Karndean Lvt Installation Completed jobs In London
1-Karndean Van Gogh Herringbone LVT Installation in Wimbledon,
Complete Ground Floor Renovation by EXEN Flooring
At EXEN Flooring, many of our flooring projects begin long before the first plank is installed. This recent Karndean Van Gogh Herringbone LVT installation in Wimbledon is a good example of how professional floor preparation, accurate planning, and attention to detail can make the difference between an average installation and a floor designed to perform for many years.
The client had recently purchased the property and wanted to modernise the entire ground floor before moving in. Their vision was to create a clean, contemporary interior using a premium glue-down luxury vinyl tile system that would flow seamlessly between the entrance hallway, kitchen, dining room, and living areas.
Following our initial consultation, we recommended Karndean Van Gogh Herringbone LVT, a product that suited both the style of the property and the client's design goals.
The total installation area covered approximately 65m².
Free Home Survey and Flooring Consultation
Like all residential flooring projects undertaken by EXEN Flooring, the process began with a free home survey.
Our estimating team visited the property at a pre-arranged time to assess the existing floor construction, measure the rooms, discuss design options, and explain the installation process.
During the survey, it became clear that the project would require extensive floor preparation.
The kitchen contained ceramic tiles, the hallway had laminate flooring, and the living room had carpet. In addition, the property contained both timber and concrete subfloors, creating significant height variations between rooms.
These differences would need to be corrected before any Karndean flooring could be installed.
After reviewing the options and comparing contractors, the client chose EXEN Flooring based on our proposed installation method, detailed preparation plan, and positive customer reviews.
Day One – Uplift and Disposal
The first day focused entirely on removing the existing flooring.
Carpets, laminate flooring, ceramic tiles, gripper rods, thresholds, fixings, and floor coverings were carefully removed throughout the ground floor.
Because each room had previously been fitted with a different flooring material, every area sat at a different height.
Before any new flooring could be installed, the entire ground floor would need to be brought onto a consistent level.
Removing the old floor coverings also allowed our team to fully inspect the substrate and identify any areas requiring additional preparation.
Day Two – Floor Preparation and Levelling
Professional floor preparation is one of the most important stages of any glue-down LVT installation.
The entrance hallway and kitchen were constructed on timber subfloors, while the living room sat on a concrete base that had been added as part of an earlier extension.
This created a noticeable level difference between the rooms.
To correct this, our team first installed plywood across the timber subfloors.
The plywood was mechanically fixed using flooring nails and compressor-driven fixing equipment to minimise movement and improve stability.
Once the plywood installation had been completed, all cracks, gaps, service penetrations, and perimeter openings were sealed using suitable materials to prevent screed migration.
This stage is often overlooked, but it is extremely important.
If liquid screed escapes through gaps in the floor structure, it can create costly problems and affect the final result.
Before screeding, primer was applied across the prepared surfaces.
Priming helps improve adhesion and allows the screed to flow and cure more consistently.
The screed was then mixed and applied in a controlled sequence to ensure a smooth and level finish throughout the entire installation area.
By the end of the second day, the ground floor had been transformed into a single, level surface ready for final preparation.
Day Three – Final Preparation
The following morning, our installation team returned to inspect the screed.
As with any high-quality floor preparation project, small imperfections were corrected using feather finish compounds.
These products allow installers to remove minor defects and create a smoother substrate before installation begins.
Once the final sanding and preparation works were completed, the floor was ready to receive the new Karndean flooring.
Why Accurate Layout Planning Matters in Herringbone Flooring
Many homeowners focus on the herringbone pattern itself.
However, one of the most important parts of a successful installation happens before the first plank is laid.
For this project, our team began the layout process from the hallway.
This decision was made because hallways generally contain the highest number of doorways and sightlines throughout a property.
Even if external walls are not perfectly straight, internal walls and door openings tend to create the visual reference points that homeowners notice most.
Using laser measuring equipment, we established the primary installation line and marked the starting position before any adhesive was applied.
This stage is critical.
If the initial layout is incorrect, the entire herringbone pattern can gradually drift across the property, creating alignment problems throughout the installation.
Karndean Adhesive and Herringbone Installation
Once the layout had been established, Karndean's recommended universal adhesive was applied across the prepared floor.
The adhesive was allowed to reach the correct tack level before installation began.
Only after the adhesive had fully activated did our team begin laying the first herringbone planks.
Herringbone installations typically require significantly more labour than traditional straight plank LVT installations.
Every perimeter plank must be individually measured and cut to achieve a precise finish against skirting boards, door frames, and room transitions.
This is particularly important with glue-down herringbone flooring.
Unlike some other floor coverings, visible perimeter gaps cannot simply be hidden with sealant.
Accurate cutting and fitting remain the best solution.
Seamless Flooring Throughout the Ground Floor
One of the client's key requirements was to create a continuous floor throughout the entire ground floor.
For this reason, the Karndean flooring was installed as a single connected installation without threshold strips between rooms.
The finished result allows movement throughout the property without interruptions, creating a cleaner and more contemporary appearance.
Following installation, all skirting boards within the kitchen were refitted and final finishing works were completed.
Completed Karndean Flooring Installation in Wimbledon
The entire project was completed over four days, including uplift and disposal, plywood installation, floor preparation, screeding, feather finish repairs, layout planning, adhesive application, and Karndean Van Gogh Herringbone installation.
The completed floor transformed the appearance of the property and provided the client with a practical and visually striking flooring solution before moving into their new home.
Most importantly, the client was delighted with the finished result and later left a positive review reflecting their experience with EXEN Flooring.
Serving Wimbledon, Epsom, Sutton, Kingston, Richmond, Merton, Croydon, Wandsworth and Surrey
Although this project was completed in Wimbledon, EXEN Flooring provides Karndean installation, herringbone LVT installation, floor preparation, screeding, plywood installation, and luxury vinyl tile fitting services throughout:
- Epsom
- Sutton
- Kingston upon Thames
- Richmond
- Wimbledon
- Wandsworth
- Merton
- Croydon
- Surbiton
- Worcester Park
- Ashtead
- Leatherhead
- Surrey
Whether you require a single room installation or a complete ground floor renovation, our team can assist with both floor preparation and professional installation.
What costumer tell our job
" Exen flooring did a great job laying a Karndean herringbone floor throughout my flat. I would happily recommend them to friends and family."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was plywood installed before the Karndean flooring?
Parts of this property were constructed on timber subfloors, while other areas were built on concrete. Before installing Karndean LVT, plywood was fitted across the timber sections to reduce movement and create a more stable surface. This helps improve the long-term performance of glue-down flooring installations.
Why was floor preparation necessary before installing the Karndean LVT?
The property contained several different floor finishes, including carpet, laminate flooring, and ceramic tiles. Once these materials were removed, significant height differences became visible between rooms. Floor preparation, screeding, and feather finish repairs were required to create a consistent level across the entire ground floor.
Why is primer applied before screeding?
Primer helps improve adhesion between the existing substrate and the screed. It also helps control the curing process and allows the screed to flow more evenly across the floor surface. Proper priming is an important part of professional floor preparation.
Can Karndean flooring be installed directly onto existing tiles?
In some situations, it can, but every floor should be assessed individually. In this Wimbledon project, the existing flooring was removed because the different floor constructions and height variations required a complete floor preparation programme before installation could begin.
Why was the hallway used as the starting point for the herringbone layout?
Hallways often contain the highest number of doorways and visual sight lines within a property. Establishing the layout from the hallway helps create a more balanced appearance and ensures the herringbone pattern flows consistently throughout the home.
Why are laser measurements important for herringbone flooring?
Herringbone flooring relies on accurate alignment. Even a small error at the beginning of the installation can become more noticeable as the pattern continues through the property. Laser equipment helps establish accurate reference lines before installation begins.
Is herringbone LVT more difficult to install than standard straight plank LVT?
Yes. Herringbone installations generally require more planning, more cuts, and greater attention to detail. Each perimeter piece must be individually measured and cut, which can significantly increase installation time compared to straight plank layouts.
Why weren't threshold strips used between rooms?
The client wanted a seamless appearance throughout the ground floor. Because the floor preparation created a consistent level between rooms, the Karndean flooring could be installed continuously without thresholds, creating a cleaner and more modern finish.
Can gaps around herringbone LVT be filled with silicone?
This is generally not considered best practice. Herringbone flooring contains numerous angled cuts and detailed edges, making silicone repairs more noticeable. Achieving accurate cuts during installation is usually the preferred approach for a professional finish.
How long does a project like this take?
This installation covered approximately 65m² and took four days to complete. The programme included uplift and disposal, plywood installation, floor preparation, screeding, feather finish repairs, layout planning, and installation of the Karndean Van Gogh Herringbone flooring.
What is the difference between glue-down LVT and click LVT?
Glue-down LVT is permanently bonded to the subfloor using adhesive and generally requires more floor preparation. Click LVT uses an interlocking system and can sometimes be more forgiving of minor subfloor imperfections. Many homeowners choose glue-down products such as Karndean because of their stability and design flexibility.
Why is floor preparation so important for glue-down LVT?
Luxury Vinyl Tiles follow the shape of the surface beneath them. Any ridges, dips, movement, or imperfections in the subfloor can affect the finished appearance. Proper floor preparation helps achieve a smoother, more durable, and longer-lasting installation.
Does EXEN Flooring install Karndean flooring outside Wimbledon?
Yes. EXEN Flooring provides Karndean installation, herringbone LVT installation, floor preparation, screeding, and luxury vinyl tile fitting services throughout Epsom, Sutton, Kingston upon Thames, Richmond, Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon, Surbiton, Ashtead, Leatherhead, and the wider Surrey area.