Karndean is a luxury vinyl tile (LVT) brand renowned for its quality, design options and durability. As it’s the market leader, LVT flooring itself is often referred to as Karndean.

LVT mimics the appearance of natural materials like wood or stone, but it’s much easier to maintain and is more cost-effective. So if you choose Karndean, how much should you expect to spend?

In this guide, we’ll explore the cost of Karndean flooring and answer some frequently asked questions.

How much does Karndean flooring cost?

The cost of Karndean flooring depends on the product range and style you choose, along with the cost of your flooring specialist. Karndean offers several collections with varying price points:

Item	Average cost
Knight Tile (entry-level range)	£25-£35
Korlok (mid-range)	£35-£55
Art Select (premium range)	£55-£80
Fitting cost per m2	£50
Flooring specialist per hour/day	£30/£240
Van Gogh Karndean flooring in average 17m2 lounge supply and fit	£1,360-£1,700

These costs don’t include additional preparation that may be required, such as a levelling compound if your subfloor is uneven.

Factors affecting the cost of Karndean flooring

Several factors influence the overall cost of a Karndean flooring project, including the product range, room size and subfloor. Let’s go into these factors in more detail:

• Product range: Premium collections like Art Select cost more due to their intricate designs and superior wear layers, but may last longer than the entry-level ranges.
• Room size: Larger spaces require more material, increasing both supply and labour costs. However, you may pay less per square metre for very large rooms.
• Subfloor preparation: If your subfloor is uneven or damaged, your flooring specialist may need to use a levelling compound, adding £10-£15 per m².
• Installation complexity: Fitting Karndean around fixtures or in irregularly shaped rooms can increase labour costs.
• Location: Labour rates vary across the UK, with London and the south east typically being more expensive than rural areas.

At HaMuch, we use our database of hourly and daily rates for flooring specialists across the UK to calculate how much you’ll pay for Karndean flooring in your area. Take a look at our rates table and find your nearest town or city to get a more accurate estimate.

Advantages and disadvantages of Karndean

Before you decide whether to use Karndean flooring in your home, it’s a good idea to weigh up the pros and cons to figure out whether it’s the best material for your project. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Karndean flooring:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Durability: Highly resistant to wear, scratches and dents, making it ideal for high-traffic areas	Cost: More expensive than standard vinyl or laminate
Waterproof: Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms	Professional fitting required: For the best results, Karndean should be installed by a certified professional
Design options: Mimics natural wood and stone well	Subfloor sensitivity: Requires a smooth, level subfloor to prevent issues
Low maintenance: Easy to clean and doesn’t require regular sealing like hardwood
Comfort: Warmer and softer underfoot compared to tiles or stone
Compatible with underfloor heating: Works well with most systems

Karndean ranges

Karndean offers a variety of ranges to suit different styles, budgets and functional needs. Each collection is designed to provide the luxury and durability Karndean is known for, but there are differences in design, plank size and price point. Here’s a breakdown of the main ranges:

Knight Tile

Price range: £25-£35 per m²

The Knight Tile range is Karndean’s most affordable collection, ideal for homeowners seeking stylish flooring on a budget. It includes a wide selection of wood and stone-effect designs in smaller planks and tiles, making it perfect for creating intricate patterns like herringbone.

Best for: Entry-level projects, smaller budgets, and light-traffic areas

Key features:

• 0.3mm wear layer for durability
• Wide range of traditional and modern designs
• Compatible with underfloor heating

Van Gogh

Price range: £35-£55 per m² 

The Van Gogh range features larger wood-effect planks that showcase the natural beauty of timber. It’s a step up in durability and design from Knight Tile, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Best for: Family homes and larger spaces

Key features:

• 0.5mm wear layer for enhanced durability.
• Realistic textures mimicking oak, stone and marble
• Warm, natural tones that suit traditional or contemporary decor

Opus

Price range: £30-£45 per m² 

The Opus range offers a minimalist aesthetic with a mix of wood and stone designs in sleek, modern tones. It includes larger tiles and planks for a clean, spacious look.

Best for: Modern interiors and commercial spaces.

Key features:

• 0.55mm wear layer for durability in busy areas
• Wide and large-format designs for a contemporary feel
• Simplistic styles ideal for open-plan living

Korlok

Price range: £45-£60 per m² 

Korlok is Karndean’s rigid core range, featuring click-lock technology for easy installation without adhesive. It’s waterproof, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

Best for: DIY installations and rooms prone to moisture.

Key features:

• 0.55mm wear layer and pre-attached acoustic backing for noise reduction
• Fast, glue-free installation with excellent stability
• Available in realistic wood and stone effects

Da Vinci

Price range: £45–£60 per m² 

The Da Vinci range is all about intricate detail and slim planks and tiles, offering a classic yet refined appearance. It includes bevelled edges for added depth and texture, creating an authentic look.

Note: As of November 2024, it looks like this range may be discontinued. We’ll update this page if we get further information.

Best for: Traditional or luxurious interiors

Key features:

• 0.7mm wear layer for superior durability
• Timeless designs inspired by classic flooring styles
• Slim plank options for intricate patterns

Art Select

Price Range: £50–£70 per m²

The Art Select range is Karndean’s premium glue-down offering, featuring ultra-realistic wood and stone designs with unparalleled attention to detail. This collection captures the natural imperfections of timber and stone for a truly luxurious finish.

Best for: High-end homes and statement rooms.

Key features:

• 0.7mm wear layer for maximum durability
• Rich textures and finishes for a natural look
• Premium wood and stone effects in a variety of tones

What's the difference between LVT and Karndean?

Karndean is a brand of LVT, so all Karndean products fall under the luxury vinyl tile category. The key difference lies in branding and product quality. Karndean specialises in high-end LVT, focusing on detailed designs and durability, whereas other LVT brands may offer a wider price range but vary in quality and aesthetic appeal.

Which is better: Karndean or Amtico?

Karndean and Amtico are leading LVT brands, each with unique benefits:

Feature	Karndean	Amtico
Price	Generally more affordable	Slightly higher starting cost
Durability	Extremely hardwearing	Industry-leading durability
Design Range	Extensive, natural-look designs	Known for contemporary patterns
Installation	Easier for professionals to fit	Slightly more complex installation

Which one is better for your project usually comes down to personal preference, design style and budget.

Do you put underlay under Karndean?

No, Karndean flooring doesn’t require underlay. Instead, it is installed directly onto a smooth, level subfloor using adhesive or a click-lock system. A well-prepared subfloor is crucial for the longevity and appearance of the flooring.

Can you put Karndean over floorboards?

Karndean can be laid over floorboards, but preparation is necessary. Floorboards must be levelled using plywood or a suitable levelling compound to create a smooth surface. This step ensures the flooring adheres properly and prevents movement or imperfections from showing through.

How to clean Karndean flooring

Karndean flooring is low-maintenance, but regular care will keep it looking its best:

• Daily cleaning: Sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris.
• Weekly cleaning: Use Karndean’s cleaning solution or a pH-neutral floor cleaner with warm water and a mop.
• Avoid harsh products: Steer clear of bleach or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the surface.

How long will Karndean flooring last?

Karndean flooring is designed to last 20-30 years with proper care. Its durable wear layer protects against daily wear and tear, making it a long-term investment for your home.

Can I fit Karndean myself?

While it’s possible to install Karndean yourself, we wouldn’t recommend it unless you have prior experience with flooring installation. Once glued down, it’s hard to get LVT up and if you use a click-lock system it needs to be installed with precision for a seamless finish. 

We’d always recommend hiring a professional to help you install Karndean flooring. After all, it’s a quality product and while cheaper than hardwood, it’s still a significant investment. There’s no point spending money on a high-end product then scrimping on installation and failing to get it looking its best.

Ready to find a flooring specialist to install Karndean in your home? Post a job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with professionals in your area.

*Image is for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily Karndean flooring.

Estimates for common flooring specialist jobs;

	Job	Estimate
	Cost to install wooden flooring	£605
	Cost to restore a wooden floor	£278
	Lay vinyl flooring in a small room	£550
	Cost to fit parquet flooring in an average lounge	£1,850
	Cost to lay LVT flooring	£1,500
	Cost to fit laminate flooring	£765
	Fit Karndean flooring in living room	£1,360
	Cost to fit carpet in average bedroom	£500

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