Mohawk is a popular name in the laminate flooring world; their waterproof products certainly draw a lot of attention from people considering laminate flooring for their properties.
The brand offers more than 200 exquisite-looking laminate flooring designs where most of them are designed to easily pass for real wood flooring. What’s the truth about the brand and its products, though?
Mohawk waterproof laminate refers to a category of products from this company known as Mohawk RevWood Plus. It is the highest-end offering from the brand and comes with an extensive warranty. Other product categories like RevWood (entry-level) and RevWood Select can also work for many projects.
The rest of this article will provide a comprehensive look at Mohawk laminate flooring, including their waterproof RevWood Plus products.
Pros of Mohawk Laminate Flooring
Let’s dive into the Pros of Mohawk Laminate Flooring first.
Reasonable Durability
Most laminate flooring products from Mohawk can withstand use in high-traffic areas due to the AC3 rating. So, you can use them in living areas and walkways around your home without any worries about longevity.
Easy Installation
The planks that come with most Mohawk laminate flooring products are designed to encourage DIY installations. If you’ve ever engaged in any home improvement projects in the past, you’ll be able to complete your Mohawk laminate installation with minimal fuss.
Competitive Pricing
The prices quoted for Mohawk laminate flooring products are slightly below the industry average for similar products. Whatever your flooring needs might be, you can be sure to find them firmly in line with your budget.
Easy Maintenance
As is the case with other laminate flooring options, Mohawk’s products are easy to maintain and keep in shape. You’ll never have to worry about mold or odors. The bulk of the maintenance revolves around keeping the floor clean and using the products recommended by the brand.
You also have to take steps to keep water from building up on the floor and sitting for extended periods.
Wide Range of Options
Mohawk has three main laminate flooring categories, but each of those includes more dozens of specific models that come in a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes.
Whatever your decor needs, you are sure to find a product that matches the look you’re going for. Colors cover all the ranges, including soft, warm, and dark tones.
The Uniclic Technology
Mohawk’s Uniclic technology improves the standard glued setups you’re probably used to with other laminate flooring products. With this locking system, the boards are designed to click together physically.
This speeds up installation a great deal and ensures you don’t have to go through the messy process of applying and cleaning glue during installation.
The GenuEdge System
Mohawk developed this technology to ensure each plank they produce looks very realistic. With GenuEdge, they roll an embossed image across the plank’s edge; this gives it a highly realistic, 3D wood grain appearance.
The ScratchGuard Defense
Mohawk’s ScratchGuard technology involves aluminum crystals being added to the outer layer of the plank. This provides your floor with increased protection against scratches and abrasion. You’ll love this additional protection if the laminate flooring is to be installed in a medium to high traffic area.
You are likely to get a few more years out of the installation before it starts looking worn out.
Waterproof Flooring
If you choose to go with Mohawks RevWood Plus products, you’ll get flooring that is designed to be waterproof. The Uniclic technology maintains a seal between the planks, keeping them airtight. The edges of the planks are also coated with Hydroseal to ensure they won’t soak up water.
Eco-Friendly Flooring
Mohawk is a brand that pays attention to the eco-friendliness of its operations. They only use the southern pine (known for fast growth and replenishing) to make the core in their product. They also help to keep tons of materials out of the landfill each year by using pre-consumer recycled materials in the production process.
The finished products have the Resilient Floor Covering Institute Floorscore certification. This scoring system was created to measure VOCs and also check indoor air quality.
Cons of Mohawk Laminate Flooring
We will list some general cons of Mohawk laminate flooring products. Some of the points may only apply to specific product lines, so you should pay closer attention when we discuss specific Mohawk product categories.
Repairs Are Not Possible
Mohawk laminate flooring products are designed with a thin wear layer. When you see dents, gouges, or scratches that need repair, you’ll have to take out the affected plank and replace it with a new one.
Non-Universal Waterproofing
If you buy any Mohawk laminate product that isn’t the RevWood Plus, you’ll only get flooring designed to be water-resistant, not waterproof. Even the Plus products only become waterproof after you’ve completed the installation properly.
Easy Staining
Like other laminate floors, Mohawk’s laminate flooring can easily stain. The company says the planks are treated to limit the amount of stains, but this only lasts the first few months of the installation. You have to clean up spills as soon as they happen, or they’ll become permanent.
Weak Warranty Policy
Mohawk has a residential “lifetime” warranty, but on closer inspection of the small print, you’ll see that it is a 20-year warranty. The positive side of the warranty is that while most brands prorate the warranty after a year, Mohawk only starts proration in the 7th year.
However, some customers have noted that the company often does everything possible to wiggle out of honoring the warranty, pointing at improper installation, excessive water damage, and other such details as the reasons for the damage.
Mohawk Laminate Flooring Categories
Below is a look at Mohawk’s major lines of flooring products, so you can have a clear view of what to expect from each of them and make a more informed decision on any of them you end up choosing.
RevWood Select
The RevWood Select category is often regarded as the perfect option in the Mohawk catalog because it has the best bits of everything and comes at a nice mid-range price.
The planks are not waterproof, but that’s hardly a negative as no laminate is completely waterproof in the real sense of the word.
- The products feature Uniclic technology, so you can complete the installation process without external help. There’s also a wide range of options to choose from. There are 35 different styles with 12 different themes, including shiny, rustic, vintage, and modern.
- The planks are around 8-12mm (0.3-0.5in) thick, just enough to offer excellent support while remaining soft underfoot.
- Products in this category are designed to be spill and scratch-resistant and also feature anti-stain technology.
- They also have a 24-hour set period, so you can start moving in your furniture a day after completing the installation.
- The planks come with Mohawk’s residential lifetime warranty, and you can buy them for around $2.25 to $3.00per square foot.
Popular RevWood Select Collections
Some of the popular collections you’ll find under this Mohawk category include:
- Fulford (comes in 4 colors)
- Granary Oak (comes in 3 colors)
- Briarfield (comes in 5 colors)
- Rare Vintage (comes in 9 colors)
- Woodcreek (comes in 4 colors)
- Boardwalk Collective (comes in 10 colors)
Pros
- The products come with a lifetime warranty.
- They allow for DIY installation.
- The category offers the best balance in terms of cost and value.
- There are 35 styles and color options to choose from.
Cons
- The products are not waterproof.
RevWood Plus
RevWood Plus is the premium Mohawk laminate flooring series and the one known as the waterproof laminate. To highlight Mohawk’s trust in their Hydroseal waterproof technology, they encourage steam cleaning the floor.
It is unsurprisingly the costliest in their product range. You should also note that the material only becomes waterproof after the floor has been installed and allowed to set.
- You won’t need any underlayment with products from the Plus series because each plank has an underlayment layer included. This saves you time and money during the installation process.
- Like other products from Mohawk, the RevWood Plus line also comes with a lifetime warranty.
- You’ll also get all the whistles and bells, such as the anti-scratch and anti-spill technologies and the UniClic grooves.
- The products in this category also have a wear layer that is slightly thicker, which means you can install flooring in any room you choose within your home, including the highest traffic areas.
- With more than three dozen style and color options to choose from, finding the perfect choice to bring your dream décor to life is easy.
- Another interesting addition to the RevWood Plus products is the Mohawk, All Pet Protection Warranty, which covers the floor from scratches, accidents, and spills caused by your pets. The warranty doesn’t discriminate between species.
- The planks for the RevWood Plus line are 10-12mm (0.4-0.5in) thick, and they cost around $2.50–$3.50per square foot.
Popular RevWood Plus Collections
Some of the popular collections you’ll find under the RevWood Plus line include:
- Western Ridge (comes in 4 colors)
- Hartwick (comes in 5 colors)
- Antique Graft (comes in 5 colors)
- Sawmill Ridge (comes in 4 colors)
- Castlebriar (comes in 5 colors)
- Crest Haven (comes in 5 colors)
- Elderwood (comes in 4 colors)
- Southbury (comes in 6 colors)
Pros
- You can clean the floor with a wet mop.
- Installation is easy.
- There’s a residential lifetime warranty.
- All pet protection warranty is included in the package.
- The design delivers near-100% waterproof laminate flooring.
Cons
- It is the most expensive in this product line.
- The style option feels a bit bare when compared to the highest-end series from other brands.
RevWood
This is the entry-level series for Mohawk laminate flooring. It is the least expensive, but it also has some limitations you need to be aware of.
- The obvious drawback is the lack of waterproofing, but it also doesn’t have other quintessential Mohawk features like the UniClic groves and the anti-scratch protection.The lack of UniClic groves makes the installation a bit less simple compared to what you get with products that have the technology, but the installation process is still simple enough.
- The affordability of the products in this series is the first thing that stands out, but another benefit is the wide range of options available.
- There are more than 75 variations to choose from, which is far higher than what is offered by the other series we’ve covered above.
- With products from this line, you are getting plain, basic laminate. However, you can spice things up by requesting scratch resistance for a slightly higher price.
- The series is a decent option to consider for floors that don’t get a lot of traffic and for rooms that are not too close to wet areas. This rules out using them on your kitchen or bathroom floors. In your bedroom or living room, however, the floor will last long enough.
- These planks cost around $2.00-$2.50per square foot.
Popular Collections
Some of the popular collections you’ll find under the standard RevWood series include:
- Kingmire (comes in 7 colors)
- Reclaimed Chic (comes in 3 colors)
- Carrolton (comes in 12 colors)
- Chalet Visa (comes in 8 colors)
- Havermill (comes in 8 colors)
- Rare Vintage (comes in 6 colors)
- Wood Escape (comes in 3 colors)
- Rivercrest (comes in 6 colors)
Pros
- There are lots of options to choose from.
- The cost per square foot is the lowest.
- It’s fairly easy to install.
Cons
- It’s not waterproof.
- The warranty isn’t as comprehensive as other series.
- There’s no dent and scratch protection out of the box.
How to install Mohawk Laminate Flooring?
The installation process for Mohawk laminate flooring products is simple enough for most people to follow. However, if you’re unsure about your DIY skills or don’t want to get involved in the installation process, you can hire a professional installer to get the job done.
If you’re hiring someone, be sure to avoid paying a second time for items you’ve already bought alongside the floor planks. Most of the quoted prices will include the cost of the materials you need for the flooring.
1. Tools needed
However, if you choose to go the DIY route, there are other tools you’ll need that won’t come with the package. The list includes:
- Protective gear: At the very least, you’ll need gloves, eye protection, and knee pads to ensure you avoid injuries.
- Hammer or Mallet: You’ll need one to tap pieces into place and ensure each plank fits in nicely. I love Lightweight Mallet TEKTON from Amazon
- Crowbar: This will come in handy if you need to remove old flooring and baseboards. I like this one.
- Bubble level: This tool will help you confirm that your installation is level, allowing you to detect and correct any variances.
- Power saw: You’ll need a circular or table saw to cut the first row of your laminate to size. You’ll also need to cut the starting and ending pieces on the following rows. Check my best saw for laminate flooring list.
- Chalk line: Useful to mark the room and make sure you’re starting on a straight line. I love TAJIMA. Its so easy to use and very handy.
There are four stages to get through when installing laminate. We’ll cover these below. The steps are straightforward, but you may need some time to grasp what needs to be done if this is your first time installing laminate flooring.
2. The Preparation Stage
The first thing you should do before laying a laminate plank is to prepare the room. You have to take out the furniture pieces, as well as baseboards, trims, and thresholds. You’ll also need to get rid of the old flooring if you don’t intend to lay the laminate over your existing flooring material.
With everything cleared out of the room, sweep the floor and follow up with a vacuum to eliminate all dirt, dust, and debris.
If your Mohawk laminate doesn’t come with underlayment attached, you need to buy a roll to use. Place the underlayment on the floor, making sure to cover the entire floor from one side to the other.
Take a look at my recommendations below
| Click to Edit | Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| TopTOP QUALITY |  | First Step 630-Square Foot Roll Underlayment | Check Price |
| BEST OVERALL |  | FLOORLOT Gold 200sqft 3mm Laminate Flooring Vapor Barrier Premium Silent Underlayment | Check Price |
| BEST ON BUDGET |  | FLOORLOT 200sqft 3mm Laminate Flooring Vapor Barrier Underlayment | Check Price |
3. The Cutting and Measuring Stage
The next step here is to measure the room and find a center. According to Mohawk, you should ensure a 1/8th inch (3.2 mm) gap between the wall and edge of the first row of your flooring. This is to give the plank enough room to expand and constrict.
Take the bubble level and the chalk line to find the center of the longest wall, and mark your line.
With the lines and measurement sorted, the next step is to cut off the tip of the planks that will form the first row. The side you’ve cut off will face the wall. At this point, you’re ready to start laying your floor.
4. The Planks Installation Stage
The first row of laminate planks should be installed along the longest wall in your room. This isn’t compulsory, but that’s what most installers recommend and will do. If you’d like a different look, however, you can install it in another direction.
At these point check my post: Which direction to Lay Laminate Flooring?
You should lay the first row of the flooring by following the chalk line. You need to maintain the 1/8th-inch gap, as mentioned earlier, and then always lightly tap the planks to push them together from one end to the other.
From this stage onwards, you can continue the installation process by locking pieces together. Always use the cut piece from the last plank as the starting piece of a new row to keep everything in line.
NOTE: When the installation is done, you should avoid walking on the flooring immediately.
5. The Setting Stage
This stage is all about waiting for the floor to be ready for use. According to Mohawk, you have to wait at least 24 hours before you start walking across the floor. So, you’ll have to give the floor this amount of time before you start reinstalling baseboards, thresholds, and trims.
When returning pieces of furniture to their position, be sure to avoid dragging them across the floor as this will only lead to warping, scratching, and dents. If you must slide any piece of furniture across the floor, you should use pads on the base.
You will find ineteresting:
Should You Buy Mohawk Waterproof Laminate Flooring?
Mohawk is one of the most trusted laminate flooring companies in the world today. You should have some level of confidence in the quality of the products when you choose one of them. The products are available across different stores and online, a sign that flooring contractors and home improvement stores trust the brand.
If you’re looking for a laminate flooring option that is waterproof and has a decent range of options to choose from, Mohawk’s RevWood Plus is one of the best options in the market today.
Apart from being waterproof, the Uniclic system means a no-fuss installation that you can handle in a few minutes. If you choose to work with an installer, you get to save money as they won’t spend a lot of time on the project. It’s a money-saver from every angle because you get the look of real hardwood flooring for a fraction of the price and without worrying too much about water spills.
All Mohawk laminate flooring products come with the NALFA Certification Seal from the North American Laminate Flooring Association.
The organization independently tests laminate flooring in their labs to see how they perform in different conditions and how stains, water, and physical damage can affect the quality of the product. Most products from the brand also have ratings that show they are good enough for residential and commercial areas.
However, as is the case with all other laminate flooring products, there are always a few disgruntled customers who complain about how the product fails to withstand wear and tear. Some have mentioned scratches and dents appearing with little or no reason, colors fading too early, and top layers peeling.
It’s hard to say if this is an indictment on the entire Mohawk laminate line or if the customers have influenced the longevity of their products with their actions or inactions. Still, you can’t ignore Mohawk’s products, especially if you’re in the market for waterproof laminate flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Mohawk laminate stick on tile?
If you prepare the planks well enough, you can install Mohawk laminate on many types of surfaces, including tiles, engineered hardwood, solid hardwood, and vinyl.
Are the products really waterproof?
As we’ve seen above, only the Mohawk RevWood Plus series are waterproof, and only when they are properly installed. Proper locking of the planks will keep water out of the floor’s core and prevent warping and swelling.
Can Mohawk’s laminate flooring be repaired when damaged?
This depends on the extent of the damage. For light cases, you can use colored pencils and fillers to repair the damage. However, for significant chips and dents, you’ll need to replace the affected boards.
Will Mohawk laminates work in basements?
As long as the floor of the basement won’t overwhelm it with moisture, the laminates should be fine. Remember, even the RevWood Plus lines are waterproof only when the planks aren’t exposed to water puddles for a long time. Stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines on moisture levels and follow instructions on correctly preparing the subfloor.
Is it safe to use Mohawk laminates in a home with children and pets?
The brand’s products have been certified to be safe for your home. All occupants will remain unaffected as the products don’t emit VOCs that can alter the indoor air quality. The All Pet Plus warranty also means you’re covered from any unforeseen pet-related mishaps. However, you still have to keep the nails short as the warranty won’t cover negligence.
Will the waterproof laminate warranty stand in the event of a flood or mains leak?
Mohawks waterproof warranty is only applicable to typical spills around the home. Broken plumbing or flooding will overwhelm the product and will thus void the warranty.
Can scratches get buffed or sanded out?
The wear layer of all laminate products, including those from Mohawk, is thin. Sanding or buffing will most likely cause more serious damage than the scratch you’re trying to remove. There’s also the fact that sanding or buffing will remove the waterproof sealant, making it easier for water to get into the laminates’ core.
What does the set time mean?
The set time during installation of laminate flooring is the length of time you need to allow for the laminate to acclimate to the room temperature and humidity level. The planks will constrict or expand, depending on the situation. If you’d like to start using the room immediately after installation, consider spreading the planks in the room a day before schedule.
How long will the Mohawk laminate realistically last?
With moderate foot traffic and adequate care, you can expect your laminate flooring to last 15-20 years. The cheapest options may not last this long, but the higher-end laminates should get you that much time. If it doesn’t, you can trigger the warranty—as long as you can prove that the short longevity was due to a manufacturer defect and not from everyday use.
Wrapping Things Up
If you’re in the market for waterproof laminate flooring, Mohawk’s highest-end products should be near the top of your list, if not the first.
They offer an excellent range of styles and colors, so you can find the right product to pull off any interior décor dreams. With the brand’s embossing technology and wood grain technique, your floor will look very close to real hardwood flooring at a fraction of the price.
