Karndean is one of the most frequently asked-about flooring brands we encounter at our Rochester Hills showroom. Homeowners have heard the name, seen it in design magazines, and want to know: is it actually worth the premium price? After years of selling and observing Karndean products in Michigan homes, here's our honest assessment.
Karndean Brand Overview
Karndean Designflooring was founded in the UK in 1973 and has been manufacturing luxury vinyl tile and plank flooring for over 50 years. Unlike many LVP brands that source from third-party manufacturers, Karndean controls their own manufacturing and design process — which shows in the consistency and quality of their products.
Their products are sold exclusively through specialty flooring retailers (not big-box stores), which means you get expert guidance and professional installation support when you buy Karndean.
Karndean Product Collections: Detailed Reviews
Karndean Korlok Select — Our Top Pick
The Korlok Select is Karndean's premium rigid core collection and the one we recommend most often for Michigan homes. Here's why:
- Construction: SPC (stone plastic composite) rigid core with a 12 mil wear layer and attached underlayment. The rigid core provides exceptional dimensional stability — critical in Michigan where humidity swings from 20% in winter to 80% in summer.
- Plank dimensions: Extra-wide and extra-long planks (up to 9" wide x 72" long) that create a genuinely luxurious look.
- Visuals: Karndean's design team creates visuals from actual wood photography, not computer-generated patterns. The result is more realistic than most LVP on the market.
- Warranty: Lifetime residential warranty, 15-year commercial warranty.
- Installation: Click-lock floating installation. No adhesive required.
Best for: Basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and any area where moisture is a concern. Also excellent for whole-home installations where you want a consistent floor throughout.
Karndean Van Gogh Collection
The Van Gogh collection is Karndean's flagship glue-down LVP line and has been their best-seller for years. It offers the widest range of wood and stone visuals in the Karndean lineup.
- Construction: 2mm total thickness with 12 mil wear layer. Glue-down installation.
- Plank dimensions: 7" x 48" standard planks.
- Visuals: 50+ wood and stone designs, from light Scandinavian oak to dark American walnut.
- Underfoot feel: Glue-down installation creates a solid, hardwood-like feel underfoot — no hollow sound.
- Warranty: Lifetime residential warranty.
Best for: Main floor living areas where you want the most realistic hardwood look and feel. Glue-down is more permanent but provides superior acoustics and stability.
Karndean LooseLay Longboard
LooseLay is Karndean's innovative installation system that uses friction and a specialized backing to hold planks in place without adhesive or click-lock. This makes it ideal for renovation projects where you need to avoid adhesive on existing floors.
- Construction: 5mm total thickness with 20 mil wear layer — the thickest wear layer in the Karndean lineup.
- Plank dimensions: 18" x 59" extra-long planks for a dramatic visual effect.
- Installation: No adhesive, no click-lock. Planks lay flat using friction and weight. Can be lifted and reinstalled.
- Warranty: Lifetime residential warranty.
Best for: Renovation projects, rental properties, or situations where you may need to access the subfloor in the future.
Karndean Durability: Real-World Performance
Karndean's wear layer is the key to its durability. The wear layer is the clear protective coating on top of the design layer — it's what protects the floor from scratches, stains, and wear.
- 12 mil wear layer (most Karndean residential products): Excellent for residential use, including homes with dogs and kids. Resists scratches from pet nails and furniture movement.
- 20 mil wear layer (LooseLay Longboard): Commercial-grade durability. Virtually scratch-proof in residential applications.
For comparison, budget LVP products often have 6 mil wear layers. The difference in scratch resistance is significant and visible within the first few years of use.
Karndean vs. Hardwood: Honest Comparison
This is the question we get most often. Here's an honest side-by-side:
| Factor | Karndean LVP | Real Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes — 100% | No — moisture-sensitive |
| Scratch resistance | Excellent (12–20 mil wear layer) | Varies by species (1000–1800 Janka) |
| Refinishable | No | Yes — 5–7 times for solid |
| Lifespan | 25–30 years | 50–100+ years |
| Resale value | Moderate | High — buyers prefer real wood |
| Underfoot warmth | Good with underlayment | Excellent — natural warmth |
| Authenticity | Very realistic but not real | Real wood — unique grain |
| Cost (materials) | $4–$7/sqft | $6–$14/sqft |
| Best application | Basements, wet areas, rentals | Main living areas, bedrooms |
Karndean Installation in Michigan
Karndean products require professional installation for warranty coverage. Their glue-down products in particular require precise adhesive application and subfloor preparation. Michigan's humidity swings make proper installation even more critical — a poorly prepared subfloor will telegraph imperfections through the vinyl.
We refer vetted Karndean-certified installers throughout Oakland and Macomb counties. Request a quote and we'll connect you with the right contractor for your project.
Karndean Pricing in Michigan
Karndean is priced at the premium end of the LVP market:
- Van Gogh: $4.50–$6.00 per square foot (materials only)
- Korlok Select: $5.50–$7.50 per square foot (materials only)
- LooseLay Longboard: $5.00–$7.00 per square foot (materials only)
- Installation: Add $3–$5 per square foot for professional installation
This is significantly more than commodity LVP from big-box stores, but the quality difference is substantial. Karndean's lifetime residential warranty and superior wear layer make it a better long-term value than cheaper alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Karndean flooring good quality?
Yes — Karndean is one of the top two or three LVP brands on the market. Their wear layers, visual realism, and warranty coverage are all best-in-class. They are significantly better than commodity LVP sold at big-box stores.
How does Karndean hold up with dogs?
Very well. The 12 mil wear layer on most Karndean products resists pet nail scratches better than most hardwood species. For maximum scratch resistance, consider the LooseLay Longboard with its 20 mil wear layer. See our best flooring for pets guide for a full comparison.
Can Karndean be installed over radiant heat?
Yes — Karndean Korlok Select and most of their rigid core products are compatible with radiant heat systems up to 85°F surface temperature. Always verify compatibility with the specific product before installation.
Where can I see Karndean flooring in Michigan?
Visit our Rochester Hills showroom at 1250 E. Auburn Rd to see Karndean displays alongside real hardwood options. Our staff can help you compare and decide what's right for your project.
See Karndean in Our Showroom
Compare Karndean LVP alongside real hardwood options at our Rochester Hills showroom. Expert guidance included.