When it comes to laminate flooring for a home, plenty of options on the market promise long-lasting, attractive results.
Shaw laminate flooring is one of the best-rated solutions.
But before you make a purchase, make sure to read all the essential information about this brand when it comes to price, styles, installation, maintenance, and more.
What Is Shaw Flooring?
Shaw Flooring is an international flooring material manufacturer.
The company’s headquarters is in Dalton, Georgia. The brand is recognized across the U.S. and worldwide.
Initially, Shaw Flooring focused on carpet floors. Today, they also feature laminate, vinyl, hardwood, tile, and other solutions.
Shaw Flooring comes in a range of designs, styles, and colors to meet different tastes, needs, and budgets.
Does Shaw Have Laminate Flooring?
Yes, Shaw has various types of laminate flooring, including:
- Repel Laminate Flooring
- Mixed Width Laminate Flooring
- Long Board Laminate Flooring
- Standard Laminate Flooring
Below, we take a closer look into each of their laminate flooring options.
Shaw Laminate Flooring Average Cost
The average cost for Shaw laminate flooring is around $4 per square foot.
The price range for the products currently available on the website is from $3.50 to $7.10 per square foot.
Shaw Laminate Flooring Cost Breakdown
The price we mentioned above for Shaw laminate flooring doesn’t include additional expenses like:
- Underlayment
- Installation
- Project complexity
The installation can cost from $2 to $3 per square foot, while the underlayment costs 30 cents per square foot.
When hiring contractors, ask for an estimate that includes the underlayment, labor cost, and materials cost.
The complexity of the project can also affect the price. Sometimes, floor removal or preparation of the subfloor may be required.
| Shaw Laminate Collection | Price per Square Foot | Underlayment per Square Foot | Labor Cost per Square Foot | Total Cost Without Labor (1000 Sq. Ft) | Total Cost With Labor (1000 Sq. Ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repel | $6-$7 | $0.30 | $2-$3 | $6300-$7,300 | $8,300-$10,000 |
| Mixed Width | $6 | $0.30 | $2-$3 | $6300 | $8,300-$10,000 |
Shaw Repel Laminate Flooring
Shaw Repel is the manufacturer’s standard line of laminate flooring.
This flooring has an additional water-resistant layer at the top and comes in around 20 styles.
The dominant hues include grey and light wood.
The patterns in the Repel collection are extremely authentic.
The planks have excellent stability with a 12mm thickness.
The Repel laminate comes in two sizes:
- 5.44 x 50.75 inches
- 7.67 x 48 inches
At the time of writing, Shaw Floors offers three products in the Repel collection:
- Intrigue (available in puttied walnut, delicate maple, soft maple, blanched walnut, and more colors)
- Gold Cost 7.5-inch (paradise brown, Burleigh taupe, skyline grey, evening walk, and cabana brown colors)
- Anthem Plus 7.5-inch (Boulder skies, Wyoming sky, Amarillo by Mor, Summer in Seatt, and other colors)
Not all Shaw Repel laminate flooring is available on the website. You may be able to find additional models and colors with flooring contractors or in retail stores.
Did you know? It may seem unbelievable, but laminate flooring is harder than hardwood. The construction made from high-density fiberboards is among the hardest wood materials on the market. As a result, laminate flooring doesn’t gouge or dent as much as hardwood.
Shaw Mixed Width Laminate Flooring
The Shaw mixed width is a micro-collection of laminate flooring in two wood designs:
- Manor Ridge – Comes in four colors
- Castle Ridge – Available in five colors
The planks from the mixed-width collection have different widths:
- 3.58 inches
- 5 inches
- 6.24 inches
Homeowners who wish to experiment with authentic designs can choose laminate flooring of different widths. This innovative flooring approach gives your interior a new dimension and makes your rooms distinctive. Every room can have its own style thanks to the varied board dimensions.
The installation isn’t any more complicated than the standard uniform boards.
Shaw Long Board Laminate Flooring
The Long Board collection doesn’t appear on Shaw’s website anymore.
The collection used to have a wide range of styles, including wood laminate patterns.
The Long Board collection came in the Matterhorn design that had two color options – medium brown and light.
The planks from the Long Board collection are 8 x 78.75 inches big. Some retailers may still feature some of the Long Board collection boards.
Shaw Standard Laminate Flooring
Repel is considered a standard laminate flooring solution at Shaw.
Additionally, their standard offer includes a mixed bag of sizes and designs.
You can find thin planks measuring 3.64 x 7.60 inches and much more.
Who Manufactures Shaw Flooring?
Shaw Industries Group, Inc. manufactures carpet, laminate, hardwood, tile, stone, and other products for residential and commercial markets in the U.S. and across the world.
Shaw is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. owning more than 20,000 associates worldwide.
Is Shaw A Good Brand of Flooring?
Shaw is a reputable company with years of experience manufacturing and supplying the market with durable flooring solutions.
Shaw Laminate Flooring Pros
Below are the advantages of purchasing Shaw laminate flooring for your next residential project.
A Great Choice of Designs
Shaw laminates are available in more than 30 styles.
You’ll find many authentic designs and colors in their catalog.
Some less common ones even mimic ebony flooring or ash flooring.
Shaw Locking Technology
All Shaw laminate floors can be installed as floating floors or glued down.
The company has a proprietary locking technology called VersaLock AG and LocNPlace.
The system is similar to RevWood’s UniClic technology.
Did you know? Even with click-together setups, Shaw laminate flooring can be installed to mimic different types of wood floor patterns.
GreenGuard Certificate
All laminates and hardwoods made by Shaw have a GreenGuard certification.
This certification is the first voluntary American indoor air quality certification for products made for commercial purposes.
This certificate proves that Shaw products meet stringent requirements regarding chemical emissions.
Shaw floors are safe for use for families with pets and children.
OptiGuard Layer Technology
This layer offers resistance from UV exposure and fading.
The company offers a warranty for its laminate products, saying they won’t fade in sunlight for their lifetime.
Online reviews support this statement.
Eco-Friendly Solution
Shaw OptiCore base layer is made from the waste left behind in their hardwood floor crafting process.
The company is resourceful about its material use and is among the most eco-friendly choices for laminate floors.
Easy Maintenance
All Shaw laminate floors are easy to take care of.
Sweeping and vacuuming are more than enough to keep Shaw flooring nice and clean. You can use a laminate floor cleaner occasionally.
Best of all, laminate flooring by Shaw doesn’t need refinishing at all.
Excellent Durability
Shaw laminate floors have an aluminum-oxide layer with impressive durability.
The OptiCore layer in the Repel collection is resistant to moisture, which further adds to the overall product’s durability.
Wide Usage
Shaw laminate can go almost anywhere.
The Repel collection with water-resistant features and excellent durability can even go in kitchens and half bathrooms.
As long as you clean the spills immediately, the flooring will be in top shape even in moist rooms.
Easy Installation
Shaw laminates are super easy to install.
The locking system is DIY friendly and offers great flexibility.
Installers can choose how the planks are arranged and can mimic different wood designs.
More Affordable Than Quality Hardwood
Wood flooring is often too expensive for an average consumer.
Despite their high-quality and value, laminate flooring by Shaw can offer similar levels of comfort for much less money.
Shaw is still considered a more expensive laminate flooring manufacturer compared to other laminate suppliers. However, the quality and durability are hard to match.
Shaw Laminate Flooring Cons
Despite the numerous benefits, Shaw isn’t always a perfect option for laminate floors.
Consider the disadvantages below before making a final decision.
Not Completely Waterproof
Shaw laminate flowing is resistant to water but is not 100% waterproof.
It can handle spills, but that’s about as far as it can go.
The water resistance feature only goes for the Repel collection.
Other laminate products by Shaw may have very little or no water resistance.
Too Much Humidity Can Hurt the Flooring
All Shaw laminate flooring warranties mention that too much humidity can damage the floor.
The ideal humidity conditions for Shaw flooring are between 35% to 65%.
For this reason, you shouldn’t use Shaw flooring for outdoor projects.
No Commercial Warranty
The Shaw website only seems to include residential warranties for laminate products.
No Underlayment
Shaw products don’t have an underlayment.
It means you need to spend some extra cash to purchase underlayment, given that laminate can’t be installed without it.
Verdict
Customers appreciate Shaw laminate for its durability, authentic design, and mid-range pricing.
The questionable warranty for commercial spaces means this brand may not be the most reliable for commercial use.
The Repel line, which is the standard for Shaw laminate, is the most efficient and water-resistant of all.
Special Features Of Shaw Laminate Flooring
- The OptiCore technology that Shaw uses for their Repel collection adds a layer of moisture resistance, stability, and scratch resistance to the product.
- The VersaLock AG and LocNPlace make for easy and simple installation.
- OptiGuard Wear layer offers protection from UV exposure and fading.
Where To Buy Shaw Laminate Flooring
You can purchase Shaw Laminate flooring in retail stores, via online retailers, or from flooring contractors.
Shaw Laminate Flooring Reviews
Shaw laminate flooring reviews mainly highlight the durability and authentic designs of the laminate floors.
Most reviews are positive and outline the ease of installation.
However, some customers don’t appreciate the scratch resistance – or lack thereof – in some laminate floors by Shaw.
Shaw floors still have an aluminum-oxide layer that should protect the floors from scratches, but it appears some users have tested the limits of the flooring.
Installation
Shaw has a very simple installing process. Homeowners can choose between two installation methods:
- Glue it down
- Install as a floating floor
Both methods work excellently for Shaw flooring.
However, given that faulty installation can void the not-so-stable warranty, it’s best to hire professional installers for the job.
The company still offers tutorials for DIY-ers that explain how their locking system works.
Did you know? A floating floor is a surface that doesn’t attach to the subfloor. Instead, it merely sits on top of the existing flooring. Shaw laminate flooring uses snap-together technology where the planks fit together like puzzle pieces to create the floating floor.
Where To Install Shaw Flooring
You can install Shaw laminate flooring above, in line, or below the grade.
Some collections, like Repel, can be installed in most rooms.
However, check with your retailer or contractor whether the floor you picked has any room restrictions.
For rooms with greater humidity levels, it’s best to go with Repel laminate. However, despite the water-resistant features, you shouldn’t let water sit on the floor for too long.
How To Prepare Floor For Shaw Flooring Installation
You can install Shaw floors on wood subfloors or over concrete.
You will have to prepare the subfloor before starting the installation. Make sure that the subfloor is flat, dry, and clean.
Professional contractors can offer expert advice on how to prepare the floor to ensure maximum quality and efficiency of the newly installed laminate.
What Else Needs To Be Done Prior To Installation?
Besides preparing the floor and checking its moisture levels, give the laminate some time to acclimate.
Ideally, let the flooring sit for two to three days before installation.
Open the plank boxes, place them in the room where they’ll be installed, and keep a pleasant room temperature.
Is Underlayment Necessary?
Yes, most Shaw Floors require underlayment.
The company doesn’t include underlayment on the planks, so they must be installed separately.
Can Shaw Laminate Flooring Be Used With Radiant Heating?
As long as the radiant heating system meets the guidelines of the company and is designed for laminate use, you can install Shaw laminate on it.
The rooms need proper temperature control during laminate installation with radiant heating.
Other requirements for using laminate flooring with radiant heating systems include:
- The installer should use the proper underlayment (Shaw recommends Selitac and Silent-Step Ultra).
- The moisture level in the wood sub-floors should be less than 12%.
- The pH levels of concrete sub-floors need to be between six and nine.
- Keep consistent humidity levels to minimize minor gapping that can occur when using laminate over radiant heating systems.
What To Use To Clean Shaw Laminate Flooring
Shaw laminate flooring is easy to care for.
You can sweep it or pass a vacuum cleaner over it every other day to pick up dirt and dust. This is about as complicated as the maintenance of Shaw laminate gets.
As you finish vacuuming, you can run a damp mop over the floor to pick up more dirt. Don’t wet the mop too much and remove the spills as soon as they form on the floor.
Shaw also has an in-house laminate floor cleaning solution. You can use their recommended product or go for any other pH-neutral option.
You can use polish remover or acetone to remove paint, ink, and oil stains.
Pro Tip: Make sure the vacuum cleaner heads you have are compatible with your laminate flooring before cleaning.
Damage Protection
Follow the tips below to keep your laminate floor damage-free for as long as possible:
- Use doormats and rugs in high-traffic areas.
- Add felt protectors to the movable furniture ends (chairs, sofas, table ends, etc.)
- Trim your pet’s nails to keep them from scratching the floor.
- Clean spills as soon as they happen.
- Don’t expose your floor to direct sunlight (despite the UV-protective features of some Shaw lines).
- Run an air conditioner or a dehumidifier if it’s humid outside.
- Get spill-proof cups for children to avoid excessive spills on the floor.
- Remove cleaner from the floor as soon as possible.
- Have additional planks on hand in case severe damage occurs. For minor damage, use floor fillers.
How To Find Discontinued Shaw Laminate Flooring
Some Shaw products are no longer available on the official website.
You can work with contractors or visit local retail shops to find discontinued laminate flooring options.
eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, and similar platforms are always good places to look for discontinued flooring.
Can A Steam Mop Or Wet Mop Be Used On Shaw Repel Laminate Flooring?
No, You shouldn’t use spray mops or steam mops on your Shaw laminate flooring.
Instead, use brooms, vacuums, and dust mops.
Wet products can damage the structure of the laminate and cause it to change shape, swell, or lose color.
Can Shaw’s Laminate Flooring Made In Different Years Be Combined?
Yes, but it depends on the year in which the laminate flooring was made.
Products made before 2007 no longer work with the new locking system Shaw introduced later.
You can always rely on moldings to combine different flooring types.
Are Transition Pieces Available For Shaw’s Laminate Flooring Lines?
Yes. Most flooring lines by Shaw have t-molding, molding tracks, quarter-round, and overlap stairnose transition pieces.
Are Shaw’s Products Certified Against VOCs?
All Shaw laminate products have a GreenGuard certificate that makes the laminate volatile organic compounds (VOC)-free or minimal.
The testing is according to the California Department of Public Health Standard Method v1.2-2017.
The very low amount of VOC emissions meets all green building programs for indoor quality requirements.
Why Is Shaw Laminate Flooring So Expensive?
Shaw laminate is considered a mid- to upper-range flooring solution.
Compared to hardwood flooring, Shaw falls in the more affordable category.
However, the company still offers higher prices for laminate floors compared to the competitors.
Authentic design, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and domestic production may all have an impact on the price.
Conclusion
Shaw is a reputable laminate flooring manufacturer that dominates the U.S. and worldwide markets.
The wide range of styles and colors, water-resistant lines, and outstanding durability make Shaw a reliable laminate flooring solution for residential properties.
If you’re considering Shaw laminate floors, get in touch with local contractors to get the best deal on material prices.
A professional installation pays off when installing Shaw flooring because it helps avoid warranty issues for DIY installers. After all, you can’t go wrong with choosing Shaw.
