Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring: An Expert’s Review & Buying Guide
Average Cost To Install New FlooringPrice Range: $1,215 - $2,460
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All Shaw floors have high-definition styles (wood or stone design) and colors. They mimic actual wood and stone in designs, patterns, styles, and textures.
Shaw uses embossed in register (EIR) technology to make the floors.
The molds for the vinyl planks consist of actual wood planks. This leaves genuine wood designs and grain patterns on the vinyl planks.
Waterproof
All Shaw vinyl floors have sealed edges to ensure that moisture doesn’t seep through the planks.
Floors with stone-plastic cores (SPC) are more waterproof than floors with wood-plastic cores (WPC).
They’re better for spaces with high humidity levels and can withstand excessive water contact.
Scratch-Resistance
All Shaw vinyl plank floors come with a wear layer which varies from eight mils thick to 30 mils thick.
One mil equals one layer of protective coating, so the thicker the wear layer, the stronger the scratch-resistance.
For residential and low-foot traffic areas, buying a low-quality vinyl floor will save you money.
In commercial and high-foot-traffic areas, a high-quality vinyl floor will be able to withstand scratches and scuff marks.
FloorScore Badge
The FloorScore badge signifies a third-party test that ensures that the flooring product has little to no volatile organic compounds (VOC).
All Shaw floors are FloorScore certified.
Sweep and vacuum regularly to remove dirt, dust, and other debris
Use mild detergent and a damp mop to clean off stubborn dirt and grime
You don’t need waxes, coatings, or any other chemical substances to maintain the floor’s shine
As Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors have wear layers that make them scratch resistant, scratching these vinyl floors is still possible.
Certain measures keep these luxury vinyl plank floors in pristine condition.
Clean these floors regularly
Wipe off liquid spills immediately
Use rugs and carpets to protect the floor in high-foot-traffic areas
Lift heavy furniture when moving it, instead of sliding it on the floor
Use furniture pads under the furniture to lessen avoid damaging the floors
Use the right vacuum accessories that won’t scratch and damage the floors
Use blinds and curtains to avoid exposing the floors to excessive direct sunlight as it causes the color to fade
What Does Shaw Vinyl Flooring Cost?
Shaw vinyl floors have higher prices than many other vinyl floor brands on the market.
The Floorte floors, with wear layers of between eight and 12 mils, are available for $3 to $5 per square foot.
The premium Floorte floors, also known as Floorte Elite, are available for $4 to $8 per square foot.
With the Floorte Pro products, you get to buy floors, with wear layers of between 12 and 20 mils, for $4 to $6 per square foot.
DuraTru is the most affordable choice between these high-end floors. They carry a low price of $2 to $4 per square foot.
These price tags don’t include installation and underlayment.
Shaw Vinyl Flooring Warranty Policies
All Shaw vinyl plank floors carry different warranty terms and conditions. The warranty length depends on the thickness of the wear layer and the plank core.
If the vinyl plank floor isn’t properly installed or the damage on the floors suggests improper use, Shaw may withdraw the warranty.
FLOOR
WEAR LAYER
RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY
COMMERCIAL WARRANTY
Floorte
8 mil
15 years
5 years
12 mil
30 years
7 years
Floorte Elite
20 mil
Lifetime
10 years
30 mil
Lifetime
20 years
Floorte Pro
12 mil
30 years
7 years
20 mil
Lifetime
10 years
DuraTru
8 and 12 mils
15 years
7 years
Pros of Shaw Vinyl Flooring
According to Shaw luxury vinyl plank reviews, these floors have many advantages over other vinyl plank floors:
Two installation methods: locking floors and glue-down floors
A wide selection of different styles and color choices to choose from
Cons of Shaw Vinyl Flooring
According to Shaw vinyl plank flooring reviews, these floors have many downsides as well. They include:
High price tag
Their color fades when exposed to excessive direct sunlight
Improper installation can make the luxury vinyl plank floors peel and wobble
The vinyl plank isn’t suitable for refinishing, you need to replace damaged planks
All Shaw vinyl plank floors need underlayment and some don’t have a pre-attached underlayment
Some Shaw Montay flooring reviews and Shaw Antica flooring reviews also indicate that not all users find these floors easy to install.
Is Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring Safe?
Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors have a certification from FloorScore. This means that they contain little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
But is Shaw vinyl plank flooring safe? Yes! This third-party certification implies that the luxury vinyl plank floors are safe for pets and children.
These luxury vinyl plank floors also have a slip-resistant coating that helps prevent you from slipping and falling. You can safely and confidently walk on your Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors.
Is Shaw Vinyl Waterproof?
Not all Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors are waterproof. All of them have water-resistant coatings around the edges but the level of water resistance varies with each product.
Luxury vinyl plank floors with stone-plastic cores (SPC) are more water-resistant than those with wood-plastic cores (WPC).
It’s best to wipe off liquid spills as soon as possible. According to Shaw flooring reviews, water may seep through the planks if you don’t remove it soon after the spill occurs.
Extended exposure to water causes the plank to wobble and peel as water slowly seeps through the luxury vinyl plank.
What Is the Best Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring?
According to many Shaw LVP reviews and Shaw Floorte reviews, the Floorte Pro, with its 20 mil wear layer, is the best Shaw vinyl plank flooring option.
It has a stone-plastic core (SPC) which improves the plank’s stability and water resistance. Shaw offers many styles and designs in this lineup, consisting of wood and stone designs.
To learn more about vinyl plank flooring, check out my complete guide to luxury vinyl floors.
Do you have any experience with Shaw’s vinyl floors? If so, drop a comment below and tell me about it.
These floors come in only two wear layer options; eight-mil and 12-mil. With a thickness of between 1.5 and 3 mm, these vinyl planks aren’t as sturdy or rigid as the Floorte vinyl planks.
These vinyl planks come in sheets and have a cork backing layer so they’ll need underlayment.
Even though these floors are waterproof and scratch-resistant, they need extra care due to their low price tag.
Furniture pads, regular and thoughtful cleaning, and going barefoot will increase the floor’s lifespan.
When it comes to looks, the DuraTru has the same high definition wood and stone mimicry.
Vinyl Underlayment Options
Underlaymentreduces the sounds of feet and shoes on the floors and provides a comforting, soft feel to your feet.
Most of Shaw’s vinyl floors don’t have underlayment attached, making it difficult for DIY installers.
Some have acoustical pads that act as underlayments and reduce the noise bouncing off of the flooring.
The following underlayment options from Shaw provide comfort and quieter floors.
Bravo III
In Bravo III, the bonded polyethylene layer provides a moisture barrier that further improves the waterproofing of the floors.
This underlayment option is the optimal thickness for increasing the durability of the floors.
The seams overlap with adhesive strips for easy alignment.
GroundWorks
GroundWorks underlayment is suitable for loose-lay and floating luxury vinyl planks. It contains polyurethane and granulated rubber tires.
It’s 1.9 mm thick and has an extended version of the Shaw residential warranty (extended by five years).
GroundWorks reduces the sounds bouncing off the floors, providing a quiet flooring to walk on.
It’s ideal for both vinyl planks and tiles and is suitable for both glue-down and click-and-lock installations.
Hush II
Hush II is suitable for both luxury vinyl planks and tiles.
The attached underlayment is a mixture of cork and recycled ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) granules. It contains about 85% recycled material.
With impact-sound-reduction, the Hush II helps reduce the noise bouncing off your floors, especially over wood and concrete subfloors.
The underlayment is 2.5 mm thick and adds durability to your vinyl floors. Like GroundWorks, it also extends the residential warranty by five years.
SELITAC® Underlayment
The SELITAC underlayment consists of polystyrene with a foam exterior that offers thermal insulation.
It’s fully recyclable and is easier to cut and install due to its folding panels.
SELITAC is 2 mm thick and its compressed planks give the floors added durability and rigidity.
Features of Shaw Vinyl Plank Floors
What makes Shaw vinyl floors different from the rest? Let’s find out!
Installing Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors
There are two ways of installing Shaw vinyl floors, namely click-and-lock or glue-down.
Locking the floors into place creates a floating floor. This is DIY-friendly but the flooring isn’t as stable as glued-down floors.
Floating floors are ideal for smaller spaces with low foot traffic like bedrooms and home offices.
Glued-down floors lock together first and then get glued to the subfloor. These are more stable than floating floors and are ideal for larger and commercial spaces.
It’s worth noting that floors are harder to replace if they’re glued to the floor. You’re more likely to damage surrounding boards if you need to replace one.
All Shaw vinyl floors need underlayment. Some flooring products have underlayment attached, like the acoustical pads.
HD Floors
All Shaw floors have high-definition styles (wood or stone design) and colors. They mimic actual wood and stone in designs, patterns, styles, and textures.
Shaw uses embossed in register (EIR) technology to make the floors.
The molds for the vinyl planks consist of actual wood planks. This leaves genuine wood designs and grain patterns on the vinyl planks.
Waterproof
All Shaw vinyl floors have sealed edges to ensure that moisture doesn’t seep through the planks.
Floors with stone-plastic cores (SPC) are more waterproof than floors with wood-plastic cores (WPC).
They’re better for spaces with high humidity levels and can withstand excessive water contact.
Scratch-Resistance
All Shaw vinyl plank floors come with a wear layer which varies from eight mils thick to 30 mils thick.
One mil equals one layer of protective coating, so the thicker the wear layer, the stronger the scratch-resistance.
For residential and low-foot traffic areas, buying a low-quality vinyl floor will save you money.
In commercial and high-foot-traffic areas, a high-quality vinyl floor will be able to withstand scratches and scuff marks.
FloorScore Badge
The FloorScore badge signifies a third-party test that ensures that the flooring product has little to no volatile organic compounds (VOC).
All Shaw floors are FloorScore certified.
Sweep and vacuum regularly to remove dirt, dust, and other debris
Use mild detergent and a damp mop to clean off stubborn dirt and grime
You don’t need waxes, coatings, or any other chemical substances to maintain the floor’s shine
As Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors have wear layers that make them scratch resistant, scratching these vinyl floors is still possible.
Certain measures keep these luxury vinyl plank floors in pristine condition.
Clean these floors regularly
Wipe off liquid spills immediately
Use rugs and carpets to protect the floor in high-foot-traffic areas
Lift heavy furniture when moving it, instead of sliding it on the floor
Use furniture pads under the furniture to lessen avoid damaging the floors
Use the right vacuum accessories that won’t scratch and damage the floors
Use blinds and curtains to avoid exposing the floors to excessive direct sunlight as it causes the color to fade
What Does Shaw Vinyl Flooring Cost?
Shaw vinyl floors have higher prices than many other vinyl floor brands on the market.
The Floorte floors, with wear layers of between eight and 12 mils, are available for $3 to $5 per square foot.
The premium Floorte floors, also known as Floorte Elite, are available for $4 to $8 per square foot.
With the Floorte Pro products, you get to buy floors, with wear layers of between 12 and 20 mils, for $4 to $6 per square foot.
DuraTru is the most affordable choice between these high-end floors. They carry a low price of $2 to $4 per square foot.
These price tags don’t include installation and underlayment.
Shaw Vinyl Flooring Warranty Policies
All Shaw vinyl plank floors carry different warranty terms and conditions. The warranty length depends on the thickness of the wear layer and the plank core.
If the vinyl plank floor isn’t properly installed or the damage on the floors suggests improper use, Shaw may withdraw the warranty.
FLOOR
WEAR LAYER
RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY
COMMERCIAL WARRANTY
Floorte
8 mil
15 years
5 years
12 mil
30 years
7 years
Floorte Elite
20 mil
Lifetime
10 years
30 mil
Lifetime
20 years
Floorte Pro
12 mil
30 years
7 years
20 mil
Lifetime
10 years
DuraTru
8 and 12 mils
15 years
7 years
Pros of Shaw Vinyl Flooring
According to Shaw luxury vinyl plank reviews, these floors have many advantages over other vinyl plank floors:
Two installation methods: locking floors and glue-down floors
A wide selection of different styles and color choices to choose from
Cons of Shaw Vinyl Flooring
According to Shaw vinyl plank flooring reviews, these floors have many downsides as well. They include:
High price tag
Their color fades when exposed to excessive direct sunlight
Improper installation can make the luxury vinyl plank floors peel and wobble
The vinyl plank isn’t suitable for refinishing, you need to replace damaged planks
All Shaw vinyl plank floors need underlayment and some don’t have a pre-attached underlayment
Some Shaw Montay flooring reviews and Shaw Antica flooring reviews also indicate that not all users find these floors easy to install.
Is Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring Safe?
Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors have a certification from FloorScore. This means that they contain little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
But is Shaw vinyl plank flooring safe? Yes! This third-party certification implies that the luxury vinyl plank floors are safe for pets and children.
These luxury vinyl plank floors also have a slip-resistant coating that helps prevent you from slipping and falling. You can safely and confidently walk on your Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors.
Is Shaw Vinyl Waterproof?
Not all Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors are waterproof. All of them have water-resistant coatings around the edges but the level of water resistance varies with each product.
Luxury vinyl plank floors with stone-plastic cores (SPC) are more water-resistant than those with wood-plastic cores (WPC).
It’s best to wipe off liquid spills as soon as possible. According to Shaw flooring reviews, water may seep through the planks if you don’t remove it soon after the spill occurs.
Extended exposure to water causes the plank to wobble and peel as water slowly seeps through the luxury vinyl plank.
What Is the Best Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring?
According to many Shaw LVP reviews and Shaw Floorte reviews, the Floorte Pro, with its 20 mil wear layer, is the best Shaw vinyl plank flooring option.
It has a stone-plastic core (SPC) which improves the plank’s stability and water resistance. Shaw offers many styles and designs in this lineup, consisting of wood and stone designs.
To learn more about vinyl plank flooring, check out my complete guide to luxury vinyl floors.
Do you have any experience with Shaw’s vinyl floors? If so, drop a comment below and tell me about it.
These floors come in two wear layer options: 12-mil and 20-mil.
The 12-mil is the cheaper option with a 3.2 mm plank thickness. These planks are rigid but are prone to scratches and scuffs. They’re ideal for light foot traffic.
The 20-mil option is a plank with 6.5 mm thickness. It’s durable, long-lasting flooring that can handle all types of usage.
As these floors are rigid and durable, they’re ideal for commercial uses. They endure direct sunlight and uneven subfloors.
The Pro is suitable for locations with extreme weather conditions and for use in garages and basements.
DuraTru Vinyl Plank Flooring
DuraTru is Shaw’s third vinyl flooring lineup. The name comes from the World’s Fair and Urbanality options. These are the cheapest vinyl floors that Shaw Flooring sells.
These floors come in only two wear layer options; eight-mil and 12-mil. With a thickness of between 1.5 and 3 mm, these vinyl planks aren’t as sturdy or rigid as the Floorte vinyl planks.
These vinyl planks come in sheets and have a cork backing layer so they’ll need underlayment.
Even though these floors are waterproof and scratch-resistant, they need extra care due to their low price tag.
Furniture pads, regular and thoughtful cleaning, and going barefoot will increase the floor’s lifespan.
When it comes to looks, the DuraTru has the same high definition wood and stone mimicry.
Vinyl Underlayment Options
Underlaymentreduces the sounds of feet and shoes on the floors and provides a comforting, soft feel to your feet.
Most of Shaw’s vinyl floors don’t have underlayment attached, making it difficult for DIY installers.
Some have acoustical pads that act as underlayments and reduce the noise bouncing off of the flooring.
The following underlayment options from Shaw provide comfort and quieter floors.
Bravo III
In Bravo III, the bonded polyethylene layer provides a moisture barrier that further improves the waterproofing of the floors.
This underlayment option is the optimal thickness for increasing the durability of the floors.
The seams overlap with adhesive strips for easy alignment.
GroundWorks
GroundWorks underlayment is suitable for loose-lay and floating luxury vinyl planks. It contains polyurethane and granulated rubber tires.
It’s 1.9 mm thick and has an extended version of the Shaw residential warranty (extended by five years).
GroundWorks reduces the sounds bouncing off the floors, providing a quiet flooring to walk on.
It’s ideal for both vinyl planks and tiles and is suitable for both glue-down and click-and-lock installations.
Hush II
Hush II is suitable for both luxury vinyl planks and tiles.
The attached underlayment is a mixture of cork and recycled ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) granules. It contains about 85% recycled material.
With impact-sound-reduction, the Hush II helps reduce the noise bouncing off your floors, especially over wood and concrete subfloors.
The underlayment is 2.5 mm thick and adds durability to your vinyl floors. Like GroundWorks, it also extends the residential warranty by five years.
SELITAC® Underlayment
The SELITAC underlayment consists of polystyrene with a foam exterior that offers thermal insulation.
It’s fully recyclable and is easier to cut and install due to its folding panels.
SELITAC is 2 mm thick and its compressed planks give the floors added durability and rigidity.
Features of Shaw Vinyl Plank Floors
What makes Shaw vinyl floors different from the rest? Let’s find out!
Installing Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors
There are two ways of installing Shaw vinyl floors, namely click-and-lock or glue-down.
Locking the floors into place creates a floating floor. This is DIY-friendly but the flooring isn’t as stable as glued-down floors.
Floating floors are ideal for smaller spaces with low foot traffic like bedrooms and home offices.
Glued-down floors lock together first and then get glued to the subfloor. These are more stable than floating floors and are ideal for larger and commercial spaces.
It’s worth noting that floors are harder to replace if they’re glued to the floor. You’re more likely to damage surrounding boards if you need to replace one.
All Shaw vinyl floors need underlayment. Some flooring products have underlayment attached, like the acoustical pads.
HD Floors
All Shaw floors have high-definition styles (wood or stone design) and colors. They mimic actual wood and stone in designs, patterns, styles, and textures.
Shaw uses embossed in register (EIR) technology to make the floors.
The molds for the vinyl planks consist of actual wood planks. This leaves genuine wood designs and grain patterns on the vinyl planks.
Waterproof
All Shaw vinyl floors have sealed edges to ensure that moisture doesn’t seep through the planks.
Floors with stone-plastic cores (SPC) are more waterproof than floors with wood-plastic cores (WPC).
They’re better for spaces with high humidity levels and can withstand excessive water contact.
Scratch-Resistance
All Shaw vinyl plank floors come with a wear layer which varies from eight mils thick to 30 mils thick.
One mil equals one layer of protective coating, so the thicker the wear layer, the stronger the scratch-resistance.
For residential and low-foot traffic areas, buying a low-quality vinyl floor will save you money.
In commercial and high-foot-traffic areas, a high-quality vinyl floor will be able to withstand scratches and scuff marks.
FloorScore Badge
The FloorScore badge signifies a third-party test that ensures that the flooring product has little to no volatile organic compounds (VOC).
All Shaw floors are FloorScore certified.
Sweep and vacuum regularly to remove dirt, dust, and other debris
Use mild detergent and a damp mop to clean off stubborn dirt and grime
You don’t need waxes, coatings, or any other chemical substances to maintain the floor’s shine
As Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors have wear layers that make them scratch resistant, scratching these vinyl floors is still possible.
Certain measures keep these luxury vinyl plank floors in pristine condition.
Clean these floors regularly
Wipe off liquid spills immediately
Use rugs and carpets to protect the floor in high-foot-traffic areas
Lift heavy furniture when moving it, instead of sliding it on the floor
Use furniture pads under the furniture to lessen avoid damaging the floors
Use the right vacuum accessories that won’t scratch and damage the floors
Use blinds and curtains to avoid exposing the floors to excessive direct sunlight as it causes the color to fade
What Does Shaw Vinyl Flooring Cost?
Shaw vinyl floors have higher prices than many other vinyl floor brands on the market.
The Floorte floors, with wear layers of between eight and 12 mils, are available for $3 to $5 per square foot.
The premium Floorte floors, also known as Floorte Elite, are available for $4 to $8 per square foot.
With the Floorte Pro products, you get to buy floors, with wear layers of between 12 and 20 mils, for $4 to $6 per square foot.
DuraTru is the most affordable choice between these high-end floors. They carry a low price of $2 to $4 per square foot.
These price tags don’t include installation and underlayment.
Shaw Vinyl Flooring Warranty Policies
All Shaw vinyl plank floors carry different warranty terms and conditions. The warranty length depends on the thickness of the wear layer and the plank core.
If the vinyl plank floor isn’t properly installed or the damage on the floors suggests improper use, Shaw may withdraw the warranty.
FLOOR
WEAR LAYER
RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY
COMMERCIAL WARRANTY
Floorte
8 mil
15 years
5 years
12 mil
30 years
7 years
Floorte Elite
20 mil
Lifetime
10 years
30 mil
Lifetime
20 years
Floorte Pro
12 mil
30 years
7 years
20 mil
Lifetime
10 years
DuraTru
8 and 12 mils
15 years
7 years
Pros of Shaw Vinyl Flooring
According to Shaw luxury vinyl plank reviews, these floors have many advantages over other vinyl plank floors:
Two installation methods: locking floors and glue-down floors
A wide selection of different styles and color choices to choose from
Cons of Shaw Vinyl Flooring
According to Shaw vinyl plank flooring reviews, these floors have many downsides as well. They include:
High price tag
Their color fades when exposed to excessive direct sunlight
Improper installation can make the luxury vinyl plank floors peel and wobble
The vinyl plank isn’t suitable for refinishing, you need to replace damaged planks
All Shaw vinyl plank floors need underlayment and some don’t have a pre-attached underlayment
Some Shaw Montay flooring reviews and Shaw Antica flooring reviews also indicate that not all users find these floors easy to install.
Is Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring Safe?
Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors have a certification from FloorScore. This means that they contain little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
But is Shaw vinyl plank flooring safe? Yes! This third-party certification implies that the luxury vinyl plank floors are safe for pets and children.
These luxury vinyl plank floors also have a slip-resistant coating that helps prevent you from slipping and falling. You can safely and confidently walk on your Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors.
Is Shaw Vinyl Waterproof?
Not all Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors are waterproof. All of them have water-resistant coatings around the edges but the level of water resistance varies with each product.
Luxury vinyl plank floors with stone-plastic cores (SPC) are more water-resistant than those with wood-plastic cores (WPC).
It’s best to wipe off liquid spills as soon as possible. According to Shaw flooring reviews, water may seep through the planks if you don’t remove it soon after the spill occurs.
Extended exposure to water causes the plank to wobble and peel as water slowly seeps through the luxury vinyl plank.
What Is the Best Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring?
According to many Shaw LVP reviews and Shaw Floorte reviews, the Floorte Pro, with its 20 mil wear layer, is the best Shaw vinyl plank flooring option.
It has a stone-plastic core (SPC) which improves the plank’s stability and water resistance. Shaw offers many styles and designs in this lineup, consisting of wood and stone designs.
To learn more about vinyl plank flooring, check out my complete guide to luxury vinyl floors.
Do you have any experience with Shaw’s vinyl floors? If so, drop a comment below and tell me about it.
Most of these floors have wood grains and textures. The range comprises over 100 styles and color options.
The wood-plastic core doesn’t resist water as well as the stone-plastic core but is pliable and soft underfoot.
These floors are available in three options with different wear layers.
The thickness of the wear layer determines the scratch resistance of the floors and how long they can withstand scratches and scuffs.
With the eight-mil wear layer, you get the budget-friendly option for low foot traffic areas. These planks have a thickness of 5.5 mm so the durability isn’t compromised.
The 12-mil Floorte option is for moderate foot traffic and is thicker in size, at around 7 mm.
Floorte Elite, the premium range, has 20 and 30-mil options. These withstand high foot traffic areas and have a thickness of eight to 12 mm.
Thanks to the foam and padding surrounding the core, this flooring is quieter, warmer, and softer on the feet, perfect for no-shoe households!
With the core being a type of wood, it’s easier to cut and trim to different shapes and sizes, perfect for DIY installation!
Shaw Floorte Pro Vinyl Plank Flooring
As Floorte Pro floors have a stone-plastic core, these floors have stone and plastic mixed together for added strength and rigidity. They’re thinner due to the compression of the layers.
These floors come in two wear layer options: 12-mil and 20-mil.
The 12-mil is the cheaper option with a 3.2 mm plank thickness. These planks are rigid but are prone to scratches and scuffs. They’re ideal for light foot traffic.
The 20-mil option is a plank with 6.5 mm thickness. It’s durable, long-lasting flooring that can handle all types of usage.
As these floors are rigid and durable, they’re ideal for commercial uses. They endure direct sunlight and uneven subfloors.
The Pro is suitable for locations with extreme weather conditions and for use in garages and basements.
DuraTru Vinyl Plank Flooring
DuraTru is Shaw’s third vinyl flooring lineup. The name comes from the World’s Fair and Urbanality options. These are the cheapest vinyl floors that Shaw Flooring sells.
These floors come in only two wear layer options; eight-mil and 12-mil. With a thickness of between 1.5 and 3 mm, these vinyl planks aren’t as sturdy or rigid as the Floorte vinyl planks.
These vinyl planks come in sheets and have a cork backing layer so they’ll need underlayment.
Even though these floors are waterproof and scratch-resistant, they need extra care due to their low price tag.
Furniture pads, regular and thoughtful cleaning, and going barefoot will increase the floor’s lifespan.
When it comes to looks, the DuraTru has the same high definition wood and stone mimicry.
Vinyl Underlayment Options
Underlaymentreduces the sounds of feet and shoes on the floors and provides a comforting, soft feel to your feet.
Most of Shaw’s vinyl floors don’t have underlayment attached, making it difficult for DIY installers.
Some have acoustical pads that act as underlayments and reduce the noise bouncing off of the flooring.
The following underlayment options from Shaw provide comfort and quieter floors.
Bravo III
In Bravo III, the bonded polyethylene layer provides a moisture barrier that further improves the waterproofing of the floors.
This underlayment option is the optimal thickness for increasing the durability of the floors.
The seams overlap with adhesive strips for easy alignment.
GroundWorks
GroundWorks underlayment is suitable for loose-lay and floating luxury vinyl planks. It contains polyurethane and granulated rubber tires.
It’s 1.9 mm thick and has an extended version of the Shaw residential warranty (extended by five years).
GroundWorks reduces the sounds bouncing off the floors, providing a quiet flooring to walk on.
It’s ideal for both vinyl planks and tiles and is suitable for both glue-down and click-and-lock installations.
Hush II
Hush II is suitable for both luxury vinyl planks and tiles.
The attached underlayment is a mixture of cork and recycled ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) granules. It contains about 85% recycled material.
With impact-sound-reduction, the Hush II helps reduce the noise bouncing off your floors, especially over wood and concrete subfloors.
The underlayment is 2.5 mm thick and adds durability to your vinyl floors. Like GroundWorks, it also extends the residential warranty by five years.
SELITAC® Underlayment
The SELITAC underlayment consists of polystyrene with a foam exterior that offers thermal insulation.
It’s fully recyclable and is easier to cut and install due to its folding panels.
SELITAC is 2 mm thick and its compressed planks give the floors added durability and rigidity.
Features of Shaw Vinyl Plank Floors
What makes Shaw vinyl floors different from the rest? Let’s find out!
Installing Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors
There are two ways of installing Shaw vinyl floors, namely click-and-lock or glue-down.
Locking the floors into place creates a floating floor. This is DIY-friendly but the flooring isn’t as stable as glued-down floors.
Floating floors are ideal for smaller spaces with low foot traffic like bedrooms and home offices.
Glued-down floors lock together first and then get glued to the subfloor. These are more stable than floating floors and are ideal for larger and commercial spaces.
It’s worth noting that floors are harder to replace if they’re glued to the floor. You’re more likely to damage surrounding boards if you need to replace one.
All Shaw vinyl floors need underlayment. Some flooring products have underlayment attached, like the acoustical pads.
HD Floors
All Shaw floors have high-definition styles (wood or stone design) and colors. They mimic actual wood and stone in designs, patterns, styles, and textures.
Shaw uses embossed in register (EIR) technology to make the floors.
The molds for the vinyl planks consist of actual wood planks. This leaves genuine wood designs and grain patterns on the vinyl planks.
Waterproof
All Shaw vinyl floors have sealed edges to ensure that moisture doesn’t seep through the planks.
Floors with stone-plastic cores (SPC) are more waterproof than floors with wood-plastic cores (WPC).
They’re better for spaces with high humidity levels and can withstand excessive water contact.
Scratch-Resistance
All Shaw vinyl plank floors come with a wear layer which varies from eight mils thick to 30 mils thick.
One mil equals one layer of protective coating, so the thicker the wear layer, the stronger the scratch-resistance.
For residential and low-foot traffic areas, buying a low-quality vinyl floor will save you money.
In commercial and high-foot-traffic areas, a high-quality vinyl floor will be able to withstand scratches and scuff marks.
FloorScore Badge
The FloorScore badge signifies a third-party test that ensures that the flooring product has little to no volatile organic compounds (VOC).
All Shaw floors are FloorScore certified.
Sweep and vacuum regularly to remove dirt, dust, and other debris
Use mild detergent and a damp mop to clean off stubborn dirt and grime
You don’t need waxes, coatings, or any other chemical substances to maintain the floor’s shine
As Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors have wear layers that make them scratch resistant, scratching these vinyl floors is still possible.
Certain measures keep these luxury vinyl plank floors in pristine condition.
Clean these floors regularly
Wipe off liquid spills immediately
Use rugs and carpets to protect the floor in high-foot-traffic areas
Lift heavy furniture when moving it, instead of sliding it on the floor
Use furniture pads under the furniture to lessen avoid damaging the floors
Use the right vacuum accessories that won’t scratch and damage the floors
Use blinds and curtains to avoid exposing the floors to excessive direct sunlight as it causes the color to fade
What Does Shaw Vinyl Flooring Cost?
Shaw vinyl floors have higher prices than many other vinyl floor brands on the market.
The Floorte floors, with wear layers of between eight and 12 mils, are available for $3 to $5 per square foot.
The premium Floorte floors, also known as Floorte Elite, are available for $4 to $8 per square foot.
With the Floorte Pro products, you get to buy floors, with wear layers of between 12 and 20 mils, for $4 to $6 per square foot.
DuraTru is the most affordable choice between these high-end floors. They carry a low price of $2 to $4 per square foot.
These price tags don’t include installation and underlayment.
Shaw Vinyl Flooring Warranty Policies
All Shaw vinyl plank floors carry different warranty terms and conditions. The warranty length depends on the thickness of the wear layer and the plank core.
If the vinyl plank floor isn’t properly installed or the damage on the floors suggests improper use, Shaw may withdraw the warranty.
FLOOR
WEAR LAYER
RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY
COMMERCIAL WARRANTY
Floorte
8 mil
15 years
5 years
12 mil
30 years
7 years
Floorte Elite
20 mil
Lifetime
10 years
30 mil
Lifetime
20 years
Floorte Pro
12 mil
30 years
7 years
20 mil
Lifetime
10 years
DuraTru
8 and 12 mils
15 years
7 years
Pros of Shaw Vinyl Flooring
According to Shaw luxury vinyl plank reviews, these floors have many advantages over other vinyl plank floors:
Two installation methods: locking floors and glue-down floors
A wide selection of different styles and color choices to choose from
Cons of Shaw Vinyl Flooring
According to Shaw vinyl plank flooring reviews, these floors have many downsides as well. They include:
High price tag
Their color fades when exposed to excessive direct sunlight
Improper installation can make the luxury vinyl plank floors peel and wobble
The vinyl plank isn’t suitable for refinishing, you need to replace damaged planks
All Shaw vinyl plank floors need underlayment and some don’t have a pre-attached underlayment
Some Shaw Montay flooring reviews and Shaw Antica flooring reviews also indicate that not all users find these floors easy to install.
Is Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring Safe?
Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors have a certification from FloorScore. This means that they contain little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
But is Shaw vinyl plank flooring safe? Yes! This third-party certification implies that the luxury vinyl plank floors are safe for pets and children.
These luxury vinyl plank floors also have a slip-resistant coating that helps prevent you from slipping and falling. You can safely and confidently walk on your Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors.
Is Shaw Vinyl Waterproof?
Not all Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors are waterproof. All of them have water-resistant coatings around the edges but the level of water resistance varies with each product.
Luxury vinyl plank floors with stone-plastic cores (SPC) are more water-resistant than those with wood-plastic cores (WPC).
It’s best to wipe off liquid spills as soon as possible. According to Shaw flooring reviews, water may seep through the planks if you don’t remove it soon after the spill occurs.
Extended exposure to water causes the plank to wobble and peel as water slowly seeps through the luxury vinyl plank.
What Is the Best Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring?
According to many Shaw LVP reviews and Shaw Floorte reviews, the Floorte Pro, with its 20 mil wear layer, is the best Shaw vinyl plank flooring option.
It has a stone-plastic core (SPC) which improves the plank’s stability and water resistance. Shaw offers many styles and designs in this lineup, consisting of wood and stone designs.
To learn more about vinyl plank flooring, check out my complete guide to luxury vinyl floors.
Do you have any experience with Shaw’s vinyl floors? If so, drop a comment below and tell me about it.
Shaw vinyl plank floors have many build qualities and different ranges differ in water resistance and overall durability.
Shaw vinyl plank flooring may have higher prices but you can choose from many colors and styles. Their floors replicate natural wood and stone in looks, textures, and design.
Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Review in a Few Words
Shaw Flooring is a premium vinyl flooring brand.
Shaw vinyl plank floors replicate natural wood or stone floors in look, design, and texture.
Shaw vinyl floors either have a wood-plastic core (WPC) or a stone-plastic core (SPC). The latter is more durable and water resistant.
Shaw Floorte floors have a wood-plastic core and come in over 100 styles of wood and stone appearances. Different styles have variable wear layers.
The Shaw Floorte Pro range has a stone-plastic core and two choices of wear layers. These are better suited to commercial spaces with high foot traffic.
The Shaw DuraTru range offers the same high-definition look and style as the Floorte floors.
DuraTru is the cheapest range and has a correspondingly thinner wear layer, so these floors need extra precautions during usage.
All Shaw floors need underlayment. Some products have an underlayment attached, and others don’t.
Shaw offers many underlayment choices and styles.
Shaw offers lengthy warranties for their vinyl floors.
You can nullify your warranty if you don’t follow the terms and conditions for installation and use.
All Shaw vinyl floors are FloorScore certified, meaning they contain little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
What is Shaw Flooring?
Shaw Flooring is a floor manufacturer that started operation in the 1950s when it originally focused on carpet flooring.
It started producing hard surface flooring in 1993. Along with hardwood floors, Shaw started producing luxury vinyl plank floors.
As Shaw is one of the leading companies in vinyl flooring, it has branches all over the world in Australia, UAE, Chile, Canada, and the UK. Their main office is in Dalton, Georgia, USA.
With many styles of patterns and textures, Shaw vinyl flooringmimics hardwood, stone, or tile.
How Does Shaw Create Its Vinyl Flooring?
Most luxury vinyl plank floors contain either four or five layers – Shaw uses five layers to make its vinyl floors. This adds structure and stability to the vinyl planks.
The bottom layer is a padding of cork that gives the plank durability and a softer feel.
The core of the plank is either a wood-plastic core (WPC) or a stone-plastic core (SPC).
Different lines of Shaw’s vinyl plank flooring may have either the one core or the other. These cores determine the vinyl plank’s durability, stability, strength, and waterproofing.
The top layers are the image and wear layers that give the product its distinct appearance and add scratch resistance.
Shaw planks have wear layers of between eight and 30 mils. They also add their OptiClean™ finish for added stain and scratch resistance.
Shaw is popular for its image layers. These images have some of the highest detail you can find on the market. They resemble wood, stone, and tile with immense detail.
Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank Flooring
Shaw Floorte vinyl floors have a wood-plastic core (WPC). The core consists of wood products blended with plastic and polymer.
Most of these floors have wood grains and textures. The range comprises over 100 styles and color options.
The wood-plastic core doesn’t resist water as well as the stone-plastic core but is pliable and soft underfoot.
These floors are available in three options with different wear layers.
The thickness of the wear layer determines the scratch resistance of the floors and how long they can withstand scratches and scuffs.
With the eight-mil wear layer, you get the budget-friendly option for low foot traffic areas. These planks have a thickness of 5.5 mm so the durability isn’t compromised.
The 12-mil Floorte option is for moderate foot traffic and is thicker in size, at around 7 mm.
Floorte Elite, the premium range, has 20 and 30-mil options. These withstand high foot traffic areas and have a thickness of eight to 12 mm.
Thanks to the foam and padding surrounding the core, this flooring is quieter, warmer, and softer on the feet, perfect for no-shoe households!
With the core being a type of wood, it’s easier to cut and trim to different shapes and sizes, perfect for DIY installation!
Shaw Floorte Pro Vinyl Plank Flooring
As Floorte Pro floors have a stone-plastic core, these floors have stone and plastic mixed together for added strength and rigidity. They’re thinner due to the compression of the layers.
These floors come in two wear layer options: 12-mil and 20-mil.
The 12-mil is the cheaper option with a 3.2 mm plank thickness. These planks are rigid but are prone to scratches and scuffs. They’re ideal for light foot traffic.
The 20-mil option is a plank with 6.5 mm thickness. It’s durable, long-lasting flooring that can handle all types of usage.
As these floors are rigid and durable, they’re ideal for commercial uses. They endure direct sunlight and uneven subfloors.
The Pro is suitable for locations with extreme weather conditions and for use in garages and basements.
DuraTru Vinyl Plank Flooring
DuraTru is Shaw’s third vinyl flooring lineup. The name comes from the World’s Fair and Urbanality options. These are the cheapest vinyl floors that Shaw Flooring sells.
These floors come in only two wear layer options; eight-mil and 12-mil. With a thickness of between 1.5 and 3 mm, these vinyl planks aren’t as sturdy or rigid as the Floorte vinyl planks.
These vinyl planks come in sheets and have a cork backing layer so they’ll need underlayment.
Even though these floors are waterproof and scratch-resistant, they need extra care due to their low price tag.
Furniture pads, regular and thoughtful cleaning, and going barefoot will increase the floor’s lifespan.
When it comes to looks, the DuraTru has the same high definition wood and stone mimicry.
Vinyl Underlayment Options
Underlaymentreduces the sounds of feet and shoes on the floors and provides a comforting, soft feel to your feet.
Most of Shaw’s vinyl floors don’t have underlayment attached, making it difficult for DIY installers.
Some have acoustical pads that act as underlayments and reduce the noise bouncing off of the flooring.
The following underlayment options from Shaw provide comfort and quieter floors.
Bravo III
In Bravo III, the bonded polyethylene layer provides a moisture barrier that further improves the waterproofing of the floors.
This underlayment option is the optimal thickness for increasing the durability of the floors.
The seams overlap with adhesive strips for easy alignment.
GroundWorks
GroundWorks underlayment is suitable for loose-lay and floating luxury vinyl planks. It contains polyurethane and granulated rubber tires.
It’s 1.9 mm thick and has an extended version of the Shaw residential warranty (extended by five years).
GroundWorks reduces the sounds bouncing off the floors, providing a quiet flooring to walk on.
It’s ideal for both vinyl planks and tiles and is suitable for both glue-down and click-and-lock installations.
Hush II
Hush II is suitable for both luxury vinyl planks and tiles.
The attached underlayment is a mixture of cork and recycled ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) granules. It contains about 85% recycled material.
With impact-sound-reduction, the Hush II helps reduce the noise bouncing off your floors, especially over wood and concrete subfloors.
The underlayment is 2.5 mm thick and adds durability to your vinyl floors. Like GroundWorks, it also extends the residential warranty by five years.
SELITAC® Underlayment
The SELITAC underlayment consists of polystyrene with a foam exterior that offers thermal insulation.
It’s fully recyclable and is easier to cut and install due to its folding panels.
SELITAC is 2 mm thick and its compressed planks give the floors added durability and rigidity.
Features of Shaw Vinyl Plank Floors
What makes Shaw vinyl floors different from the rest? Let’s find out!
Installing Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors
There are two ways of installing Shaw vinyl floors, namely click-and-lock or glue-down.
Locking the floors into place creates a floating floor. This is DIY-friendly but the flooring isn’t as stable as glued-down floors.
Floating floors are ideal for smaller spaces with low foot traffic like bedrooms and home offices.
Glued-down floors lock together first and then get glued to the subfloor. These are more stable than floating floors and are ideal for larger and commercial spaces.
It’s worth noting that floors are harder to replace if they’re glued to the floor. You’re more likely to damage surrounding boards if you need to replace one.
All Shaw vinyl floors need underlayment. Some flooring products have underlayment attached, like the acoustical pads.
HD Floors
All Shaw floors have high-definition styles (wood or stone design) and colors. They mimic actual wood and stone in designs, patterns, styles, and textures.
Shaw uses embossed in register (EIR) technology to make the floors.
The molds for the vinyl planks consist of actual wood planks. This leaves genuine wood designs and grain patterns on the vinyl planks.
Waterproof
All Shaw vinyl floors have sealed edges to ensure that moisture doesn’t seep through the planks.
Floors with stone-plastic cores (SPC) are more waterproof than floors with wood-plastic cores (WPC).
They’re better for spaces with high humidity levels and can withstand excessive water contact.
Scratch-Resistance
All Shaw vinyl plank floors come with a wear layer which varies from eight mils thick to 30 mils thick.
One mil equals one layer of protective coating, so the thicker the wear layer, the stronger the scratch-resistance.
For residential and low-foot traffic areas, buying a low-quality vinyl floor will save you money.
In commercial and high-foot-traffic areas, a high-quality vinyl floor will be able to withstand scratches and scuff marks.
FloorScore Badge
The FloorScore badge signifies a third-party test that ensures that the flooring product has little to no volatile organic compounds (VOC).
All Shaw floors are FloorScore certified.
Sweep and vacuum regularly to remove dirt, dust, and other debris
Use mild detergent and a damp mop to clean off stubborn dirt and grime
You don’t need waxes, coatings, or any other chemical substances to maintain the floor’s shine
As Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors have wear layers that make them scratch resistant, scratching these vinyl floors is still possible.
Certain measures keep these luxury vinyl plank floors in pristine condition.
Clean these floors regularly
Wipe off liquid spills immediately
Use rugs and carpets to protect the floor in high-foot-traffic areas
Lift heavy furniture when moving it, instead of sliding it on the floor
Use furniture pads under the furniture to lessen avoid damaging the floors
Use the right vacuum accessories that won’t scratch and damage the floors
Use blinds and curtains to avoid exposing the floors to excessive direct sunlight as it causes the color to fade
What Does Shaw Vinyl Flooring Cost?
Shaw vinyl floors have higher prices than many other vinyl floor brands on the market.
The Floorte floors, with wear layers of between eight and 12 mils, are available for $3 to $5 per square foot.
The premium Floorte floors, also known as Floorte Elite, are available for $4 to $8 per square foot.
With the Floorte Pro products, you get to buy floors, with wear layers of between 12 and 20 mils, for $4 to $6 per square foot.
DuraTru is the most affordable choice between these high-end floors. They carry a low price of $2 to $4 per square foot.
These price tags don’t include installation and underlayment.
Shaw Vinyl Flooring Warranty Policies
All Shaw vinyl plank floors carry different warranty terms and conditions. The warranty length depends on the thickness of the wear layer and the plank core.
If the vinyl plank floor isn’t properly installed or the damage on the floors suggests improper use, Shaw may withdraw the warranty.
FLOOR
WEAR LAYER
RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY
COMMERCIAL WARRANTY
Floorte
8 mil
15 years
5 years
12 mil
30 years
7 years
Floorte Elite
20 mil
Lifetime
10 years
30 mil
Lifetime
20 years
Floorte Pro
12 mil
30 years
7 years
20 mil
Lifetime
10 years
DuraTru
8 and 12 mils
15 years
7 years
Pros of Shaw Vinyl Flooring
According to Shaw luxury vinyl plank reviews, these floors have many advantages over other vinyl plank floors:
Two installation methods: locking floors and glue-down floors
A wide selection of different styles and color choices to choose from
Cons of Shaw Vinyl Flooring
According to Shaw vinyl plank flooring reviews, these floors have many downsides as well. They include:
High price tag
Their color fades when exposed to excessive direct sunlight
Improper installation can make the luxury vinyl plank floors peel and wobble
The vinyl plank isn’t suitable for refinishing, you need to replace damaged planks
All Shaw vinyl plank floors need underlayment and some don’t have a pre-attached underlayment
Some Shaw Montay flooring reviews and Shaw Antica flooring reviews also indicate that not all users find these floors easy to install.
Is Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring Safe?
Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors have a certification from FloorScore. This means that they contain little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
But is Shaw vinyl plank flooring safe? Yes! This third-party certification implies that the luxury vinyl plank floors are safe for pets and children.
These luxury vinyl plank floors also have a slip-resistant coating that helps prevent you from slipping and falling. You can safely and confidently walk on your Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors.
Is Shaw Vinyl Waterproof?
Not all Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors are waterproof. All of them have water-resistant coatings around the edges but the level of water resistance varies with each product.
Luxury vinyl plank floors with stone-plastic cores (SPC) are more water-resistant than those with wood-plastic cores (WPC).
It’s best to wipe off liquid spills as soon as possible. According to Shaw flooring reviews, water may seep through the planks if you don’t remove it soon after the spill occurs.
Extended exposure to water causes the plank to wobble and peel as water slowly seeps through the luxury vinyl plank.
What Is the Best Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring?
According to many Shaw LVP reviews and Shaw Floorte reviews, the Floorte Pro, with its 20 mil wear layer, is the best Shaw vinyl plank flooring option.
It has a stone-plastic core (SPC) which improves the plank’s stability and water resistance. Shaw offers many styles and designs in this lineup, consisting of wood and stone designs.
To learn more about vinyl plank flooring, check out my complete guide to luxury vinyl floors.
Do you have any experience with Shaw’s vinyl floors? If so, drop a comment below and tell me about it.
Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring: An Expert’s Review & Buying Guide
One of the most prominent vinyl flooring companies is Shaw Flooring, which produces premium, high-quality vinyl.
Shaw vinyl plank floors have many build qualities and different ranges differ in water resistance and overall durability.
Shaw vinyl plank flooring may have higher prices but you can choose from many colors and styles. Their floors replicate natural wood and stone in looks, textures, and design.
Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Review in a Few Words
Shaw Flooring is a premium vinyl flooring brand.
Shaw vinyl plank floors replicate natural wood or stone floors in look, design, and texture.
Shaw vinyl floors either have a wood-plastic core (WPC) or a stone-plastic core (SPC). The latter is more durable and water resistant.
Shaw Floorte floors have a wood-plastic core and come in over 100 styles of wood and stone appearances. Different styles have variable wear layers.
The Shaw Floorte Pro range has a stone-plastic core and two choices of wear layers. These are better suited to commercial spaces with high foot traffic.
The Shaw DuraTru range offers the same high-definition look and style as the Floorte floors.
DuraTru is the cheapest range and has a correspondingly thinner wear layer, so these floors need extra precautions during usage.
All Shaw floors need underlayment. Some products have an underlayment attached, and others don’t.
Shaw offers many underlayment choices and styles.
Shaw offers lengthy warranties for their vinyl floors.
You can nullify your warranty if you don’t follow the terms and conditions for installation and use.
All Shaw vinyl floors are FloorScore certified, meaning they contain little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
What is Shaw Flooring?
Shaw Flooring is a floor manufacturer that started operation in the 1950s when it originally focused on carpet flooring.
It started producing hard surface flooring in 1993. Along with hardwood floors, Shaw started producing luxury vinyl plank floors.
As Shaw is one of the leading companies in vinyl flooring, it has branches all over the world in Australia, UAE, Chile, Canada, and the UK. Their main office is in Dalton, Georgia, USA.
With many styles of patterns and textures, Shaw vinyl flooringmimics hardwood, stone, or tile.
How Does Shaw Create Its Vinyl Flooring?
Most luxury vinyl plank floors contain either four or five layers – Shaw uses five layers to make its vinyl floors. This adds structure and stability to the vinyl planks.
The bottom layer is a padding of cork that gives the plank durability and a softer feel.
The core of the plank is either a wood-plastic core (WPC) or a stone-plastic core (SPC).
Different lines of Shaw’s vinyl plank flooring may have either the one core or the other. These cores determine the vinyl plank’s durability, stability, strength, and waterproofing.
The top layers are the image and wear layers that give the product its distinct appearance and add scratch resistance.
Shaw planks have wear layers of between eight and 30 mils. They also add their OptiClean™ finish for added stain and scratch resistance.
Shaw is popular for its image layers. These images have some of the highest detail you can find on the market. They resemble wood, stone, and tile with immense detail.
Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank Flooring
Shaw Floorte vinyl floors have a wood-plastic core (WPC). The core consists of wood products blended with plastic and polymer.
Most of these floors have wood grains and textures. The range comprises over 100 styles and color options.
The wood-plastic core doesn’t resist water as well as the stone-plastic core but is pliable and soft underfoot.
These floors are available in three options with different wear layers.
The thickness of the wear layer determines the scratch resistance of the floors and how long they can withstand scratches and scuffs.
With the eight-mil wear layer, you get the budget-friendly option for low foot traffic areas. These planks have a thickness of 5.5 mm so the durability isn’t compromised.
The 12-mil Floorte option is for moderate foot traffic and is thicker in size, at around 7 mm.
Floorte Elite, the premium range, has 20 and 30-mil options. These withstand high foot traffic areas and have a thickness of eight to 12 mm.
Thanks to the foam and padding surrounding the core, this flooring is quieter, warmer, and softer on the feet, perfect for no-shoe households!
With the core being a type of wood, it’s easier to cut and trim to different shapes and sizes, perfect for DIY installation!
Shaw Floorte Pro Vinyl Plank Flooring
As Floorte Pro floors have a stone-plastic core, these floors have stone and plastic mixed together for added strength and rigidity. They’re thinner due to the compression of the layers.
These floors come in two wear layer options: 12-mil and 20-mil.
The 12-mil is the cheaper option with a 3.2 mm plank thickness. These planks are rigid but are prone to scratches and scuffs. They’re ideal for light foot traffic.
The 20-mil option is a plank with 6.5 mm thickness. It’s durable, long-lasting flooring that can handle all types of usage.
As these floors are rigid and durable, they’re ideal for commercial uses. They endure direct sunlight and uneven subfloors.
The Pro is suitable for locations with extreme weather conditions and for use in garages and basements.
DuraTru Vinyl Plank Flooring
DuraTru is Shaw’s third vinyl flooring lineup. The name comes from the World’s Fair and Urbanality options. These are the cheapest vinyl floors that Shaw Flooring sells.
These floors come in only two wear layer options; eight-mil and 12-mil. With a thickness of between 1.5 and 3 mm, these vinyl planks aren’t as sturdy or rigid as the Floorte vinyl planks.
These vinyl planks come in sheets and have a cork backing layer so they’ll need underlayment.
Even though these floors are waterproof and scratch-resistant, they need extra care due to their low price tag.
Furniture pads, regular and thoughtful cleaning, and going barefoot will increase the floor’s lifespan.
When it comes to looks, the DuraTru has the same high definition wood and stone mimicry.
Vinyl Underlayment Options
Underlaymentreduces the sounds of feet and shoes on the floors and provides a comforting, soft feel to your feet.
Most of Shaw’s vinyl floors don’t have underlayment attached, making it difficult for DIY installers.
Some have acoustical pads that act as underlayments and reduce the noise bouncing off of the flooring.
The following underlayment options from Shaw provide comfort and quieter floors.
Bravo III
In Bravo III, the bonded polyethylene layer provides a moisture barrier that further improves the waterproofing of the floors.
This underlayment option is the optimal thickness for increasing the durability of the floors.
The seams overlap with adhesive strips for easy alignment.
GroundWorks
GroundWorks underlayment is suitable for loose-lay and floating luxury vinyl planks. It contains polyurethane and granulated rubber tires.
It’s 1.9 mm thick and has an extended version of the Shaw residential warranty (extended by five years).
GroundWorks reduces the sounds bouncing off the floors, providing a quiet flooring to walk on.
It’s ideal for both vinyl planks and tiles and is suitable for both glue-down and click-and-lock installations.
Hush II
Hush II is suitable for both luxury vinyl planks and tiles.
The attached underlayment is a mixture of cork and recycled ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) granules. It contains about 85% recycled material.
With impact-sound-reduction, the Hush II helps reduce the noise bouncing off your floors, especially over wood and concrete subfloors.
The underlayment is 2.5 mm thick and adds durability to your vinyl floors. Like GroundWorks, it also extends the residential warranty by five years.
SELITAC® Underlayment
The SELITAC underlayment consists of polystyrene with a foam exterior that offers thermal insulation.
It’s fully recyclable and is easier to cut and install due to its folding panels.
SELITAC is 2 mm thick and its compressed planks give the floors added durability and rigidity.
Features of Shaw Vinyl Plank Floors
What makes Shaw vinyl floors different from the rest? Let’s find out!
Installing Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors
There are two ways of installing Shaw vinyl floors, namely click-and-lock or glue-down.
Locking the floors into place creates a floating floor. This is DIY-friendly but the flooring isn’t as stable as glued-down floors.
Floating floors are ideal for smaller spaces with low foot traffic like bedrooms and home offices.
Glued-down floors lock together first and then get glued to the subfloor. These are more stable than floating floors and are ideal for larger and commercial spaces.
It’s worth noting that floors are harder to replace if they’re glued to the floor. You’re more likely to damage surrounding boards if you need to replace one.
All Shaw vinyl floors need underlayment. Some flooring products have underlayment attached, like the acoustical pads.
HD Floors
All Shaw floors have high-definition styles (wood or stone design) and colors. They mimic actual wood and stone in designs, patterns, styles, and textures.
Shaw uses embossed in register (EIR) technology to make the floors.
The molds for the vinyl planks consist of actual wood planks. This leaves genuine wood designs and grain patterns on the vinyl planks.
Waterproof
All Shaw vinyl floors have sealed edges to ensure that moisture doesn’t seep through the planks.
Floors with stone-plastic cores (SPC) are more waterproof than floors with wood-plastic cores (WPC).
They’re better for spaces with high humidity levels and can withstand excessive water contact.
Scratch-Resistance
All Shaw vinyl plank floors come with a wear layer which varies from eight mils thick to 30 mils thick.
One mil equals one layer of protective coating, so the thicker the wear layer, the stronger the scratch-resistance.
For residential and low-foot traffic areas, buying a low-quality vinyl floor will save you money.
In commercial and high-foot-traffic areas, a high-quality vinyl floor will be able to withstand scratches and scuff marks.
FloorScore Badge
The FloorScore badge signifies a third-party test that ensures that the flooring product has little to no volatile organic compounds (VOC).
All Shaw floors are FloorScore certified.
Sweep and vacuum regularly to remove dirt, dust, and other debris
Use mild detergent and a damp mop to clean off stubborn dirt and grime
You don’t need waxes, coatings, or any other chemical substances to maintain the floor’s shine
As Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors have wear layers that make them scratch resistant, scratching these vinyl floors is still possible.
Certain measures keep these luxury vinyl plank floors in pristine condition.
Clean these floors regularly
Wipe off liquid spills immediately
Use rugs and carpets to protect the floor in high-foot-traffic areas
Lift heavy furniture when moving it, instead of sliding it on the floor
Use furniture pads under the furniture to lessen avoid damaging the floors
Use the right vacuum accessories that won’t scratch and damage the floors
Use blinds and curtains to avoid exposing the floors to excessive direct sunlight as it causes the color to fade
What Does Shaw Vinyl Flooring Cost?
Shaw vinyl floors have higher prices than many other vinyl floor brands on the market.
The Floorte floors, with wear layers of between eight and 12 mils, are available for $3 to $5 per square foot.
The premium Floorte floors, also known as Floorte Elite, are available for $4 to $8 per square foot.
With the Floorte Pro products, you get to buy floors, with wear layers of between 12 and 20 mils, for $4 to $6 per square foot.
DuraTru is the most affordable choice between these high-end floors. They carry a low price of $2 to $4 per square foot.
These price tags don’t include installation and underlayment.
Shaw Vinyl Flooring Warranty Policies
All Shaw vinyl plank floors carry different warranty terms and conditions. The warranty length depends on the thickness of the wear layer and the plank core.
If the vinyl plank floor isn’t properly installed or the damage on the floors suggests improper use, Shaw may withdraw the warranty.
FLOOR
WEAR LAYER
RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY
COMMERCIAL WARRANTY
Floorte
8 mil
15 years
5 years
12 mil
30 years
7 years
Floorte Elite
20 mil
Lifetime
10 years
30 mil
Lifetime
20 years
Floorte Pro
12 mil
30 years
7 years
20 mil
Lifetime
10 years
DuraTru
8 and 12 mils
15 years
7 years
Pros of Shaw Vinyl Flooring
According to Shaw luxury vinyl plank reviews, these floors have many advantages over other vinyl plank floors:
Two installation methods: locking floors and glue-down floors
A wide selection of different styles and color choices to choose from
Cons of Shaw Vinyl Flooring
According to Shaw vinyl plank flooring reviews, these floors have many downsides as well. They include:
High price tag
Their color fades when exposed to excessive direct sunlight
Improper installation can make the luxury vinyl plank floors peel and wobble
The vinyl plank isn’t suitable for refinishing, you need to replace damaged planks
All Shaw vinyl plank floors need underlayment and some don’t have a pre-attached underlayment
Some Shaw Montay flooring reviews and Shaw Antica flooring reviews also indicate that not all users find these floors easy to install.
Is Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring Safe?
Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors have a certification from FloorScore. This means that they contain little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
But is Shaw vinyl plank flooring safe? Yes! This third-party certification implies that the luxury vinyl plank floors are safe for pets and children.
These luxury vinyl plank floors also have a slip-resistant coating that helps prevent you from slipping and falling. You can safely and confidently walk on your Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors.
Is Shaw Vinyl Waterproof?
Not all Shaw luxury vinyl plank floors are waterproof. All of them have water-resistant coatings around the edges but the level of water resistance varies with each product.
Luxury vinyl plank floors with stone-plastic cores (SPC) are more water-resistant than those with wood-plastic cores (WPC).
It’s best to wipe off liquid spills as soon as possible. According to Shaw flooring reviews, water may seep through the planks if you don’t remove it soon after the spill occurs.
Extended exposure to water causes the plank to wobble and peel as water slowly seeps through the luxury vinyl plank.
What Is the Best Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring?
According to many Shaw LVP reviews and Shaw Floorte reviews, the Floorte Pro, with its 20 mil wear layer, is the best Shaw vinyl plank flooring option.
It has a stone-plastic core (SPC) which improves the plank’s stability and water resistance. Shaw offers many styles and designs in this lineup, consisting of wood and stone designs.
To learn more about vinyl plank flooring, check out my complete guide to luxury vinyl floors.
Do you have any experience with Shaw’s vinyl floors? If so, drop a comment below and tell me about it.
Average Cost To Install New FlooringPrice Range: $1,215 - $2,460