Karndean vs Polyflor LVT

At a glance

Durability & wear

Both brands sit firmly at the trade end of LVT. Polyflor's commercial ranges — Camaro, Expona and Bevel Line — carry a heavier 0.55–0.70mm wear layer aimed at high-footfall environments like schools, retail and healthcare. Karndean Da Vinci, Knight Tile and Van Gogh sit slightly lighter but win on the finish and embossing quality that matters for residential fit-outs.

Installation: click vs glue-down

Karndean is predominantly glue-down, which gives the flattest finish and the longest life when the subfloor is properly prepared. Their LooseLay and rigid click formats speed up refits where lifting the existing floor isn't viable. Polyflor's core sheet and safety flooring is welded and glued — the right call for wet areas and any space that needs a hygienic, seamless finish. Either way, subfloor prep drives the result — see our subfloor preparation guide.

Design & range

Karndean's Design Flooring range is the deeper library for wood and stone effects, including bespoke borders and parquet. Polyflor covers the same ground for wood and stone but adds safety flooring, sheet vinyl and specialist static-control ranges that Karndean doesn't offer.

Which should you spec?

• Residential refurb with a design brief — Karndean.
• Wet room, kitchen or healthcare — Polyflor safety flooring or sheet vinyl.
• Commercial fit-out on a trade budget — Polyflor Camaro or Expona.
• Fast lift-and-lay over an existing floor — Karndean LooseLay or rigid click.