When it comes to flooring, there seems to be an endless amount of options. For those looking for the look of hardwood flooring, but without the expense or upkeep, Karndean or laminate flooring could be right for you. But what is the difference between the two? And which is the best choice?

What is Karndean Flooring?

Karndean the leading manufacturer of luxury vinyl tiles (or LVT). The planks are made from a mix of calcium carbonate and polyvinyl chloride and are known for their luxurious feel and hard-wearing features.

Advantages of Karndean:

  • Waterproof – Karndean’s protective top layer means that the planks do not warp when in contact with liquids, which can be the case with laminate, making it a suitable flooring for all areas of the house.
  • Realistic – Karndean has both the realistic look and feel of hardwood flooring, and is much more natural looking when compared to laminate flooring.
  • Hard-wearing – the unique composition of materials making up Karndean make it a very durable floor type, perfect for anywhere in the home, as well as commercial settings.
  • Highly customisable – due to Karndean’s large range of styles and patterns, this type of flooring can be unique to each customer.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate has long been considered the go-to for inexpensive, functional flooring. The planks are made from a hybrid particleboard wood base covered with a transparent layer. Their large wood component means that they are unsuitable for areas which are prone to high levels of moisture, do to their tendency to warp.

Advantages of Laminate Flooring

  • Inexpensive – compared with other hard floors, laminate often comes out the cheapest depending on the thickness and style. They are also economical in the long term as they are highly durable.
  • Easy to install – laminate flooring can be laid easily if you are into your DIY, saving on cost again as a professional doesn’t have to be hired.
  • Easy to maintain – laminate planks have an easy-to-clean top layer that is wipeable and does not stain easily, making it a good floor for a busy family home.

So, Karndean or Laminate?

All in all, both floors are solid choices, both in the home and in commercial settings. To find out more about which type of flooring would work best in your project, give our team a call, or drop us a message below!