If you’re thinking about having Karndean vinyl flooring installed in your house, you might be wondering what are the advantages and disadvantages of Karndean flooring. After all, it’s important that you have all of the relevant information before you can make an informed decision as to the best type of flooring for your home.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Karndean flooring, from the pros and cons of this type of flooring to how much you should expect to pay for Karndean.
What Is Karndean Flooring?
Karndean is a type of flooring that is made from vinyl. It is designed to look like natural stone or wood, and it is often used in commercial settings because of its durability and low maintenance requirements. If you want to give your home a unique look, Karndean might be the perfect solution for your flooring needs.
However, it’s important that you understand the pros and cons of Karndean luxury vinyl flooring before deciding whether this type of flooring is right for your home.
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Pros And Cons Of Karndean Flooring
To help you to decide whether Karndean flooring is right for your home, we’ve put together a list of the advantages and disadvantages of Karndean. Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of this type of flooring.
Pros Of Karndean
The biggest positive of Karndean vinyl plank flooring is that it allows you to have the natural stone look without any of the upkeep. This type of flooring won’t crack, fade or warp over time, and it does not require regular washing or sealing. You can just sweep or mop this type of flooring to keep it clean – no special products or equipment necessary.
Karndean is also a great choice if you have pets or children, as it is durable and scratch-resistant, unlike laminate flooring or ceramic tiles. Kids and pets won’t be able to hurt this type of flooring. You can even place furniture on top of it and let your children play around on the furniture without worrying about scratches or dents in the flooring.
You’ll also find that Karndean vinyl plank flooring feels warm underfoot, making it a great choice for cold homes, especially when compared with cold ceramic tiles. It can also be used with underfloor heating, making it a versatile option that is suitable for almost every home.
Cons Of Karndean
However, there are some disadvantages of Karndean flooring that you should keep in mind. For example, the installation process can be a little difficult if you’re not familiar with flooring installation. If you don’t hire a professional to install Karndean for you, it could end up looking uneven or lumpy once it’s installed.
Also, Karndean will likely cost more than natural stone or wood flooring, so it might not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget. With that said, the durability and low maintenance requirements of Karndean flooring could save you money in the long run, especially if you have pets or kids that tend to scratch up natural stone or wood flooring.
How Durable Is Karndean Flooring?
Karndean flooring is very durable and scratch-resistant, so it’s a great choice for homes with pets or children. It will typically outlast flooring choices such as laminate, vinyl and carpet, thanks to its excellent durability.
However, Karndean is not as durable as natural stone or tiled flooring, so if you’re looking for something that will last for many years, you might want to consider one of these other options.
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Problems With Karndean Flooring
There are a few problems with Karndean flooring that you should be aware of before deciding to install this type of flooring in your home.
Firstly, if you’re not familiar with flooring installation, you might have some trouble installing Karndean flooring yourself. Get it wrong, and you could be left with flooring that is uneven or even bumpy. For this reason, it’s recommended that you hire a professional to install Karndean flooring.
It’s also important to note that some reviews suggest that Karndean flooring may lighten in colour when exposed to direct sunlight. However, in cases where this has happened, it has taken a period of several years to occur and is only subtle.
Finally, Karndean comes at a higher price point than most other types of flooring. However, given that Karndean claims that their flooring lasts for over 35 years, which is 10 years longer than the industry standard, the price may well be justified.
Karndean Flooring Cost
Karndean flooring costs a little more than vinyl or laminate, but it will likely last for at least 35 years, which is 10 years longer than the industry standard. If you need a durable floor that won’t require regular sealing or cleaning, Karndean may be worth the extra money. But how much should you expect to pay for Karndean flooring?
The price of Karndean flooring will depend on the type that you choose. The Opus range usually comes in at the lowest price, starting at around £20 per square metre, whilst the patented Korlok range can cost up to £40 per square metre.
For the average room of eight square metres, you should expect to pay £500 – £900 for your Karndean flooring to be supplied and installed. However, prices vary depending on the range that you choose, the size of your room and the company that you choose to install your new flooring.
If you’re looking to keep costs down, it’s worth shopping around and taking a look at the various ranges of Karndean. It’s a good idea to also get quotes from at least three different installers before making your decision, to ensure that you’re paying a fair price.
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How To Clean Karndean Flooring
Before you make the decision to install Karndean flooring in your home, you might be wondering how you go about cleaning this type of flooring. After all, the last thing you want to do is commit to a flooring material that is going to be difficult to clean.
The good news is that Karndean flooring is surprisingly easy to clean. Simply sweep any loose dirt and dust, and then mop the floor using Karndean Clean or any other PH neutral cleaner that is suitable for vinyl flooring. This will keep your floor looking its best, as well as killing any bacteria that may be present.
It’s important that you wait until the adhesive has fully cured before you mop your floor for the first time. Your installer should give you the information regarding the adhesive that has been used. Depending on the adhesive used, this curing process can take up to 28 days, so be patient!
FAQs About Karndean Flooring
Q. Can I install Karndean flooring myself?
A. It is possible to install Karndean flooring yourself, but it’s important that you are familiar with the installation process before you attempt it. Get it wrong, and you could be left with flooring that is uneven or even bumpy.
Q. Will Karndean flooring lighten in colour when exposed to direct sunlight?
A. In some cases, Karndean flooring may lighten in colour when exposed to direct sunlight. However, this usually takes a period of several years to occur and is only subtle.
Q. How long will Karndean flooring last?
A. Karndean flooring is designed to last for over 35 years, which is 10 years longer than the industry standard.
Q. What type of cleaner should I use to clean my Karndean flooring?
A. You should use a PH neutral cleaner that is suitable for vinyl flooring to clean your Karndean flooring. Although Karndean Clean is a great choice, you don’t have to commit to purchasing Karndean products every time you need to clean your home, as any PH neutral cleaner that is approved for use on vinyl flooring will be suitable.
Q. Can I install Karndean flooring in my bathroom?
A. Karndean flooring is a great choice for use in a bathroom. Unlike tiles, it is not slippery or cold underfoot, making it a safe and comfortable flooring choice for your bathroom.
The Verdict
Although there are many pros and cons of Karndean floors that you need to carefully weigh up before making your decision, this type of flooring has great reviews, along with a 35 year minimum lifespan. It seems like the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of Karndean flooring, making this a great flooring choice for almost any home.