Shaw Laminate Floors

Mike Hill
9/6/2012
Posted in:
Reviews

Laminate flooring has become a popular choice for many homeowners because of its ability to closely emulate today's most popular hard surfaces, especially hardwood planks and tiles. Besides the great textures and designs, laminate flooring offers improved durability, easier maintenance, and affordability compared to other types of flooring. Laminate flooring is extremely resistant to wear, stains, and sunlight fading. The beautifully rich textured finishes make these floors a great alternative for most areas in the home.

Having arrived from Europe over a decade ago, laminate flooring was inspired by countertop materials, only laminate is at least 20 times stronger. With a high-pressure laminate surface it is virtually impossible for spills and scuffs to leave a mark. The clear surface layer protects the pattern underneath and is highly resistant to spills, cigarette burns, and scratches. Maintenance is quick and easy, using a dust-cloth or vacuum for hard-surface floors. Laminate flooring is also excellent for people suffering from allergies because pet dander and hair won’t stick to them.

Specially engineered with layered construction, laminate flooring can be installed almost anywhere in the home, including over dry concrete slabs, wooden subfloors, and many types of existing floor coverings. The low clearance space height means laminates are particularly suited for renovation and restoring old houses where floor thicknesses can be a problem. As you're shopping for laminate floors, you'll find a lot of different products, and after awhile, they may start to look alike. But all floors are not created equal.

Durable, Stain-Resistant Flooring

Shaw's laminate flooring is incredibly durable and resists staining, fading, and wear through. Such problem spills as nail polish, grease, and mustard simply wipe off of a Shaw laminate floor. The top layer is a highly durable clear finish of melamine, reinforced with aluminum oxide - one of the hardest mineral compounds on Earth. Beneath is the highly detailed photograph that gives the flooring its appearance. The core is made up of a dense fiberboard, providing stability and impact resistance. There's also an edge sealing treatment at this level, to increase moisture-resistance and structural integrity. Finally, the base is reinforced with melamine, like the top layer, but provides additional stability and balance.

Shaw's patented VersaLock glue-less flooring system makes installing your new floor a breeze. Using a tongue-and-groove locking technology allows you to walk on your floor right after installation. And, since there's no glue, these ultra durable flooring planks can be taken apart and reassembled in another room. Although Shaw Laminate Floors can stand up to the toughest household conditions, you can ensure its perfection with simple, routine cleaning (dry or damp dust mopping) and little additional maintenance.

Shaw's quality flooring can be found nationwide at a wide range of stores, from independent specialty flooring shops to the largest home improvement retailers. The only decision left to make is which style of Shaw Laminate Flooring you'll be installing in your home.