Introducing Karndean Van Gogh Auckland Oak SCB52, a beautifully refined oak design that captures the natural elegance of Pacific oak with rich brown tones and distinctive character. Named after New Zealand's vibrant city, this design features warm brown tones with subtle golden undertones and natural grain patterns that evoke the sophisticated yet relaxed aesthetic of Southern Hemisphere living. The rich palette provides a perfect balance—warmer and more inviting than grey oak, more refined than heavily distressed timber, yet full of natural character and authentic wood beauty. The 1220mm x 180mm (48" x 7") standard plank format delivers classic timber proportions with the modern convenience of Van Gogh Rigid Core's innovative 2G click-lock system—allowing 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 as VGW52T for permanent installations, giving you flexibility to use rigid core upstairs (acoustic benefits) and gluedown downstairs (permanent installation) throughout your home. As part of Van Gogh Rigid Core's mid-range collection, Auckland Oak combines the distinctive grain detail and design heritage of the celebrated Van Gogh range with sophisticated natural styling, installation convenience, acoustic performance, and enhanced stability that make it perfect for modern living, renovations, and rental properties where you want refined oak character without professional fitting costs.
Key Features:
- Authentic Pacific Oak Design with refined natural character
- Rich brown tones with subtle golden undertones
- Distinctive oak grain patterns with natural variation
- Sophisticated yet relaxed palette—refined warmth and natural elegance
- Standard Plank Format: 1220mm x 180mm (48" x 7") for classic timber proportions
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DIY-Friendly 2G 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 format (VGW52T) - matching design for permanent installations
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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 timber floor appearance
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Detailed oak grain texture with realistic embossing
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Versatile rich tones work across traditional, transitional, and contemporary styles
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Warmer underfoot than real hardwood
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2.196m² box coverage - efficient standard plank coverage
Ideal For:
Residential Applications:
Auckland Oak's refined rich tones and sophisticated natural character make it exceptionally versatile throughout the home, while the rigid core construction solves the traditional challenges of hardwood installation. Upstairs bedrooms benefit enormously from the acoustic backing that reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB—the rich, warm tones create elegant, restful sleeping spaces that feel sophisticated yet comfortable, while the acoustic foam prevents footfall noise from disturbing rooms below. Perfect for DIY renovations where you want the authentic look of refined oak flooring without the expense of professional installation, which typically costs £30-50 per square meter. The rich brown tones with golden undertones work beautifully in living rooms and dining spaces, creating sophisticated environments that feel both elegant and welcoming—perfect for traditional, transitional, and even contemporary interiors that embrace natural warmth. In dining rooms, the refined oak complements both traditional furniture and contemporary pieces, while remaining 100% waterproof and easy to clean after family meals—capturing the elegance of fine timber dining without the maintenance concerns. Hallways and entrances benefit from the sophisticated appearance that Auckland Oak provides—the rich natural character creates impressive first impressions that signal quality and attention to detail. Home offices appreciate the professional, established appearance—the refined oak provides sophisticated backdrops for video calls that feel polished and successful. Master bedrooms and principal rooms can achieve elegant, hotel-inspired aesthetics with the rich tones adding natural sophistication and warmth. Open-plan spaces benefit from the cohesive flow that refined rich tones provide throughout multiple living areas. Period properties seeking lighter renovation can use Auckland Oak to update dark interiors while maintaining natural timber character. Rental properties benefit from the broad appeal of refined natural oak and the reversible click-lock installation. The rigid core construction handles uneven subfloors better than hardwood, accommodating minor imperfections without costly floor preparation.
Commercial Applications:
Van Gogh Rigid Core's 15-year commercial warranty makes Auckland Oak suitable for moderate traffic commercial environments where a refined, sophisticated appearance is important. Perfect for professional offices and business services where the rich oak creates established, successful environments—ideal for law firms, financial services, consulting practices, and professional services requiring sophisticated yet approachable aesthetics. Boutique retail spaces including home décor stores, furniture showrooms, and upscale lifestyle boutiques appreciate the refined backdrop that complements quality merchandise beautifully. Hospitality venues including boutique hotels, quality restaurants, wine bars, and upscale cafes can achieve the sophisticated timber aesthetics associated with quality establishments. Estate agents and property offices in upscale locations benefit from the refined, successful appearance. Corporate reception areas and meeting rooms appreciate the professional sophistication that natural rich oak provides. Design studios and professional practices can showcase quality and attention to detail. Co-working spaces targeting professionals benefit from the acoustic properties while the refined tones project sophisticated professionalism. For quick turnaround projects, the click-lock installation minimizes business downtime. Show homes in quality developments can use Auckland Oak to create sophisticated, upscale appeal that resonates with discerning buyers.
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:
Auckland Oak 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 Auckland oak appearance. Unlike real hardwood that requires regular refinishing, oiling, or varnishing, K-Guard+ keeps maintenance simple—just sweep and mop with Karndean Clean. The rich brown tones are particularly forgiving, concealing minor dust and wear effectively.
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, but this enhanced wear layer ensures long-lasting performance even in busy family homes or commercial spaces.
High-definition Photographic Layer: This layer creates the strikingly realistic Auckland oak grain you see underfoot, capturing the distinctive grain patterns, subtle color variation, rich brown tones with golden undertones, and refined natural character of authentic Pacific oak. The enhanced detail and realistic embossing work together to deliver a convincingly authentic appearance that rivals expensive hardwood installations.
K-Core Rigid Layer: The heart of the construction is Karndean's K-Core rigid PVC layer, which provides exceptional dimensional stability. The rigid core prevents the planks from flexing, gapping, or warping—common problems with real hardwood. This technology also supports the 2G click-lock mechanism that makes DIY installation possible.
Pre-attached Acoustic Foam Backing: This integrated cushioning layer provides significant noise reduction (up to 21dB), making Auckland Oak practical for upstairs installations where traditional hardwood would create excessive noise. 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 and comfort, along with the ability to handle minor subfloor imperfections that would be problematic with thinner products or real hardwood.
Installation & Maintenance:
DIY-Friendly Installation: The 2G click-lock system makes professional-looking refined oak installations accessible to confident DIYers. Traditional hardwood requires skilled professional installation costing £30-50 per square meter. This rigid core format simply clicks together, allowing you to create beautiful sophisticated floors yourself.
No Glue Required: As a floating floor system, the 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.
Standard Plank Installation Options:
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Straight Lay: Classic installation running lengthwise creates clean, spacious feel that emphasizes the refined Auckland oak character
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Diagonal Lay: Makes smaller rooms appear larger while showcasing the beautiful grain patterns and sophisticated natural appearance
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Room to Room Flow: Use Auckland Oak throughout for seamless open-plan living with consistent refined elegance
Acoustic Benefits for Upstairs: The acoustic backing reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB, making refined oak aesthetics practical for upstairs bedrooms 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.
Compatible with Underfloor Heating: Works perfectly with underfloor heating systems up to 27°C, providing gentle warmth that enhances the comfortable feel of the rich 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. The rich brown tones don't show dirt as readily as very light colors.
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.
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 rich or natural wood 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:
Auckland Oak's refined rich palette and sophisticated natural character offer exceptional design versatility:
Standard Plank Installation Patterns:
Straight Lay: The most popular pattern for standard planks, running lengthwise creates clean lines that emphasize the room's length while showcasing the beautiful Auckland oak grain and refined character. Perfect for creating flowing interiors with sophisticated natural elegance throughout.
Diagonal Lay: Installing diagonally can make smaller rooms appear larger while adding visual interest. This pattern draws the eye across the space and highlights the natural grain patterns and rich coloring.
Room to Room Flow: Use Auckland Oak throughout multiple rooms for seamless open-plan living. The refined rich tones create cohesive, flowing interiors that make homes feel sophisticated, connected, and naturally elegant throughout.
Refined Natural Styling:
Traditional & Classic: Auckland Oak suits traditional interiors beautifully. The rich brown tones complement antique furniture, traditional wood tones, and classic décor. Pair with warm whites, traditional furnishings, rich fabrics, and classic accessories for timeless elegance with authentic natural character.
Transitional: The refined natural tones bridge traditional timber character and contemporary living perfectly. Use in homes that blend classic warmth with modern styling—the Auckland oak provides established natural character while clean proportions and styling keep the look current and sophisticated.
Contemporary Warm: The rich oak works beautifully in contemporary interiors that embrace warmth without heaviness. Pair with warm neutrals, natural textiles, and modern furniture for sophisticated contemporary comfort that feels both current and naturally grounded.
Natural & Organic: The Auckland oak aesthetic works perfectly in natural, organic-inspired interiors. Pair with natural materials—linen, wool, leather, rattan, wood furniture—for cohesive, calming spaces that celebrate natural beauty and authentic materials.
Colonial & Pacific: The Auckland name evokes Pacific and colonial aesthetics. Works beautifully in homes drawing inspiration from Southern Hemisphere design—relaxed sophistication, indoor-outdoor living, and natural materials. Pair with natural fibers, tropical plants, and relaxed furnishings.
Professional Traditional: Perfect for home offices and studies requiring professional appearance with traditional warmth. The refined oak signals established success without corporate coldness.
Versatile Rich Neutral: Rich brown oak works as a sophisticated neutral foundation, coordinating with numerous color schemes. The refined tones provide a warm, grounded backdrop that works with earth tones, jewel colors, neutrals, and more—providing flexibility as you change décor over years.
Hotel-Inspired Elegance: The refined character works in hotel-inspired interiors seeking sophisticated, quality aesthetics. Perfect for master bedrooms, guest rooms, and principal spaces requiring elegant, upscale styling.
Universal Appeal: Rich natural oak has broad appeal—sophisticated, warm, refined, and versatile across traditional, transitional, and contemporary styles. Perfect for homes and commercial spaces requiring universal acceptance.
Coordinate Across Formats:
Multi-Format Installations: Consider using Auckland Oak rigid core upstairs (acoustic benefits crucial for bedrooms with refined, sophisticated character) and the matching gluedown format VGW52T downstairs (permanent installation for high-traffic ground floor). This creates coordinated refined elegance with installation formats optimized for each area.
Mix with Van Gogh Planks: The refined rich tones coordinate beautifully with other Van Gogh Rigid Core designs. Combine with complementary natural wood tones or stone tiles—Auckland Oak works well across various material combinations.
Whole-Home Refined Consistency: The rich refined palette works in every room—bedrooms, living areas, dining rooms, hallways—creating cohesive, flowing interiors with consistent sophisticated natural character throughout.
Accessories & Finishing:
Complete your installation with Karndean scotia beading and skirting boards in coordinating rich, natural wood, or brown 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 refined natural aesthetic.
Why Choose Van Gogh Rigid Core:
DIY-Friendly Installation: Save hundreds of pounds on professional installation costs with the simple click-lock system. Traditional hardwood installation costs £30-50/m² in fitting alone—eliminate these costs entirely by installing refined oak yourself.
Pre-attached Underlay: No separate underlay to buy or install—the acoustic foam backing is already integrated, saving time and money.
Acoustic Performance: Reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB, making refined 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 in sophisticated, peaceful spaces.
Warmer Than Real Wood: Unlike genuine hardwood that feels cold, rigid core vinyl remains comfortable and warm underfoot year-round—perfectly complementing the warm visual character of Auckland oak.
Refined Natural Character: Achieve the beautiful rich brown palette with golden undertones that creates sophisticated, elegant spaces—perfect for traditional homes, quality interiors, and spaces prioritizing refined natural beauty.
Mid-Range Excellence: Van Gogh Rigid Core delivers the same distinctive grain detail and design heritage as premium hardwood but with installation convenience and DIY savings that make refined character accessible to more homeowners.
Authentic Oak Appearance: High-definition photographic layer and realistic embossing create convincingly authentic Auckland oak grain and natural variation that rivals expensive hardwood installations.
100% Waterproof Construction: Unlike real hardwood that suffers water damage, this format is fully waterproof—suitable even for kitchens and bathrooms where traditional oak would be impractical.
Enhanced Wear Layer: The 0.55mm (20 mil) wear layer provides superior durability that surpasses traditional hardwood finishes.
6.5mm Thickness: Substantially thicker than gluedown formats, providing enhanced stability and comfort.
Rigid Core Technology: K-Core provides exceptional dimensional stability, preventing the gapping, warping, and cupping common with real hardwood.
Lifetime Residential Warranty: Superior warranty coverage for your investment—hardwood warranties are typically much shorter and exclude water damage.
15-Year Commercial Warranty: Suitable for commercial offices, retail spaces, and hospitality venues requiring refined natural aesthetics.
Perfect for Renovations: Can install over existing hard floors with minimal preparation—hardwood requires extensive subfloor preparation and costly removal.
Handles Uneven Subfloors: Rigid core construction accommodates minor imperfections that would require expensive leveling for hardwood installation.
Reversible Installation: Can be lifted and reinstalled if needed—impossible with glued or nailed hardwood.
Quick Installation: Faster than traditional hardwood, meaning minimal disruption—can be DIY-installed in weekends.
Easy Maintenance: Simple sweep and mop—no sanding, refinishing, oiling, or varnishing. Traditional hardwood requires refinishing every 7-10 years.
Hygienic: Won't harbor dust, dirt, or allergens in wood grain like real hardwood.
Family-Friendly: Safe for children and pets, comfortable to play on, and easy to maintain. The rich tones create sophisticated yet welcoming family spaces.
Individual Plank Replacement: Damaged planks can be clicked out and replaced without professional help.
Underfloor Heating Compatible: Works with modern heating systems up to 27°C.
Trusted Brand: Over 50 years of Karndean flooring expertise.
Versatile Applications: Suitable for residential and commercial projects where refined oak is required.
Cost-Effective Oak: Save on professional fitting, underlay, and maintenance costs compared to real oak hardwood.
Sophisticated Natural Appeal: Rich brown oak represents quality, refinement, and natural beauty—elegant sophistication that works across styles.
Broad Appeal: Works across traditional, transitional, and contemporary interiors, appealing to broad range of tastes seeking natural warmth and refinement.
Available in Gluedown: Also available as VGW52T for areas where permanent installation is preferred, allowing coordinated installations throughout homes.
Unique Design Heritage: Van Gogh Rigid Core shares the same inspiration and design quality as the celebrated Van Gogh Gluedown range.
Classic Proportions: Standard 48" x 7" plank format provides authentic timber floor appearance.
Refined Natural Character: The rich brown tones with golden undertones and distinctive grain patterns create spaces that feel sophisticated, elegant, and naturally beautiful—perfect for homes and commercial spaces where refined quality matters.
Auckland Oak SCB52 delivers authentic refined oak aesthetics with sophisticated natural character through revolutionary click-lock convenience—the perfect combination of elegant appearance and modern practicality for today's homes and commercial spaces prioritizing natural refinement and quality.
