Selecting the right flooring for your home is no small task. It’s a decision that impacts both the functionality and aesthetic of your space. With so many options available, how do you choose the best fit for your lifestyle? Here are the top considerations to keep in mind when choosing your new floor, along with a spotlight on the benefits of Karndean Designflooring Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
1. Who and What Will Be on Your Floor?
First and foremost, consider the inhabitants of your home. Do you have young children, pets, or frequent guests? Each of these factors influences the type of flooring you should select.
- Kids: If you have toddlers or young children, durability is key! Look for materials that can withstand spills, stains, and a lot of foot traffic from busy little feet!
- Pets: Pet owners need flooring that can handle claws and the occasional accident. Opt for materials that are scratch-resistant and easy to clean, such as luxury vinyl tiles.
- Furniture: Consider the weight and type of furniture you’ll be placing on the floor. Heavier pieces may require a sturdier material to prevent indentation.
At Karndean, we firmly believe that you can have it all when it comes to your floors, and that is why our family and pet-friendly flooring is crafted with durability in mind. Featuring a slip-resistant surface, our LVTs minimize the risk of accidents in potentially slippery areas, such as kitchens.
Thanks to our innovative K-Guard+® technology, Karndean LVT is scratch, stain and indentation resistant, meaning when those inevitable accidents do happen, damage to your floors is something you needn’t worry about.
2. Level of Durability
Durability is crucial, especially in high-traffic areas. Evaluate how much wear and tear your floors will face. Here’s a quick breakdown of options based on durability:
- High Durability: Luxury vinyl is an ideal choice for busy households. Whilst not indestructible, no other flooring material on the market is more durable.
- Moderate Durability: Engineered hardwood is a traditional, but extremely expensive option and may not withstand heavy traffic as well as LVT.
- Low Durability: Carpet, especially in lighter colours, can be very unforgiving in high-traffic areas and will require frequent cleaning and faster replacement.
One of the key benefits of Karndean vinyl flooring is its exceptional durability. Our products are designed to endure heavy foot traffic, resist scratches, and handle spills, making them ideal for bustling households. K-Guard+® surface protection further boosts durability, creating a barrier against daily wear and tear, so your floors stay looking new for years to come.
3. Aesthetic and Style
Your flooring choice should complement your home’s overall design. Whether you prefer a classic, modern, or eclectic look, there’s a flooring option that can enhance your space.
- Colour and Texture: Consider the colours and textures that will work best with your existing decor. Lighter floors can make a room feel larger and brighter, while darker tones can add warmth and elegance.
- Trends vs. Timelessness: Whether you like to follow the latest trends, or opt for timeless designs, floors will play one of the biggest roles in creating the overall look and feel of your space.
- Nature-inspired: ‘Biophilia ‘ or bringing the outdoors in, has never been more sought after when it comes to home design.
Karndean’s Aesthetic Versatility
With over 200 designs across three vinyl flooring formats, Karndean Designflooring offers an array of styles. With natural wood and stone looks inspired by the beauty of nature, Karndean allows you to find the perfect match for your home’s design.
For the latest in home design and style, you can view, download or request a copy of our annual Design Guide here.
4. Ease of Maintenance
Maintenance can vary significantly from one flooring type to another. Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in keeping your floors looking their best.
- Low Maintenance Options: Luxury vinyl and tile are often the easiest to maintain. They require simple sweeping and occasional mopping to keep clean.
- Moderate Maintenance: Engineered hardwood may need periodic refinishing, while laminate is relatively easy but can require special cleaning products to maintain its finish.
- High Maintenance: Carpeting typically requires regular vacuuming and professional cleaning to remove stains, smells and maintain its original appearance.
Easy Care with Karndean
We know life is busy, and that is why Karndean Designflooring is designed for easy non--time-consuming upkeep. A simple sweep and occasional mop with a PH-7-neutral cleaner is all that’s needed to keep your floors looking pristine. Karndean also offers a curated Floor Care Kit that has everything you need to keep your floors in excellent condition year after year.
Karndean is a hygienic flooring choice as it does not harbour dirt, bacteria or other allergens.
5. Warranty
A flooring warranty is an essential aspect to consider, as it reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Always check the warranty details before making a purchase.
- Length of Warranty: Many flooring products come with warranties ranging from 5 to 25 years. A longer warranty often indicates better durability, performance and quality.
- Coverage Details: Ensure you understand what the warranty covers (such as fading, wear, and water damage) and what it doesn’t. This information can be crucial in case you need to file a claim.
- Installation Warranty: Like most things in life, failing to prepare is preparing to fail, and flooring is no different. Poor installation is the leading cause of floor failures. Ensure you enquire about warranties related to installation from your retailer. This warranty is usually separate to the manufacturer’s warranty.
Karndean’s Warranty Assurance
Karndean proudly offers an industry-leading lifetime transferable warranty. This warranty is reflective of Karndean's unwavering commitment to quality. It also means that when you choose Karndean Designflooring, you are choosing beautiful floors that last a lifetime.
Choosing the right flooring for your home involves careful consideration of your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, maintenance needs, and warranty protection. By considering durability, aesthetic versatility, ease of maintenance and warranty and taking the time to evaluate these factors and their importance to you, you can select flooring that not only meets your practical requirements, but also enhances the beauty and value of your home.
Now that you know all the things to consider, now is the time to order up to 6 free samples, delivered fast and free to your door! Simply browse our designs and click the ‘Order free sample’ button to add to your cart.
Don’t forget to check our guide to road-testing your samples and our lighting blog to learn how different lighting can affect the look and feel of your new floors.
For more information or inspiration, you can view, download or order your free hard copies of our stunning range of brochures here.
You can visit our stunning Melbourne showroom for your personalised flooring consultation with one of our design experts, or to find your nearest Karndean Designflooring retailer, visit our ‘Find A Retailer’ tool here.
