When deciding on a new floor, you're bound to have a few questions. We hope you'll be able to find the answer you're looking for here, but if not, don't hesitate to contact us directly or fill out an enquiry form.
Use the menu to the left to view our most frequently asked questions about Karndean and our flooring products, cleaning and maintenance, our guarantees and also around purchase and installation.
Have a question that's not included here?
If you need more information about any aspect of Karndean Designflooring, please call our helpful Customer Service team on 0800 442 101 or email us at customerservice@karndean.co.nz and we'll be happy to help.
Frequently asked questions about Karndean Designflooring
Who are Karndean Designflooring?
Put simply, we are the leading manufacturer of luxury vinyl flooring. To find out more about Karndean and our exceptional products, visit our company page.
What is Karndean made of?
Karndean is a vinyl flooring product made primarily from calcium carbonate (limestone), polyvinyl chloride and pigments. It is structured with five layers - two PVC backing layers, one high definition photographic layer, one clear PVC embossed wear layer and a top polyurethane (PU) protective coating. For more information on how our products are made, you can view our Environmental Product Declaration here.
Will a Karndean floor be slippery?
As with most smooth floor coverings, water and other liquids can make it slippery. Karndean floors are designed to be slip resistant, but it is always best to clean up any spillages straight away, and keep the floor dry.
What is the difference between each of the Karndean ranges?
Besides having different design inspirations, sizes and formats which make each range unique, each of our product ranges also have a different wear layer. The thicker the wear layer the more durable the floor, but also the more our product designers can do with the finish - adding unique embosses for more texture and bevelled edges. For more information on each of our ranges, visit our range overview.
What are design strips?
There are several main differences between Karndean strips: Design strips are strips cut from another tile or wood plank. They come in 3mm, 5mm, 10mm, 30mm and 76mm. Added between tiles and wood planks, strips can give the impression of grouting for a natural effect, and a contemporary look and feel to your home.
For more information please visit our design components page.
What are decorative, tramline and keyline borders?
Decorative border - a patterned border designed to complement tile and wood plank floors. Karndean have selected an assortment of decorative border options to accompany all of our ranges
Tramline border - a simple and affordable way of creating decorative edging. They can be used in combination with feature strips, metallic strips and design strips for a range of effects
Keyline border - single strips that can be added to the edge of your floor. Keyline borders are available in 3mm, 5mm, 10mm, 30mm and 76mm and can be used with metallic and design strips
For help choosing the right border for you, why not visit your local retailer?
Floor care
What should I do once my Karndean flooring installation is complete?
Your floor fitter can advise when the adhesive will be dry and you can walk on your new floor. Remove all loose debris from the floor using a soft brush or dust mop and ensure that all dry adhesive is removed from the surface using Karndean Remove with a non-abrasive scouring pad or the coarse pad from our Floor Care Kit. After a minimum of 24hrs, your floor can be cleaned with a pH neutral cleaner using a damp mop. We recommend using Karndean Clean as this has been specifically formulated to protect and enhance your Karndean floor.
How easy is it to clean and maintain my Karndean floor?
One of the key benefits of Karndean flooring is that it’s very easy to look after. Its enhanced protective surface treatment provides a hardwearing surface that shrugs off dirt and spills. With regular cleaning and maintenance, you can keep your floor looking as beautiful as the day it was installed. Our Floor Care Kit provides all the products and information you need to clean and maintain your floor.
How can Karndean Clean help protect against the coronavirus?
Our Karndean Clean floor cleaner contains soap rather than disinfectant. Using Clean on your floor helps to break up and safely remove any germs that are on the surface, in the same way as using soap for washing your hands. As always, a regular clean is recommended to maintain hygiene.
What should I use to clean my Karndean floor?
We recommend cleaning your floor a pH neutral cleaner such as Karndean Clean which has been specifically formulated to protect and enhance Karndean flooring. Avoid cleaning products that contain agents such as bleach as these could cause damage to the floor. For more guidance on looking after your floor please read our cleaning and maintenance pages.
How should I clean spillages?
Your floor should have been fitted tightly to ensure spillages cannot seep through tile edges or custom cuts. Splashes and spills can be simply dealt with by wiping or mopping as soon as possible with a dilute solution of Karndean Clean.
Will Karndean stain?
Most spills will not affect a Karndean floor, especially if they are cleaned up straight away. However there are some spillages that can stain such as solvent-based liquids, wine and some spices. Refreshing the surface layer of your Karndean floor every 12-18 months using Karndean Remove and Refresh will provide some protection against this type of damage.
Where can I buy Karndean cleaning products?
Karndean cleaning products have been specifically formulated to protect and enhance your Karndean floor. All our cleaning and maintenance products can be purchased from your local independent retailer.
Can I use a vacuum cleaner, steam mop or steam cleaner on my Karndean floor?
With a hygienic and durable surface treatment that resists dirt and stains, your Karndean floor is easy to keep clean on a daily basis with a soft broom, damp mop and Karndean Clean. If you wish to use a vacuum cleaner we recommend checking with the manufacturer to make sure it's suitable for use on a Karndean floor. We do not recommend using a steam mop or cleaner on your Karndean floor.
Why have small white spots appeared on my floor?
White spots are usually as a result of water not being wiped up quickly from your floor - especially in bathrooms. To remove these blemishes simply apply Karndean Remove to the area, then wipe off the residue with a mop and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
How do I remove black scuff marks from my floor?
As with any flooring, furniture and shoe soles rubbing on your floor can cause unsightly scruff marks. To remove black scuff marks from your Karndean floor dilute a small amount of Karndean Clean in some water and apply using a moistened cloth or a non-abrasive scouring pad.
How should I protect my Karndean floor against damage from furniture?
By putting felt pads under the feet of your furniture you can avoid table and chair legs scratching your Karndean floor. Floor protector pads are available in our Floor Care Kit or from your local independent retailer. Avoid dragging furniture such as chairs or other objects across the floor. For heavy items such as washing machines that may require moving occasionally we recommend using load bearing castors such as MagiGLIDE.
How do I remove light scratches?
You can improve the appearance of light scratches by applying Karndean Remove with a non-abrasive scouring pad, wiping off the residue with a mop and rinsing thoroughly with clean water. Then re-apply Karndean Refresh to restore the satin finish to your floor and protect the surface from marks and fine scratches. Our Floor Care Kit provides all the products and information you need to clean and maintain your floor.
How do I remove deep scratch marks?
On the occasion there is a particularly deep scratch, first try using Karndean Remove and Refresh products on your floor. If this doesn't improve the appearance of the deep scratch enough the best option may be to speak to your floor fitter about replacing the plank that has been damaged. The versatility of Karndean flooring planks allows for a no fuss replacement and this is even easier with benefits of Karndean LooseLay.
Transferable Purchase Guarantee
How long does a Karndean Transferable Purchase Guarantee last?
The length of your Karndean Transferable Purchase Guarantee depends on the product range. Read our full product warranty information.
How do I apply for a Karndean Designflooring Transferable Purchase Guarantee?
When you order your new floor with one of our Retail Partners, they will ask you for an email address along with your address details. This will enable us to email your Transferable Purchase Guarantee direct to you within two months of installation.
I've bought Karndean Designflooring through a retail partner, but haven't received my Transferable Purchase Guarantee - what should I do?
If you haven't received your Transferable Purchase Guarantee within two months of your floor being fitted, contact us on 0800 442 101 and a member of our Customer Service team will help.
How do I to claim against my Karndean Transferable Purchase Guarantee?
Any claims made under this guarantee should be made in writing or by phone to your retailer. See the terms and conditions on your Karndean Transferable Purchase Guarantee Certificate for more details.
How do I transfer a Karndean Transferable Purchase Guarantee to a new owner?
Karndeans Transferable Purchase Guarantee is transferable, so should you sell your home, the guarantee can be transferred to the buyer adding another saleable benefit to your home. Simply leave the Transferable Purchase Guarantee behind for the new home owner and they can transfer the guarantee into their own name, by contacting us either by phone or email.
How do I transfer a Karndean Transferable Purchase Guarantee if I don't have the previous owners Transferable Purchase Guarantee?
If the Karndean floor was installed before 1st April 2010, a Transferable Karndean Transferable Purchase Guarantee is not available as this predates the Transferable Purchase Guarantee system. If the floor was installed after 1st April 2010 please call our Customer Service team on 0800 442 101 or customerservice@karndean.co.nz for more information.
