Shaw Laminates

RhinoFlooring

What is the group opinion of Shaw Laminates?

I have my own opinion but my mother always told me if you dont have anything nice to say then dont say anything at all.....I will go with that for now!!!

Floordude

That is my opinion of laminates in general.

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Bill in VaBeach

Many customers make the mistake of comparing laminate to real flooring, and I explain that you have to consider them as two separate options, the look, feel, durability, and appeal to a potential buyer, are all different from a real floor. Price is a significant consideration, although some laminates are more expensive than their counterparts.

Personal opinion is laminate is a pita to install, yet there is a market for it, primarily 30-40 year old single story ranches on a slab. Some are on their second remodel, for many it's the first. In these houses it is an upgrade from vinyl or carpet. Goes in easily over slab, no stringers (although I always remove the existing covering and work from a clean slab).

Not familiar with Shaw, may have used it, but have narrowed my brands down to two: Armstrong and DuPont, great warranties. Only laminates, no Pergo stuff. Unfortunately I can't speak to durability throughout the 20 or 30 year warranty, but no early-on failures of any kind, and customers are happy with the look. If they really want a hardwood floor, or ceramic tile, we can do that!

gideond

Shaw laminates are just fine. They are basically the same as any other laminate. The only real difference is in the locking system. Shaw's system is a bit harder to install because it forces you to do it the "correct" way. It doesn't allow for side tapping like the looser joints on Quickstep do for example. It has to be inserted and dropped. This makes it harder to install but keeps you from damaging the joints as easily. That said, Shaw is redesigning their locking system for ease of use.

TimelessQuality

I did some shaw a couple of years ago... In high traffic area, hasn't held up well. I was called back because end joints were letting go, and planks were sliding apart. I think it was an older style than todays...

One vote for crap.

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-Steve

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Floordude

They went downhill quickly, once the glueless systems hit the market.

The old glue together Wilsonart and Mannington Nature Form, were far superior, then what they make today.

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trav007

I have used Shaw a few years ago and there is no gapping at all yet. I have heard that the new product isn't as good as it used to be. No first hand info on that though.

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Travis
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