Introducing Karndean Van Gogh Antique French Oak RKP8110, a stunning large plank design that captures the refined beauty of historic French oak with rich brown tones and distinctive antique character that evokes the timeless elegance of European châteaux, Parisian apartments, and Provençal country houses. Inspired by the sophisticated patina of centuries-old French oak flooring—timber that has graced aristocratic estates, historic buildings, and quality French homes for generations, developing distinctive color deepening, subtle wear patterns, and refined character through decades of use—this design features warm brown tones with subtle honey undertones, elegant grain patterns, and the gentle aging that makes antique French oak among the most prized timber aesthetics in interior design. The "Antique French Oak" designation celebrates European floor heritage—these are floors with aristocratic lineage, recreating the appearance of oak that has lived through generations, bringing timeless elegance, Continental sophistication, and refined character to contemporary homes. The impressive 1420mm x 225mm (56" x 9") large plank format creates an expansive, premium appearance with fewer seams—perfect for period properties, French country interiors, and elegant spaces where you want to maximize the visual impact of beautiful wide-plank flooring with sophisticated European character. Unlike traditional hardwood flooring that requires professional installation, extensive subfloor preparation, and ongoing maintenance (and genuine antique French oak is exceptionally rare, expensive, and requires specialized sourcing and restoration), Van Gogh Rigid Core's innovative 5G click-lock system allows confident DIY installation without glue or nails. The pre-attached acoustic foam backing reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB, making it perfect for upstairs bedrooms and multi-story homes where conventional hardwood would create excessive noise. This design is also available in gluedown format in both large plank and small plank (18" x 4.5") for herringbone or block designs, giving you exceptional flexibility to create coordinated installations throughout your home in antique French oak tones. As part of Van Gogh Rigid Core's mid-range collection, Antique French Oak Large Plank combines the distinctive grain detail and refined European character of premium antique timber with sophisticated French styling, installation convenience, acoustic performance, and enhanced 6.5mm stability that make it perfect for period properties, French country interiors, elegant renovations, and DIY projects where you want authentic antique French oak character without the challenges of genuine antique timber.
Key Features:
- Authentic Antique French Oak Design with European aristocratic character
- Large Plank Format for expansive, premium appearance
- Rich brown tones with warm honey undertones
- Antique aesthetic—refined, aged, sophisticated European character
- Distinctive French oak grain patterns with gentle historic patina
- Large Plank Format: 1420mm x 225mm (56" x 9") for fewer seams and modern aesthetic
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DIY-Friendly 5G Click-Lock System - easy installation without glue or nails
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Pre-attached Acoustic Foam Backing - no separate underlay needed
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Reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB - perfect for upstairs rooms
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6.5mm thickness - enhanced stability and comfort
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Available in gluedown formats - large plank and small plank (18" x 4.5") for herringbone/block
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Larger planks mean faster installation - fewer pieces to lay
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100% Waterproof construction - suitable for kitchens and bathrooms
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Enhanced Surface Protection (K-Guard+ with PU coating)
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0.55mm wear layer for superior durability
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Micro bevelled edges for authentic wood appearance
- Lifetime Residential / 15-Year Commercial Warranty
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Mid-range pricing - distinctive quality with DIY savings
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K-Core rigid PVC for dimensional stability
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Plank-to-plank variation for authentic antique timber appearance
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Detailed French oak texture with realistic embossing
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European styling - perfect for French country, period properties, and elegant interiors
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Warmer underfoot than real hardwood
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3.195m² box coverage - efficient coverage with large planks
Ideal For:
Residential Applications:
Antique French Oak Large Plank's impressive dimensions and refined European character make it exceptionally versatile for homes seeking Continental elegance, while the rigid core construction solves the traditional challenges of hardwood installation. Living rooms and reception rooms in period properties benefit enormously from the larger plank format—the 56" x 9" dimensions create an expansive, premium appearance with fewer seams, making rooms feel more gracious and elegant while the rich brown tones with honey undertones create sophisticated environments that feel timeless, European, and full of aristocratic character. Perfect for French country properties and Provençal-style homes where Antique French Oak represents authentic Continental heritage—recreating the appearance of historic French flooring without the expense, rarity, or restoration challenges of genuine antique timber. Ideal for period properties and heritage homes seeking European character where antique French oak would be architecturally appropriate—Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian properties benefit from the refined Continental aesthetic. Perfect for elegant renovations and quality restorations where you want sophisticated European character that honors architectural heritage. Perfect for DIY renovations where you want the authentic look of wide-plank antique French oak without the expense of professional installation (typically £30-50 per square meter) or the prohibitive cost of genuine antique French oak (often £150-300/m² when available from specialist dealers). Upstairs bedrooms in period properties benefit from the acoustic backing that reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB—the warm, refined tones create elegant, traditional sleeping spaces that feel like European retreats, while the acoustic foam prevents footfall noise from disturbing rooms below. The brown tones with honey undertones work beautifully in dining rooms and entertaining spaces, providing elegant foundations that complement antique furniture, quality furnishings, and refined entertaining—perfect for creating sophisticated dining experiences. Hallways and entrances in period properties benefit from the distinguished appearance that immediately signals European sophistication and quality. Home offices and libraries in traditional properties appreciate the refined, established appearance—the antique French oak provides distinguished backdrops that feel cultured and aristocratic. Master bedrooms and principal rooms can achieve boutique hotel-inspired aesthetics with the antique French tones providing warm, sophisticated foundations. French country kitchens seeking authentic Provençal character benefit from the European aesthetic while remaining 100% waterproof. Period cottages and village properties can achieve Continental character. Rental properties targeting discerning tenants benefit from the sophisticated European appeal and reversible installation. The rigid core construction handles uneven subfloors better than hardwood, accommodating minor imperfections without costly floor preparation—particularly valuable in older period properties.
Commercial Applications:
Van Gogh Rigid Core's 15-year commercial warranty makes Antique French Oak Large Plank suitable for moderate traffic commercial environments where refined, sophisticated European appearance is important. Perfect for boutique hotels, particularly French-themed establishments and period conversions where the large antique plank format creates elegant, sophisticated atmosphere that signals Continental quality and refinement. The rich brown tones with antique character provide a refined backdrop that works beautifully in upscale hospitality. French restaurants, Continental dining establishments, and bistros can achieve authentic European aesthetics with antique French oak—creating sophisticated dining experiences that honor French culinary traditions. Wine bars, champagne bars, and upscale drinking establishments benefit from the refined European character. Antique shops, French home décor retailers, and Continental furnishing stores appreciate the authentic French backdrop that complements European merchandise. Interior design studios and architectural practices can showcase sophisticated European character. Estate agents and property consultants in period property markets benefit from the refined appearance. Heritage hotels and historic venue conversions can achieve period-appropriate character with antique French oak. Luxury spas and wellness facilities targeting sophisticated clientele benefit from the elegant, refined character. Corporate offices in period buildings can honor architectural heritage with European character. Bridal shops and boutique retail benefit from the elegant, romantic French aesthetic. For quick turnaround projects, the click-lock installation combined with larger planks means coverage is faster than standard formats—minimizing business downtime. Show homes in quality developments and period property conversions can use Antique French Oak to create sophisticated European appeal.
With 35 SKUs across the Van Gogh Rigid Core collection including standard planks, large planks, herringbone, and stone designs, there's exceptional versatility for projects requiring distinctive design quality with DIY-friendly installation.
Technical Excellence:
Antique French Oak Large Plank is constructed using Karndean's advanced rigid core technology, delivering superior performance through carefully engineered layers:
K-Guard+ Surface Protection: The topmost layer features Karndean's enhanced PU technology that provides a hygienic, durable finish exceptionally easy to clean. This protective coating resists everyday wear, spills, and scuffs while maintaining the beautiful antique French oak appearance with its distinctive refined patina. Unlike real hardwood that requires regular refinishing, oiling, or varnishing (and genuine antique French oak requires exceptionally careful conservation to preserve historic character), K-Guard+ keeps maintenance simple—just sweep and mop with Karndean Clean. The warm brown tones with honey undertones create elegant, sophisticated spaces.
0.55mm Wear Layer: This substantial 20 mil wear layer provides superior protection from everyday traffic and wear, making it suitable for both residential and commercial applications. Traditional hardwood shows scratches, dents, and wear in high-traffic areas, and genuine antique French oak is irreplaceable—any damage diminishes historic value. This enhanced wear layer ensures long-lasting performance even in busy homes or commercial spaces.
High-definition Photographic Layer: This layer creates the strikingly realistic antique French oak grain you see underfoot, capturing the distinctive elegant grain patterns, warm brown tones with honey undertones, subtle historic patina, gentle aging, and refined European character of authentic centuries-old French oak flooring. The enhanced detail and realistic embossing work together to deliver a convincingly authentic appearance that rivals expensive antique European hardwood installations.
K-Core Rigid Layer: The heart of the construction is Karndean's K-Core rigid PVC layer, which provides exceptional dimensional stability crucial for large plank formats. The rigid core prevents the planks from flexing, gapping, or warping—common problems with real hardwood, and particularly problematic with genuinely old antique timber. This technology also supports the 5G click-lock mechanism that makes DIY installation of large European planks possible.
Pre-attached Acoustic Foam Backing: This integrated cushioning layer is particularly important for larger planks in upstairs installations. Traditional wide-plank hardwood is extremely noisy, creating loud footfall sounds that disturb other rooms, especially below. The acoustic foam provides significant noise reduction (up to 21dB), making large antique French planks practical for bedrooms and upper floors. It also enhances comfort underfoot, eliminates the need for separate underlay, and contributes to the warmer feel compared to real hardwood.
6.5mm Total Thickness: The substantial 6.5mm thickness provides superior stability essential for maintaining the dimensional integrity of large planks. This enhanced thickness also provides greater comfort and ability to handle minor subfloor imperfections that would be problematic with thinner products or antique hardwood—particularly valuable in older period properties with uneven floors.
Installation & Maintenance:
DIY-Friendly Large Plank Installation: The 5G click-lock system makes professional-looking wide-plank antique French oak installations accessible to confident DIYers. Traditional wide-plank hardwood requires skilled professional installation with specialized techniques costing £30-50 per square meter, and genuine antique French oak requires specialist conservation expertise with costs often exceeding £100/m² for installation alone. This rigid core format simply clicks together, allowing you to create premium wide-plank European floors yourself.
No Glue Required: As a floating floor system, the large planks simply click together without any adhesive. This makes installation cleaner, faster, and more forgiving than traditional hardwood installation.
No Underlay Needed: The pre-attached acoustic foam backing eliminates the need to purchase and install separate underlay—saving time, money, and ensuring consistent acoustic performance throughout.
Faster Coverage with Large Planks: The 56" x 9" dimensions mean you'll install fewer pieces to cover the same area compared to standard plank formats. This significantly speeds up installation—perfect for DIY projects where you want to complete rooms quickly while achieving sophisticated European aesthetics.
Fewer Seams, More Impact: Large antique French planks create a more expansive, premium appearance with fewer visible seams. This is particularly effective in period properties and reception rooms where you want to maximize the visual impact of wide-plank flooring with refined European character.
Straight Lay Installation: The most common pattern for large planks, running lengthwise creates clean, gracious feels that emphasize the generous plank dimensions and elegant French character.
Diagonal Lay Option: Installing diagonally can make rooms appear larger and adds visual interest, though requires more cutting and waste.
Coordinate with Herringbone Format: The matching gluedown small plank format (18" x 4.5") allows herringbone or block installations in feature areas, coordinating with large plank formats elsewhere for sophisticated European aesthetics with pattern variation.
Acoustic Benefits for Upstairs: The acoustic backing reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB, making wide-plank antique French oak aesthetics practical for upstairs bedrooms in period properties where conventional hardwood would be problematic.
Reversible Installation: Unlike permanent hardwood installations that cannot be removed without destruction, rigid core can be lifted and reinstalled if needed—perfect for rental properties.
Suitable for Uneven Subfloors: The rigid core construction can accommodate minor subfloor imperfections that would require expensive leveling for hardwood installation. A damp-proof membrane is required for concrete subfloors—particularly important in older period properties.
Compatible with Underfloor Heating: Works perfectly with underfloor heating systems up to 27°C, providing gentle warmth that enhances the comfortable feel of the elegant tones.
Simple Maintenance: Just sweep and mop with Karndean Clean—no sanding, refinishing, oiling, or varnishing. The K-Guard+ surface treatment means you'll never face the costly refinishing that hardwood requires every few years. Genuine antique French oak requires specialized conservation care to preserve historic character—Antique French Oak eliminates these concerns.
Individual Plank Replacement: If damage occurs, individual planks can be clicked out and replaced by DIYers without professional help—impossible with glued or nailed hardwood, and unthinkable with irreplaceable genuine antique timber.
Expansion Gaps Required: Unlike gluedown formats, rigid core requires small expansion gaps (5-10mm) around the room perimeter to allow for natural movement. These gaps are easily concealed with scotia beading or skirting boards in coordinating brown, honey, or traditional finishes.
Can Install Over Existing Floors: Suitable for installation over most existing hard floors, making renovations quicker and avoiding the costly floor removal hardwood would require.
Design Inspiration:
Antique French Oak Large Plank's generous dimensions and refined European palette offer exceptional design versatility:
Large Plank Advantages:
Enhanced Coverage and European Elegance: The 56" x 9" large plank format in brown tones with antique character creates a more expansive, high-end appearance compared to standard planks. Fewer seams mean a cleaner, more sophisticated look that's particularly effective in period properties and elegant spaces where you want to create premium visual impact while maintaining refined European character.
Perfect for Period Spaces: The scale of large antique planks suits period properties and French country interiors beautifully. Historic homes and European-inspired properties benefit from the proportions of wide planks in sophisticated antique tones—standard planks can look undersized in gracious period rooms, but large Antique French Oak planks maintain visual balance while providing warm, elegant, refined character.
Faster DIY Installation: Larger planks mean fewer pieces to install, which significantly speeds up DIY projects. You'll cover more area with each piece, completing rooms faster while achieving professional-looking European results.
Elegant Aesthetic: Wide-plank flooring in antique tones is associated with quality period properties, French country estates, and refined European interiors. The large format creates a sophisticated, established look that feels timeless and aristocratic.
French Country & European Styling:
French Country & Provençal: Antique French Oak is perfect for French country and Provençal interiors. The refined brown tones with honey undertones represent authentic Continental heritage. Pair with French country furniture, toile fabrics, antiques, and European accessories for genuine French countryside elegance.
Period Properties & Historic Homes: The antique French oak aesthetic is ideal for Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian properties seeking European character. The refined patina respects architectural heritage while providing Continental sophistication. Perfect for period restorations and heritage renovations.
European Elegant Traditional: The antique character works in elegant traditional interiors with European influence. The refined French oak signals quality, sophistication, and Continental taste. Pair with antique furnishings, quality textiles, and established pieces for timeless European elegance.
Transitional Elegant: The warm brown tones with honey undertones bridge traditional European timber and contemporary styling. Use in homes blending Continental character with modern convenience—the antique French oak provides refined historic character while large plank proportions maintain current aesthetics.
Parisian Chic: The antique French aesthetic evokes Parisian apartments and Continental city living. The refined character creates sophisticated urban elegance with European heritage. Perfect for creating French-inspired interiors with aristocratic charm.
Romantic European: The antique French oak works beautifully in romantic interiors inspired by European châteaux and Continental estates. The warm, elegant tones create refined, romantic environments perfect for principal bedrooms and entertaining spaces.
Boutique Luxury: The European antique aesthetic works in boutique luxury interiors. The refined French character signals sophisticated taste and quality awareness. Perfect for creating upscale residential and hospitality spaces with Continental elegance.
Elegant Warm Neutral: Brown tones with honey undertones work as a warm, sophisticated, elegant foundation. Build refined color schemes around the European base—creams, golds, soft greens, elegant blues—all coordinate beautifully with antique French oak.
Universal European Appeal: Antique French oak with refined Continental character has broad appeal among discerning homeowners—warm, elegant, sophisticated, and perfect for period properties, French country homes, and European-inspired interiors.
Coordinate Across Formats:
Multi-Format European Installations: Consider using Antique French Oak large plank rigid core in main living areas and bedrooms (acoustic benefits, expansive elegant look), and the matching gluedown formats—large plank for permanent installation or small plank (18" x 4.5") for herringbone or block patterns in feature areas—all coordinating in refined European tones.
Mix with Van Gogh Planks: Large antique French planks work beautifully as an elegant foundation throughout main traditional areas, then coordinate with complementary Van Gogh Rigid Core designs. The refined European tones provide a sophisticated base.
Upstairs/Downstairs Strategy: Use RKP8110 large plank rigid core upstairs (acoustic benefits crucial for bedrooms with warm elegant character) and matching gluedown format downstairs (permanent installation for high-traffic ground floor). This creates coordinated European aesthetics with installation formats optimized for each area.
Room-to-Room Flow: The refined European palette and large plank format create seamless transitions between rooms in period properties, making spaces feel cohesive, connected, and consistently elegant with Continental character throughout.
Accessories & Finishing:
Complete your installation with Karndean scotia beading and skirting boards in coordinating brown, honey, or traditional finishes. Use transition strips at doorways to create professional joins. The expansion gaps required for rigid core are easily concealed with appropriate finishing accessories that complement the European aesthetic.
Why Choose Van Gogh Rigid Core:
DIY-Friendly Wide-Plank Installation: Save hundreds of pounds on professional installation costs with the simple click-lock system. Traditional wide-plank hardwood installation costs £30-50/m² in fitting alone, and genuine antique French oak requires specialist conservation installation costing £100+/m²—eliminate these costs entirely by installing Antique French Oak wide planks yourself.
Large Planks, Faster Installation: The 56" x 9" format means you'll install fewer pieces to cover the same area, significantly speeding up DIY projects. Complete rooms faster while achieving premium wide-plank aesthetics in refined European tones.
Pre-attached Underlay: No separate underlay to buy or install—the acoustic foam backing is already integrated, saving time and money on large plank installations.
Acoustic Performance: Reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB, making wide-plank antique French oak aesthetics practical for upstairs bedrooms and multi-story homes where conventional hardwood would create excessive noise.
Quieter Than Hardwood: The acoustic backing creates a quiet walking surface compared to real hardwood that echoes and creates noise—particularly appreciated with large planks covering significant areas in period properties.
Warmer Than Real Wood: Unlike genuine hardwood that feels cold, rigid core vinyl remains comfortable and warm underfoot year-round—complementing the visual warmth of antique French oak perfectly.
Authentic Antique French Character: Achieve the beautiful rich brown tones with warm honey undertones and distinctive refined patina that creates elegant, sophisticated, European spaces—perfect for period properties, French country homes, and elegant interiors.
Mid-Range Excellence: Van Gogh Rigid Core delivers the same distinctive grain detail and wide-plank aesthetics as antique European timber but with installation convenience and DIY savings. Genuine antique French oak costs £150-300/m² when available from specialist antique timber dealers, plus expensive conservation installation.
Authentic Antique Appearance: High-definition photographic layer and realistic embossing create convincingly authentic antique French oak grain with refined historic character that rivals expensive antique European hardwood installations.
100% Waterproof Construction: Unlike real hardwood that suffers water damage, this large plank format is fully waterproof—suitable even for French country kitchens where antique oak creates elegant Continental character.
Enhanced Wear Layer: The 0.55mm (20 mil) wear layer provides superior durability. Genuine antique French oak is irreplaceable and any damage diminishes historic value—Antique French Oak provides authentic appearance with reliable performance.
6.5mm Thickness: Substantially thicker than gluedown formats, providing the enhanced stability essential for maintaining the dimensional integrity of large planks.
Rigid Core Technology: K-Core provides exceptional dimensional stability, preventing the gapping, warping, and cupping common with real hardwood and particularly problematic with genuinely old antique timber.
Lifetime Residential Warranty: Superior warranty coverage for your wide-plank investment—genuine antique timber often has no warranty due to age and historic nature.
15-Year Commercial Warranty: Suitable for boutique hotels, French restaurants, upscale hospitality venues, and elegant commercial spaces requiring refined European aesthetics.
Perfect for Renovations: Can install over existing hard floors with minimal preparation—hardwood requires extensive subfloor preparation, and antique timber requires specialist conservation preparation.
Handles Uneven Subfloors: Rigid core construction accommodates minor imperfections that would require expensive leveling for hardwood installation—particularly valuable in older period properties with uneven historic floors.
Reversible Installation: Can be lifted and reinstalled if needed—impossible with glued or nailed hardwood, unthinkable with irreplaceable antique timber.
Quick Installation: Faster than traditional hardwood, meaning minimal disruption—large planks with click-lock can be DIY-installed in weekends rather than weeks.
Easy Maintenance: Simple sweep and mop—no sanding, refinishing, oiling, varnishing, or specialized conservation treatments. Genuine antique French oak requires careful conservation to preserve historic character.
Hygienic: Won't harbor dust, dirt, or allergens in wood grain like real hardwood, and easier to keep pristine than antique timber.
Family-Friendly: Safe for children and pets, comfortable to play on, and easy to maintain even in busy households. Elegant tones create sophisticated family spaces.
Individual Plank Replacement: Damaged planks can be clicked out and replaced without professional help—antique hardwood plank replacement is often impossible due to rarity.
Underfloor Heating Compatible: Works with modern heating systems up to 27°C, providing gentle warmth that enhances the comfortable elegant character.
Trusted Brand: Over 50 years of Karndean flooring expertise bringing wide-plank aesthetics in refined European antique tones with practical benefits.
Versatile Applications: Suitable for residential and commercial projects across all room types where wide-plank antique French oak adds refined European distinction.
Cost-Effective Wide Planks: Save on professional fitting (£30-50/m²), prohibitively expensive antique materials (£150-300/m²), specialist conservation, underlay, and ongoing maintenance costs compared to real wide-plank antique French oak.
Premium European Appearance: Wide-plank flooring in antique French oak is associated with high-end period properties, French country estates, and quality European interiors—now accessible with DIY convenience and mid-range pricing.
European Heritage Excellence: Antique French oak represents Continental floor heritage—creating elegant spaces with aristocratic character and refined European sophistication.
Elegant & Sophisticated: Rich brown tones with warm honey undertones and distinctive refined antique patina create spaces that feel elegant, warm, sophisticated, and timelessly European—perfect for period properties and French country homes prioritizing Continental refinement.
Available in Multiple Formats: Also available in gluedown formats (large plank and small plank 18" x 4.5" for herringbone/block), allowing coordinated antique French oak installations with pattern variation throughout homes.
Unique Design Heritage: Van Gogh Rigid Core shares the same inspiration and design quality as the celebrated Van Gogh Gluedown range, now in refined antique French styling.
Fewer Seams, More Impact: Large plank format creates a cleaner, more expansive appearance with fewer visible seams—perfect for creating premium, high-end European aesthetics in refined antique tones.
Modern Proportions: The 56" x 9" format suits period properties and French country homes while maintaining visual balance that standard planks can't achieve, delivering sophisticated European character with contemporary convenience.
Continental Sophistication: The rich brown tones with warm honey undertones and distinctive refined antique patina create spaces that feel elegant, sophisticated, timelessly European, and aristocratically refined—perfect for period properties and French country commercial spaces prioritizing authentic Continental heritage and European elegance.
Antique French Oak RKP8110 Large Plank delivers authentic wide-plank antique European hardwood aesthetics in refined Continental tones with revolutionary click-lock convenience—the perfect combination of premium European appearance and modern practicality for today's period homes and commercial spaces prioritizing French country sophistication and timeless Continental elegance.
