1868EngineeredWood Flooring
Birch Plywood Core
We only use high quality European manufactured 100% birch plywood for our 1868 flooring, for the ultimate stability.
Tongue & Grooved
Not all tongue and groove joints are the same, ours has been refined over decades to provide easy installation and a positive fit.
Micro Bevelled
Our 1868 floors are machined with a 1mm micro bevel, just enough to define every plank whilst keeping the floor easy to clean.
Random Lengths
We truly believe our length specification is unbeatable, offering a beautiful balance of lengths adding interest and character.
Hardwax Oil Finish
Our German manufactured Saicos oils penetrate deep into the pores of the wood producing a hard wearing, water and dirt repellent surface which is easy to clean.
Water UFH
Suitable for installation over water based underfloor heating when fitted according to our installation instructions.
25 Year Warranty
We offer a 25 year domestic warranty on all our 1868 wood floors giving you total reassurance and piece of mind.
FSC Certified
All our raw materials are sourced from sustainably managed forests and accredited by FSC™.
1868 Production
The European Oak for our 1868 range is solely sourced from Baltic forests which are renowned for their slow growth characteristics which ensures stability when it is being dried.
Unlike our competition who produce top layers from thicker sections of kiln dried timber which are then band sawn, we cut our top layers directly from fresh sawn logs. Although cutting top layers from kiln dried timber is quicker, it results in tension within the top layers as well as stronger colour changes due to the forced extraction of moisture and tannins.
Every 1868 top layer is fresh cut at 7mm or 9mm thick, after which the ends of the boards are dipped in wax to prevent end cracks. The fresh cut and waxed top layers are then individually dried on aluminium racks to avoid stick marks.
After air drying the top layers are kiln dried according to a moderate drying schedule to 6-8% moisture content, resulting in perfect top layers, free of tension and having retained their original natural colour.
Our 1868 top layers are then calibrated for width and thickness before gluing and pressing them onto the plywood. The calibration to thickness is performed by a rotating planing machine which is especially developed for this purpose, resulting in a very even and straight top layer, free of any hidden Tensions with an optimized, even surface which forms a perfect surface for the glue to adhere to.
Consistent high quality birch plywood is an essential component within our 1868 flooring. Prior to production all of our plywood is acclimatised in the kiln with the top layers for several days to ensure the moisture content is the same as the top layer, avoiding any tension within the finished flooring.
Our top layers are then cold pressed onto the plywood, using an adhesive, called an EPI- system, provided by Dynea in Norway. The Prefere 6170 with Prefere 6670 hardener is a 100% formaldehyde-free adhesive system. The adhesive is ideal for gluing critical materials and species such as oak, core smoked oak and resinous wood species such as douglas fir.
After the pressing, all open defects are filled. Prior to filling, each open defect is inspected and if needed, loose particles and ingrown bark are removed to ensure an optimal bonding of the filler. The filler is a mix of saw-dust and a two-component glue, which can be pigmented. It bonds extremely well, is very hard, and withstands the toughest circumstances.
1868 Widths
1868 Grades
We cannot accept rejection of a complete floor based on a small number of boards being outside the grading parameters and we strongly advise that our floors are installed by a professional wood flooring installer who will remove any defects within the normal wastage allowance.
Mixed Grade
Our 1868 mixed grade wood floors are designed to look as nature intended, displaying the natural beauty and diversity found within European oak.
With an assortment of natural tones, the large and small knots add character and individuality, making these floors perfect for busy family homes.
Nature Grade
Our 1868 nature grade wood floors are hand selected to produce a natural, consistent appearance with small knots and occasional checks.
The harmonious tone is perfect for creating a calm, tranquil environment for statement interior designs in both modern and contemporary homes.
Select Grade
Our 1868 select grade wood floors are hand selected to produce a clean consistent colour with small sound pin knots up to 10mm.
Small colour variations between planks will be present but virtually no filler or sapwood will be used in select grade flooring.
Wood Flooring Finishes
The Saicos Hardwax oil system is unique in providing an open pore surface, allowing the wood to breathe thereby reducing the natural movement of wood. The Saicos Hardwax Oil also penetrates deep into the pores of the wood producing a hard wearing, water and dirt repellent surface which is easy to clean.
Solstice Collection
This collection is perfect for recreating the classic “New England” style. Its spectrum of gentle shades would suit a commercial interior or a home where a more contemporary look is required.
Calm shades on gentle brushed surfaces bring a sense of tranquillity reminiscent of winter walks along coastal paths, driftwood and moonlight.
Desert Collection
All the colours offer the chance to bring the outdoors indoors, and the spectrum of light greys and browns are perfect for any room in the home.
Great for residential and hospitality environments where a spectrum of colours is needed.
Heritage Collection
Each hand crafted board bears the attention to detail and care in its finished appearance. Dark almost inky hues and chocolate browns combine to bring an aged timeless feel.
Perfect for Medieval homes, traditional pubs, or as the ideal standout colour in a modern interior.
Urban Collection
These muted colours are perfect for herringbone floors, which allows the light to accentuate the lightly brushed grain structure and subtle grain pigmentation in each finish.
Perfect for modern apartments, contemporary interiors and commercial projects alike.
1868 Downloads
Visit our Wood Flooring Showroom
Our Wood Flooring Showroom displays over 250m² of wood flooring so that you can choose your next floor with confidence.