Karndean Herringbone LVT Installation in Royal Victoria Dock, Newham
EXEN Flooring completed a 35m² Karndean Van Gogh herringbone glue-down LVT installation in Royal Victoria Dock, within the London Borough of Newham.
The customer wanted to replace the dark ceramic tile floor in their living area and kitchen with a warm wood-effect herringbone floor. The project took place in a sixth-floor, one-bedroom flat within a 22-storey building and required detailed subfloor preparation before the Karndean LVT could be fitted.
Our work included transporting materials to the sixth floor, smoothing the existing tiled floor with a thin latex screed, setting out the herringbone pattern with laser measurements and completing careful edge cuts around the existing skirting boards.
Project Overview
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Location: Royal Victoria Dock, London Borough of Newham
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Property type: Sixth-floor one-bedroom flat in a 22-storey building
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Flooring: Karndean Van Gogh wood-effect herringbone glue-down LVT
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Area covered: Approximately 35m²
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Areas installed: Living area and kitchen
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Existing flooring: Ceramic tiles in the living area and kitchen; carpet in the bedroom
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Services provided: Material handling, latex screeding, sanding, laser layout, herringbone LVT fitting, precision edge cutting and final cleaning
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Project duration: Three days
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Main challenges: Sixth-floor access, uneven tiles, tile joints, door-clearance considerations and retaining existing skirting boards
Choosing Karndean Van Gogh Herringbone LVT
The customer wanted a wood-effect floor that would make the flat feel warmer and brighter than the existing dark ceramic tiles.
We recommended a finish from the Karndean Van Gogh gluedown collection. The herringbone pattern was chosen to create a detailed, timeless look across the living area and kitchen.
Karndean glue-down LVT is well suited to projects where a precise layout and close perimeter finish are important.
Sixth-Floor Access at Royal Victoria Dock
The flat was on the sixth floor of a 22-storey building, with access limited to the designated parking area for unloading.
All materials, including the LVT, latex screed, tools and equipment, had to be moved from the parking area to the sixth-floor flat. Planning the delivery and handling of materials in advance helped the project begin efficiently.
Preparing Ceramic Tiles for Glue-Down LVT
The existing ceramic tile floor could not be used as a direct base for the new Karndean LVT. Some tiles were uneven, and the grout joints would have affected the finished floor if they had not been prepared correctly.
A smooth, even subfloor is essential for glue-down LVT. Any ridges, joints or imperfections underneath can show through over time and affect the final appearance.
Day One: Thin Latex Screed Application
The door heights had been set for the existing ceramic tile floor. As the new floor build-up would increase the overall height by approximately 6mm, we needed to keep the screed application as thin as possible.
The customer confirmed that the bottom edges of the doors would be adjusted separately if necessary. We then applied a thin latex screed to fill the tile joints and smooth the floor ready for LVT installation.
Laser Setting Out for the Herringbone Pattern
Once the screed had cured, we sanded the surface and began setting out the herringbone design.
A herringbone layout must be straight from the first row. Our team used laser measurements to create an accurate reference line, ensuring the pattern remained balanced through the living area and kitchen.
This preparation was vital for achieving a professional-looking herringbone floor.
Karndean Herringbone Glue-Down LVT Fitting
With the layout confirmed, we began fitting the Karndean Van Gogh herringbone LVT.
The installation was completed across two days. Each LVT plank was positioned carefully to maintain a consistent pattern and clean room transitions. Detailed planning was particularly important around doorways, wall edges and the existing skirting boards.
Precision Cutting Around Existing Skirting Boards
The customer planned to retain the existing skirting boards. This meant every LVT edge needed to be cut accurately to achieve a close, neat finish.
Using specialist cutting techniques, our team completed precise perimeter cuts around the flat. The finished flooring sat neatly against the existing skirting boards without the need for replacement trims.
Final Clean and Handover
After the Karndean herringbone LVT was installed, our team cleaned the property and carried out a final inspection.
The new wood-effect floor transformed the living area and kitchen, replacing the darker ceramic tiles with a warmer, more detailed herringbone design. The customer was delighted with the completed installation.
What Our Customer Said
“They worked very quickly and professionally, overall an amazing job.”
Karndean LVT Installation in Newham and East London
EXEN Flooring provides Karndean glue-down LVT fitting, herringbone LVT installation, latex screeding, floor preparation and precision finishing in Royal Victoria Dock, Newham and across East London.
Whether you are replacing ceramic tiles, renovating a flat or choosing a wood-effect herringbone floor, we can help with every stage of your LVT flooring project.
Contact EXEN Flooring to discuss your Karndean flooring project and request a quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Karndean herringbone LVT be installed over ceramic tiles?
Ceramic tiles usually need preparation before glue-down LVT is fitted. Tile joints and uneven areas may need smoothing with screed to create a suitable subfloor.
Why is latex screed needed before glue-down LVT?
Latex screed creates a smooth and even base for the flooring. It helps remove visible tile joints, ridges and minor imperfections that could affect the finished LVT floor.
Why are laser measurements important for herringbone LVT?
Laser measurements establish an accurate starting line. This helps keep the herringbone pattern straight and balanced across the room.
Will a new LVT floor affect door clearance?
It can. The total floor build-up may increase the finished floor height, so door clearance should be checked before installation. In this project, the customer planned to adjust the doors separately if needed.
Can herringbone LVT be installed in a flat?
Yes. Herringbone LVT is suitable for flats and apartments. It is commonly used in living areas, kitchens, hallways and bedrooms to create a detailed wood-effect finish.
Does EXEN Flooring install Karndean herringbone LVT in Newham?
Yes. EXEN Flooring provides Karndean herringbone LVT fitting, screeding, subfloor preparation and professional installation in Royal Victoria Dock, Newham and across East London.