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myKarndean Flooring Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of Karndean flooring installation is £800 for a medium-sized UK room (16m²).
- This job typically takes between 1 and 2 days to finish.
- Breakdown of Karndean flooring costs per m² by type.
- How much Karndean flooring fitting costs in 2026.
- How long it takes and additional LVT flooring costs you may need to consider.
- How to find a flooring fitter using MyJobQuote.
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Looking to find out how much Karndean costs to fit in the UK?
If so, this guide is essential reading. You'll find Karndean flooring costs per m², what Karndean flooring costs to get installed by a specialist fitter, and much more!
Even if you're just exploring your options, getting quotes early will help you understand what's realistic for your home and budget. Most homeowners take this route, as it helps them get the full picture.
Use MyJobQuote and you'll get fast, free, and no-obligation quotes from flooring fitters near you.
You'll find our full guide below.
£800
Table of Contents
- How Much is Karndean Flooring?
- How Much Does Karndean Fitting Cost?
- Factors That Impact Karndean Flooring Installation Costs
- What's Involved in Installing Karndean Flooring?
- What Are the Benefits of Karndean Flooring?
- Karndean Flooring Alternatives
- Checklist: Hiring a Karndean Flooring Installer in the UK
- FAQs
Karndean Flooring Cost Calculator
How Much is Karndean Flooring?
The average cost of a Karndean flooring installation is typically between £560 and £1,050 for a medium-sized UK room (16m²).
However, the exact price you're quoted will depend on the type of Karndean you choose.
Here are some broad ranges for Karndean prices (including installation) based on the size of the room you have:
| Size of Room | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (10m²) | £350 - £650 |
| Medium (16m²) | £560 - £1,050 |
| Large (25m²) | £875 - £1,600 |
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There are several types of Karndean flooring, so to help you choose the right one, here is a breakdown of glue-down, rigid core and looselay Karndean flooring.
Glue-down Karndean Flooring Cost
Glue-down Karndean flooring is basically vinyl tiles that can be glued into place. This type of flooring typically costs around £20 to £30 per m².
The main advantage of glue-down flooring is that the adhesive prevents the tiles from slipping and also offers a long-lasting flooring solution, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.
The problem with this type of floor is that it is more difficult to install, so a professional’s help will be required. It is also much harder to replace in comparison to other flooring options due to the tiles being glued down with strong adhesive.
| Size of Room | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (10m²) | £350 – £500 |
| Medium (16m²) | £560 – £800 |
| Large (25m²) | £875 – £1,250 |
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Rigid Core Karndean Flooring Cost
Rigid core is a type of floating floor which is installed by simply clicking it into place, as the pieces fit together like a puzzle. This typically costs around £20 to £50 per m².
One of the benefits of rigid core flooring is that it is straightforward to install, as it does not require adhesive. It can sometimes be installed over existing hard, well-bonded and level flooring, so this will save you money on waste removal costs.
A disadvantage of a floating floor is that it is not as durable as glue-down flooring and can shift if not installed properly. A separate underlay is not usually needed, unless specified by the manufacturer or supplier, but the subfloor will still need to be solid, smooth, and level.
| Size of Room | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (10m²) | £400 – £600 |
| Medium (16m²) | £640 – £960 |
| Large (25m²) | £1,000 – £1,500 |
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Looselay Karndean Flooring Cost
Looselay Karndean is one of the latest flooring solutions available, it is made of materials which improve friction and allow the tiles to stick to the subfloor, so adhesive is not usually required, but check with your supplier. You should expect to pay around £35 to £50 per m².
Looselay flooring is one of the sturdiest options available as the tiles are thick and heavy - Karndean offers 'lifetime' warranties up to 35 years for residential installations. They are also very easy to remove if you need a repair or want to replace your floor.
Although this is a relatively new type of flooring, the choice of styles and designs is increasing. Options vary by brand and range, and availability depends on retailer and stock levels, but you should find a broad selection of wood and stone designs to choose from.
| Size of Room | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (10m²) | £500 – £650 |
| Medium (16m²) | £800 – £1,050 |
| Large (25m²) | £1,250 – £1,600 |
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We are building an open-plan kitchen and diner and are looking for a good-quality vinyl floor. Is there much difference between Tapi and Karndean in terms of look and durability?
"Karndean are one of the best LVT on the market, so I would say that or QA Luvanto."
Karndean Flooring Cost Per M²
But how much is Karndean flooring per m²?
You're looking at a cost of around £35 to £75 per square metre for Karndean flooring. This estimate includes material and labour rates.
Here's a breakdown by Karndean type:
| Type | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Glue-down | £35 – £50 per m² |
| Rigid Core | £35 – £75 per m² |
| Looselay | £55 – £75 per m² |
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LVT flooring brands seem to vary a lot with wear layers. What depth of wear layer would you say is suitable for a family kitchen?
"You want 0.55mm wear layer as that’s commercial grade in glue down (dry back) version. The main thing is to find a decent LVT shop who knows how to fit it correctly."
How Much Does Karndean Fitting Cost?
Next, let's take a look at labour fees and timescales.
The majority of Karndean floor fitters will charge around £100 to £200 per day to lay your new flooring.
What do labour fees depend on?
Their costs will also vary depending on the size of the room, as a 10m² room would cost around £100 to £200 for a day's work, while a 16m² room would take around 1 to 2 days to complete with labour costs ranging from £200 to £400.
If the size of your space is up to 25m², then you should expect to pay around £300 to £600 for up to 3 days' work.
How much does it cost to lay Polyflor vinyl tiles?
"A floor like that would cost around £15 per m², but some fitters would probably want to charge a day rate of around £200 per day as that kind of design is very time-consuming."
The above prices may vary for different locations. For instance, tradespeople in London typically charge up to £220 per day, while labourers in the surrounding areas have a daily rate of around £160 or less.
They may also charge more to remove your old flooring, along with any other preparation costs.
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Factors That Impact Karndean Flooring Installation Costs
Your overall Karndean flooring cost will be affected by numerous factors. These include:
Type of Karndean Flooring
The type of Karndean floor you choose is a massive cost factor, as some styles are more expensive than others. As a guide, the table below shows typical supply only costs per square metre for different Karndean flooring options (without installation):
| Type | Supply Cost |
|---|---|
| Glue-down | £20 – £30 per m² |
| Rigid Core | £20 – £50 per m² |
| Looselay | £35 – £50 per m² |
Want a custom price?
Post your job
Size of Flooring Space
The size of your room is also an important thing to consider, as the larger your space is, the more expensive your flooring installation will be.
For instance, a 10m² room would cost between £350 and £650, while a 16m² would range between £560 and £1,050, and a 25m² would cost between £875 and £1,600.
If you would prefer a custom size or styled pieces, you also have to consider this in choosing your flooring. Whether you buy from the supplier or work with a contractor directly, you should consider all options and fits to find the best one for your home.
Floor Preparation
Screed is a cement-based material which is normally applied to the floor after an underfloor heating installation to enable high-quality heat transfer.
If you're laying vinyl flooring as part of a full remodel, then you may need to pay for new floor screeding.
Floor screeding costs between £300 and £380 to cover an average-sized room.
New Skirting Boards
To enhance the look of your new Karndean floor, you may also want to consider installing new skirting boards.
Installing new skirting board costs between £200 and £340 for an average-sized room. You could also pay extra for skirting board heating, which is also known as a Thermaskirt.
Thermaskirt is similar to underfloor heating, although it is a lot easier to install. On average, Thermaskirt costs around £500 to fit in a medium-sized room.
Underfloor Heating
Before installing Karndean flooring, you may want to consider having underfloor heating installed.
This will offer an efficient and comfortable way to heat your home, and installing it before your Karndean flooring will ensure you don't have to rip it up later to retrofit underfloor heating.
The cost of underfloor heating will vary depending on the type you choose.
For instance, a wet system, which is a closed loop of pipes fed by your boiler or heat pump, usually costs around £1,200. A dry system, which uses electricity to heat the floor, is generally priced at about £800.
Waste Removal Cost
If you need your old floor removed before a new Karndean floor can be fitted, you will also have to consider the cost of waste removal. To get rid of the old floor, tradespeople tend to charge around £3 to £5 per m².
These removal costs will be on top of the costs already mentioned, so if you have a 10m² area to clear, expect to pay between £30 and £50 to have the old flooring removed.
If you plan to rip out the floor yourself, you may need to hire a waste removal company, which generally costs around £70 to £160.
Location of Property
Where your property is located is also important, as this will determine the labour cost. For example, if you live in the middle of the countryside, you may have limited access to floor fitters, so you might have to pay more for them to travel.
Labour rates also vary in different areas in the UK, with London flooring fitters charging up to £220 per day.
Ease of Access
Tradespeople may also charge more if there is limited access to your flooring. For example, if you want a new floor fitted in the attic or the basement, this will require a lot of manual work to move it up and down the stairs, so labourers may charge more for their inconvenience.
What's more important for vinyl flooring: cushioning thickness or adding underlay?
"Underlays are not necessary for most vinyl floors. A well-cushioned vinyl floor should work fine on its own if the surface is level and smooth. The most important factor when laying vinyl flooring is ensuring your subfloor is smooth, clean, dry, and sound enough for your vinyl to lay on top."
What's Involved in Installing Karndean Flooring?
Installing Karndean LVT flooring yourself is an option; however, this is normally only performed by experienced DIY enthusiasts who have fitted flooring before.
To avoid your project taking longer, or costing more if it's not done right, it's usually best to leave the fitting to the experts, who'll make sure you get a truly professional finish and a floor that could last up to 35 years.
To find the right professional floor fitter, and the best price for your project, it's usually a good idea to get at least 3 quotes from local floor fitters - something you can do fast, for free, and with no obligation when you use MyJobQuote.
Once you've hired your flooring professional, here's a broad overview of what you can expect during your Karndean LVT flooring installation process.
Before the Job Starts
- Initial Assessment & Measuring - To identify how much flooring will be required for the project and whether the subfloor will require any preparation work, your floor fitter will accurately measure the floor area and assess the condition of the current floor or subfloor.
- Planning & Quoting - Based on the room size, the flooring you have chosen, and any additional preparation work, you'll receive a detailed quote, and the timescales for starting and completing the project will be agreed.
During the Job
- Floor Preparation - Any existing floor will be removed, if required, and any subfloor preparation will be completed, if necessary. Your floor fitters will ensure you have a solid, level base so your new Karndean floor will be flat and secure.
- Installing the New Flooring - Your new Karndean floor will be laid according to the manufacturer's guidelines to achieve a perfect, professional-looking finish. Most single-room fittings are completed in 1-2 days, but this depends on the size and complexity of the room layout.
After the Job
- Final Checks & Clean-Up - Once the new floor is completed, the fitter will carry out a thorough inspection to make sure everything is as it should be, and then tidy up and clear away any waste so the room is ready to use.
- Aftercare & Maintenance - Your fitter will advise on when you can replace furniture and begin using the room as normal, how to clean and maintain your new floor, and provide you with any product and installation warranties and guarantees.
Is LVT with integrated underlay any good for uneven floors?
"No. If it's floorboards then a thicker ply is required; 9mm or thicker if it's really bad. If it's concrete then it will need a smoothing compound first. And if that's the case, you'd be far better off having a gluedown LVT than click LVT."
What Are the Benefits of Karndean Flooring?
Fitting Karndean flooring is a popular choice in the UK thanks to some very useful benefits.
As well as the quality of this type of flooring, you can also expect the following:
Hard-Wearing
Karndean has the advantage of being an extremely hard-wearing flooring material. Thanks to its durability and scratch resistance, it has a solid reputation as a flooring option that can withstand the stresses of daily life.
In practice, this means that it's useful for every type of household, although it isn't completely impervious to damage, so bear that in mind if you have a young family or pets in your home.
Easy to Maintain
The maintenance of Karndean flooring is generally straightforward.
As long as you undertake regular cleaning, there is usually no need for extensive cleaning routines as you would expect with hardwood floors, for example. In this way, Karndean flooring is a more practical option than traditional floors.
Water Resistant
Karndean flooring is water-resistant, so it can be used in kitchens and bathrooms without undue stress. While other flooring options may be susceptible to the dangers of water ingress, Karndean is more hardy than that.
You should still, however, take care to minimise the amount of standing water on the surface, for your own safety reasons as well as the long-term care of the floor.
Aesthetic Appearance
One of the most important factors for customers searching for new flooring is simply how it looks, and Karndean flooring excels in that respect.
The high-quality specifications and design of Karndean flooring mean that it has excellent aesthetic appeal, with options to suit every style of home.
Wide Range of Options
There is an array of diverse Karndean flooring designs, so you should find one that fits your style.
For example, as a direct alternative to wooden or stone flooring, there are Karndean designs to match those materials. Similarly, their range of premium abstract designs can add flair to a signature space like a hallway or bathroom.
Is sheet vinyl the same as lino?
"Not exactly as they're made from different materials. Vinyl is made from man-made products and linoleum is made from natural materials such as compressed cork."
Karndean Flooring Alternatives
After reading the pros and cons of different Karndean flooring types, you may decide that this flooring solution is not the right one for you. If this is the case, take a look at this guide for alternative flooring options.
Laminate Flooring Cost
- Laminate flooring is a synthetic floor solution designed to simulate real hardwood flooring, with the average laminate flooring cost ranging from £10 to £25 per m², depending on the quality you choose.
- Laminate flooring costs around 50% less than real wood flooring, is much easier to clean, and more resistant to scratches and moisture, but it may not look as good and can be hard to repair.
Wood Flooring Cost
- Wood flooring is made up of natural hardwood, including oak, maple, and cherry, with the typical cost of wood flooring being between £35 and £46 per m².
- Wood flooring is often more expensive and can be susceptible to damage such as scratching or moisture damage, but it is an attractive flooring solution and can easily be repaired to help it last for a long time.
Tile Flooring Cost
- Floor tiles are usually made up of clay, ceramic, stone or metal, and the average cost of tile flooring installation ranges from £20 to £40 per m².
- Tiled floors are easy to maintain, highly water-resistant, and extremely durable; however, they can be more difficult to install and, without underfloor heating, may feel cold underfoot.
Carpet Flooring Cost
- Carpet can be made from natural materials, such as wool, or synthetic fibres, including polyester and nylon, with the average carpet fitting cost ranging between £21 and £75 per m².
- Carpet is an affordable option that provides a soft, comfortable floor and is relatively easy to install, but cheaper options can show wear easily, require regular carpet cleaning, and stains or damage can be difficult to repair.
How wide is the average vinyl floor roll?
"2m, 3m, or 4m widths are usually available in all vinyls."
Checklist: Hiring a Karndean Flooring Installer in the UK
When you're hiring a professional fitter to install your new Karndean floor, use the following checklist:
- Are they an experienced floor fitter? Look for floor fitters with at least 5 years' experience, and specifically plenty of experience installing Karndean and LVT flooring.
- What qualifications do they have? Suitable qualifications are a good sign, ideally a Level 1 award in flooring operations or basic construction qualifications.
- What's their previous work like? Check their reviews from previous Karndean projects on MyJobQuote, and ask to see photos and references from previous installs.
- Will they provide an itemised quote? Get an itemised quote so you know if additional work like subfloor preparation or old floor disposal are included, if required, and avoid any nasty surprises.
- Are they insured and offer guarantees? They need to have public liability insurance to protect your home while they're working in it, but also verify what product and installation guarantees you'll receive.
FAQs
What is Karndean flooring?
Karndean is a brand of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring that first emerged in the UK in the 1970s and has been in regular use ever since.
What is Karndean flooring made of?
Karndean is typically made from polyvinyl chloride, pigments and calcium carbonate or limestone. It is also made up of five layers, which include two PVC backing layers, one clear PVC embossed layer, an HD photographic layer and a top coating made of polyurethane.
Should I choose Karndean?
It is a cheaper solution than hardwoods. At about £35 to £75 per m², it is much less expensive, and it's very durable. It also gives you the look and feel of new wood grain flooring at a much lower price.
Is Karndean flooring compatible with underfloor heating?
Yes, Karndean flooring is usually excellent with underfloor heating, as it conducts heat well, but make sure floor temperatures don't exceed 27°C and the system is turned off 48 hrs before and after installation.
Can I install Karndean flooring myself?
Installing the flooring yourself might be an option for experienced DIY enthusiasts who have fitted flooring before, but it will take more time if you don’t know what you are doing, and it may cost more if you damage the floor or install it incorrectly.
Can I custom fit it?
Yes, Karndean (and other suppliers) have a wide range of LVT flooring options, which your fitter can use to create a custom look - speak to your supplier/fitter about what will be possible.
Is Karndean flooring scratch-proof?
A typical Karndean floor is extremely hard-wearing, so it is fairly resistant to scratches. However, if you do find any scratches on your floor, you can purchase a Karndean care kit or hire a professional to fix the damage.
What is the cost of Karndean flooring removal?
Tradesmen will usually charge £3 to £5 per m² to remove existing flooring.
