resistant. Regardless, it is scratch resistant, long wearing and quieter underfoot than many natural floor types making it the perfect choice for domestic or commercial properties.

Karndean design strips

The Karndean ranges all differ in terms of design, format, size and wear layer. The thickness of the wear layer refers to how durable the floor is and how much the finish can be changed such as unique embosses and bevelled edges.

Design strips are strips that have been cut from another tile or wood plank, and when placed between tiles and wood planks they can give the impression of grouting or a natural effect. They come in various sizes including 3mm, 5mm, 10mm, 3mm and 76mm.

  • Decorative borders are patterned borders that have been designed to complement both tile and wood plank floors.
  • Tramline borders are simple and affordable. These can be used in a combination of feature strips, metallic strips and design strips and can create many different and contemporary effects.
  • Keyline borders are single strips that can be added to the edge of your floor and can be used with both metallic and design strips.

Floor preparation for Karndean

When it comes to installing a Karndean floor, it’s important first to prepare your subfloor.

All existing floor coverings need to be removed before determining whether you have a wooden floor or a solid floor. For the former, plywood will need to be fitted before you apply the Karndeanfloor. It is industry standard to use a 6mm thick plywood secured with a 10mm ring shank nail. Then, it is necessary to smooth the floor and fill any nail holes or gaps with a feather finish type product.

In order to prepare a solid floor, it will first need to be skimmed with a latex screed, a levelling compound that is poured on the floor to leave a smooth finish. After that, your Karndean floor can be successfully fitted.

Below are some examples:

Traditional Oak

LooseLay
LLP101 Traditional Oak
Our Traditional Oak Karndean LooseLay gives you the authentic rustic appearance of unfinished timbers, without the practical difficulties of waxing, sanding or porosity of real unfinished oak. With its innovative friction grip backing, LooseLay Traditional Oak is ideal for installation over most existing hard floors with little or no need for adhesives, meaning it’s faster and easier to fit and repair.

LooseLay
LLP105 Vintage Timber
Our Vintage Timber Karndean LooseLay planks give you the authentic rustic appearance of unfinished timbers, without the practical difficulties of waxing, sanding or porosity of real unfinished oak. With its innovative K-Wave friction grip backing, Vintage Timber is ideal for installation over most existing hard floors with little or no need for adhesives, meaning it’s faster and easier to fit and repair.

Vintage Timber
Cambridge Dining

LooseLay
LLP113 Cambridge
LLP113 Cambridge depicts a washed oak floor with delicate open grains. The colors are highlighted by shades of tan and honey with a muted gray pastel wash. This floor pairs perfectly with bright colors for a beautiful, light finish to your room.

LooseLay Longboard
LLP310 Champagne Oak
This pale blonde wood is ideal for creating a homely interior and its light tone complements both contemporary and traditional spaces.
Inspired by European Oak, these distressed planks feature unique grain details and are finished with a lightly brushed surface texture.
With all the benefits of Karndean LooseLay, yet in extra-long plank format, Champagne Oak is quick and easy to fit and perfect for spaces where you’re looking to reduce the transfer of noise. Like all Karndean products, it is also a low maintenance option for busy family homes.

Champagne Oak
Hudson

LooseLay
LLP99 Hudson
The wider planks, rustic grain details and cool grey tones of Karndean LooseLay’s Hudson planks will help create a modern look in your space.

LooseLay
LLP96 Salem
The wider planks, ginger tones, and dark grain and knot details of Karndean LooseLay Salem will help create a warm and inviting look in your space.

Salem
Bleached Tasmanian Oak

LooseLay Longboard
LLP311 Bleached Tasmanian Oak
A striking colour carrier, this whitewashed plank allows the wood’s original features to show through whilst maintaining a modern finish.
Look closely and you will see prominent, intricate detailing, from growth rings to subtle colour variation.
With all the benefits of Karndean LooseLay, yet in extra-long plank format, Bleached Tasmanian Oak is quick and easy to fit and perfect for spaces where you’re looking to reduce the transfer of noise. Like all Karndean products, it is also a low maintenance option for busy family homes.