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Comparison

Discover the main differences between Karndean and Amtico luxury vinyl tiles and which is best for you below.

Written by: Yarl Christie

Published on: July 27, 2022

Amtico Vs Karndean

There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to vinyl flooring, but patrons are quick to point out that Amtico and Karndean are more popular when it comes to getting the perfect combination of design, durability, and cost.

These two brands have been all-time favourites for quite a few decades. However, deciding between Amtico and Karndean can be a tough thing to do as both brands have their own unique selling points.

While Amtico has marked its presence for over 50 years, Karndean has also given it stiff competition for the last 40 years. So, when it comes to Amtico Vs Karndean and choosing which is best for you, consider the following parameters

What is Amtico Flooring Made From?

Amtico vinyl flooring is made from plasticisers, resin, and stabilisers. They are combined and then compressed under high temperature and pressure. This process results in a very thin, yet extremely durable floor that also offers a high level of flexibility.

Amtico Vs Karndean LVT - Amtico Spacia Xtra Sash Oak SS5W3032Product: Amtico Spacia Sash Oak SS5W3032

Amtico vinyl floors closely resemble natural stone or wood textures with a matte finish. They are manufactured at the brand’s own facility, meeting top A+ BREEAM/BRE Green guide rating. The company is dedicated to protecting the environment and encourages customers to return used floors to their manufacturing plants for recycling.

What is Karndean Flooring Made From?

Karndean floors are made from a combination of two PVC backing layers, an HD photographic layer, a clear PVC embossed wear layer, and finally a top protective layer of PU coating. This process makes Karndean flooring durable and glossier than Amtico matte flooring.

Karndean Vs Amtico - Karndean Van Gogh Wellington Oak VGW53TProduct: Karndean Van Gogh Wellington Oak VGW53T

Karndean flooring is manufactured by the company's affiliates in Asia, but this does not affect the quality of the flooring in any way. Karndean ensures a beautiful finish for its vinyl flooring that offers convincing stone and wood effects just like Amtico.

Which is Waterproof?

Most Amtico floors are water resistant, meaning they will cope well with spills, but they shouldn’t be installed in high moisture-prone areas. The Click Smart range offered by the brand is the only fully waterproof collection.

Karndean Vs Amtico - Amtico Click Smart Wood White Ash SB5W2540 Installed in a BathroomProduct: Amtico Click Smart Wood White Ash SB5W2540

In contrast, all LVT floors produced by Karndean are 100% waterproof.

Comparing Karndean Durability Vs Amtico Durability

Both Amtico and Karndean floors are highly durable. While the lifespan of the floors will vary depending upon the collection, most boast a lifetime guarantee. This roughly works out as 30-35 years.

Installing Amtico Vs Karndean Flooring

Amtico and Karndean floors can be fitted quickly and easily. Some collections offered by the brands contain a click system, enabling you to install them yourself even without any prior floor-fitting experience. Other collections feature a gluedown installation method. This isn’t as easy as the click system method, but you can often still complete the installation yourself.

Room Suitability

Given both Amtico and Karndean offer waterproof ranges, you can install the floors in practically any area of the home. This includes the lounge, hallway, bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, children’s playroom, and home office.

Amtico Vs Karndean - Karndean Art Select Storm Oak Parquet AP07 Installed in a BathroomProduct: Karndean Art Select Storm Oak Parquet AP07

Comparing Insulation

There isn’t much difference between the two in terms if insulation. They are both warm and comfortable underfoot, producing minimal noise when walked on. You can install Amtico and Karndean floors with underfloor heating to boost their comfort in cold weather.

Amtico & Karndean Styles & Effects

In terms of design, you will be spoilt for choice with both Karndean and Amtico floors. Both brands offer hundreds of different styles, including wood and stone effect designs.

Amtico Vs Karndean - Amtico Spacia Parquet Traditional OakProduct: Amtico Spacia Parquet Traditional Oak

They both have parquet, herringbone, basket-weave and Versailles styles on offer too. Amtico Spacia Parquet and Karndean Art Select Parquet are both our top sellers when it comes to parquet options.

Comparison Table

Amtico Flooring Karndean Flooring
Construction Multi-layered made from Plasticisers, resin, and stabilisers Multi-layered PVC with a PU coated top layer
Waterproof No, but some waterproof varieties are available Yes, all Karndean LVT floors are waterproof
Durability Can last up to 30-35 years Can last up to 30-35 years
Installation Glue-Down or Click system installation Glue-Down or Click system installation
Room Suitability All Rooms All Rooms
Insulation Quiet and warm with the option to install with underfloor heating Warm and quiet underfoot. Can be installed with underfloor heating
Effects Stone tile, wood plank & abstract effects available Stone tile, wood plank & abstract effects available
Laying Patterns Wood plank, herringbone, chevron, Versailles, basket-weave, stone tile Wood plank, herringbone, chevron, Versailles, basket-weave, stone tile

Conclusion

Both Amtico and Karndean are worth your money for a great looking floor. If it is a matte finish that you are looking for, Amtico should be your ideal choice, while for a glossier look, you should choose Karndean. Your final decision regarding the right flooring solution should be a fine balance of both budget and preference.

Further Browsing

Browse our Amtico flooring here

Browse our Karndean flooring here

About The Author

Yarl Christie

Yarl is the Managing Director of Stories Flooring. started his career in the flooring industry by becoming a floor fitter at the age of 18 (2004). Yarl finally decided to move with the times and set up an online flooring store (Flooring Yorkshire, 2018). He works closely with the business managers and resource team to source new products from wholesalers, which in turn brings down the sale price. This enables Stories Flooring to be one of the leading UK flooring retailers.