Gaia Floors eTerra White Series American Hickory GA651115 SPC 6.5mm 7.2-inch

American Hickory is a pale blonde-leaning beige with a clean warm cast, a wood-look print laid over a stone-polymer core. The pattern is unusually quiet: fine straight grain lines run the length of each board with only a subtle cathedral lift, a few faint pin knots, and gentle board-to-board variation, so the floor reads crisp and uncluttered rather than rustic. The planks click together as a glueless floating floor and wear a UV-cured ceramic-bead finish that resists scratches and stains, which keeps the bright blonde-beige of American Hickory even across a high-traffic, open layout. In this modern-minimalist living room the floor stretches under many windows in bright midday light, set against bright white walls, cream sofas, burnt-orange leather armchairs, and a black grand piano on a gallery wall, with a potted orchid as the one living accent. That airy, daylight-filled feel makes American Hickory a strong pick for an open entertaining room, a sunlit great room, or a bright modern dining space where you want a light floor that lets bold furniture and art carry the color.

A bright blonde-leaning beige with quiet straight grain, an airy, daylight-filled floor for an open modern entertaining room.

American Hickory'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.

Keeping American Hickory 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.

UV exposure (rooms with many windows)

Sustained direct sun can fade any hard-surface floor over time, so high-exposure rooms benefit from a window treatment.

Pro tip: In south-facing or many-window rooms, light-filtering window film or shades cut the UV reaching the floor and protect nearby furniture and area rugs at the same time.