Replacement Bathroom Flooring (Karndean/Amtico)

HungryHippos · 3 Sep 2018 at 23:12

Due to new build shenanigans (read: my floorboards in the bathroom & ensuite weren't flat) my builder has taken up the original vinyl that was put down to fix the problem. The original vinyl wasn't my choice but was "alright".

I would like to take the opportunity to put in something a bit better and more to my taste. I have to match the existing wall tiles and decor but otherwise I have a bit of free reign.

The floor installer said they should be able to upgrade me to either Karndean or Amtico, the extra cost of this over the top of the original vinyl would probably come out of my own pocket unfortunately.

The bathroom is 2.6M x 1.7M so budgeting for around 5m2 should work there.
The ensuite is 1.4M x 1.2M so around 2m2 should suffice there.

Both rooms are back to wood floorboards, and both should be reasonably simple rooms to install into. The toilet locations will need to be cut around, but the sinks are both boxed in so don't have any floor footprint.

Currently the flooring is stuck down with tape, and looks like this alongside the existing tiles. The tile samples I threw on the floor are from the Karndean Knight tile range. If I had to pick one of those today I would probably go with the 1st one on the 2nd row. It's difficult to get a feel for exactly how it looks via the phone camera in real life as there isn't any natural light in the en-suite.

I'd like something in oak, with a bit of character to it. Ideally I'd like it to look like it's planks of hardwood oak, but having the benefits of not being hardwood in terms of durability and resisting water damage. Something a bit like this but ignore the stupid basket!

Has anyone here installed either Karndean or Amtico in this style? If so maybe you could show me a picture of how it looks and share some experience of how it works in practice.

Any gotchas to watch out for?

Any suggested ranges that are suitable for a bathroom?

Thanks!

MG42Maniac · 4 Sep 2018 at 11:02

We've got a newbuild house from Bloor, moved in at the end of June. We have both Karndean (lime washed oak) and Amtico flooring (Inked Cedar). The Karndean is in the hallway, kitchen/diner and utility room. Amtico is in the downstairs toilet, bathroom and ensuite. Our neighbours have got the basic vinyl flooring and ours is much better from a cosmetic and hard wearing point of view. Sorry can't help with installation questions but I've not noticed any issues with the quality of the product and am very happy with it.

HungryHippos · 4 Sep 2018 at 11:08

Do you have/Can you get any pics of how the flooring looks? Would be interested to see!

MG42Maniac · 4 Sep 2018 at 11:14

Not to hand, I will take some tonight for you.

HungryHippos · 4 Sep 2018 at 11:22

Thanks!

Buffman · 4 Sep 2018 at 11:22

I posted some pics of karndean laid in my kitchen here (shows floor levelling screed etc being laid )

https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/bungalow-build-log.18757204/

HungryHippos · 4 Sep 2018 at 16:59

Thanks but 10 pages, jesus I'll need to check that at home later!

The flooring people have said they would fit these ranges in a bathroom:

Karndean - Knight Tile
Karndean - Opus
Karndean - Davinci
Amtico - Spacia

I'd guess the prices go up roughly in that order as well, need to see what I like from those and get some more samples I think.

HungryHippos · 4 Sep 2018 at 22:00

Buffman · 5 Sep 2018 at 07:29

I have knight tiles here (cheaper range). For such a small square meter age I'd pay for the better ranges. I know my parents amtico had much more "depth" to the finish on the time compared to mine. Mine still looks good though.

https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/posts/31327584/

Buffman · 5 Sep 2018 at 07:30

I have knight tiles here (cheaper range). For such a small square meter age I'd pay for the better ranges. I know my parents amtico had much more "depth" to the finish on the time compared to mine. Mine still looks good though.

https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/posts/31327584/

mamaroma · 25 Oct 2018 at 19:24

You can use engineered thermally modified wood flooring from Unique Bespoke Wood, works well for bathroom and suitable for installations over underfloor heating systems. We have this type flooring in out bathroom and pool area.

https://www.ubwood.co.uk/store/p10/BURNT_GROUND._Fired_Oak_Engineered_Wood_Flooring..html
https://www.ubwood.co.uk/store/p20/GINGER_DEEP._Fired_Ash_Engineered_Wood_Flooring..html

eddiemcgarrigle · 25 Oct 2018 at 19:38

I have Amtico in all of my bathrooms, the hall and kitchen. It was fitted nearly 18 years ago and still looks great. I have no hesitation recommending that you get it fitted.

HungryHippos · 25 Oct 2018 at 20:16

This was a bit of a thread revival! I went with Amtico Spacia - Sunbleached Oak in the end. It's not actually finished yet though due to other stuff going on, but I hope to get done soon.

1mm3 · 27 Oct 2018 at 23:47

Did you end up buying yourself and then using someone to fit or got the same person to supply and fit? (Just trying to guage which would work out better)