Mohawk Laminate Flooring: RevWood Collections & Expert Review

Mohawk Industries ranks among the world’s largest flooring manufacturers, producing carpet, hardwood, luxury vinyl, and laminate flooring from American facilities. Their RevWood laminate collections combine waterproof technology with competitive pricing, making them one of our most popular laminate flooring brands for Asheville and Hendersonville homeowners who want quality without premium pricing.

After installing thousands of square feet of Mohawk laminate across Western North Carolina for over 50 years, we’ve developed deep familiarity with how these products perform in real homes. This guide examines Mohawk’s laminate offerings, from budget-friendly options to premium waterproof collections, helping you determine if Mohawk laminate fits your project.

Understanding Mohawk’s Hydroseal Waterproof Technology

Mohawk addressed traditional laminate’s moisture vulnerability by developing Hydroseal technology, which creates waterproof protection through sealed edges and moisture-resistant core construction. The system works differently from Shaw’s H2O Plus but achieves similar waterproof performance.

Hydroseal starts with a treated high-density fiberboard core that resists water absorption. Mohawk applies a protective wax coating to the tongue-and-groove edges of each plank, creating a moisture barrier at the seams where traditional laminate typically fails. When planks click together during installation, these sealed edges prevent water from penetrating between boards.

The waterproof protection allows Mohawk RevWood with Hydroseal to handle standing water on the surface for up to 24 hours without damage. This makes these products suitable for kitchen installations where cooking spills occur daily, laundry rooms with washer leaks, and even bathrooms with proper installation.

One distinction to understand: Mohawk offers both waterproof RevWood and water-resistant laminate products. The water-resistant versions provide some moisture protection through surface coatings but lack the sealed edges and treated cores of genuine waterproof products. When shopping for Mohawk laminate, verify whether specific products include full Hydroseal waterproof technology if moisture protection matters for your application.

We’ve installed Mohawk waterproof laminate in hundreds of Western North Carolina kitchens and consistently seen excellent performance. Spills wipe up without leaving damage, and we rarely encounter moisture-related warranty claims on Hydroseal products. The technology works as advertised when professionally installed with appropriate moisture barriers beneath.

Mohawk RevWood Laminate Collections

Mohawk organizes its laminate offerings into several collection tiers, each targeting different performance levels and budgets.

RevWood Plus Collections

RevWood Plus represents Mohawk’s premium tier, featuring Hydroseal waterproof technology paired with AC4 durability ratings. These collections suit high-traffic residential applications, including living rooms, dining areas, and main floor spaces, where durability and moisture protection both matter.

Popular RevWood Plus collections include Bellente, which features warm oak tones in 7-inch-wide planks with hand-scraped texturing. Sterlington offers rich reddish-brown hues reminiscent of Brazilian cherry. Hampton Villa provides contemporary gray-brown tones that coordinate with modern kitchen cabinetry and décor.

AC4 ratings on RevWood Plus products indicate these floors can handle general residential use with heavy traffic. In practical terms, expect 15-20 years of excellent performance in busy family homes. The wear layer thickness—typically 12-14 mil—protects against scratches from furniture, dropped items, and pet claws.

RevWood Plus planks typically measure 7-9 inches wide by 48-60 inches long, with 12mm total thickness. These wider plank dimensions create more authentic hardwood appearances compared to narrow 5-inch planks. The 12mm thickness provides better sound absorption and a more substantial feel underfoot than thinner 8mm products.

RevWood Premier Collections

RevWood Premier offers enhanced visual realism through advanced embossed-in-register (EIR) technology. The embossing aligns precisely with the printed wood grain pattern, creating surface textures that match exactly what you see. Running your hand across RevWood Premier feels remarkably like touching real hardwood.

Collections like Morena Bluffs, Miramar Shores, and Boardwalk Collective showcase this advanced texturing. The attention to detail in Premier collections makes it difficult to distinguish the laminate from real hardwood flooring without close examination.

RevWood Premier maintains the same Hydroseal waterproof protection and AC4 ratings as Plus collections. The primary differentiation lies in visual and tactile experience rather than performance specifications. Premier collections also offer unique colorways not available in Plus lines, expanding your design options for coordinating with existing home features.

RevWood Select Collections

RevWood Select provides entry-level pricing while maintaining waterproof protection. These collections feature AC3 ratings suitable for moderate residential traffic in bedrooms, home offices, and guest spaces. The waterproof core and sealed edges remain standard, but the wear layer thickness decreases compared to the Plus and Premier tiers.

Select collections work well when you need waterproof performance without paying for AC4 durability in lower-traffic areas. Upstairs bedrooms, guest rooms, or a finished basement see less traffic than main living spaces. The cost savings from choosing Select over Plus can reach $1.50-2.00 per square foot, making it possible to install waterproof laminate throughout your home while staying within budget.

Color options in Select collections emphasize classic wood tones rather than trendy grays or contemporary colors. Traditional oak, maple, and hickory look dominate Select offerings. For homeowners seeking timeless aesthetics, these classic styles actually represent an advantage since they won’t appear dated in five or ten years.

Mohawk Non-Waterproof Laminate

Mohawk also produces traditional laminate without Hydroseal technology at even lower price points. These water-resistant (but not waterproof) products suit applications where moisture exposure is minimal—upstairs bedrooms, closets, or home offices where spills are unlikely.

Water-resistant laminate costs $2-4 per square foot compared to $3.50-6 for waterproof RevWood. The savings can be substantial for large projects, though we typically recommend investing in waterproof technology for main living areas. The modest price premium for waterproof protection provides significant value through reduced risk of moisture damage over the floor’s lifespan.

Mohawk Laminate Performance Specifications

Understanding Mohawk’s technical specifications helps you evaluate their laminate against competing brands and select appropriate products for your needs.

AC Rating Options

Mohawk offers AC3, AC4, and AC5-rated laminate across their collections. This range gives you flexibility to match durability to traffic levels in different rooms.

AC3 rating suits moderate residential use. Testing shows these floors handle 900-2,500+ abrasion test cycles. In your home, AC3 works well for bedrooms, closets, and low-traffic areas. Mohawk’s RevWood Select collections typically carry AC3 ratings, balancing adequate performance with affordable pricing.

AC4 rating steps up to general residential and light commercial use. Testing requires 4,000+ abrasion cycles, translating to durability for kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways. RevWood Plus and Premier collections feature AC4 ratings appropriate for main living spaces. We recommend AC4 products for any area that sees daily traffic from multiple household members.

AC5 rating provides commercial-grade durability suitable for light commercial applications. Mohawk offers AC5 laminate in select collections, though few residential applications require this level of performance. AC5 might make sense for home businesses with client traffic or large families with particularly active lifestyles.

Thickness and Dimensions

Mohawk laminate ranges from 8mm to 12mm in thickness. The 12mm products dominate RevWood collections, providing better acoustic performance and underfoot feel. Thicker planks reduce hollow sounds when walking across the floor—important for second-story installations where sound transmission matters.

Plank widths span 5 inches to 9 inches, depending onthe collection. The 7-9 inch widths in RevWood Plus and Premier create more convincing hardwood appearances by mimicking authentic plank proportions. Wider planks mean fewer seams per square foot, contributing to cleaner visual flow.

Lengths typically run 48 inches (4 feet), with some collections offering 60-inch planks. Longer planks reduce end joint frequency, creating better flow in large open rooms. The trade-off is a slightly more complex installation, particularly around obstacles like kitchen islands or fireplace hearths.

Texture and Finish Variety

Mohawk offers diverse texture treatments, including smooth finishes for contemporary spaces, hand-scraped textures for rustic aesthetics, and wire-brushed finishes that enhance grain patterns without pronounced relief. The finish layer includes protective coatings providing stain resistance and scratch protection.

Most Mohawk laminate features low-sheen satin finishes that reduce glare while maintaining visual depth. This approach looks more like natural wood compared to high-gloss laminates. Some collections offer matte finishes for ultra-contemporary aesthetics, though satin remains the most popular choice among our customers.

Installation Considerations for Mohawk Laminate

Mohawk uses the UniGrip click-lock installation system across RevWood collections. This floating floor method doesn’t require glue or nails, making installation faster and cleaner than traditional approaches.

The UniGrip system allows planks to connect at an angle before dropping into place with an audible click. Once connected, the joint holds securely under normal floor loads. Professional installers appreciate UniGrip’s consistency—planks connect reliably without the tongue-and-groove alignment issues that plague lower-quality products.

Mohawk recommends acclimating the laminate to room conditions for 48 hours before installation. This adjustment period allows planks to reach equilibrium with your home’s temperature and humidity, reducing post-installation expansion or contraction. In Western North Carolina’s variable climate, we extend acclimation to 72 hours for best results.

Underlayment requirements vary by product. Some Mohawk laminate includes pre-attached underlayment, while other collections require separate underlayment installation. For concrete subfloors, moisture barrier underlayment is essential to protect against vapor transmission. Our installation teams select appropriate underlayment for each subfloor type, ensuring proper moisture protection and sound reduction.

Expansion gaps of 3/8 inch around room perimeters remain necessary even with waterproof laminate. These gaps allow for seasonal expansion and contraction without buckling. Quarter-round molding or baseboards conceal the gaps while permitting natural movement.

Mohawk Laminate Warranty Coverage

Mohawk backs its laminate with warranties that vary by product line. Understanding coverage details helps you maintain protection for your investment.

Residential Warranty Terms

Mohawk’s residential laminate warranties typically run 20-25 years, depending on the collection. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, including delamination, excessive wear through the wear layer, staining, and fading. For Hydroseal waterproof products, Mohawk specifically warrants moisture resistance performance.

The warranty is non-transferable, applying only to the original purchaser. If you sell your home, the warranty doesn’t extend to new owners. Some competing brands offer transferable warranties, though most homeowners keep flooring long enough that transferability doesn’t matter practically.

Mohawk requires professional installation for warranty coverage. DIY installations void protection, which is why we recommend professional installation for RevWood products. Our lifetime installation warranty supplements Mohawk’s product warranty, providing coverage for both materials and workmanship.

Maintenance Requirements for Warranty

Mohawk’s warranty requires proper maintenance, including regular cleaning with approved products. They recommend pH-neutral cleaners formulated for laminate flooring. Using steam mops, harsh chemicals, or excessive water can void warranty coverage.

The warranty expects prompt spill cleanup even on waterproof products. While Hydroseal can handle standing water for 24 hours, reasonable care is required. Documenting maintenance through receipts for approved cleaning products helps if warranty claims become necessary.

Mohawk Laminate Pricing

Mohawk laminate pricing reflects their position as a value-oriented brand offering quality at competitive price points. Understanding cost structures helps you budget effectively.

Material Costs by Collection

RevWood Plus: $4.00-$6.00 per square foot
RevWood Premier: $4.50-$6.50 per square foot
RevWood Select: $3.00-$4.50 per square foot
Non-waterproof laminate: $2.00-$4.00 per square foot

These prices represent material costs for laminate planks. Actual pricing varies based on specific collection, color selection, and market conditions. Our showrooms in Asheville and Hendersonville provide current pricing for products you’re considering.

Installation Costs

Professional installation for Mohawk laminate typically runs $2.50-$4.00 per square foot in Western North Carolina. This includes subfloor preparation, underlayment (if needed), installation labor, and basic moldings. Complex installations with multiple transitions, furniture moving, or existing flooring removal increase costs.

Total project cost for a 300 square foot kitchen using RevWood Plus averages $1,950-$3,000, including materials and installation. Larger projects see economies of scale—a 1,200 square foot main level installation averages $7,800-$12,000 total.

Financing options make Mohawk laminate accessible even when an upfront payment would strain your budget. We work with multiple financing partners offering competitive rates and flexible payment terms.

Mohawk Laminate in Real Home Applications

Our installation portfolio includes hundreds of Mohawk laminate projects demonstrating how these products perform across different applications.

Kitchen Installations

Mohawk RevWood with Hydroseal performs excellently in kitchen applications where moisture exposure occurs daily. We’ve installed Mohawk waterproof laminate in kitchens ranging from compact galley layouts to expansive open-concept designs. The Hampton Villa collection in weathered gray remains our most requested Mohawk kitchen laminate, offering contemporary tones that coordinate with white, gray, or natural wood cabinetry.

For kitchens, we recommend AC4-rated RevWood Plus or Premier rather than AC3 Select. Kitchens experience heavy traffic from meal preparation, eating, and cleanup activities multiple times daily. The additional durability justifies the modest price premium, and RevWood Plus maintains appearance for 15+ years in busy family kitchens.

Living Rooms and Open Spaces

Open-concept homes benefit from Mohawk’s wide plank offerings, which create visual continuity across large spaces. The 7-9 inch widths in RevWood Plus make rooms feel more spacious compared to narrow planks with excessive seams.

For living rooms, we often recommend warmer collections like Bellente or Sterlington. These wood-look options coordinate with traditional furniture styles while providing the AC4 durability these high-traffic spaces require. The waterproof protection offers peace of mind for families with young children who might spill drinks or track in mud.

Bedroom Applications

Bedrooms see lower traffic than main living areas, making them suitable for Mohawk’s RevWood Select collections. The cost savings from choosing Select over Plus can be significant when installing throughout multiple bedrooms, and AC3 ratings provide adequate durability for these moderate-traffic spaces.

We’ve found that Mohawk’s attached-underlayment products work particularly well in upstairs bedrooms. The integrated padding provides sound absorption, reducing noise transmission to rooms below. This matters especially in homes with children whose bedroom activities can disturb household members.

Comparing Mohawk to Other Laminate Brands

Mohawk competes primarily with Shaw, Pergo, Mannington, and Quick-Step. Each brand brings different strengths to consider.

Mohawk vs. Shaw Laminate

Shaw offers similar waterproof technology (H2O Plus) and AC rating options at slightly higher price points. Shaw’s advantage is style variety—their RevWood collections include more color options and texture treatments. Mohawk’s advantage is value—you’ll typically pay $0.50-1.00 less per square foot for comparable performance.

For budget-conscious projects, Mohawk makes sense. When specific style preferences matter or when you want the broadest possible selection, Shaw delivers. Both brands perform excellently in our installations, and we carry both specifically because they excel in different ways.

Mohawk vs. Pergo Laminate

Pergo positions as the premium option with AC4-AC5 ratings and WetProtect technology. Pergo’s scratch resistance exceeds Mohawk’s, making it better for homes with multiple pets. Mohawk offers better value at AC4 performance levels, typically costing $1-2 per square foot less than comparable Pergo products.

Choose Pergo when maximum scratch resistance justifies premium pricing. Choose Mohawk when you want excellent waterproof performance at more accessible price points. Both brands deliver long-term durability in appropriate applications.

Mohawk vs. Mannington Laminate

Mannington emphasizes American manufacturing heritage and traditional styling. Their Spill Defense technology provides moisture resistance but not full waterproof protection like Mohawk Hydroseal. For areas requiring genuine waterproof performance—kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms—Mohawk holds the advantage.

Mannington’s styling leans more traditional with authentic wood grain patterns and classic colors. Mohawk offers both traditional and contemporary aesthetics. If American-made manufacturing is your priority and you don’t need waterproof protection, Mannington represents an excellent choice. For waterproof performance at competitive pricing, Mohawk delivers better value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mohawk Laminate

Is Mohawk laminate truly waterproof?

Mohawk RevWood with Hydroseal technology features waterproof core construction with sealed edges that can handle surface water for up to 24 hours. This represents genuine waterproof protection. However, standing water for multiple days can cause problems with subfloors beneath the laminate. Prompt spill cleanup remains best practice even with waterproof products.

What’s the difference between RevWood Plus, Premier, and Select?

RevWood Plus features AC4 ratings, Hydroseal waterproof technology, and wide plank designs suitable for high-traffic areas. Premier adds enhanced embossed-in-register texturing for superior visual realism while maintaining Plus performance specifications. Select offers AC3 ratings with waterproof protection at lower price points, suitable for moderate-traffic areas like bedrooms.

How does Mohawk laminate compare to real hardwood?

Mohawk laminate costs 40-60% less than comparable hardwood flooring while providing waterproof protection that hardwood can’t match. Visual realism in RevWood Premier approaches real hardwood, though the underfoot feel differs. Laminate requires less maintenance and handles scratches better. Hardwood can be refinished; laminate cannot. For most applications, Mohawk laminate delivers better value.

Can Mohawk laminate be installed in bathrooms?

Mohawk RevWood with Hydroseal can be installed in bathrooms with proper installation techniques. Sealing around toilet flanges and maintaining appropriate expansion gaps prevents moisture from reaching the subfloor. We’ve successfully installed Mohawk waterproof laminate in powder rooms and guest bathrooms. For primary bathrooms with tubs and showers, luxury vinyl plank often represents a safer long-term choice.

What cleaning products work best for Mohawk laminate?

Use pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for laminate flooring. Mohawk recommends avoiding steam mops, harsh chemicals, and excessive water. Daily sweeping or dry mopping prevents grit that can scratch the protective finish. For deeper cleaning, damp mop with properly diluted cleaner and dry immediately. Our care guide provides detailed maintenance instructions.

Does Mohawk laminate need underlayment?

Some Mohawk laminate includes pre-attached underlayment, while other collections require separate underlayment. Check specific product requirements before purchase. For concrete subfloors, moisture barrier underlayment is essential regardless of attached padding. Professional installers select appropriate underlayment for each situation to ensure optimal performance.

How long does Mohawk laminate last?

With proper care, Mohawk laminate typically lasts 15-25 years in residential applications. AC4-rated products in moderate-traffic areas often exceed 20 years before showing significant wear. Factors affecting lifespan include household traffic levels, maintenance quality, and installation in appropriate locations. Our oldest Mohawk installations from the early 2000s continue to look remarkably good.

Is professional installation required for warranty coverage?

Yes, Mohawk’s warranty requires professional installation. While skilled DIYers can install laminate successfully, professional installation ensures warranty coverage and optimal performance. Our installation services include lifetime workmanship warranties, supplementing Mohawk’s product warranty for complete protection.

Ready to explore Mohawk laminate flooring for your home? Visit our showrooms in Asheville or Hendersonville to see Mohawk’s complete RevWood collection, or schedule a free in-home consultation where we’ll bring samples to your space and provide detailed project quotes.