Reflecting changing flooring trends and trade demands, PBM speaks with Scott Cochrane, VP of sales for Palio by Karndean, about the supplier’s next generation luxury vinyl flooring alongside discovering more about its “brand evolution” and support services for merchants.
Developed to “bring a renewed focus on performance, design and ease of installation for the trade,” the next generation of Palio Rigid luxury vinyl flooring is also marked by a “naming evolution” for the brand with ‘Palio by Karndean’ becoming the new identity for what was previously known as Palio Trade by Karndean.
As a standalone brand within Karndean Designflooring, Palio by Karndean is specifically positioned for builders’ merchants and their trade customers, with the move said to “combine established brand trust with a clear, trade-focused offer.”
The launch comes as flooring demand continues to shift, shaped by what tradespeople are seeing day-to-day on site. Customers are increasingly drawn to the look of natural materials, but they also expect products to be hard-wearing, cost-effective and straightforward to live with. This has helped drive sustained growth in LVT, particularly rigid core formats that offer strength, stability and flexibility across a wide range of projects.
For the trade, speed and simplicity are just as important as aesthetics. Tight project schedules, labour pressures and the volume of renovation work mean installers are looking for flooring that reduces preparation time and installs with minimal complication.
Products that can be fitted over existing subfloors and cope with less-than-perfect foundations are especially valuable in today’s market, where refurbishment work often dominates. At the same time, there is a clear move towards more characterful flooring. Rather than uniform finishes, customers are choosing designs with variation, texture and a more authentic feel.
Warmer tones are returning, balanced by cooler neutrals, while limed, character and rustic effects continue to gain traction. Stone looks are also evolving, shifting towards softer, more natural palettes that work across open-plan living spaces.
“Flooring demand continues to shift, shaped by what tradespeople are seeing day-to-day on site.”
Accordingly, the Next-Gen Palio Rigid range has been developed in response to these combined trends. It brings together 20 designs, including 14 wood effects and six stone finishes, offering merchants a “concise but versatile” collection that reflects the styles their trade customers are being asked for on site.
Wood designs such as Lugano Rustic Oak and Tevere Limed Oak, for example, tap into the demand for warmth and variation, with prime and character finishes that create a more relaxed, lived-in look. Tronto Character Oak provides a more traditional option, while Trebbia Prime offers a cleaner, more contemporary feel with deeper tones.
Together, they give trades a broad palette to work with across different property styles and customer preferences.
Meanwhile on the stone side, designs such as Lesina Travertine and Idro Marble reflect the continued move towards understated, natural finishes. These softer tones and subtle textures are well suited to kitchens, bathrooms and open-plan spaces, where consistency of flooring is often a key requirement.
Scott Cochrane, VP of sales for Palio by Karndean, explained: “The development of the range has been driven by both changing design preferences and the practical realities faced by the trade. The collection brings together a broad mix of wood and stone designs in cool, neutral and warm tones, giving merchants and installers the flexibility to meet a wide range of interior styles.
“By improving the performance of the rigid core construction while refreshing the overall look with more design-led finishes, the aim is to offer a solution that feels both familiar and new for trade customers.”
From a technical perspective, the collection has been engineered to meet the practical needs of the trade. An improved PVC composition combined with a reinforced mineral core delivers increased strength and stability, making the flooring suitable for both residential projects and light commercial applications.
Of course, installation remains a core focus. The inclusion of a 2G click-locking system allows for fast, straightforward fitting, helping to keep jobs moving and reduce time on site. The product can be installed over most existing surfaces, including tiles, with no need for a separate underlay, which simplifies the process further and reduces additional material costs.
It is also designed to help mask minor subfloor imperfections, something that can make a significant difference on renovation jobs.
Scott adds: “Ease of installation remains a key priority, particularly as trades are under increasing pressure to deliver projects efficiently. The fast fit format and overall build of the product are key factors in helping installers work more quickly without compromising on finish.”
Larger plank and tile sizes contribute to a more modern finish, while the product maintains its waterproof credentials, allowing it to be used confidently in kitchens, bathrooms and upstairs spaces. Acoustic performance is another key consideration, particularly in multi-storey homes, and the range delivers 19dB sound reduction to rooms below, helping to address noise transfer between floors.
Durability is supported by an extended 25-year residential warranty and a 10-year light commercial warranty to support the commercial specification, offering reassurance for both installers and end customers and reflecting the increasing expectation for flooring to perform over the long term.
Alongside the product itself, Palio by Karndean says it “continues to place strong emphasis on supporting merchants in-branch.” The team provides hands-on product training, helping staff build confidence in the range and making it easier to recommend to trade customers. Merchandising support ensures the collection is clearly and effectively presented, with display stands installed and maintained to showcase the designs.
Additional point-of-sale materials, including shade cards, totems, in-store posters, external banners and pallet wraps, are designed to increase visibility and drive engagement at branch level. This coordinated approach helps merchants create a stronger in-branch presence for the range, supporting both impulse interest and more considered purchasing decisions.
Scott concludes: “Maintaining strong relationships with merchants remains central to our approach. Through ongoing investment in training, merchandising and practical support, we aim to make it as straightforward as possible for branches to sell the range confidently.”
Indeed, with Next-Gen Palio Rigid, Palio by Karndean declares it is “clearly aligning its offer with the realities of today’s market.” By combining design-led development with practical, trade-focused performance and strong merchant support, the brand states its range “provides a reliable, relevant solution for builders’ merchants and their customers.”
Click here for more information on the new Palio by Karndean collection and the supplier’s support services for merchants.
