North Forest Collection — 12mm AC5 Laminate (Republic Floor)

The North Forest Collection is the largest single line in the Republic Floor lineup at Kapriz — fourteen colors, the broadest color selection of any Republic Floor collection, spanning light blonde and beige tones through medium brown and multi-tone rustic visuals. Each 9.3333″ x 72.25″ plank is built on a 12mm laminate core with an AC5 wear rating, the heaviest commercial-grade abrasion class Republic Floor offers, joined with a V-Groove, angle-drop click-lock edge. The floor is water-resistant, rated for up to 300 hours of topical-spill protection, though it does not ship with an attached pad — installation requires a separate Republic-approved underlayment such as EVA 3mm. Backed by a 25 Years Residential / 10 Years Light Commercial warranty and available to order through our Santa Clara showroom.

North Forest Collection specifications

  • Core & thickness: 12mm laminate core
  • Wear layer: AC5-rated — the heaviest commercial-grade laminate wear class in the Republic Floor line
  • Plank size: 9.3333″ x 72.25″ · Edge: V-Groove
  • Locking: Angle-drop click-lock · Underlayment: not pre-attached — requires a separate Republic-approved underlayment such as EVA 3mm, plus a vapor barrier over concrete subfloors
  • Coverage: 23.31 sq ft/carton · Water-resistant: rated for up to 300 hours of topical-spill protection (not unconditionally waterproof)
  • Warranty: 25 Years Residential / 10 Years Light Commercial
  • Certifications: none published by Republic Floor for this collection
  • Colors: 14 — blonde and light beige through medium beige, light brown, honey/golden, light grey, and multi-tone rustic visuals

Colors in the North Forest Collection

At 14 colors, North Forest carries the widest single-collection color range Republic Floor offers at Kapriz. The lineup opens with light, airy tones — blonde, light beige, and light grey — moves through warmer honey/golden and medium beige shades, and closes with deeper light-brown and multi-tone rustic visuals that read closer to reclaimed wood. That range means a bright, sun-lit room and a cozy, low-light room can both find a match within the same collection, without stepping outside its spec.

Best uses for North Forest Collection

  • High-traffic living areas and hallways — AC5 is the heaviest commercial-grade wear rating in the Republic Floor lineup.
  • Kitchens and spill-prone rooms — water-resistant, rated for up to 300 hours of topical-spill protection.
  • Basements and below-grade rooms — approved for above, on, and below-grade installation.
  • Radiant-heat rooms — compatible with radiant heat systems; keep the floor’s surface temperature at or below 85°F.
  • Households with kids and pets — the AC5 wear layer is built to hold up to daily foot traffic.
  • Whole-home and open-plan projects — 14 colors give enough range to carry one collection from room to room.

Choosing a color from the North Forest Collection

Lighter tones like blonde, light beige, and light grey open up a small or low-light room and pair easily with most cabinetry, while the honey/golden and medium beige shades add warmth to larger, brighter spaces. If you’re leaning toward one of the multi-tone rustic colors, bring your cabinet or trim samples with you — those visuals carry more color variation plank to plank, and it’s worth seeing a physical sample against your finishes at our Santa Clara showroom before you order.

Frequently asked questions about the North Forest Collection

Is the North Forest Collection waterproof?
It’s water-resistant, rated for up to 300 hours of topical-spill protection, rather than unconditionally waterproof. Wipe up spills and standing water promptly and follow Republic Floor’s care guidance to stay within the warranty.
Does North Forest come with the underlayment attached?
No. This collection does not ship with a pre-attached pad — you’ll need a separate Republic-approved underlayment such as EVA 3mm, plus a vapor/moisture barrier over concrete subfloors.
What does the AC5 wear rating mean?
AC5 is the heaviest commercial-grade abrasion class Republic Floor offers on this collection — it’s built to hold up under heavy residential foot traffic and light commercial use.
Can North Forest be installed in a basement or below grade?
Yes, it’s approved for above-grade, on-grade, and below-grade installation, including basements — install a vapor/moisture barrier over concrete subfloors first.
How much coverage does a carton provide?
Each carton covers 23.31 square feet. Order a few extra cartons beyond your measured square footage to cover cuts, waste, and staggered layout.

Written by Sergey Stotskiy

Managing Partner, Kapriz Hardwood Floors · Licensed California C-15 Flooring Contractor #875369 (active since 2006) · Established 2003

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