Mohawk RevWood Waterproof Laminate: Complete Buying Guide

Mohawk Industries revolutionized the waterproof laminate market with RevWood technology, creating products that combine 100% waterproof construction with stunning visual authenticity. For homeowners considering waterproof laminate in Asheville and Hendersonville, understanding Mohawk’s approach helps you make informed decisions about one of the industry’s most innovative product lines.

RevWood represents Mohawk’s commitment to solving real-world flooring challenges while maintaining the authentic hardwood aesthetics that make laminate appealing in the first place.

Understanding RevWood Waterproof Technology

Mohawk developed RevWood specifically to address the shortcomings of traditional water-resistant laminate. The name itself reflects the revolutionary approach—reimagining wood-look flooring with comprehensive moisture protection.

HydroSeal Edge Technology

The breakthrough in RevWood centers on HydroSeal, Mohawk’s proprietary edge sealing system. Unlike surface coatings or basic wax sealing, HydroSeal integrates waterproof materials directly into the locking mechanism during manufacturing.

When RevWood planks connect, the sealed edges create continuous moisture barriers across the entire floor surface. Water that reaches seams encounters waterproof materials rather than exposed core edges. This prevents the infiltration that causes traditional laminate to swell and separate.

The integration happens at the molecular level during production, not as an aftermarket application. This ensures consistent, reliable protection across every plank in every box.

Waterproof Core Construction

RevWood’s core uses high-density fiberboard treated with advanced water-repellent additives. The treatment penetrates throughout the core material rather than just coating surfaces.

When water contacts the core (such as through a cut edge during installation), the treated material resists absorption. Testing shows RevWood cores maintaining dimensional stability through 24-hour water submersion—a standard that traditional laminate fails within hours.

This core technology allows Mohawk to confidently warranty RevWood’s waterproof performance, knowing the product withstands real-world moisture exposure in kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet-prone areas.

Surface Protection Layer

The top wear layer on RevWood products features aluminum oxide finish for scratch and stain resistance. This extremely hard material protects the decorative layer from abrasion, impact, and household chemicals.

Combined with the waterproof core and sealed edges, the surface protection creates three-layer defense against the elements that degrade lesser flooring products. Spills bead on the surface while HydroSeal prevents seam penetration and the treated core resists any moisture that somehow reaches it.

RevWood Product Tiers: Plus, Premier, and Select

Mohawk organizes RevWood into three quality levels, each targeting specific performance requirements and budgets.

RevWood Plus (AC3 Rating)

RevWood Plus represents the entry tier, carrying AC3 (Heavy Residential) durability ratings. These products suit bedrooms, home offices, and other lower-traffic areas where waterproof protection provides insurance rather than daily defense.

Best Applications:

• Bedrooms and walk-in closets
• Upstairs hallways with moderate traffic
• Home offices and craft rooms
• Guest rooms and secondary living spaces

Key Features:

• Full HydroSeal waterproof technology
• 8mm total thickness
• Standard locking system for DIY installation
• Budget-friendly pricing ($2.50-4/sq ft)
• Limited color and style selection

When to Choose RevWood Plus: If you want waterproof protection in lower-traffic areas without premium pricing, RevWood Plus delivers Mohawk quality and technology at accessible cost. The AC3 rating provides adequate durability for spaces that don’t see constant foot traffic or heavy furniture movement.

RevWood Premier (AC4 Rating)

RevWood Premier occupies the sweet spot for most homeowners, offering AC4 (General Commercial) durability that handles all residential applications confidently. This tier represents Mohawk’s mainstream waterproof laminate with the broadest style selection.

Best Applications:

• Kitchens and dining rooms
• Main living areas and family rooms
• High-traffic entryways and hallways
• Finished basements and bonus rooms
• Active households with kids and pets

Key Features:

• Enhanced HydroSeal edge protection
• 10-12mm thickness for superior feel
• Advanced locking systems
• Extensive color and texture options
• Wide plank formats (up to 7 inches)
• Embossed-in-register (EIR) texturing
• Mid-range pricing ($3.50-5.50/sq ft)

Popular RevWood Premier Collections:

• Boardwalk Collective: Contemporary grays perfect for modern open-concept homes
• Rare Vintage: Rich browns with authentic hand-scraped character
• Miramar Shores: Light natural oak that brightens spaces
• Emberstone Ridge: Warm neutrals for transitional styles

When to Choose RevWood Premier: For kitchen renovations, whole-home installations, or any project where you want premium quality without top-tier pricing, RevWood Premier delivers exceptional value. The AC4 rating ensures 15-25 year performance even in busy areas.

RevWood Select (AC5 Rating)

RevWood Select provides commercial-grade AC5 durability for the most demanding applications. These products handle heavy traffic, extreme use, and provide maximum longevity for homeowners who want the absolute best.

Best Applications:

• Very high-traffic open-concept great rooms
• Homes with large dogs or multiple pets
• Households with 5+ occupants
• Light commercial applications (boutique retail, offices)
• Anywhere maximum durability is priority

Key Features:

• Maximum HydroSeal protection
• 12mm thickness with premium underlayment
• Commercial-grade locking systems
• Premium visual quality and textures
• Extended warranty coverage
• Highest pricing tier ($5-7/sq ft)

When to Choose RevWood Select: If your household puts extreme demands on flooring or you want absolute confidence in 25+ year performance, RevWood Select justifies the premium. The AC5 rating provides insurance against premature wear in the most challenging environments.

Visual Quality and Design Authenticity

Mohawk invests heavily in visual technology that creates some of the market’s most convincing wood replication.

Embossed-in-Register Texturing

RevWood Premier and Select products feature EIR technology that synchronizes surface texture with the printed wood grain pattern. Where the image shows knots, you feel indentations. Where grain lines appear, corresponding texture follows.

This coordination creates three-dimensional realism that flat-textured laminate cannot match. Light reveals depth and dimension that mimics genuine hardwood flooring.

The difference becomes especially apparent in angled light near windows or under pendant fixtures. EIR laminate maintains the wood illusion while misaligned texturing exposes artificiality.

Color Variation and Plank Diversity

Mohawk uses multiple image plates in RevWood production, creating natural variation between planks. Walking across RevWood flooring reveals color shifts, grain pattern changes, and character marks that vary plank to plank.

This variation prevents repetitive appearance and supports RevWood in large open spaces where the flooring flows across hundreds of square feet. You won’t spot identical planks positioned near each other or detect obvious pattern repeats.

Wide Plank Formats

Many RevWood collections offer 7-inch plank widths that create contemporary proportions. Wide planks reduce seam lines, make rooms feel more spacious, and align with current design trends favoring larger-format flooring.

The combination of wide planks, realistic texturing, and natural color variation creates floors that routinely fool visitors into thinking they’re genuine hardwood.

AC Rating Performance in Real-World Use

Understanding how AC ratings translate to actual home performance helps you select the right RevWood tier.

AC3 Performance Expectations

AC3 RevWood Plus handles normal residential use in appropriate applications. In bedrooms, you can expect 15-20 years before showing significant wear. The waterproof protection ensures moisture won’t cause damage, but the wear layer may show traffic patterns sooner than higher-rated products.

For budget-conscious projects where waterproof protection is desired but traffic is light, AC3 provides adequate performance.

AC4 Performance Expectations

AC4 RevWood Premier delivers 15-25 year performance in active residential environments. Kitchens, living rooms, and hallways maintain their appearance for decades with proper care.

The thicker wear layer resists the micro-scratching and dulling that gradually degrades floors. After 10 years in a busy kitchen, AC4 RevWood still looks fresh while AC3 might show traffic lanes and dulled finish around the sink.

AC5 Performance Expectations

AC5 RevWood Select provides commercial-grade durability that can last 25+ years in demanding residential settings. Homes with multiple large dogs, families with teenagers, or very active lifestyles benefit from the enhanced durability.

The premium is modest—often $1-2 per square foot over AC4—making it worthwhile for buyers planning to stay in their homes long-term.

Installation Characteristics and Requirements

RevWood installs using Mohawk’s Uniclic locking system, a proven mechanism known for reliable connections and DIY-friendly installation.

Uniclic Locking System

The Uniclic profile allows planks to connect at an angle and click into place with firm pressure. This creates tight seams that enhance waterproof protection while simplifying installation.

Professional installers appreciate Uniclic’s reliability—planks connect firmly the first time without fighting to align edges. DIY homeowners benefit from a forgiving system that doesn’t require perfect technique.

The locking strength also provides long-term stability. Weak connection systems can separate over years, creating gaps and compromising waterproof integrity. Uniclic maintains connections for decades.

Underlayment Requirements

RevWood requires appropriate underlayment based on subfloor type:

Over concrete: Moisture barrier underlayment with minimum 6-mil plastic film layer. This prevents moisture vapor from concrete affecting the floor from below.

Over wood subfloors: Standard foam or felt underlayment rated for laminate provides cushioning and sound dampening.

Some RevWood products include pre-attached underlayment, eliminating the separate installation step. Pre-attached options save time but may offer less sound dampening than premium separate underlayment.

Leicester Flooring’s professional installation service includes proper underlayment selection and installation for optimal performance.

Expansion Gap Requirements

Like all floating floors, RevWood requires expansion gaps around all room perimeters and vertical obstacles. Standard gaps of 1/4 to 1/2 inch allow for thermal expansion and contraction.

These gaps remain hidden beneath baseboards and transition strips. Inadequate expansion gaps create pressure that can buckle floors and separate waterproof seams—exactly where moisture protection matters most.

Warranty Coverage and Protection

Mohawk backs RevWood with comprehensive warranties that reflect confidence in the product’s performance.

Lifetime Residential Warranty

RevWood carries Mohawk’s Lifetime Residential Warranty covering:

• Wear-through of the decorative surface
• Waterproof performance (no swelling, warping, or delamination)
• Stain resistance from common household substances
• Fade resistance from normal indoor light

The lifetime coverage applies to the original purchaser and is non-transferable. It requires professional installation per Mohawk specifications or strict adherence to DIY installation instructions.

Commercial Warranty Options

AC4 products carry 10-year light commercial warranties. AC5 products include 15-year commercial coverage. This recognizes that RevWood performs well in low-traffic retail, office, and hospitality environments.

What Voids Coverage

Standard exclusions include:

• Improper installation (wrong underlayment, inadequate expansion gaps, unsuitable subfloors)
• Damage from flooding or prolonged standing water exposure
• Use of steam mops or unauthorized cleaning products
• Scratching or damage beyond normal use
• Installation in outdoor or uncontrolled climate areas

Leicester Flooring’s lifetime installation warranty supplements Mohawk’s product warranty, covering workmanship for as long as you own your home.

Price Positioning and Value Analysis

RevWood pricing aligns with premium waterproof laminate while remaining more affordable than luxury vinyl and engineered hardwood.

Cost by Tier

RevWood Plus: $2.50-4.00/sq ft (materials only) RevWood Premier: $3.50-5.50/sq ft (materials only)
RevWood Select: $5.00-7.00/sq ft (materials only)

Add $2-4/sq ft for professional installation, underlayment, and removal of existing flooring.

Total Project Costs

150 sq ft Kitchen (RevWood Premier)

• Materials: $525-825
• Installation: $300-600
• Underlayment: $75-150
• Total: $900-1,575

300 sq ft Living Room (RevWood Premier)

• Materials: $1,050-1,650
• Installation: $600-1,200
• Underlayment: $150-300
• Total: $1,800-3,150

1,000 sq ft Main Floor (RevWood Premier)

• Materials: $3,500-5,500
• Installation: $2,000-4,000
• Underlayment: $500-1,000
• Total: $6,000-10,500

Comparing RevWood to Alternatives

1. Shaw Waterproof Laminate ($3-6/sq ft): Shaw Repel competes directly with RevWood Premier in price and quality. Choice comes down to specific style preferences.
2. Budget Waterproof Laminate ($2-3/sq ft): RevWood costs 30-50% more but delivers significantly better visual quality, more reliable waterproof technology, and lifetime warranties versus limited coverage.
3. Luxury Vinyl Plank ($4-8/sq ft): LVP costs 20-40% more than comparable RevWood while offering similar waterproof protection. RevWood provides better value for budget-conscious buyers.
4. Engineered Hardwood ($6-12/sq ft): Engineered hardwood costs nearly double RevWood Premier with no waterproof advantages. RevWood delivers wood-look flooring at significant savings.

Best RevWood Products by Application

Different RevWood collections excel in specific applications based on style, durability, and moisture requirements.

Best for Kitchens

RevWood Premier – Boardwalk Collective: Contemporary gray tones hide dirt while complementing modern white or gray cabinets. AC4 durability and 7-inch width create upscale appearance. The waterproof construction handles inevitable kitchen spills without worry.

RevWood Premier – Rare Vintage: Rich brown tones bring warmth to traditional kitchens. The hand-scraped appearance coordinates beautifully with natural wood cabinets. AC4 rating ensures longevity despite heavy traffic.

Best for Living Areas

RevWood Select – Artisan Collective: AC5 commercial durability makes this ideal for open-concept great rooms seeing constant traffic. Wide planks and realistic texturing create statement-making floors.

RevWood Premier – Miramar Shores: Light natural oak brightens living spaces while maintaining enough tonal variation to hide normal wear. Perfect for modern and transitional design styles.

Best for Bedrooms

RevWood Plus – Emerald Cove: Budget-friendly waterproof protection in cool gray oak tones. AC3 rating provides adequate durability for bedrooms while keeping costs down.

RevWood Premier – Emberstone Ridge: Warm neutral tones create restful bedroom environments. The slight texture feels pleasant underfoot while AC4 durability exceeds bedroom requirements.

Best for Basements

RevWood Premier – Boardwalk Collective: The gray tones hide basement dust and dirt while the AC4 rating handles family room and play space traffic. Full waterproof construction protects against basement moisture concerns when properly installed with vapor barriers.

Maintenance and Care Requirements

RevWood requires minimal maintenance to maintain appearance and performance.

Daily and Weekly Care

Remove debris: Sweep or vacuum using soft-bristle brooms or hard-floor vacuum settings. This prevents abrasive particles from scratching.

Damp mop: Weekly cleaning with pH-neutral laminate cleaners keeps surfaces fresh. Wring mops thoroughly—damp, not wet.

Address spills promptly: While waterproof, RevWood benefits from quick spill cleanup to prevent any potential seam infiltration.

What to Avoid

Never use steam mops they void warranties and can damage locking systems. Also avoid:

• Oil-based cleaners leaving residue
• Abrasive scrubbers scratching wear layers
• Excessive water pooling on surfaces
• Wax or polish products

See our complete care guide for detailed maintenance instructions.

Protecting High-Traffic Areas

Use felt pads under furniture legs, place mats at exterior doors, and keep pet nails trimmed. These simple precautions extend RevWood’s life well beyond warranty periods.

Why Choose Mohawk RevWood Through Leicester Flooring

Purchasing RevWood through Leicester Flooring provides advantages beyond product quality:

Expert Product Selection: Our team helps you navigate RevWood’s three tiers and dozens of collections to find perfect matches for your needs and budget.

Competitive Pricing: Our long-standing Mohawk relationship and 50-year reputation allow us to offer RevWood at highly competitive Western North Carolina pricing.

Professional Installation: Our skilled installers know RevWood products intimately and follow Mohawk specifications exactly, protecting your lifetime warranty.

Lifetime Installation Warranty: Leicester Flooring backs our workmanship for as long as you own your home.

American-Made Support: Mohawk manufactures in the United States, aligning with Leicester Flooring’s commitment to supporting American jobs and quality.

Showroom Experience: See full-size RevWood samples in our Asheville and Hendersonville locations.

Flexible Financing: Our Synchrony partnership offers promotional terms making RevWood accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mohawk RevWood

Is RevWood truly waterproof?

Yes, RevWood features HydroSeal edge sealing and waterproof cores that withstand 24+ hour water exposure without damage. Proper installation with moisture barriers provides comprehensive protection in kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet areas.

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

The tiers differ primarily in AC durability ratings. Plus offers AC3 for light traffic, Premier provides AC4 for all residential use, and Select delivers AC5 commercial-grade durability. Premier represents the best value for most homeowners.

How does RevWood compare to Shaw waterproof laminate?

RevWood and Shaw Repel offer comparable waterproof technology, visual quality, and pricing. Both provide excellent options—choice typically comes down to specific style preferences.

Can I install RevWood in a full bathroom?

RevWood works in powder rooms and half baths. For full bathrooms with tubs/showers, consider luxury vinyl for superior constant-humidity performance.

How long does RevWood last?

With proper care, RevWood Premier and Select typically last 15-25 years in residential settings, with AC5 products potentially exceeding 25 years in lower-traffic areas. The lifetime warranty reflects Mohawk’s confidence.

Does RevWood need special underlayment?

Use moisture barrier underlayment over concrete and standard foam over wood. Some RevWood products include pre-attached underlayment. Professional installers select appropriate options for your subfloor.

Experience RevWood Quality at Leicester Flooring

Mohawk RevWood delivers exceptional waterproof protection with stunning visual authenticity for Western North Carolina homes. Whether renovating your kitchen, refreshing living areas, or finishing your basement, RevWood provides options matching your style and performance requirements.

Visit our showrooms to see RevWood’s complete collections. Schedule your free in-home measurement for detailed quotes including materials and professional installation.

Contact Leicester Flooring today and discover why Asheville and Hendersonville homeowners have trusted us for 50 years.