Karndean Knight Tile Honed Pebble Slate SCB-ST20-18 Rigid Core Stone Tile Click LVT Flooring

Discover the sophisticated neutrality of Karndean Knight Tile Honed Pebble Slate SCB-ST20-18 Rigid Core Stone Tile Click LVT Flooring. This elegant rigid core design captures the refined beauty of natural honed slate with its versatile grey-pebble colour palette and authentic stone texture, offering the perfect foundation for contemporary, transitional, and modern interiors seeking natural sophistication with neutral versatility. As part of Karndean's innovative Knight Tile Rigid Core collection, Honed Pebble Slate combines the timeless appearance of natural slate with revolutionary click-lock installation technology – no adhesive required, no professional installer needed, and no messy cleanup. The pre-attached acoustic foam backing reduces noise transfer to rooms below by an impressive 19dB, making it the ideal choice for upstairs bathrooms, multi-level homes, and apartment installations where acoustic comfort is essential. Also available in gluedown format as ST20 for downstairs installations where gluedown is preferred, and in coordinating shades including Honed Oyster Slate (ST17) for lighter spaces and Honed Charcoal Slate (ST19) for darker drama, this versatile design brings entry-range pricing with premium rigid core convenience and the reassurance of Karndean's trusted quality. With its neutral grey-pebble tones and authentic honed finish, this design delivers the sophisticated elegance of natural slate without the maintenance demands, cold surface, or installation complexity.

KEY FEATURES:

• Authentic Honed Pebble Slate Rigid Core Design with natural texture
• Click-Lock Installation – No adhesive required, completely DIY-friendly
• K-Core® Technology – Stronger, more stable core for installation over uneven subfloors
• Pre-Attached Acoustic Foam Backing – Reduces noise transfer by 19dB
• Versatile grey-pebble colour palette works with any décor
• Sophisticated honed finish replicates polished slate appearance
• 305x457mm (12"x18") stone tile format for classic elegance
• Available in gluedown format as ST20 for alternative installation preferences
• Coordinating shades available: Honed Oyster Slate (ST17) and Honed Charcoal Slate (ST19)
• 100% Waterproof construction – Perfect for bathrooms and wet areas
• Enhanced Surface Protection (K-Guard+ with PU coating)
• 0.3mm wear layer for commercial-grade durability
• 4.5mm thickness – More than double the gluedown thickness for enhanced stability
• Painted bevels create authentic grouted appearance
• Lifetime Residential / 10-Year Commercial Warranty
• Entry-range pricing with premium rigid core benefits
• Installs over most existing hard floors without extensive preparation
• Requires expansion gap – Finished with colour-matched or white paintable scotia

IDEAL FOR:

Residential Applications: Honed Pebble Slate rigid core flooring brings natural sophistication to every room in your home, with particular advantages for upstairs installations where acoustic performance matters. The 19dB noise reduction makes it significantly quieter than laminate or engineered alternatives, perfect for upstairs bathrooms where the elegant slate aesthetic combines with practical noise reduction to rooms below. The neutral grey-pebble colour palette is wonderfully versatile, working beautifully with any décor style from traditional to contemporary, and coordinating effortlessly with any colour scheme. The 100% waterproof K-Core® technology makes it ideal for family bathrooms, en-suites, wet rooms, and utility rooms where natural slate would require professional sealing and constant maintenance. The DIY-friendly click-lock system empowers homeowners to achieve professional natural slate installations over a weekend without the mess, expense, and complexity of adhesive application or the cold, hard surface of real slate. Beyond bathrooms, this sophisticated grey pebble slate design brings timeless elegance to kitchens (where the neutral tones work with any cabinetry colour), creates understated sophistication in living rooms and dining spaces, and adds refined style to hallways and entrances. The ability to install over most existing hard floors makes it perfect for renovation projects, while the K-Core® technology's tolerance for minor subfloor imperfections means less preparation work and faster installation. Whether you're creating a contemporary urban home, a transitional family space, a modern bathroom sanctuary, or updating any room with neutral natural texture, Honed Pebble Slate delivers authentic slate beauty with modern convenience and entry-range affordability.

Commercial Applications: Knight Tile Rigid Core's combination of affordability, durability, and quick installation makes Honed Pebble Slate an excellent choice for commercial projects where neutral sophistication, budget, and timeline are all critical. The click-lock floating floor system significantly reduces installation time compared to gluedown alternatives, minimising business disruption and reducing labour costs. The 19dB noise reduction is particularly valuable in multi-level buildings, boutique hotels, offices, care homes, assisted living facilities, and community living schemes where acoustic comfort enhances the guest or resident experience. The 0.3mm commercial-grade wear layer and lifetime residential warranty (10-year commercial) provide the durability needed for moderate-traffic commercial spaces including reception areas, professional offices, executive suites, boutique retail spaces, spa and wellness centres, and hospitality environments where understated sophistication is essential. The neutral grey-pebble tones work with any design scheme and won't clash with branding colours or changing décor – particularly valuable in commercial settings where flexibility is important. The 100% waterproof construction makes it suitable for commercial bathrooms, spa treatment rooms, salon wet areas, and any space where moisture resistance is critical. For traditional housebuilds, corporate offices, professional services, and budget-conscious commercial projects, Honed Pebble Slate delivers the sophisticated appearance of natural slate with the practical benefits, neutral versatility, and entry-range pricing that make it commercially viable.

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE:

Understanding the innovative construction of Knight Tile Rigid Core reveals why it outperforms traditional floating floors while rivalling the appearance of luxury natural slate:

K-Guard+ Surface Protection: Advanced PU technology creates a hygienic, highly durable finish that resists daily wear, household spills, and scuffing. Unlike natural slate that requires regular sealing, specialized stone cleaners, and careful protection from acidic substances, K-Guard+ protection means simple sweep-and-mop maintenance keeps your floor looking pristine for years without the expense or effort of professional stone care.

0.3mm Wear Layer: The same commercial-grade wear layer used in gluedown Knight Tile provides exceptional durability and longevity. This robust layer ensures the authentic honed pebble slate appearance remains vivid and beautiful even in high-traffic areas, without the wear, staining, or deterioration that affects unsealed natural slate.

High-Definition Photographic Layer: Karndean's sophisticated imaging technology captures every nuance of natural honed slate – the subtle grey-pebble colour variations, the authentic honed texture, the characteristic surface undulations – creating a remarkably realistic appearance that rivals premium natural slate installations costing significantly more.

Click-Lock Mechanism: The proven click-lock system creates secure tile-to-tile connections that lock together firmly yet allow individual tiles to be unclipped and replaced if ever damaged. This flexibility provides long-term peace of mind and represents a significant advantage over natural slate installations where damaged tiles require professional removal with specialized tools.

K-Core® Technology: Karndean's proprietary rigid core is the foundation of superior performance. Stronger and more stable than standard SPC or WPC cores, K-Core® technology enables installation over most existing hard floors and tolerates minor subfloor imperfections that would show through with thinner gluedown formats or require extensive leveling for natural slate installation. This means less subfloor preparation, faster installation, and professional results even over slightly uneven surfaces.

Pre-Attached Acoustic Foam Backing: The integrated acoustic foam backing delivers 19dB noise reduction – dramatically quieter than laminate, engineered wood, standard rigid core products, or natural slate installations. This makes Knight Tile Rigid Core notably softer and quieter underfoot, creating a more comfortable, premium feel. Natural slate's hard, cold surface amplifies sound, making the acoustic benefits of Knight Tile Rigid Core particularly valuable for upstairs bathrooms and living spaces.

4.5mm Total Thickness: At more than double the thickness of gluedown Knight Tile (2.0mm), the 4.5mm rigid core construction provides enhanced stability, superior performance over uneven subfloors, and a more substantial, quality feel underfoot – approaching the solidity of natural slate without the weight, structural requirements, or cold surface.

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE:

DIY-Friendly Click-Lock Installation: Knight Tile Rigid Core transforms natural slate flooring installation from a highly specialized trade requiring professional stone layers into a manageable DIY project. The click-lock floating floor system requires no adhesive, no messy troweling, no waiting for adhesive to cure, and no sticky cleanup. Simply click tiles together and the floor is immediately ready to use. Homeowners can complete a standard bathroom over a weekend, saving hundreds or even thousands compared to professional natural slate installation costs.

Floats Over Existing Floors: The rigid core construction means the floor floats over your existing hard surface rather than being permanently adhered. This allows installation over concrete, existing tiles, vinyl, and most other hard surfaces (properly prepared), eliminating the time and expense of floor removal in many renovation scenarios – a dramatic simplification compared to natural slate installation which typically requires removal of existing flooring and extensive subfloor preparation.

Minimal Subfloor Preparation: K-Core® technology's superior stability means it tolerates minor subfloor imperfections that would show through with gluedown formats or require extensive leveling for natural slate installation. While the subfloor should still be clean, dry, and relatively flat, the rigid core construction is far more forgiving than traditional installations.

Faster Installation: The click-lock system is significantly faster than gluedown installation and exponentially faster than natural slate laying. No troweling adhesive, no waiting for mortar to cure, no specialized stone-cutting equipment, no heavy lifting of solid slate, no mess to clean up – just click tiles together and move on. What might take a professional slate layer days can be completed in hours with Knight Tile Rigid Core.

Expansion Gap Required: As with all floating floors, a 10-15mm expansion gap is required around the perimeter and around fixed objects. This gap accommodates the natural expansion and contraction of the floor and is finished with scotia (skirting) for a professional appearance. Karndean offers colour-matched scotia for seamless integration or white paintable scotia for customization.

Compatible With Underfloor Heating: Honed Pebble Slate works beautifully with underfloor heating systems up to 27°C, adding luxurious warmth to bathrooms and living spaces during colder months – providing consistent warmth that natural slate lacks without the installation complexity.

Simple Maintenance: Daily maintenance couldn't be easier – simply sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt, then damp mop with Karndean Clean for a streak-free shine. The K-Guard+ surface treatment means no sealing, no waxing, no buffing, no specialized stone cleaners, and no anxiety about spills or staining – a dramatic improvement over natural slate which requires regular sealing and careful maintenance to prevent staining and deterioration.

Individual Tile Replacement: Should any tile become damaged, the click-lock system allows individual tiles to be unclipped and replaced without disturbing surrounding tiles – a significant advantage over gluedown installation and natural slate where damaged tiles require professional removal, often damaging adjacent tiles in the process.

Suitable For Most Existing Hard Floors: Install over properly prepared concrete, existing ceramic or porcelain tiles, existing vinyl, and most other hard surfaces. Not suitable for installation over carpet or surfaces with more than 5mm variance per meter.

DESIGN INSPIRATION:

Honed Pebble Slate's versatile grey-pebble palette creates sophisticated, neutral spaces that work beautifully with any design style. The neutral tones provide the perfect foundation for both bold and subtle colour schemes, making it one of the most versatile flooring choices available.

Contemporary Neutral Bathroom: Create a serene, spa-like bathroom by pairing Honed Pebble Slate with white sanitaryware, chrome or brushed nickel fixtures, and soft grey or white walls. The neutral grey-pebble tones provide a calming foundation that works with any accent colour – add towels and accessories in your chosen palette to personalize the space. The 100% waterproof construction and 19dB acoustic backing make it ideal for upstairs master bathrooms, while the timeless neutral tones ensure the bathroom won't feel dated as trends change.

Versatile Kitchen: Honed Pebble Slate is perfect for kitchens because the neutral grey-pebble tones work with any cabinetry colour – from white to grey to navy to wood tones. The waterproof construction handles kitchen spills with ease, while the durable 0.3mm wear layer withstands the demands of busy family life. The neutral floor allows you to change cabinetry hardware, accessories, or paint colours without worrying about coordination, providing long-term flexibility as your tastes evolve.

Transitional Living Room: Create a sophisticated transitional living space by pairing Honed Pebble Slate with a mix of traditional and contemporary furniture. The neutral grey-pebble floor provides a timeless foundation that works equally well with traditional upholstered furniture and modern minimalist pieces. Add colour through artwork, cushions, and accessories, knowing the neutral floor will never clash. The slate aesthetic adds natural texture without competing with furnishings.

Professional Office: For home offices or commercial spaces, Honed Pebble Slate creates a professional, neutral backdrop that conveys competence without distraction. The grey-pebble tones work with any office furniture or branding colours, while the natural slate aesthetic adds sophisticated texture. The 19dB acoustic backing is particularly valuable for upstairs home offices, reducing noise transfer during video calls.

Coordinated Multi-Room Design: Use the Honed Slate family to create visual flow throughout your home. Install Honed Pebble Slate in main living areas for neutral versatility, Honed Oyster Slate (ST17) in bedrooms for lighter, more restful tones, and Honed Charcoal Slate (ST19) in formal spaces for dramatic sophistication. The coordinating finishes create cohesion while allowing tonal variation between spaces.

Modern Entrance Hall: Create a welcoming entrance by installing Honed Pebble Slate in hallways. The neutral grey-pebble tones work with any front door colour or entrance décor, while the durable construction handles high-traffic demands with ease. The sophisticated slate aesthetic immediately conveys quality and attention to detail, setting a positive tone for the entire home.

WHY CHOOSE KNIGHT TILE RIGID CORE:

• DIY-Friendly Installation: No professional installer required – homeowners can achieve professional natural slate results with basic tools
• No Adhesive Mess: Floating floor means no sticky mess, no troweling, no drying time, no cleanup
• Acoustic Performance: 19dB noise reduction perfect for upstairs bathrooms and apartment living
• Quieter Underfoot: Pre-attached foam backing noticeably softer and quieter than natural slate or standard rigid core alternatives
• K-Core® Technology: Installs successfully over uneven subfloors and most existing hard floors without exposing imperfections
• Minimal Prep: Less subfloor preparation required compared to gluedown formats or natural slate installation
• Affordable Natural Texture: Entry-range pricing delivers authentic slate character at accessible cost
• Neutral Versatility: Grey-pebble tones work with any décor style or colour scheme
• Coordinating Options: Available in three shades – Oyster (ST17), Pebble (ST20), and Charcoal (ST19)
• 18 Versatile Designs: Curated selection of Knight Tile's most popular designs in rigid core format
• Same Authentic Appearance: Identical designs to gluedown Knight Tile for design continuity throughout your home
• 100% Waterproof: K-Core® technology is fully waterproof – perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and wet areas without sealing
• Easy Replacement: Individual tiles can be unclicked and replaced if damaged
• Perfect for Renovations: Floats over existing floors, eliminating removal in many scenarios
• Warmer Than Real: More comfortable underfoot than natural slate, especially in bathrooms
• No Sealing Required: Unlike natural slate, no ongoing sealing or specialized maintenance needed
• Stain Resistant: K-Guard+ surface resists stains that would discolour unsealed natural slate
• Lighter Weight: No structural concerns about weight load unlike heavy natural slate
• Family-Friendly: Safe for children and pets, easy to maintain, comfortable underfoot
• Underfloor Heating Compatible: Works seamlessly with modern heating systems for added comfort
• Trusted Brand: Over 50 years of Karndean flooring expertise and innovation
• Lifetime Residential Warranty: Same comprehensive warranty as gluedown Knight Tile

Experience the sophisticated versatility of natural slate with the modern convenience of Knight Tile Rigid Core. Honed Pebble Slate SCB-ST20-18 delivers neutral elegance, DIY-friendly installation, superior acoustic performance, and 100% waterproof durability – all at entry-range pricing with Karndean's trusted quality and the timeless beauty of honed slate without the maintenance, cold surface, or installation complexity.