There are many different types of LVT flooring and Karndean is often considered one of the top choices. However, when selecting suitable LVT flooring there are many considerations, one being waterproofing.
This is especially important if you want to use the LVT click flooring in a room with a higher moisture content such as a bathroom or conservatory. In this article, I answer the question, of is Karndean flooring waterproof, and the other features of this vinyl flooring.
What is Karndean Flooring?
Karndean is a company that procedures LVT (luxury vinyl tile) flooring in a range of styles, designs, and installation types.
Composition and Construction
Karndean flooring is made primarily of vinyl and each tile is constructed from five layers – 2 PVC backing layers, a high-definition aesthetic layer (that contains the pattern and color), a clear PVC embossed wear layer, and a top PU protective coating layer.
This type of LVT flooring is available in several installation options or types including:
- Gluedown
- Loose Lay
- Rigid Core
Gluedown Karndean flooring is installed using adhesive and sticks to your subfloor to create a firm bond and a stable floor that has no room for movement. Alternatively, the loose lay system is a type of LVT click flooring where adhesive isn’t used. Instead, it is loose fitting and locks into place together with the special friction grip backing.
Lastly, the Karndean rigid core range features a thicker vinyl core that makes the flooring more durable. Karndean flooring designs and patterns include:
- Wood
- Stone
- Abstract
The wood LVT flooring is meant to emulate natural hardwood floors for that premium look and you can get them in a range of tones and wood types. Similarly, their stone options mimic traditional stone or concrete tiled flooring and are typically available in various shades of grey and beige.
Lastly, if you want to make a bold statement with your flooring, Karndean has a range of abstract patterns. These fantastic styles utilize various geometric shapes such as diamonds and triangles together with complementing colors to give you something completely different.
Does Karndean Offer Waterproof Flooring?
Karndean flooring has several qualities concerning waterproofing that make it one of the best LVT options for kitchens and bathrooms:
- Waterproof vinyl backing.
- Waterproof adhesive.
- Resistant to stains.
The combination of the waterproof vinyl backing and waterproof adhesive means that no water should soak through the flooring.
Additionally, the wear layer is resistant to stains so you don’t have to worry as much about food and drink spills in your kitchen if you have this type of flooring.
Water Resistance vs. Waterproof
It’s important to understand the difference between water resistance and waterproof as they mean two different things and thus have an impact on the usefulness of your flooring choice:
Water resistance means exactly that – the surface has some resistance to water but it is not infallible and there is a maximum resistance level that can be exceeded where water damage would start to be experienced.
In contrast, waterproof means that the surface has a completely infallible barrier to water and it will prevent water damage even in higher levels of prolonged exposure. Usually, waterproofing has categories though, and waterproofing could mean repelling simple splashes, up to protection against full immersion.
Karndean states that its LVT flooring is 100% waterproof and not just water-resistant so it offers some of the best protection available for bathrooms. This is achieved via the combination of the impervious vinyl backing, and waterproof adhesive.
Comparison With Other Flooring Options
So, we now know that Karndean flooring has a host of favorable properties including waterproofing, but how does it shape up compared to other popular flooring choices including the following:
- Carpet
- Hardwood Flooring
- Other LVT flooring
- Ceramic Tiles
Carpet is not known for its water resistance and it is perhaps the worst flooring type in this regard. Water and liquids simply soak into the carpet and can cause damage.
Similarly, while water can lay on top of hardwood flooring, it can also soak in between the planks and cause swelling and warping which can be detrimental.
Many other LVT flooring brands also have excellent water resistance and in general, vinyl flooring is one of the better options in this regard.
Ceramic or porcelain tiles are also superb for water resistance as the water will not soak into the tiles or grout. This type of flooring is generally more expensive than Karndean and LVT flooring though.
Karndean – An Excellent Waterproof Flooring Option
So, is Karndean flooring waterproof? Yes! It should be impervious to water which makes it perfect for use in rooms with a higher moisture content and the risk of spills such as kitchens and bathrooms.
I still advise taking care when using Karndean flooring, however, and try to mop up any spills or excess water quickly to maintain water resistance and to be on the safe side.
