Why Karndean Flooring is a great alternative to Engineered Oak Wood floors

As someone who has renovated a couple of houses now, always one of the biggest decisions to make is with regards to the different types of flooring, particularly in what I would call ‘high traffic’ areas such as the kitchen, living room, hallway and bathroom. In both our last house’s kitchen and hallway, and in our current kitchen, we have chosen to use a type of flooring called Karndean flooring as opposed to solid wood flooring or laminate flooring.

So what are the main considerations when it comes to Karndean vs solid hardwood flooring or engineered wood flooring, and what are the pros and cons for Karndean if you like wooden floors usually? is there a Karndean alternative?

I take a look at Karndean Vs Engineered wood flooring, and explain why we’ve chosen Karndean as an option in our current home, as well as our previous ones. 

What is Karndean Flooring?

Karndean Flooring is a relatively new innovation for the flooring industry, and is flooring consisting of four ingredients, calcium carbonate (limestone) being the main base ingredient. Using cutting-edge technology, it comprises of polyvinyl chloride and pigments to help add colour supplementary to the design of the product. When looking at the composition of how it is built, it is a five-layered structure so you have two PVC backing layers, one high-definition photographic layer, one in between transparent PVC embossed (raise) which is the wear layer, and then a top layer of polyurethane (PU) coating to protect that top layer.

Karndean flooring is practical, versatile, luxury vinyl tile flooring that looks a lot like real wood (if you choose a wood option of course) and comes in packs of layers of wood. You can also get stone-inspired designs, so wood effect isn’t the only option for you. Adam and I have always liked the fact that it looks great and very realistic for wood-effect flooring, yet is hard-wearing for a young family (we’ve discovered in the past 8 years that small children are prone to dropping things a LOT on the floor!). 

Here are some reasons why Karndean LVT is one of the most popular flooring options currently, and is a great alternative and potentially better option to solid wood floors such as Engineered Oak Wood flooring, whether you have a period or new build home.

Benefits of Karndean Flooring

You don’t have to worry about water

Okay, whilst you still wouldn’t want your Karndean flooring caught in a flood, it’s much more practical than real wooden flooring when it comes to getting wet in any way. Engineered oak wood flooring can stain more easily if you don’t clear up an spillages quickly, and if you have a busy family lifestyle of kids, pets, in and out with wet shoes/sports gear etc, then Karndean has a water resistant top layer and can hack the pace and is much more forgiving and low maintenance. 

Lower noise levels

Whilst engineered wood can be noisy when you walk on it, Karndean is much, much quieter- perfect for tip toeing around the house when doing stealth stocking filling at Christmas, or creeping up on an opponent during a Nerf gun fight! In all seriousness though, having quieter flooring is a godsend in that our toddler can nap in peace without worry that his two older siblings are going to wake him up by clattering through the house. 

Easier installation & customisation

We discovered after talking to builders on both our builds that a flooring like Karndean is an ideal choice (and therefore possibly more cost effective during a renovation) to fit throughout the entire floor compared to engineered oak flooring. Karndean has easy installation as you don’t have to remove skirting boards to get a decent finish with Karndean, and can also choose to add decorative design strips, decorative borders and effects, such as a natural-looking grouting, so your floor is totally unique for you. 

It’s low-maintenance 

There is pretty much zero maintenance required with Karndean, unlike wood flooring, so you won’t need to spend time sanding, staining and lacquering it- something we definitely appreciate as parents of 3 kids and with a busy life! 

Money Saving

Karndean and LVT flooring in general is a kinder, warmer choice when it comes to temperature changes and the colder winter months as it is made from vinyl, which retains heat more efficiently than other flooring types such as wooden, ceramic or stone flooring. It naturally responds to rising and falling temperatures to maintain a kinder warmth underfoot. Karndean also works well with underfloor heating systems, which can help to retain heat well too in the long run for properties that are prone to naturally being colder. During the changing temperatures of the winter months, Karndean is a nice, solid flooring option to have because of its cosy feel and unflappable durability, especially in comparison to laminate floors (which can be more flimsy!) or real wood flooring. 

Cons of Karndean Flooring (What We’re Not So Keen On)

While Karndean flooring has plenty of plus points, there are a few drawbacks IMO worth considering before you commit. It can be more expensive than some other vinyl options, especially if you choose a premium range or intricate pattern like herringbone. It’s also not the most DIY-friendly flooring so professional installation is usually recommended, which adds to the cost. Some people feel it doesn’t quite have the “warmth” and depth of natural wood underfoot (although it’s softer and quieter). Finally, while it’s very durable, dragging heavy furniture without protection or dropping something sharp can still cause damage, so it’s not entirely indestructible.

Why I Prefer Karndean Over Real Oak Wood Floors

In my opinion, Karndean flooring wins over real oak for day-to-day family living. It’s water-resistant, which means no stress about spills, muddy kid footprints or the occasional pet accident. Unlike oak, it won’t warp, swell, or need sanding and resealing every few years. It’s also softer underfoot and warmer to walk on, which is a big plus if you have kids or pets running around. And the designs are so realistic now that most people wouldn’t guess it’s not real wood unless you told them, so all the style, and far less maintenance.

Here is our Karndean Warm Brushed Oak flooring in our home…

…and also our old home!

What Is the Most Popular Karndean Flooring?

Karndean offers a huge range, but the most popular styles tend to be natural oak (like the kind that we’ve had) and warm grey tones from the Van Gogh and Knight Tile collections. These work beautifully in both modern and traditional homes, and they’re versatile enough to match with changing decor over the years. Herringbone and parquet patterns have also seen a big surge in popularity, giving rooms a high-end look without the price tag or upkeep of real wood.

How Do You Clean Karndean Flooring?

Cleaning Karndean flooring is nice and simple (hoorah!). For day-to-day upkeep, a quick sweep or vacuum will pick up dust and crumbs. For a deeper clean, use a pH-neutral cleaner designed for vinyl flooring (Karndean has its own cleaning kit, but any suitable non-abrasive option will work). Avoid steam mops or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the protective surface layer. A lightly damp mop is usually all you need to keep it looking fresh. I tend to use Method products on the flooring (these are natural) and the flooring in all of our houses has been absolutely fine.

How Do I Find a Karndean Flooring Supplier Near Me?

Karndean flooring is available from a wide network of flooring dealers; these include dedicated flooring shops, big retailers such as Homebase or B&Q, and various online outlets. Authorised Karndean dealers sell the whole product range, and you should be able to find them at a local stockist who keeps samples and offers expert advice. Alternatively, Karndean’s website features a store locator that helps you pinpoint nearby stockists or allows you to buy directly. Karndean flooring is available in-store as well as online.

What flooring do you have in your home? When it comes to Karndean vs engineered wood flooring, what do you like and dislike about them? Do you prefer real wood floors or solid floors, or are you open to this newer type of hard wearing flooring in Karndean? 

I’d love to hear, as if we end up moving again, Karndean would probably be our first choice still, but I love a good interiors debate!

Read more of my home and interiors posts here!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.