Karndean flooring Solihull brings the natural beauty of wood and stone into your home or business premises with all the comfort and practicality of modern vinyl. After forty years fitting floors across Solihull, we’ve seen how much difference the right preparation, design details and fitting technique make to a floor’s look and lifespan.
Karndean planks and tiles are built from multiple layers of vinyl, topped with a realistic photographic film and a hard-wearing surface layer. That top layer is what stands up to daily life. For busy spaces like kitchens or hallways, we recommend at least 0.55 mm. Bedrooms and lighter-use areas can go thinner without losing performance. A thicker wear layer helps the floor resist scratches and stay looking clear even under strong light.
Because Karndean has a stable core, it won’t swell with humidity like wood or crack like ceramic tiles when the subfloor moves slightly. It’s warmer underfoot and ideal for underfloor heating too. During fitting, we control the temperature so the adhesive sets properly and the finish stays stable.
Layout can completely change the mood of a room. Plank formats look great in long spaces and can make narrow rooms feel wider if laid across the short side, which is something we often recommend when fitting Karndean flooring Solihull homes.Herringbone adds a classic touch and a sense of movement. Borders and feature strips define zones in open-plan layouts, helping the space feel more balanced.
Lighting also plays a role. Laying planks in line with the main light source reduces visible joints. For the most natural look, a subtle texture that matches the printed grain tends to look better than something overly patterned. Mid-tones and gentle colour variation hide everyday marks well, a smart choice for families or pet owners.
The quality of a vinyl floor starts underneath. We always test concrete bases for moisture, and if readings are high, we apply a liquid damp-proof membrane. Then we level the surface so small imperfections don’t show through. Timber or tiled floors usually need a ply or fibreboard layer first for extra stability. These steps prevent issues like bubbles, edge lifting and uneven wear over time.
Solihull homes often have sunlit spaces and bi-fold doors, which means higher temperatures near the floor. We use high-temperature adhesives in these spots and roll the flooring carefully so everything bonds as it should. On larger runs we allow for small expansion gaps at thresholds to keep things tight and long-lasting.
Cleaning Karndean is straightforward. A quick sweep or vacuum, followed by a damp mop with a neutral cleaner, is all you need. No sanding, sealing or waxing required. Good entrance mats help protect the surface from grit and water, a small step that can double the floor’s lifespan. With routine care, a well-fitted Karndean floor can last well beyond ten years.
Modern Karndean ranges meet low-VOC standards and are free from phthalates, making them safe for homes and workplaces. We also use low-odour, water-based adhesives – a must when fitting in occupied spaces. Documentation is available for projects targeting BREEAM or similar environmental ratings.
A family wanted the look of oak across a hallway and kitchen-diner without the upkeep of timber. We fitted a herringbone Karndean with a slim border and used high-temperature adhesive near south-facing doors. Twelve months later, the floor still looks fresh and the homeowners say dog prints barely show compared to their old laminate.
The clinic needed a floor that was warm, quiet and hygienic. We fitted stone-effect Karndean with entrance matting and coved skirting. Staff noticed less noise and quicker cleaning times. No chipped tiles, no cold underfoot feeling, just a more welcoming space.
To see some more examples from recent projects please see our gallery here.
If you’re planning a new floor and want the look of wood or stone without the maintenance, we can help. We’ll bring samples to your home, measure accurately and talk you through the best options for your space and budget.
Call 07432 153015 or use our online contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation visit.
1. Why should I choose Karndean over real wood or stone? Karndean offers the authentic look of natural wood or stone but with significant practical benefits. Unlike wood, it won’t swell with humidity or dent easily; unlike stone, it is warm underfoot and won’t crack if the subfloor moves. It is also much easier to maintain, requiring no sanding, waxing, or sealing.
2. Is Karndean flooring suitable for rooms with underfloor heating? Yes. Karndean is an ideal partner for underfloor heating as it is a great conductor of heat and remains stable during temperature changes. Our expert fitters ensure the correct high-temperature adhesives are used to maintain a perfect bond.
3. How do you prepare the floor before installation? Preparation is the most important step for a long-lasting finish. We conduct moisture testing on concrete bases and apply a liquid damp-proof membrane if levels are high. We also use screeding or ply-boarding to create a perfectly level surface, preventing imperfections from showing through your new floor.
4. Can Karndean be installed in areas with lots of sunlight, like rooms with bi-fold doors? Absolutely. For South-facing rooms or areas with large glass doors, we use specialised high-temperature adhesives. This prevents the planks from shifting or lifting due to heat expansion, a common issue in Solihull homes that we are fully equipped to handle.
5. How long does a Karndean floor typically last? When professionally fitted and properly maintained, a Karndean floor can easily last well beyond ten years. Its durable wear layer (we recommend 0.55mm for high-traffic areas) is designed to withstand the rigours of busy family life, including pets and children.
6. Is Karndean flooring waterproof? Yes, Karndean is water-resistant, making it a perfect choice for “wet” areas of the home such as kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Unlike laminate, it has sealed edges that prevent water from seeping into the core and causing damage.
7. How do I clean and maintain my new floor? Maintenance is simple. Regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove grit, followed by a damp mop using a neutral cleaner, is all that is required. We also recommend using good quality entrance mats to protect the surface from outside debris.
8. Do you provide design advice for layouts like Herringbone? Yes! We specialise in bespoke layouts. Whether you want a classic herringbone pattern to add character or want to use borders and feature strips to define zones in an open-plan living space, we can provide expert guidance during our free consultation.
9. Are your fitters qualified? Our team consists of manufacturer-trained, DBS-checked professionals. With over 40 years of experience fitting floors across Solihull and the West Midlands, we take pride in a high-quality finish on every project.
10. How can I get a quote? We offer free, no-obligation consultations. We will visit your property in Solihull, take accurate measurements, show you various samples, and provide a clear, itemised quote. You can call us on 0121 356 5858 or use our online contact form to book.
