View our most frequently asked questions about Karndean and our flooring products, cleaning and maintenance, and purchase and installation including how to order product samples or brochures.
Have a question that's not included here?
If you need more information about any aspect of Karndean Designflooring, please call our Customer Service Team at 888-266-4343 or fill out an inquiry form and we'll be happy to help.
About Karndean and Our Products
Who is Karndean Designflooring?
Karndean Designflooring is the leading global manufacturer of luxury vinyl flooring, sometimes referred to as luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT). To find out more about us, visit our company page.
What is Karndean Designflooring made of?
Karndean is a vinyl flooring product made primarily from calcium carbonate (limestone), polyvinyl chloride and pigments.
Our gluedown, loose lay and rigid core floors all share the following: one high definition photographic layer, one clear PVC embossed wear layer and a top polyurethane (PU) protective coating that we call K-Guard+®.
- Gluedown floors have a PVC backing layer.
- Our loose lay floors have our K-Wave® friction grip backing.
- Our rigid core floors have a core layer that allows for installation over most existing hard flooring surfaces (K-Core®) as well as an acoustic foam backing and a locking mechanism.
Is Karndean luxury vinyl flooring safe for my family?
Yes, you can feel confident bringing Karndean Designflooring into your home. Read more about our safe and hygienic products.
What do the different product ranges mean?
Karndean products are divided into ranges based on several factors:
- How they install (gluedown, loose lay or rigid core)
- Product size
- Wear Layer
- Edge (beveled, micro-bevel, non-beveled)
Designs and colors are unique to a product range, with the exception of some Van Gogh and Knight Tile colors which are available in both gluedown and rigid core.
Where can Karndean be laid in my home?
Karndean flooring is perfect for any room of the house, from the bathroom to kitchen, bedroom to the living room, hallway to conservatory. Take a look at our 'Explore by Room' gallery for ideas and inspiration.
Can Karndean be laid over underfloor heating?
Yes, for more advice please consult your retailer or flooring installer.
Is Karndean suitable for use on walls or ceilings?
Karndean Designflooring is designed as a floor covering and is therefore not recommended for use on walls or ceilings.
Can Karndean be laid outside?
No, Karndean is not suitable for outside use.
Can Karndean be used on stairs?
Yes, it can. The front edge of each step will need to be finished off with a compatible stair nosing - your retailer or flooring installer will be able to give you all the information and advice you need.
Does Karndean carry trims/transitions/moldings?
Karndean stocks coordinating moldings for our rigid core products. For more information about these and gluedown or loose lay trims/transitions/moldings, contact your local retailer for more information.
What do I need to consider when transitioning a Karndean floor to an adjoining surface material?
When installing coordinating transitions, please take into consideration the color variation within your Karndean floor. Some floors have higher color variation within the design than others, so making sure that the planks or tiles next to the transitions are of similar color/design will ensure a desirable outcome. Pre-cutting and placing the transitions in place can help determine plank or tile placement as well.
Can Karndean be used in a shower?
It is not suitable for this type of installation. Waterproof resilient flooring means that the flooring product will not swell or peak when exposed to topical water, it is not intended to perform as a moisture barrier to continuously damp environments.
Can I use Karndean next to an open fire?
Yes, but the vinyl flooring should not come in direct contact with the hot surface of the stove or fireplace. Check with local fire codes as to clearances required.
Can I use Karndean in front of patio doors/floor-to-ceiling windows?
Yes, check with your retailer/flooring installer as to the proper installation and adhesive.
What are design strips?
Learn more about our design strips and how to use them.
Why does my sample look slightly different from the images on the website?
Our products are inspired by things we have seen in the natural world and just like the variation in color and detail is part of the beauty of nature, it is also a feature of some of our designs. This means that with some of our products you will see natural variation when your floor is laid out.
We are careful to make sure our images are accurate in all printed literature and on our website but cannot always create a perfect representation of our products, especially digitally due to varying degrees of difference with personal screen color calibration.
For this reason, we strongly recommend visiting a local retailer to see a display board of any product you are considering in person before making a final decision.
Will a Karndean floor be slippery?
As with most smooth floor coverings, water and other liquids can make it slippery, so it is always best to clean up any spills as soon as possible. You may wish to look at our flooring ranges with textured wear layers, such as Van Gogh or Art Select.
Cleaning and Maintenance
How soon after installation can I clean Karndean Designflooring?
Do not clean your gluedown or loose lay floor until 24 hours after installation. This gives the adhesive time to fully cure. The 24-hour waiting period does not apply to our rigid core floors.
How should I protect my Karndean Designflooring against furniture?
By putting felt pads under the feet of your furniture, you can avoid table and chair legs scratching your Karndean floor. For heavy items that may require moving occasionally, we recommend using load-bearing castors.
What can I use to clean Karndean Designflooring? Do I have to use Karndean cleaning products?
For best results, we recommend using Karndean cleaning products as they have been specifically formulated for your Karndean floors. However, you may use any pH neutral, fragrance-free cleaner that is approved for use with vinyl floors.
Can you recommend any household cleaners safe for use with Karndean Designflooring?
A homemade solution of distilled white vinegar and warm water is safe to use on your Karndean floors. Mix ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. This solution will help to remove germs, dirt and impurities from the floor’s surface.
There are many household cleaners and disinfectants available that promote they are safe for use on vinyl flooring. Please be sure to check the label prior to use. Avoid the use of regular bleach-based detergents, as these could make the floor slippery or cause discoloration.
Where can I buy Karndean cleaning and maintenance products?
Cleaning and maintenance products can be bought through your local retailer.
Does Karndean Clean disinfect or kill Coronavirus COVID-19?
When used properly, routine maintenance with Karndean Clean will safely kill and remove germs, effectively killing Coronavirus COVID-19.
Can I use a vacuum cleaner on my Karndean floor?
If your vacuum has a hard floor setting, be sure to switch to that before vacuuming your floor. Vacuums with a beater bar, (the cylindrical bar that spins rapidly to fluff carpet), should not be used, unless you disable the bar.
Can I use a steam mop or steam cleaner on Karndean Designflooring?
Steam is a natural disinfectant. If you decide to use a steam mop on your Karndean floor, please check the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure it's suitable for use on luxury vinyl floors.
How should I clean spills?
Mop or wipe up spills as soon as possible with Karndean Clean or other pH neutral, fragrance-free cleaner approved for use with vinyl flooring.
Will Karndean stain?
Most common stains will not affect a Karndean floor, especially if they are cleaned up right away. However, there are agents that can stain - such as solvent-based liquids, wine and some spices. The use of Karndean Refresh will provide some protection against this type of damage.
Can spilled liquids seep through plank or tile edges?
Your floor should have been installed tightly to ensure spills cannot seep through tile edges or custom cuts. To avoid slippery surfaces, any spills should be cleaned up right away.
How do I remove scuff marks?
Dilute a small amount of Karndean Clean in some water and use a damp washcloth (or non-abrasive nylon scouring pad) with the diluted solution.
How do I remove scratches?
For fine scratches and scuffs, you can try using a tennis ball or white household eraser sponge, moving it in the direction of the grain to help blend it in. You can improve the appearance of light scratches by simply applying Karndean Remove, wiping off the residue with a mop and rinsing thoroughly with clean water. You can then re-apply Karndean Refresh.
On the occasion there is a particularly deep scratch, first try using our 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 replace the piece that has been damaged.
Are rugs safe to use on my Karndean floor?
We recommend using non-rubber-backed rugs or rug pads with your Karndean floor. Rubber-backed rugs or pads can cause discoloration of your floor. Check with the manufacturer to ensure that is safe for vinyl floors or is vinyl friendly. We cannot recommend a particular brand name, but search online for non-staining, non-skid area rug pads.
Why does my floor have a streaky appearance?
This may be due to either Karndean Remove that was either not rinsed thoroughly or Karndean Remove that dried irregularly from underfloor heating or strong sunlight. Simply repeat the Remove and Refresh process.
Purchasing and Installation
Where can I buy Karndean Designflooring?
Karndean is available from our network of retail flooring specialists across the country. Find your nearest retailer or call (888) 266-4343.
Where can I get a free sample or brochure?
Order up to six free swatch samples or one of our brochures.
Can you provide me with pricing or a quote?
For pricing information, please speak to your nearest retailer or call us at 888-266-4343.
Can I install Karndean myself?
Karndean Designflooring, while not challenging for a trained professional, is not intended to be a DIY product. Installing a new floor can be a big project and installation errors are not covered by our product warranty. We recommend using a professional to achieve professional results.
What are the box quantities?
Box quantities vary, based on the size and thickness of the product. Your retailer can advise how much material you need and give you box quantities, or you can reach out to our customer service team at 888-266-4343.
Should I buy Karndean over the internet?
We strongly recommend speaking to one of our flooring retailers rather than buying our flooring over the internet. Our retailers are installation specialists who understand our products.
Purchasing Karndean over the internet would be at your own risk. Find your nearest retailer here or call our customer service team at 888-266-4343.
Is there anything I need to do before the floor is installed?
In the 48-hour period prior to installation, flooring material and adhesive (if applicable) must be acclimated to room temperature between 65‑85°F (18‑27°C). Refer to our installation instructions for more information.
I think there may be a problem with the installation. What should I do?
If you have any concerns regarding the installation of your floor, please speak first with the retailer who installed the floor for you. If you have additional questions after speaking with your retailer, call us at 888-266-4343.
Can Karndean be installed over existing flooring like ceramic tiles or other vinyl?
Any format of Karndean luxury vinyl can be installed over some types of existing hard floors, but with varying degrees of subfloor preparation necessary prior to installation. Good preparation of the subfloor is essential to the final appearance. Subfloors should be hard, smooth, clean, dry and free from defects. Unevenness in the subfloor varies by installation format. Refer to our installation instructions for more information.
