FLOORDESIGNS / Q&A
Karndean: questions and answers
Karndean Designflooring includes realistic stone- and wood-look luxury vinyl tiles, with different gluedown and rigid-core formats. Choosing the exact product code and fitting system is essential to match the look, preparation and whole-job cost.
Is Karndean luxury vinyl tile or laminate?
Karndean’s Knight Tile, Van Gogh and other named collections are luxury vinyl flooring, not laminate. Compare the wear layer, thickness, plank/tile format and installation method of the selected design.
What’s the difference between Karndean gluedown and rigid core?
Gluedown floors are bonded using an approved adhesive and rely on suitable substrate preparation. Rigid-core floors have a different layered structure and joint system. The manufacturer’s Knight Tile range offers both; they have separate product codes and fitting guidance.
Does Honed Oyster Slate come in both formats?
Yes. Karndean lists ST17 as Knight Tile Gluedown and a separate rigid-core version under a different code. Confirm which design, size and installation system the quote actually specifies.
What are the ST17 product dimensions?
The published Knight Tile Gluedown Honed Oyster Slate ST17 is 305 × 457 mm, 2.0 mm thick with a 0.3 mm wear layer and 3.345 m² per box. Those facts are specific to that code.
Can Karndean be fitted in kitchens or bathrooms?
Karndean promotes its LVT for domestic kitchens and bathrooms, but correct fitting, moisture management and the named product’s installation instructions remain necessary. A waterproof tile is not protection against a leaking building substrate.
Is Karndean compatible with underfloor heating?
The manufacturer publishes suitability guidance, including temperature limits. The exact product, substrate, heating system and commissioning schedule must comply; do not assume every assembly is approved simply because LVT tolerates normal room temperatures.
Can I use a steam mop on Karndean?
Karndean’s published cleaning advice recommends approved pH-neutral maintenance products and cautions against steam cleaners. Follow the exact current care guidance for your floor and any warranty restrictions.
Why can herringbone Karndean cost more to fit?
Directional layout, increased perimeter cutting, borders or design strips and additional fitting time can alter purchased packs and labour. Plan geometry and whole-box quantities before comparing straight and patterned layouts.
Manufacturer sources
Source references reviewed October 2026. Check the current specification of the named product; these do not confirm FloorDesigns stock, availability or guarantees.