Amtico / Karndean / wood

[EshSchools]

We are looking to replace our old, very damaged engineered oak floors throughout 2x living rooms, dining room and hallway. We are looking at wood but also wondering about Amtico and Karndean as so easy to look after and stay looking perfect. Has anyone done this when they don't have to (I mean it's not a kitchen or bathroom). We can afford wood so it's not for budget, I'm just wondering about pros and cons or any reasons why we "shouldn't" get the Amtico.

Our 25+ year old Amtico.

I have Amtico & personally, I'd get proper wood rather than this fake crap. My main beef is it stains & scratches up really easily. Obviously many people like it, but I'm not impressed personally!

@finzi that looks amazing!

What IS amtico?

16 months on and we haven't had a single scratch yet, so I'm surprised by the people who've managed to scratch theirs. We were prepared though and did put felt pad protectors on the feet of our dining chairs and other furniture. I do wonder too whether it is which type people went for. I believe we've got the Knight Tile range of Karndean.
We weren't sure of the look of fake wood look but no regrets now it's down. We wanted it over real wood because we have cats (and one of them occasionally has accidents), and planning on kids.

@Indecisivelurcher

What IS amtico?

LVT - luxury vinyl tiles.

It's vinyl flooring which has a pattern layer covered with a wear layer. It doesn't tear or scuff like sheet vinyl. If a tile gets damaged, it can be replaced. It has to be laid on a flat, smooth surface so ply is fixed over floorboards and a screed is usually used on hard floors prior to fitting. It's then stuck to the ply or screed. Fitting it is a skilled job and not cheap.

Karndean in preference to Amtico . Had both, Amtico is harder to look after. But those only in that kitchen/utility . Solid wood elsewhere.
That said Howdens laminate has been excellent in a holiday home I used to manage.

Brilliant - thank you so much everyone.. I'm not really closer to making a decision so going to spend some time in a showroom - have found a local company who do both - as soon as we're allowed.

@Trinacham Hi. I just read your review about Knight Tile Karndean. I've just ordered this, then foolishly looked at Trustpilot and it was full of really bad reviews about scratching, fading, peeling etc. As Knight Tile is the cheapest version I'm now having serious second thoughts and panicking wildly! Is it definitely ok in your opinion? Does it 'look' better than laminate? I'm starting to wish I'd gone for anything but Karndean laminate or engineered wood

[quote theliverpoolone]@Trinacham Hi. I just read your review about Knight Tile Karndean. I've just ordered this, then foolishly looked at Trustpilot and it was full of really bad reviews about scratching, fading, peeling etc. As Knight Tile is the cheapest version I'm now having serious second thoughts and panicking wildly! Is it definitely ok in your opinion? Does it 'look' better than laminate? I'm starting to wish I'd gone for anything but Karndean laminate or engineered wood [/quote]
Oh really!? I guess I never did that much research before either but I just chose the Knight Tile based on which colour I liked best! We are always complimented on our floor. Not once found a single scratch or any peeling or fading. We have had it only 17 months. Really love the look. I've never had laminate personally to compare.

We had 17 year old karndean that we had to replace due to a water pipe leaking. We went for the same but different colour. It feels very wood like. @Megmargs

@Trinacham Thank you! If you don't mind me asking, which colour did you go for?

@theliverpoolone it comes with a guarantee so if it’s fitted buy an official supplier you’re covered and it’s transferable so if you move the new owners are covered. I’ve put pads on my furniture to reduce scratches but actually the old flooring had scratches (after 17 years) and it didn’t look shabby. I just buffed it with floor cleaner.

[quote theliverpoolone]@Trinacham Thank you! If you don't mind me asking, which colour did you go for?[/quote]
I think it was the Grey Limed Oak