Gaia Floors eTerra White Series River Shoal GA652306 SPC 6.5mm 7.2-inch
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Quick Answer
What is River Shoal?
River Shoal is a deep, weathered wood-look print in the grey family, a photographic plank pattern applied over an SPC stone-polymer core. Its color is a charcoal-leaning grey with a distinctly cool undertone, and the print carries pronounced swirling figure, dark cat's-eye knots, fine mineral streaking, and strong board-to-board variation. River Shoal reads as a moody, weathered charcoal-grey, darker and cooler than a balanced mid grey and far from a pale washed neutral.
Is it waterproof?
Yes — 100% waterproof. A splash at the sink or a dropped glass wipes up without harming River Shoal when cleaned promptly; don't leave water standing. Indoor use only — outdoor installation is not approved.
Will it hold up to daily life?
River Shoal has a 20 mil protective layer — thicker than the roughly 12-mil mid-tier and 6-mil entry-level LVT wear layers. That's the physical protective film above the print, sealed by UV-cured ceramic bead (EnduraPro) finish.
What does the plank surface look like?
The plank surface is a smooth printed wood-look built on pronounced swirling cathedral figure that runs the length of each board. Dark cat's-eye knots sit within the figure and fine mineral streaking threads through it, while marked board-to-board variation keeps the run lively across a wide floor. The top is sealed with a UV-cured ceramic-bead finish that resists scratches and stains and needs no waxing.
Quiet enough upstairs or in a condo?
The IXPE antimicrobial sound-deadening acoustic layer damps the hollow "click" sound characteristic of floating floors. River Shoal installs quieter than LVT with a loose pad — both for the walker and for rooms below in multi-story homes.
Is it safe for indoor air?
Yes — River Shoal is FloorScore, GREENGUARD Gold certified, independently tested for low chemical emissions. That matters most for households with allergies, asthma, or young children.
Will this color work in my room?
River Shoal sits at a medium-deep grey with a cool charcoal cast, so it feels dramatic and substantial rather than soft. Because the undertone runs cool, the shade pairs with crisp whites, black metal, taupe upholstery, and reclaimed wood-tone accents, and it sets off strong contrast against pale walls. Under cool overhead light the charcoal depth reads at its most graphic, and as the light drops in the evening River Shoal turns even moodier, which is exactly where this floor is meant to live.
Price range?
Material price: $3 to $4 per square foot for River Shoal. Plus CA sales tax. River Shoal ships special-order in 3-7 business days; only the rotating set of colors on our sale page is stocked for immediate pickup. Trade pricing available with verified license. Call (408) 753-3220.
Overview
River Shoal is a deep weathered grey carrying a cool charcoal undertone, a wood-look print laid over a stone-polymer core. The print runs pronounced swirling figure the length of each board, with dark cat's-eye knots set into the figure and fine mineral streaking, and the boards vary noticeably one to the next, so River Shoal reads as a weathered, moody grey rather than a flat slate. The planks click together as a glueless floating floor and wear a UV-cured ceramic-bead finish that resists scratches and stains, holding that charcoal depth steady under daily traffic. In a modern industrial living room the cool grey print suits a dramatic, low-lit space, here under cool overhead light beside a reclaimed-wood media wall, a curved sectional in taupe, and a tripod floor lamp. That bold dark mood carries equally well into a home theater, a media den, or a city loft where you want a strong floor underfoot rather than a quiet one.
A deep charcoal-grey weathered print with dark cat's-eye knots that holds a low-lit industrial living room dramatic and self-assured after dark.
Specifications
| SKU | GA652306 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Gaia Floor |
| Collection | eTerra White Series |
| Color | River Shoal |
| Plank size | 7.2 inches wide × 48 inches long |
| Thickness | 6.5mm |
| Wear layer | 20 mil |
| Finish | UV-cured ceramic bead (EnduraPro) |
| Locking system | Uniclic |
| SF per carton | 19.23 sq ft |
| Installation grade | Above, On, Below grade |
| Waterproof | Yes — 100% |
| Warranty | 50 Years Residential / 10 Years Light Commercial limited warranty (prorated after the first 5 residential years). Covers manufacturing defects, the UV-cured ceramic-bead finish, and topical waterproof protection under normal use. Non-transferable; original purchaser, single-site installation. |
| Certifications | FloorScore, GREENGUARD Gold |
Installation
River Shoal's manufacturer installation specifications. Care follows in its own section.
Installation method
These planks install as a glueless floating floor and may be laid over most existing clean, dry, level hard-surface coverings. For indoor, climate-controlled use only; not suitable for sun-rooms, solariums, showers, saunas, seasonal porches, RVs, boats, or any space with flooding potential. Acclimate the planks a minimum of about 12 hours on site before installation. Maintain a 1/4" expansion gap to walls and fixed construction such as pillars, cabinets, and islands. Install T-moldings in doorways 4 ft or narrower and in rooms 49 ft or longer in any direction. The acoustic pad is attached to the plank, so no additional underlayment should be added. Inspect every plank under good lighting before installation and discard pieces with questionable color, finish, or sheen; report visual defects within 15 days. Purchase about 5% extra material for back stock and future replacements.
Climate & humidity
Install in conditions of 35-55% relative humidity and a room temperature of 60-80°F, and keep three-season rooms within that range year-round.
Subfloor flatness & prep
The sub-floor must be flat within 3/16" over 10 ft (or 1/8" over 6 ft) and securely anchored. Concrete sub-floors must be ASTM F710 compliant, at least 3,000 psi in density, with a pH of 9 or below.
Moisture testing
Concrete must test at no more than 80% relative humidity (ASTM F2170) and no more than 3 lbs/1000 sq ft/24 hr (ASTM F1869). New concrete or gypcrete must cure and dry a minimum of 4 weeks before installation. A vapor barrier is required over all concrete sub-floors: 6 mil polyethylene with an 8" overlap.
Radiant heat compatibility
Compatible with radiant heat as long as the floor surface temperature never exceeds 80°F (26.67°C). Keep at least 1/2" of separation between heating elements and the flooring, and an in-floor temperature sensor is recommended. Raise or lower radiant heat gradually, about 10°F per day, and never shut it off abruptly.
Care & maintenance
Keeping River Shoal looking its best takes very little — the manufacturer care guidance is below.
Daily maintenance
Vacuum or sweep regularly to remove grit, but do not use vacuums with beater bars or power rotary brush heads. Clean spills quickly with a luxury vinyl cleaner and a clean white cloth, mopping back-and-forth and replacing the mop cover when soiled. Use a pH-neutral cleaner; no waxing is required. Avoid steam cleaners, spray cleaners, and any device that sprays liquid directly on the floor, as water can cause damage. Never use oil soaps, wax, liquid detergent, or other household products, and avoid excessive wet mopping and standing water. Place exterior and interior entry mats at all entrances, but avoid rubber-backed mats, which can stain the floor or trap moisture.
Furniture protection
Use felt or plastic floor protectors at least 1" in diameter under furniture legs. Chairs with wheeled casters need flat 1"-wide casters and a protective rigid mat; rubber casters are preferred over plastic or metal. Use a dolly to move heavy furniture or appliances; never slide or roll heavy items across the floor.
Pets & claws
Trim pets' nails and inspect footwear for spiked heels to protect the finish.
Climate & humidity
Minimize direct sunlight and intense lighting by keeping window treatments closed when sunlight is strong.
Radiant
Use caution with area rugs over radiant heating, as they can raise the floor temperature beyond recommended levels.
Frequently asked questions
How do I estimate how much flooring I need?
Pro tip: Don't shortchange the 10% buffer. If you end up with 3-5 extra cartons, keep them — don't return them. Even if you reorder the same SKU in 3 months, it'll be a different manufacturing batch with slightly different tone and grain. It won't match your existing floor. The extras are insurance against leaks, furniture damage, or cracks down the road.
Can I install SPC myself?
Most common case: DIY is allowed, but install mistakes (missed expansion gap, bad subfloor prep, wrong stagger, skipped moisture barrier) void that portion of coverage. Material defects from the manufacturer remain covered.
A few brands go further — their warranty requires "professional installation by a licensed contractor" as a coverage condition, so any DIY = warranty void even without mistakes. Check your brand's warranty language before deciding.
Pro tip: when a claim is filed, the manufacturer sends a licensed flooring inspector. DIY that followed manufacturer spec to the letter passes inspection; DIY that cut corners won't. We recommend: price out a licensed contractor quote first, read your warranty carefully, and decide based on your comfort with the procedure — not just labor savings.
Will it work in my basement?
Layer 1 — concrete moisture epoxy applied directly to the slab (manufacturer-approved liquid-applied membrane). Reduces vapor transmission well below the slab moisture limit this floor requires (measured per ASTM F1869 — see the Installation section for the exact figure).
Layer 2 — 6-mil polyethylene sheeting on the cured epoxy. The epoxy resists normal slab conditions; the plastic above is insurance against slab cracks from settling or seismic movement (common in older Bay Area homes built on fill). If the slab cracks in year 12, the plastic stops moisture before it reaches your SPC.
Cost: $600-1,100 for a typical basement vs $50-100 for plastic alone. For a floor lasting 20+ years in a moisture-prone slab, double protection pays for itself the first time the slab shifts.
How does SPC compare to real hardwood?
A genuine hardwood investment means solid hardwood, or engineered hardwood with 3mm+ veneer. That veneer thickness is the threshold where the floor becomes refinishable (2-3 refinishes over 50+ years, updated stain colors as trends shift). Appraisers factor genuine hardwood into home value; they don't factor SPC.
Caveat: budget engineered hardwood with 1-2mm veneer shares SPC's non-refinishable, 20-25 year practical life — but unlike SPC it is not waterproof, and unlike genuine hardwood with a 3mm+ veneer it cannot be refinished, so SPC stays the better pick for kitchens, baths, and basements. If you're paying hardwood prices, verify the veneer spec. Kapriz carries both categories; the right choice depends on your rooms and refinishing expectations.
Do you offer samples I can take home?
How fast does it ship?
What's your return policy?
Always covered at no cost: manufacturing defects, wrong product shipped, delivery damage documented on receipt. Call (408) 753-3220 to report.
Why not returnable by default: reverse freight on a pallet runs $300–800 with damage risk through 6 handoffs — Kapriz carries that exposure.
Rare written exceptions: 25% restocking fee + customer pays freight. Never for opened cartons, custom orders, or discontinued runs.
Pro tip: call (408) 753-3220 to arrange a sample loan before a large order — confirm the color is in the showroom (inventory rotates).