Choosing between Karndean and Amtico can be overwhelming – both are market-leading brands in luxury vinyl tile (LVT), with solid reputations for quality, design, and durability.
To make your decision easier, we’ve compared their three key ranges like-for-like:
- Entry-Level: Karndean Knight Tile vs. Amtico Spacia
- Mid-Range: Karndean Opus vs. Amtico Form
- Premium: Karndean Art Select vs. Amtico Signature
We’ve broken it down across key performance metrics below.
Wear Layer
| Range | Karndean Wear Layer | Amtico Wear Layer |
| Entry | Knight Tile: 0.3mm | Spacia: 0.55mm |
| Mid-Range | Opus: 0.55mm | Form: 0.7mm |
| Premium | Art Select: 0.7mm | Signature: 1.0mm |
Winner: Amtico, especially at the premium level.
Warranty
| Range | Karndean | Amtico |
| Entry | Lifetime (10 yrs commercial) | 25 years (residential) |
| Mid-Range | Lifetime (15 yrs commercial) | 30 years (residential) |
| Premium | Lifetime (20 yrs commercial) | Lifetime |
Winner: Karndean.
Lifetime warranty even on their basic range, compared to 25 years from Amtico Spacia.
Composition & Surface Treatment
| Range | Karndean Surface | Amtico Surface |
| All Ranges | K-Guard+ PU Coating | Quantum Guard Elite Urethane |
Bonus Features (Amtico):
- Antimicrobial protection (tested against E.Coli, MRSA & Covid-19)
- Bio-based plasticisers
- Enhanced slip resistance with “36+” variants available
Winner: Amtico, for its advanced hygiene properties and coating technology.
Where Are They Made?
- Karndean: Global brand, with manufacturing split between the UK, USA, and Asia.
- Amtico: 100% designed and manufactured in Coventry, UK — great for those wanting to buy British.
Winner: Amtico, if UK-manufactured products matter to you.
Are They Waterproof?
All Karndean and Amtico LVT products are 100% waterproof and suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
Winner: Draw
Cost Comparison
| Range | Karndean (avg) | Amtico (avg) |
| Entry | £55-65/m2 | £60-70/m² |
| Mid-Range | £70-75/m² | £75-85/m² |
| Premium | £95-105/m² | £100-125/m² |
Karndean is generally cheaper across all ranges, especially at entry and mid-level.
Winner: Karndean
Easiest to Maintain?
When it comes to daily upkeep, both Amtico and Karndean are designed to be low-maintenance – a major reason why LVT is so popular in modern homes.
| Range | Karndean Maintenance | Amtico Maintenance |
| All ranges | Protected with K-Guard+ – resists scuffs, dirt and everyday wear | Protected with Quantum Guard Elite – high-resistance urethane with antimicrobial tech |
Karndean: Simple sweeping and mopping with their Karndean Clean system is enough to keep floors looking brand new.
Amtico: Also easy to maintain, but the Quantum Guard Elite surface offers added resistance to chemical staining, bacteria, and scratches – meaning less effort and longer-lasting results.
Winner: Amtico, thanks to its enhanced antimicrobial surface and longer-lasting resistance to wear.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
| Wear Layer | Amtico |
| Warranty | Draw |
| Composition | Amtico |
| Manufacturing | Amtico |
| Waterproof? | Draw |
| Cost | Karndean |
| Maintenance | Amtico |
Best for Budget:
Karndean
Best for Performance:
Amtico
Best All-Rounder:
Amtico Form – a sweet spot of price, performance and durability.