Which (if any) flooring adds value?

[Xnon]

In your opinion/experience is there any flooring type that adds value to a home?

I know it only really matters if you're re-selling. But, flooring is such a big job that we want to future proof what we do should we sell in the future.

Is it true that whilst quality LVT like karndean/amtico is expensive, Estate Agents are more likely to highlight more traditional flooring like real hardwood flooring as a feature rather than a 'wood look' LVT? Maybe it depends on the EA?

Karndean/Amtico seems great for longevity as it seems unbreakable. That's the practical side. However, it can't really be changed as easily; with real wood you can sand it down and oil it for a new fresher look.

Decisions. Decisions. Which (if any) flooring adds value?

If it makes any difference, I saw karndean flooring mentioned in a Rightmove description recently. I think real wood or karndean/amtico are good, just don't do what the vendors of the house we saw yesterday did. Beautiful house, really nicely decorated etc but with horrible very old laminate flooring. It really let it down after looking like a totally "done" house. As it was at the top of our "done house" budget, I really didn't want it as we'd've had to change all the flooring at ££.

Ok, I just googled "Rightmove Karndean" and it does come up for properties in the descriptions (but not as a highlight at the top, like with some adverts highlighting 'real wood flooring'.). I guess the 'real wood' flooring is a bit like a 'period property' feature; it's traditional and maybe there's some snobbery there?

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-95615714.html

So that's a nice house and generally the flooring looks tasteful and quality. Flooring is karndean, but the parquet wood effect looks like LVT I that picture... I think it's hard to mimic real wood flooring sometimes because it has natural kinks and imperfections that makes it "Real".

I guess it's preference. Neither option is "cheap", It's just that with Karndean it can depend if it looks fake or not, but with real wood there's no question because it is what it is....

I’ve both bought and sold houses with Karndean flooring and it’s always been mentioned in the property description. And for good reason I think. When you’re dealing with laminate, that can range from complete rubbish to excellent stuff that is hard to tell apart from the “real thing”. Not all wood flooring will be the same quality either, or it might be badly installed, but with Karndean (or any of the other quality brands) you kind of know exactly what you’re getting.

For what it’s worth, I think you’re just as likely to find people who won’t touch LVT flooring, as those who would prefer not to have wood. They both have their own pros and cons.

@Crazzzycat good point. You're right, the brand 'karndean' or 'amtico' is more of a selling point than regular LVT because buyers are aware it's expensive stuff.

Tbh there are a lot of advantages to LVT flooring that it does give other flooring types a run for its money. LVT is quite common now, which can devalue its exclusivity factor. However, karndean or amtico is still not that common as a brand because of the expense!

Looking at the house you linked, it just looks like a spacious, functional property so I could see Karndean being an advantage.

If it’s more of period property or sth appealing for quaintness or design, then ‘L’TV would really cheapen the place.

I think for sell ability flooring needs to be clean, neutral unless a feature like Victorian tiled hall. I wouldn't pay extra as had karden floor.

It's horses for courses - I had solid wood parquet in our last house, it was listed as a feature. The first thing the new owners did was carpet over it 🤷‍♀️.

Personally I like solid wood downstairs, limestone in the kitchen. I like floors that could potentially be hundreds of years old, but I grew up in an old house so that's my 'normal', for others they'd hate it.

@EmmaStone sometimes old houses have a cosy feel, hence why I think character and period properties do so well. That's why I think I like wood that is the real deal; it's cosy and has character.

My new home is a new build. As far as I can tell, everyone on the estate with a wood look floor has LVT (generally either Karndean or Amtico). So, that's why the real/engineered wood is appealing so much; it means something different. Lots of these new build homes are very clinical and without character. So, some good old traditional wood flooring seems like a nice way of adding that touch of character.

Dunno? I'm torn because Karndean seems like it's so easy to maintain,

My parquet floor had been reclaimed from a Victorian school hall, and was installed in a 10 year old house. You should have what you love.

We had karndean (opus primo) put down less than 12 months ago, and although I love the look and feel underfoot it has scratched in places. It’s not really noticeable to others but I know it’s there so see it easily. However, I know people who have had the more pricey ranges installed and they are rock solid and look brand new years later. Therefore, it wouldn’t necessarily be a positive or a negative for me due to personal experience. I’d be more likely to be influenced by underfloor heating etc.