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Property/DIY

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Original poster

Are Amtico/ Karndean worth it?

18 replies

BreakdownInevitable · 09/11/2023 16:30

Just that really - we need hard wearing, spill proof hard flooring throughout including kitchen & possibly bathroom, compatible with underfloor heating.

I just wondered if it's worth the money or if anyone can recommend cheaper alternatives?

OP posts:

SphincterSaysWhat · 09/11/2023 16:37

Yes.

Borth · 09/11/2023 16:41

Yep. I’ve had ours down for 17 years and apart from one tile where the oven drips on, it looks as good as the day it was laid. Dogs,children and heavy handed DP haven’t mangled to damage it. Ours is Karndean.

CMOTDibbler · 09/11/2023 16:46

We had Karndean put in through the house downstairs 15 years ago, and despite no care whatsoever, 2 big dogs, lots of puppies, cats, children etc etc the only really visible wear was some fading by the windows and a chip where something heavy with a sharpish edge got dropped down the stairs.
We're half way through replacing it due to an extension (new bit is done, rest the week after next only as I just couldn't find somewhere to put everything) and are using Karndean again.
I would say though, you need a good fitter. Its all about the floor preparation and care in getting it all done nicely and randomising the planks properly.

Colinswheels · 09/11/2023 16:47

We have karndean with underfloor heating and haven't had any issues.

AlwaysFreezing · 09/11/2023 16:50

We had similar (Harvey Maria, just because they did the particular style/pattern that we wanted.)

Its been brilliant. We had a wood effect one and the odd scratch it does have just makes it look more real!

I'd recommend and I'd have it again.

WowIlikereallyhateyou · 09/11/2023 16:50

Used Karndean many times,always good. The only caveat is i would not use the knight tile, basic range as it is not as hardwearing or thick as the other ranges.

DryRobeWanker · 09/11/2023 16:55

I prefer tiles. We initially went for Kardean, but after a big chunk had been laid I just couldn't get on with the plastic look and feel of it. So we switched for tiles which I much prefer.

qotsa · 09/11/2023 16:57

Karndean is great. We have had it down six years and looks as good as new. Also has a 25 year warranty.

Mindymomo · 09/11/2023 16:58

We have Karndean in kitchen and bathroom and been down for over 20 years and still looks new. DH fitted it as a bathroom installer and must have laid it in over 50 houses over the years. Amtico is nice, more expensive to buy and lay.

Bluevelvetsofa · 09/11/2023 18:00

We have Amtico in the hall, cloakroom and family room, with underfloor heating. We also have carpet in the living room, but it has a special underlay suitable for underfloor heating.

LovesFood1987 · 09/11/2023 20:07

Karndean has been great for us!

AliMonkey · 09/11/2023 20:10

We have both Amtico (spacia, the cheapest one I think) and Karndean, including the Karndean knight tile that someone above wasn't impressed by. Both great, all been down 10-15 years and no issues, still looking good - even though we never used the specific Karndean treatment they recommended, just mop occasionally.

DreamingInPhosphorescence · 09/11/2023 20:15

We have Amtico, it was there when we moved in and guessing it’s at least 15 years old. In great condition and looks good, we would buy more as and when needed.

DreamingInPhosphorescence · 09/11/2023 20:16

Also we never treat it, it just gets mopped same as pp.

Anjelika · 10/11/2023 10:36

Not sure what we're doing wrong with our's! It's Karndean and I was under the impression it was bullet proof but it's picked up a lot of scratches in the 12 months we've had it. I'd also caution against getting a light colour - it shows every bit of dirt. I would literally need to hoover and mop ours twice a day for it to look really good. Have got a darker Amtico in the bathroom which is much easier to maintain - can't see any scratches on it and it doesn't show the dirt as much.

arejcenencehche3uh9f3 · 10/11/2023 16:34

We have dark brown Amtico in our utility room that's been down for at least 6 years and still looks good. I think I read somewhere that you aren't meant to use a steam mop on it, so I normally switch the mop off and wait a few minutes for it to cool a bit and then use it unplugged.

Papyrophile · 10/11/2023 16:43

My Karndean floor has been down for almost as long as we've lived here, so nearly 25 years. Apart from a faded area next to a south facing triple door and the patch where DH's chair has rubbed. Ours is the cheaper Knight Tile option. Would recommend but I don't know about underfoor heating.

picturethispatsy · 10/11/2023 16:56

We have two types of Karndean. A ‘top of the range’ parquet-style in the kitchen and their ‘economy’ range in a living area.
The top of the range one has been down about ten years and has weathered a LOT. Pets, kids, homeschooling (ie all being home a lot) etc and is still gorgeous.

The lower end one is lovely and hardwearing but I’m not as happy with how it has been laid (some of the joints are too visible) but I don’t know if this is down to being badly fitted or just the lesser quality.

Love them both though. It’s worth paying extra for in my opinion.

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