If you want high-quality, versatile, and affordable flooring with very little maintenance required, Shaw laminate is the way to go.
While there are different tiers in terms of quality and price when it comes to laminate flooring brands, Shaw laminate floors is one of the most popular options for U.S. homeowners.
For that reason, we’ll take a closer look at Shaw laminate flooring and tell you more about its top features, cost, benefits and drawbacks, and compare it to other well-known laminate flooring brands.
Shaw Laminate Flooring: An Overview
Before diving into Shaw laminate collections and prices, we should talk about the brand itself. Shaw Floors is a U.S. company that has been making hardwood floors, carpets, tiles, and premium laminate for over 50 years.
Over the decades, they’ve acquired a stellar reputation and regularly bring in billions of dollars in revenue.
Shaw is a brand synonymous with high-quality flooring, and their laminate collections are particularly well-regarded.
How Much Does Shaw Laminate Cost?
The price tag is the number one factor for most homeowners when choosing laminate flooring.
While the Shaw brand is definitely a premium brand in the laminate flooring industry, it does offer a range of prices, starting from $6.19 and going up to $7.19 per square foot.
But these are only prices for the laminate planks, which doesn’t give you the full picture of how much it costs to install Shaw laminate flooring.
| Shaw Laminate Product Line | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Intrigue | 6.29 |
| Gold Coast | 6.59 |
| Anthem Plus | 7.19 |
| Manor Bridge | 6.19 |
| Castle Ridge | 6.39 |
The labor cost varies depending on your location and can range between $4 and $8 per square foot.
Laminate flooring installation cost is typically more affordable than in urban areas, where materials are more expensive too.
However, if we consider that you likely won’t install laminate in your kitchen, bathrooms, or garage, the average area covered in laminate flooring is 1,000 square feet.
If you choose Shaw laminate flooring, you will need to pay between $10,190 and $15,190, depending on which Shaw product line you choose and the installation cost in your area.
Finally, you also have to consider that in some instances, you will need an underlayment that typically costs around $0.5 per square foot, which adds another $500 for the 1,000 square foot area.
You can use our Laminate Flooring Cost Estimator to calculate the cost of installing laminate floors in your home.
Most Prominent Features of Shaw Flooring
What is laminate exactly? Essentially, it’s a type of economy flooring popularized in the 1970s. Made from a particleboard wood base and additional protective layers, it prevents stains, fading, and water damage.
But Shaw Laminate flooring is built somewhat differently. The company uses a proprietary material called OptiCore that offers more durability and moisture resistance.
Plus, their laminate planks come with an aluminum oxide-infused wear-resistant layer.
Shaw laminate flooring also features Optiguard technology, essentially a high-gloss finish that delivers impressive scratch-resistant properties.
Finally, an area where Shaw laminate stands out from the competition is the locking technology. The installation process doesn’t require any gluing whatsoever.
Instead, installers can fix the laminate planks directly into the subflooring, ensuring they stay in place. This system allows homeowners to dismantle the laminate flooring if they choose to do so.
Shaw Laminate Flooring Collections
Unlike many other laminate flooring brands, Shaw doesn’t categorize their collection solely on the quality level but focuses more on plank dimensions.
It’s also important to point out that Shaw frequently updates their laminate assortment. Hence, it’s vital to check with the official website before choosing to laminate for your home or commercial property.
Currently, Shaw Flooring offers three basic collections, Repel, Long Board, and Mixed Width.
The Repel Collection
This is, by far, the most popular and comprehensive Shaw laminate flooring collection. Over the years, Shaw Floors have introduced various lines as a part of this collection, and they currently have three options available.
The most affordable option is the Intrigue line, which costs $6.29 per square foot. It comes in six colors, all of which belong to either traditional or modern styles.
Shaw’s Intrigue laminate plank is 7.67 inches wide, 48 inches long, and 12mm thick.
The Gold Coast line is slightly more expensive, at $6.59 per square foot, and comes in several different colors, including skyline grey, paradise brown, and cabana brown.
This Shaw Repel collection plank is 50.67 inches long, and like all Repel planks, it’s 12mm thick.
Finally, the priciest option in this category is the Anthem Plus, priced at $7.19 per square foot and 50.67 inches long.
It’s a great choice for those who want an affordable flooring solution that resembles hardwood and has excellent shine.
There are seven color options available, and it’s incredibly easy to install.
Pro Tip: Shaw laminate is low maintenance, so there’s no need to use abrasive tools to clean it. A soft-bristle broom or rotating brush vacuum extensions should be avoided.
The Long Board Collection
Shaw Floors still lists the Long Board collection as part of their offer, although they currently don’t have any product lines available.
It’s possible the company is introducing new products in this collection soon, but at the time of writing that is unconfirmed.
The Long Board collection essentially represents a longer type of Shaw laminate flooring. These planks are typically 79 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 10mm thick.
The Mixed Width Collection
As the name suggests, this Shaw laminate floor collection combines different width planks, organized randomly for unique visual appeal.
By choosing the Mixed Width collection, homeowners will receive laminate planks that are 3.5, 5, and 6.4-inches wide.
The planks in this collection are all 12mm thick and feature glue-less installation.
The Mixed Width collection is currently available in two lines. The Manor Bridge line costs $6.19 per square foot and comes in only one color: Radical Rustic.
The other line is called Castle Ridge, and all five color options are priced the same: $6.39 per square foot.
Advantages of Shaw Laminate Flooring
Laminate is a great alternative to hardwood as it allows you to get beautiful flooring without spending a fortune.
But Shaw laminate flooring is in its own category, and there are several reasons why so many homeowners choose it for their homes.
Shaw Is Made by a Reputable Company
When it comes to the flooring industry, reputation goes a long way. You can’t fake quality, and customers rightfully expect a lot from their favorite brand.
With over 20,000 employees, numerous manufacturing facilities, and decades of experience, Shaw has earned the trust of their customers.
Naturally, even reputable brands are not perfect, so dissatisfied customers are a reality. Still, Shaw laminate flooring is incredibly popular because the company offers exceptional quality.
Many Options Available
Shaw is a large company that caters to many different tastes. There’s something for every home size, style, and budget.
Shaw laminate flooring is available in traditional, modern, and rustic home décor and comes in various plank textures, colors, widths, lengths, and thicknesses.
Their laminate floors are made to withstand wear and tear and are suitable for homes with pets. If you’re unsure what style you’re looking for, Shaw will likely have something that matches your taste.
Water-Repelling Properties
If you’re worried about accidental spills and splashes, Shaw laminate flooring is an excellent choice. It will keep the water on top of the surface long enough for you to clean it up.
Keep in mind that Shaw laminate, the same as any other laminate, isn’t water-resistant. However, locking technology prevents the moisture from slipping through instantly and causing damage in the long run.
Shaw laminate flooring offers the right amount of moisture resistance and style for homes with little kids and pets running around.
Did you know? You can install laminate on top of existing flooring. That is why laminate is sometimes referred to as “floating floor.”
As long as the floor beneath is flat and clean, the laminate installation is pretty straightforward.
Impressive Durability
Shaw laminate flooring could be an excellent solution if your home has high foot traffic. It can withstand up to 1,100 pounds of pressure per square inch, making it a perfect choice for nearly any room in the house.
Shaw laminate flooring is great for living rooms, laundry rooms, and even basements, as it possesses excellent scratch-resistant properties.
The company has designed a type of laminate flooring that is meant to last anywhere between 20-50 years, depending on specific factors.
Eco-Friendly Flooring
There are many ways people can engage in more environmentally sustainable homeownership. One of the options is investing in Shaw laminate.
Every laminate plank is made from the post-consumer wood product, like sawdust or wood chips.
As no natural resources are harvested or used for the manufacturing process, the shipping costs are lower, which results in a lower carbon footprint.
Plus, Shaw laminate flooring can be removed and repurposed due to innovative installation methods, which is another element of sustainability.
Inexpensive Alternative for Hardwood Floors
Even the best laminate flooring, including Shaw planks, can’t perfectly mimic a hardwood floor. However, Shaw laminate comes pretty close.
If your goal is to purchase a laminate floor that resembles hardwood, Shaw offers several product lines that focus specifically on this task. Naturally, the price tag is nowhere near what the natural hardwood floor would cost.
Disadvantages of Shaw Laminate Flooring
While there are clearly many fantastic benefits of Shaw laminate, this flooring brand comes with a few drawbacks. You should keep in mind a few when choosing a laminate floor for your home.
Excessive Humidity Causes Damage
We’ve talked about the moisture-repelling properties of Shaw laminate, but it’s vital to point out that excessive humidity can speed up the deterioration of the flooring.
The same applies to areas with dry air. If you’re installing Shaw laminate flooring in areas where these two extremes are prevalent, it’s essential to reconsider if any laminate is a great option.
Confusing Warranties
It’s fair to say that Shaw Floors doesn’t have a clear guideline on warranties for a company of its size.
We know that they attach comprehensive warranties on their laminate floors, but precisely how long is somewhat of a mystery.
On the one hand, the company offers a lifetime structural warranty, and on the other, they claim the laminate products are covered with either 15, 20, 25, or 30-year warranties.
If you decide to invest in Shaw laminate flooring, you’ll need to speak to a direct distributor to get detailed information about the warranties.
Comes Without Underlayment
This is not technically a disadvantage, more impractical. Shaw Floors urges laminate flooring buyers to invest in an underlayment sold separately.
While it is indeed an inconvenience, the upside is that you can choose which type of underlayment you want and ensure greater overall performance.
Somewhat Pricey
Shaw laminate flooring is cheaper than hardwood, but it’s still a high-end option for many. If you’re on the fence about which type of flooring to choose, it might be better to choose hardwood floors instead.
However, homeowners choose laminate for specific reasons and are often happy to invest in the best option available.
Did you know? Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for those prone to allergies. This type of flooring doesn’t trap allergens including dust, pollen, and dander. Also, laminate flooring is entirely resistant to mold and mildew.
Shaw Laminate Flooring Customer Reviews
One of the best ways to gauge the quality and durability of any product is to listen to the customers.
While some reviews might not always seem objective, they offer important value and can highlight the best and worse product features.
Homeowners who are satisfied with Shaw laminate flooring had this to say about it:
-The Shaw Repel collection is gorgeous and has completely transformed our home.
-We installed Shaw laminate two years ago, and it still looks brand-new.
-I’ve recently dropped a glass of water on the laminate and the water just puddled.
-The flooring looks fantastic, and I plan to install it in my bedroom.
-Shaw Laminate is super easy to clean, which was my number one concern.
-I love the price to value ratio, and that’s why I’ve chosen Shaw laminate flooring.
Those who were less than impressed with Shaw laminate flooring offered their opinions too:
-My dog made a mess on the floor, and it resulted in staining, which is not what the installer promised.
-We’ve installed Shaw laminate in the kitchen, which might have been a mistake as it’s not very water-resistant.
-The floor dents easily and looks terrible after only one year.
-The floor bubbled after only a short exposure to water.
-Shaw laminate is more expensive than it should be.
-I am not happy with how the floor looks in my hallway. Not similar to the hardwood at all.
Shaw vs. Mohawk Laminate Flooring
Mohawk is another very popular laminate flooring brand. They are an excellent solution for all handiwork enthusiasts out there and are more affordable than Shaw laminate flooring.
Mohawk laminate flooring offers reliable designs but doesn’t have as many products and color options as Shaw.
However, Mohawk has developed superior proprietary technologies such as Hydroseal, a type of durable sealant, and UniClic, a locking system that keeps the laminate firmly connected.
Still, Mohawk laminate flooring is more affordable than Shaw, ranging between $2 and $4 per square foot.
The lowest price offered by Shaw is $6.19 per square foot. It’s also important to note that Mohawk laminate planks are also widely used for commercial properties.
Shaw vs. Mannington Adura Laminate Flooring
Another major competitor is Mannington Adura, which is still not as premium as Shaw but offers excellent advantages. The price range is not extensive, though, and most Mannington laminate product lines go from $4.39 to $5.00 per square foot.
One area where Mannington Adura outshines Shaw flooring is variety. The company offers entry-level and premium laminate planks that resemble different species of wood, including oak, maple, and others.
If you want to invest in the most authentic-looking hardwood-style laminate flooring, perhaps Mannington Adura offers more.
Shaw vs. AquaGuard Flooring
One of the biggest concerns when choosing laminate flooring is the kind of water-resistant properties the brand will deliver.
Shaw laminate flooring bodes pretty well in that regard, but AquaGuard offers more water resistance than nearly any other brand on the market.
They coat their laminate planks twice, ensuring the very best moisture protection. Shaw Repel collection offers excellent protection as well, but SafeGuard will keep the moisture from penetrating the laminate for a few hours more.
However, Shaw laminate still provides more versatility and overall durability.
Price-wise, AquaGuard is significantly more affordable than Shaw laminate flooring. The starting price per square foot is $2.58 per square foot, and the most expensive product line tops at $3.99 per square foot.
Again, Shae laminate’s lowest price per square foot is $6.19, while the priciest option goes up to $7.19 per square foot.
Pro Tip: Adding a floor mat or a small carpet to a high-traffic area in your home will go a long way to extending the lifespan of your laminate flooring.
It will minimize everyday wear and tear and prevent accidental dents and scratches in specific areas.
Can Shaw Laminate Flooring Be Used With Underfloor Heating?
Yes, it absolutely can. The company encourages buyers to install the flooring on top of radiant heating systems, though adding the underlayment is recommended.
The installation process may also be more complicated in this instance, so it’s vital to find a reliable Shaw laminate installer.
Can You Replace Damaged Shaw Laminate Planks?
Indeed, you can. One of the most convincing reasons to invest in Shaw laminate flooring is that it can be repaired relatively easily.
If one section of the flooring tolerates high traffic or has seen excessive scratches and dents (a children’s playroom comes to mind,) you can replace it.
Keep in mind that certain Shaw laminate product lines are discontinued and are frequently updated, so you might not be able to find the exact replacement.
Is Shaw Laminate Flooring a Good Choice For a Bathroom?
No, it’s not. Bathrooms are the most humid rooms in the home, and laminate doesn’t tolerate humidity very well.
You’re way better off choosing ceramic tiles for your bathroom.
Which Laminate Flooring Is the Best?
There is no one correct answer to this question, as it all depends on what your home needs. Shaw laminate flooring is undoubtedly a top-quality option, but it’s also one of the priciest.
Many great and more affordable laminate flooring brands are available, so it’s vital to do your own research before making a definite choice.
Are Shaw Laminate Products Safe For Your Home?
All Shaw laminate flooring comes with a GreenGuard certification, which means they don’t contain any damaging organic elements and can’t negatively affect indoor air quality.
Furthermore, it means that the laminate can be safely disposed of when it’s no longer in use.
Is Shaw Laminate Flooring the Right Choice For Your Home?
The many benefits of laminate flooring include simple installation, durability, price, style, and versatility.
But choosing the right laminate flooring can be more challenging than it seems.
Even the briefest research will show you that Shaw laminate flooring is one of the most popular options in the U.S. – and that’s not by accident.
Shaw laminate is durable, great-looking, eco-friendly, and offers excellent water-resistant properties.
The price tag might exceed what is considered the laminate industry standard, but the return on investment is significant.
