Laying Karndean flooring

J4n3tt3 · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:51 pm Post Subject: Laying Karndean flooring

I'm pretty good at DIY and being a single Mum can't afford to always get a tradesman in. I can get Karndean on-line much cheaper than from local supppliers and could get a good carpenter to lay plywood on my chipboard flooring - but why do I need it? My chipboard is good, level, and I can fill screwheads. Can someone please explain why I need this extra expense. Many thanks.
J

flooringman · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:42 pm Post Subject:

The chipboard needs a 6mm wbp ply so that the Karndean adhesive won't react and come unstuck.

J4n3tt3 · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:57 pm Post Subject: Laying Karndean onto Chipboard

I would have accepted that reply, but ............ I have a cheaper vinyl tile laid directly onto chipboard in an upstairs bathroom. This hasn't lifted or moved and it still looks perfect? So therefore another question, if it is the Karndean adhesive that reacts with chipboard can I use a normal vinyl tile adhesive with a Karndean type tile/plank?

WoodYouLike · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 9:16 am Post Subject:

cheaper tiles = cheaper adhesive.
If you want your more expensive Karndean to be installed properly - like it should be to comply with the guarantee and per instructions of the manufacturer - there are no short-cuts, so follow floooringman's advice or buy a cheaper vinyl

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J4n3tt3 · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 9:32 am Post Subject: Laying Karndean Flooring

That avoided answering my question - which I think was "does a normal tile adhesive react with chipboard and can normal tile adhesive be used with Karndean tiles?"

I don't have a problem putting down ply and I do want a Karndean-type tile - oh and my cheaper vinyl tile doesn't mean it was a cheap one - just a bit cheaper than Karndean.

The point is, it has been down for 5 years now and hasn't lifted from the chipboard and so if "cheaper" vinyl tiles and "cheaper" adhesive does a superb job - can a more expensive Karndean type tile and more expensive Karndean type adhesive give a good finish if laid directly on to chipboard?

flooringman · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:34 pm Post Subject:

You could always try laying the Karndean directly on to the chipboard with another adhesive and see what happens. Then when it fails you will know the reason why Karndean advise plying beforehand.

Each manufacturer will have tested certain products and practices for their flooring and in that way they will warrant the performance of the flooring. If you start doing it another way it may well work or it may not - that is the chance you take. If you are prepared to take the risk then by all means go ahead but don't expect Karndean to guarantee the job.

Hope this helps.

J4n3tt3 · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:12 pm Post Subject:

This does help - thank you.