Karndean/Amtico - anyone got it?

owned_by_2_Siamese

Were moving to a new house - and wanted ceramic flooring in the large kitchen. The contractor went to measure and has come back suggesting we have Karndean (like Amtico) instead as it will wear well, and given its a large room (timber suspended floor) he thinks it will fit better in the long run (as even when laying tiles on ply base obverlaid on the floor there will be some movement as the house settles) I'm unfamiliar with this type of floor (but not keen on laminate!) I understand the tile variations are well regarded - but any thoughts on look/wear/durability - does anyone have a strong opinion either way ? Thanks!

Penny_Farthing_2

The house we bought has Amtico in a large room and it's been down about 20 yrs. It's not in a good state and was badly laid in the first place. You can buy a chemical to peel off the top coating and then recoat it but I think that would be expensive and time consuming. The product itself is expensive. If you view it as a long term investment, choose your design carefully as even things that seem 'timeless' now can date, even if they remain in VGC.
If you don't like laminate, I'm not sure you'd like this either.

missile

I would suggest you get another quote from a different tiler. Unless the floor is defective, properly laid tiles will last a lifetime. You need to put down ply base srewed at 15 cm centres and use a good quality flexible adhesive.

If your floor is unstable, then you will also have problems with Karndean / Amtico. IMHO it is over rated and over priced.

Do not use laminate in areas where you are likely to spill water.

mrsmess

I have karndean in my bathroom and hall, have a look at the web site there is lots of choice. I know a lot of shops also use it as it is so hardwearing

bernard_ric

There is a tiling forum http://www.tileforums.com/ where the professionals will give really good advice to householders and DIYers or try https://www.asktthetrades.co.uk.

Best of luck.

shoppaholic_returns

I have karndean throughout my hall/kitchen/utility/bathrooms/family rooms and find it excellent, it is hard wearing and very cheap when you compare prices to amtico which we looked at and was a v.similar product for alot more money.

The product is excellent if you have animals and is very easy to hoover/mop/polish etc.

A much better product than laminate, and is guaranteed depending on the range you go for, for up to 15 yrs.

I don't know how missile can make these "overated blah blah", comments because the product is certainly not comparible to a laminate, and could not be utilised in the same way, as it isnt waterproof!!

owned_by_2_Siamese

Thanks for all of this !
Whether we have ceramic or karndean the floor will be overlaid with ply !
Going to find a stockist and have a look at it in the flesh !

Will let you know how it goes!

lyndons

I, along with my wife and brother have three Design Studio's specialising in Karndean flooring in Staffordshire and Cheshire, if any one has any questions relating to the suitability of this product to any domestic or commercial area, I would be only too pleased to give advice. This product is suitable for most areas subject to the correct survey and inspection of the sub floor, along with the obvious need for a reputable installation team and the subsequent back up of a boni fidi retailer.
Any questions email lyndon@bfloors.co.uk

Zax

Hello,
Just thought I would post my experiences before anyone bought some Karndean flooring. My mother had it laid in her hall and living area and after a month of normal use there are marks all over it. She paid over £2000 for this flooring and its useless in my opinion. All of her furniture had to have adhesive foam pads attached to the bottom to stop them making dents everywhere, and even with the pads (12mm thick) there are still dents. The flooring fitter informed us (after he laid the floor - thanks) that Karndean have had numerous complaints about how easily their flooring marks.

The type she purchased was the Karndean Knight Tile. Maybe this problem is only with this type I'm not sure. But I would spend your hard earned cash on something else.

Zax

Strangled

Knight tile is the cheapest you can buy,you get what you pay for. I have the Davinci throughout my house. Excellant quality, and worth the money. Make sure you ply the floor with 6mm ply,Karndean recomendation and for the guarantee. Make sure you seal it with Karndean's 'Dim Glow' protector as well.
Amtico......overpriced,you pay for the name.

PS........I fit Karndean/Amtico for a living :-)

debbie42

My mum has had Karndean in her kitchen for just over a year. It still looks as good as when it was first laid and is very easy to clean. Someone once told me it was the "poor man's Amtico", but having seen it in use I'd argue that Amtico is "the rich man's Karndean". I'm getting a quote for our bathroom.