North Water — 12mm SPC Vinyl Plank (Republic Floor)

North Water sits at the top of the Republic Floor lineup at Kapriz — 12mm total thickness with a 28 mil wear layer, the thickest core and heaviest wear layer of any Republic Floor collection we carry, for a floor that feels noticeably more substantial underfoot and stands up longer to daily wear. It’s built as rigid SPC (Stone Polymer Core) with an angle-drop click-lock joint and an attached acoustic EVA underlayment already bonded to every plank, so there’s no separate pad to buy or install. Planks run 9″ x 72″ across 5 colors spanning medium grey, light brown, and medium beige tones. The collection is FloorScore certified and carries a 50 Years Residential / 10 Years Commercial warranty, and is available to order through our Santa Clara showroom.

North Water specifications

• Core & thickness: 12mm total, SPC (Stone Polymer Core)
• Wear layer: 28 mil
• Plank size: 9″ x 72″
• Locking: Angle-drop click-lock · Underlayment: attached acoustic EVA pad
• Coverage: 13.47 sq ft/carton (thicker, heavier planks per box) · Waterproof: yes, 100% waterproof SPC core
• Warranty: 50 Years Residential / 10 Years Commercial
• Certifications: FloorScore
• Colors: 5, medium grey through light brown and medium beige

Colors in the North Water

The 5 North Water colors group into three families: a medium grey, a light brown, and a medium beige, so the range leans toward neutral, livable tones rather than very light or very dark extremes. Bastia and Costa Wyoming lean toward the grey end for a cooler, contemporary look, while Crema Canyon, Magma Bordeaux, and Paradiso Bash bring in warmer beige and brown undertones that suit a more traditional or transitional room. Any of the five reads well against light or mid-tone cabinetry and trim.

Best uses for North Water

• Kitchens — the SPC core is 100% waterproof, so spills and splashes around sinks and dishwashers aren’t a risk.
• Bathrooms — the same waterproof core plus the attached underlayment holds up to a wet, high-humidity room.
• Basements — rated for above, on, and below-grade installation, so it can go straight over a concrete slab with a moisture barrier.
• Pet households — the 28 mil wear layer, the heaviest in the Republic Floor lineup, resists scratches from claws and everyday foot traffic.
• High-traffic areas — the 12mm thickness and rigid core give the floor more substance underfoot in hallways and open living spaces.
• Open-concept spaces — the attached acoustic underlayment helps quiet footsteps across large, connected rooms.

Choosing a color from the North Water

In a bright, north- or east-facing room either the grey or the beige/brown tones work well; in a room with less natural light, the warmer Crema Canyon or Paradiso Bash tones tend to feel cozier than the cooler greys. Since North Water pairs with a range of cabinetry, bring a sample home or see it under your own room’s lighting before deciding, and stop by our Santa Clara showroom to see all 5 colors in person and compare them side by side.

Frequently asked questions about the North Water

Is North Water actually waterproof, or just water-resistant?

It’s genuinely waterproof. North Water is built on an SPC (Stone Polymer Core), which does not absorb or swell from water the way wood-based products can, so it’s suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet-prone rooms.

Why is the coverage per carton lower than some other collections?

North Water’s 12mm thickness is the heaviest in the Republic Floor lineup, so each plank weighs more and a carton holds fewer square feet — 13.47 sq ft per carton. It’s a direct result of the thicker, more substantial build, not a lesser-value product.

Can North Water be installed over radiant heat?

Yes. North Water is compatible with hydronic and embedded radiant heat systems, provided the floor’s surface temperature stays at or below 85 degrees F.

Is North Water a DIY-friendly install?

It installs as a floating angle-drop click-lock floor with no glue or nails, which many homeowners handle themselves. Over concrete, a 6-mil moisture/vapor barrier is required, and the subfloor should be flat within 3/16″ over 10 ft.

Can I see and feel North Water before I buy?

Yes — all 5 North Water colors are available to order through our Santa Clara showroom, where you can see the actual plank thickness and finish in person before committing.