Mohawk Laminate Flooring | (RevWood) 2022

Laminate flooring is one of the easiest to install, longest lasting and budget-friendly floor types. Mohawk flooring supplies some of the most advanced and aesthetic laminate flooring available.

This article will examine the Mohawk brand and the RevWood options. I will offer you a buyer’s guide to help you learn what to look for when searching for your next floor and I’ll give you a complete flooring report on Mohawk laminate flooring.

The Most Popular Mohawk Laminate Floors

• RevWood Select. Performance and value come together.
• RevWood Plus. Top-of-the-line. Waterproof and an extensive warranty.
• RevWood. The entry level laminate. Affordable price with multiple styles to choose from.

Buyers Guide: Choosing the Right Mohawk Laminate

Laminate flooring has a lot of variances and comes in many styles, colors and thicknesses. Knowing these variances and how they can benefit or hinder your flooring plans is crucial to your selection process.

Color and Style

One of the first aspects you need to decide on is the color and style of your laminate flooring. Most laminate planks are now designed to look like hardwood flooring.

While texture and the natural warmth of wood cannot be duplicated, Mohawk does come close.

All in all, Mohawk offers over 100 different colors, styles and finishes. You can narrow the options down by choosing a finish or specific color tone you are looking for. Each option will bring to you about a dozen choices or less, making your final decision easier.

When it comes to choosing the color and style of your Mohawk laminate flooring, I’ve found that it’s always better to have a clear vision of your room decor beforehand. Try to imagine the overall look you want for the space. This will guide your decision and help you choose a flooring that truly fits and complements your room’s aesthetic.

Size

Laminate planks, unlike luxury vinyl planks, come in a lot of sizes. Width and length make the planks have different appearances. Stone planks, for example, should be more uniform and give the floor its square, tiled look.

Wood planks should be longer and more slender for a modern look or wider and shorter for a more retro look.

Installation

The installation method and location are also key aspects. Most laminate is designed to be a DIY install, and Mohawk laminate planks make it even easier. With UniClic, Mohawk innovates how the planks lock together.

This process helps preserve any treatments to the planks and holds shape and durability better than a standard tongue and groove install.

If you want professional installation, these planks will work for that too. You should get three quotes from reliable vendors before signing any agreements.

In my experience, while DIY installation of Mohawk laminate flooring can seem intimidating, it’s quite manageable with the right preparation. Take the time to measure your space carefully and plan out the lay of the planks. Accuracy here can save you a lot of time and resources down the line.

Laminate AC Rating

AC rating is the overall value given to laminate planks on a scaled of AC1 to AC6. Some scales use AC 1 to AC5 but there are two AC3 versions. For most applications you will want to use a laminate with an AC rating of 3. This is good for high-traffic areas in residential installations.

AC4 (or AC3 Commercial), AC5 and AC6 are reserved for public areas and commercial installations. These are stronger planks, but they are also harder and not suited for homes. 

Laminate Core and Construction

Unlike a lot of second-rate laminate planks, the RevWood collection from Mohawk is made from real wood. It is still recycled wood, keeping the green aspect that makes laminate so popular.

Mohawk doesn’t source any rare wood trees in their productions. The top layer is all laminate but the core is real wood. It is pressed wood, and not a solid block, but the durability and rugged construction shine through.

Instead of PVC, or plywood cores, RevWood flooring will last you a long time without a lot of give, warping or damage.

A point to keep in mind regarding the laminate core and construction: the denser the core, the better the laminate resists wear and tear. This might make a difference in high-traffic areas of your home. The extra investment can be well worth it in the long run in terms of the longevity and durability of your flooring.

Price and Warranty

Your budget will come into play when choosing a new flooring type. The RevWood series is no different. With the three options you can expect to pay between $2 and $6 per square foot.

This of course also depends on the amount you are purchasing, the style, color and version of RevWood.

The base style is the cheapest, with RevWood Select being slightly more and RevWood Plus being the most expensive. Make sure you know what you want and that it fits within your budget before you make that final purchase.

Mohawk RevWood Flooring Report

1. Mohawk RevWood Select

RevWood laminate from Mohawk is made from real wood. It has a few layers, but the core is made from recycled wood for added strength and durability.

The RevWood Select line is arguably the best of the entire line up because it combines all of the features of the series with the cost-effectiveness of a mid-range laminate.

The planks are not waterproof, though, which is the only negative mark I can give them. However, it isn’t such a loss as hardly any laminate is truly waterproof.

The planks are constructed with UniClic tongue and groove installation, making it easy to put together as a DIY project.

When it comes to your options, there are 35 different styles to choose from and all have the same lifetime warranty. Inside the series, you will find 12 different styles, ranging from vintage and rustic to modern and shiny.

The planks average 8mm in thickness giving you solid support and enough give to be soft underfoot. The RevWood Select series is scratch resistant, spill resistant and offers a coating that helps inhibit stains.

With a 24 hour set period, you can install the floors and move the furniture in the following day.

2. Mohawk RevWood Plus

RevWood Plus is the laminate series that has it all. You will pay for the extra features, though. The biggest cost comes from the waterproofing.

RevWood Plus is the only laminate from Mohawk that is 100% waterproof, once installed. Note that the individual planks are not waterproof and with the beveled edges, the waterproof treatment only works after the flooring is installed, set and in use.

You don’t need an underlayment with the Plus series, either. Each plank comes with an underlayment layer attached, saving you time and money on your install. Like the rest of the RevWood lines, the Plus series also comes with a lifetime warranty.

You also get the scratch resistance, spill-proof UniClic grooves and a DIY install. The wear layer is slightly thicker, allowing you to install the flooring in any room of your home, even in the basement and wet areas.

There are 37 color and style options to choose from, giving you enough choices to match the décor of your home or single room with ease.

To top it all off, this series comes with the Mohawk All Pet Protection Warranty. This covers your floors from claws, accidents and spills caused by your pets (of any species). 

3. Mohawk RevWood

RevWood is the base model of the Mohawk laminate family. It is the least expensive, but it also has limitations.

The biggest limits are the lack of waterproofing, like the Select series, but it is also missing the scratch protection. Most options in this line also do not have the UniClic groves.

Installation is simple and straightforward though, and can be done by just about anyone. The biggest benefit to this series, aside from the lower cost per square foot, is the selection.

Unlike the other two series, the base model comes in 75 variations. You can add scratch resistance for an added cost, but in general the RevWood series is the basic, plain laminate at a highly affordable price.

When looking at the floors, RevWood is the best option for medium traffic areas and for rooms not near wet areas. If you want to install in a kitchen or bathroom, you need to choose another option.

However, installing in a living room or bedroom will give you a lasting floor that holds up well for years of beautiful use.

Installing Mohawk Laminate Flooring

Installing Mohawk laminate planks is a DIY job. Vinyl planks are a bit easier, but not by much. Both offer a simple installation process that almost anyone can follow.

If you would rather not deal with the process, you can hire a professional installer. Note that most of the prices and quotes include the purchase of the flooring materials. Ensure that you aren’t paying a professional installer for something you already bought.

For a DIY install, the basic method is outlined below. Your exact process may be different, but this will give you a basic idea of what to expect.

Materials Needed

• Chalk line. Top mark the room and find the center of each wall, ensuring a straight starting line.
• Power saw. Laminate needs to be cut to size for the first row, and all starting and ending pieces of subsequent rows. A table or circular saw is recommended.
• Bubble level. To ensure your floor is being installed level and any variances are corrected.
• Crowbar. Used to remove baseboards, old flooring (optional) and transition molding.
• Hammer. Used to tap pieces together and to ensure a solid fit for each piece.
• Personal Protective Equipment. Gloves, eye protection and knee pads, at a minimum, are recommended to protect yourself from injury, flying debris or other side-effects of installing floors.

DIY Laminate Flooring Install

Install takes place over four stages. Preparation, cutting and measuring, plank installation and setting. These steps are straightforward, but may take you some time to get used to, if you have never laid flooring before.

Preparation

Before you can lay a plank you need to prep the room. Remove all furniture, baseboards, trim and thresholds. If you are not laying on top of existing flooring materials, you need to remove the old flooring as well.

Once everything is out of the room, you should clean the floor with a good sweep and a vacuum to remove any dust, dirt or debris.

Most Mohawk laminates come with an underlayment attached. If you do not have an attached underlayment, check if underlayments come with the packaging. Some models don’t have any underlayment at all.

In this case, you will need to purchase a roll or sheeting for your underlayment. Place the underlayment, covering the entire floor from edge to edge.

Cutting and Measuring

The nest stage is to measure the room and find the center. Mohawk recommends leaving a 1/8th inch gap from the edge of the first row to the wall. This allows for expansion and constriction of the planks.

Use the chalk line and bubble level to find the center of the longest wall and marl your line.

Once you have your lines and measurements, you need to cut off the tongue of the planks that will make up the first row. The cut side will face the wall. You are now ready to start laying.

Installing Planks

Install the first row along the longest wall in the room. While this isn’t required, it is recommended. Most installs follow the direction of the room. However, you can go against this if you want to alter the look of your flooring.

Lay the first row following your chalk line. Maintain the 1/8th-inch gap and tap the planks together end to end.

From here on, you just continue the installation by locking pieces together. One thing to note is that all of the end joints should be staggered at least 6-inches. The best way to ensure the joints don’t fall in line is to use the cut piece from the last plank as the first piece of the new row.

Continue this offset as you lay the following layers, working to the edge of the room near the exit.

After the installation is complete, you should avoid walking on the flooring as you enter the final stage of the process.

Set Time

Mohawk recommends that you wait at least 24 hours before you walk on the floor. This includes reinstalling the trim, baseboards and thresholds.

Once the expansion time is complete, you can then restore your baseboards, trim moldings and furniture.

To prevent scratching, warping or other damage, be sure to lift and carry the furniture instead of sliding it along the floor. Furniture pads, feet or scratch pads will help prevent this as well.

Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons

Mohawk laminate comes with it’s own list of pros and cons. Some pros may not be available with all versions of the laminate. Other cons may be eliminated by the higher-end models.

Pros

• Durable. Laminate flooring is highly durable. With AC 3 rating flooring you can install in high-traffic areas with little worry.
• DIY Installation. Mohawk engineers their planks to be simple to install with minimal DIY knowledge.
• Budget-Friendly. Priced below industry averages for their type, Mohawk laminate is affordable for any budget.
• Lower Maintenance. Laminate flooring is easy to clean, fights odors, mold and other flooring issues.
• Style and Color Options. Mohawk offers three laminate ranges with a total of over 100 different color, style and size options.

Cons

• No Repairs. The wear layer on Mohawk laminate is too thin to effectively repair. Scratches, dents and gouges will need to be replaced with a new plank.
• Not Waterproof. Aside from the RevWood Plus, Mohawk laminate is only water resistant. For the Plus series, the planks are only waterproof after a complete install, due to the water barrier added to the wear layer.
• Will stain. All laminate will stain. Spills and mud need to be cleaned up immediately. Mohawk treats their planks with a stain inhibitor, but it will only last so long. Juices and other colors spills will get through the barrier if allowed to set for long periods.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mohawk RevWood Floors

Below, I will answer the most common questions about Mohawk RevWood laminate. If you have further questions, please use the comment section below.

Q. Is Mohawk RevWood Plus really waterproof?

1. Yes, when it is installed. The individual planks are not waterproof, and any moisture getting into the core will cause swelling and damage. However, one the entire floor is installed, the planks create a water-tight seal (backed with a protective coating) that prevents water from getting to the core and causing damage.

Q. Can’t I sand or buff out scratches?

1. It depends on how deep the scratch is, but in general, no. The wear layer is thin and doesn’t hold up well to sanding or buffing. If you have RevWood Plus, any sanding or buffing will also remove the waterproof sealant and can cause further damage to the planks.

Q. Why do I have to cut the tongue side of the first row?

1. During installation, the first row needs to have the tongue side cut off to give you a flat edge to line up with. The tongue is a weak spot and pressed up against the wall will give way over time and cause your floor to shift, separate or develop cracks.

Q. Why is there a set time after install before I can use the floor?

1. Heat, cold and humidity all cause wood, vinyl and laminate to swell, constrict or expand. After being packaged, the planks or tiles are set. Once you open the box, though, they will need time to acclimate to the temperatures and humidity levels of your home. The set time allows the planks to expand and relax.

Q. How long will my Mohawk laminate floor last?

1. Most of the laminate models from Mohawk come with a lifetime warranty. However, this generally covers manufacturer’s defects, and doesn’t cover excessive wear and tear. In most situations, with moderate foot traffic, you can expect your residential laminate installation to last at least 20 years.

Conclusion

Mohawk laminate flooring has styles in wood grains and stone. With over 1000 color and size variations to choose from, you are sure to find the ideal match for your home or business.

The three most popular Mohawk laminate flooring options are the RevWood line, including Select and Plus series planks. With a budget-friendly price, long wear warranty and easy installation, you won’t be disappointed in your Mohawk RevWood purchase.