Karndean vs Amtico: an honest comparison.
We fit both brands every week across Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire. Here is the plain-English guide to which luxury vinyl tile is right for your home — with no marketing spin.
The quick answer
Karndean and Amtico are the two leading premium LVT brands in the UK. Both are made to a very high standard, both carry a 20-year residential warranty, and both will comfortably outlast any laminate. The differences are stylistic rather than structural: Karndean leans towards realistic natural wood and stone designs; Amtico leans towards contemporary, larger-format planks and geometric patterns with a slightly premium finish.
Design and range
Karndean's Knight Tile, Da Vinci and Van Gogh ranges cover almost every wood and stone effect imaginable, from limed oak to slate. Amtico Spacia and Signature focus on cleaner, more architectural looks with larger plank sizes and dramatic stone reproductions.
If you want a rustic country feel, Karndean usually wins. If you want a sleek modern look with a chevron or herringbone laid pattern, Amtico's design library is unmatched.
Wear layer and warranty
Both brands offer a 0.55 mm wear layer on their flagship ranges and a 20-year residential warranty. In real homes across Surrey and Sussex, we see both brands looking excellent 15+ years after fitting when the subfloor was correctly prepared.
Wear layer matters more than brand: a Karndean Knight Tile plank and an Amtico Spacia plank at the same 0.55 mm wear layer will perform almost identically in a family kitchen.
Fitting: where the quality is made
Both brands are only as good as the fitter. LVT is glued to a smooth, dry, level subfloor. A poor screed, damp concrete or a bumpy underlay will telegraph through the finished floor and no brand can hide it. This is why we always measure and inspect the subfloor before quoting.
Our in-house fitters have been installing Karndean and Amtico across Surrey and Sussex for over a decade. If you would like a free home visit with real samples of both brands, please call us on 01483 399004.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Karndean if you want the widest choice of realistic wood and stone designs.
- Choose Amtico if you want large, contemporary planks or intricate patterns like chevron and herringbone.
- Either is a great choice if you have pets, children or a busy household. See our guide to LVT flooring for pets for more on this.
See both brands side by side, in your home
We bring Karndean and Amtico samples to your door, measure your rooms and quote in writing — free, with no obligation.