Can Karndean Flooring Be Installed in Bathrooms and Kitchens? A Complete Guide for Everyday Homeowners
- Charlie Mac
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Introduction
When you're choosing flooring for a bathroom or kitchen, the stakes are high. You want something stylish, but it also needs to handle water, heat, and heavy traffic without warping or cracking. Karndean luxury vinyl flooring claims to offer the best of both worlds, but is it truly up to the task? In this guide, we'll not only answer that question but go deeper than most blogs, with technical specifications, installation details, cost comparisons, and links to authoritative UK regulations. This is your ultimate resource for deciding whether Karndean is right for your wet areas.
What Is Karndean Flooring?
Karndean is a premium brand of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or plank flooring, designed to mimic natural materials like wood or stone while delivering superior water resistance and durability (karndean.com).
Key Technical Features:
100% Waterproof: Can be fully submerged without swelling or warping.
Slip Resistance: Many Karndean ranges achieve an R10 slip rating (low slip potential) or a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of 36+ when dry, making them safe for kitchens and bathrooms.
Scratch Resistant: Features K-Guard+ PU surface protection.
Thermal Stability: Designed to withstand underfloor heating up to 27°C.
Acoustic Qualities: Reduces noise transfer compared to ceramic tiles.
Why Karndean Excels in Kitchens and Bathrooms
Waterproof and Hygienic
Karndean's vinyl core and wear layers prevent water penetration, making it ideal for wet environments where spills, steam, and splashes are frequent (karndean.com). Its non-porous surface also resists bacterial growth and mould formation.
Slip Resistance and Safety
Slip resistance is measured by Pendulum Test Values (PTV). According to UK HSE guidance, a PTV of 36+ under wet conditions is considered low slip risk (HSE UK). Many Karndean bathroom-rated products meet or exceed this standard.
Durability and Maintenance
Karndean withstands daily foot traffic, water splashes, dropped objects, and high humidity. Maintenance is simple: sweep, vacuum (suction only), and mop with pH-neutral cleaners.
Installation Formats and Technical Details
1. Gluedown Installation
Adhesive: Use Karndean High Temperature Adhesive (HT Adhesive) in kitchens or bathrooms where fluctuating temperatures are likely.
Grout Strips: Optional decorative strips can be inserted between tiles to mimic natural grout lines. Install using the same HT adhesive to prevent movement.
Subfloor: Must be flat, dry, and free of debris; moisture content under 75% RH in concrete (as per BS 8203:2017).
2. Rigid Core (Click-Fit)
Underlayment: Use Karndean K-Core underlay or approved acoustic backing to reduce sound and absorb minor subfloor imperfections.
Waterproof Locking System: Protects against surface water ingress.
3. Loose Lay
Uses friction grip backing for quick installation and removal.
Recommended for upstairs bathrooms where noise control is a priority.
UK Building Regulations and Safety Standards
Karndean flooring complies with UK Building Regulations Part C (Resistance to Moisture) and Part M (Access and Use) when installed correctly (gov.uk Building Regulations). Professional fitting ensures adherence to these standards, particularly regarding slip resistance and moisture barriers.
Cost Analysis: Karndean vs Ceramic Tile
Factor | Karndean LVT | Ceramic Tile |
Material Cost | £20-£50/m² | £15-£60/m² |
Labour | £20-£95/m² (quicker) | £40-£95/m² (longer fitting) |
Subfloor Prep | Levelling compound ~£4/m² | Similar |
Maintenance | Low, no resealing required | Higher, grout cleaning needed |
Replacement | Easy to replace planks | Requires tile removal and regrout |
Karndean often works out cheaper overall due to lower installation time and minimal upkeep over its lifespan.
Pros and Cons Summary
Advantages
100% waterproof
R10 slip rating on many products
Compatible with underfloor heating
Comfortable and quiet underfoot
Design flexibility (herringbone, grout strips)
Lifetime residential warranty
Considerations
Can be slippery when wet unless textured finish is chosen
Not biodegradable
Difficult to match older planks exactly for repairs
FAQ
Q: Can Karndean be used with real grout? A: No real cement grout is used. Instead, grout strips are recommended for a tiled look. They are vinyl strips installed between tiles and bonded with HT adhesive.
Q: How long does Karndean last in wet areas? A: With proper installation and care, it can last 20-35 years, backed by a lifetime residential warranty.
Q: Does it meet UK safety regulations for wet floors? A: Yes, many Karndean products meet PTV 36+ wet slip resistance guidance under HSE UK standards.
Conclusion
Karndean flooring isn't just suitable for kitchens and bathrooms – it's built for them. With its waterproof core, high slip resistance, ease of maintenance, and long lifespan, it provides a cost-effective, stylish alternative to ceramic tiles. After researching this topic deeply, I would confidently install Karndean in my own bathroom, knowing it meets professional standards for safety and durability.
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