Some say that people should think twice about investing in their home beautification projects simply because these are dead investments. While this advice may seem to be solicited in good taste, investing in house beautification is not entirely a dead investment.
Yes, you may not gain financially from your renovation projects, but the sense of fulfillment and happiness brought by a new, more vibrant, and more welcoming space cannot be quantified. And just in case you plan to put your property for sale, later on, beautifying it now can help you demand a better price for it.
While the laminate floor looks stylish and elegant at all times, vinyl offers comfort along with aesthetics. One of the best and quickest ways to upgrade the look and feel of your home space is by installing tiles on any of these spaces.
Tiles can turn an ordinary, dull, or lifeless space into a lively and warmer one. Aside from tiles, a more stylish way of upgrading your floor is by vinyl planking.
The reason why people prefer vinyl plank flooring is that it is waterproof. So, regardless of spillage or overflowing of surface water, the flooring won’t be affected. Because of this, vinyl plank flooring is the best solution for cafes, restaurants, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. If you have pets at home, you won’t have to worry about accidents when you go for vinyl planks for your floor.
What Is Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank Flooring
Before discussing what Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank Flooring is, it is more appropriate to get to know the brand behind this well-renowned flooring solution. Shaw is the manufacturer of Floorte vinyl plank flooring. The company started as Star Dye Company in 1946. Back then, they were engaged in dying tufted scatter rugs.
They used to advertise that vacuum for carpets won’t damage your rugs. The company transitioned from finishing carpet, yarn manufacturing, and soon into a floor serving company we knew today.
Floorte vinyl plank flooring is just one of Shaw’s products. Aside from this, they also manufacture carpets, hardwood, laminate, tile, stone, and Floorigami. Shaw’s vinyl plank flooring is currently available in more than 100 style and color options.
Benefits of Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank
Waterproof and Resistant to Scratches
Shaw has five different plank styles and three plank protection levels. All of these styles and levels of protection share two things in common — they are all waterproof and scratch-resistant. Some planks are customizable, while others are ideal for achieving a dramatic floor setting.
Noiseless
We had Shaw’s line of luxury vinyl plank reviewed, and it was revealed that Shaw’s vinyl plank flooring typically ranges from 2 mm to 6.5 mm in thickness. Their flooring is comfortable to step on, quiet, and elegant-looking.
Easy Installation
The majority of Shaw’s planks are easy to install. You can have these planks installed in a few hours without being messy. You can just lay these planks directly like a laminate or tile over hard surface subfloors.
Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank Pros and Cons
Before you get too excited and purchase all of Shaw’s Floorte vinyl plank, it’s essential to know the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring and Shaw’s Floorte product line.
Pros
Brand of Excellence
Shaw’s Floorte selection is excellent in terms of style and quality. In fact, their 12mm Floorte Plus flooring was chosen as the Most Durable luxury vinyl flooring line. The said flooring line has a 30 mils wear layer thickness and comes with a 20-year commercial product warranty. Some flooring critics even believe that Shaw is the best brand they’ve ever reviewed.
Waterproof
This flooring solution is 100% waterproof. You don’t have to worry about spillage or surface water ruining your kitchen, basement, bathroom, or living room floors. While vinyl plank from DuraLux is known for its waterproofness, Shaw is also known for being impervious to moisture, on top of being 100% waterproof.
Commercial-Grade Floor Wear Layer
Wear layer refers to the vinyl’s top surface providing scratch-resistance, stain-resistance, and durability to the flooring. Shaw’s Floorte uses more than just urethane-based coating. They add durability layers or UV to keep the top layer sturdier and fully-protected.
Rigid Construction of the Flooring Core
This advantage is true to all kinds of vinyl flooring. Each vinyl floor has three main components – vinyl foam, felt paper, and another protective layer. In some cases, like that of textured vinyl floor planks, inhibitors are added for more protection. Every plank has calcium carbonate and white pigments mixed with polyvinyl chloride resins or PVC.
To make it more flexible, they also add plasticizers. To prevent molding, fungicide is also added. To slow down the fading process of the floor, UV stabilizers are mixed, too. And finally, to even strengthen the solution, a blowing agent is also mixed. All these materials contribute to the rigidness of the middle layer of the vinyl plank.
Easy to Install
You can install the planks within a few hours. No need for elaborate instructions to follow to get a fine-looking and chic flooring.
Cons
Expensive
Shaw is one of the more expensive flooring brands. Though they hugely compensate for the price in quality and style, it can be a bit overwhelming for homeowners who are on a tight budget.
Challenging to Remove if Glued
If you plan to replace your flooring, it is best to know now that vinyl flooring might be more tedious to remove if glued to the floor surface.
Can Discolor Over Time
This disadvantage is true to all vinyl flooring. Over time, if the flooring is overly exposed to UV rays, the discoloration process will hasten.
Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank Lines
Shaw currently carries two resilient vinyl plank lines, and these are Floorte Pro and Floorte.
According to the product specialists from Shaw, the difference between these two vinyl plank lines lie in its core. While Floorte has a WPC-based core, Floorte Pro, on the other hand, is made of an SPC core. The latter kind is more rigid, harder, and thinner due to compression.
Floorte
Being one of Shaw’s most durable luxury vinyl lines, Floorte’s selling point is its imperviousness to moisture. This advertising point is known as Lifeguard. As such, two things are accomplished.
Firstly, it is delivered and installed on the same day as wood flooring needs to acclimate to a particular room for approximately 48 hours before it is installed. Secondly, this means that this product line is ideal and can be installed even in high-moisture areas like basements and bathrooms.
Floorte, just like other luxury vinyl flooring, is 100% waterproof. What sets it apart from its contemporaries is its built-in Fold-n-Tap system that prevents water from moving to the underlayments and subfloors from the seams.
Lab tests have shown that even casters used in office chairs will run over Floorte more than 25,000 times, the floor seam will never separate. This test result is crucial because physical pressure and contact is the prime reason why luxury vinyl often separates.
Compared to other luxury vinyl, Shaw’s Floorte also does not telegraph the tiling seams from underneath. Telegraphing, by definition, refers to the conforming of thin flooring like vinyl to the grooves and ridges of the underlayment or flooring below. Overall, Floorte’s thickness is 5.5mm, and this qualifies them as the thicker vinyl planks from Shaw.
Floorte Pro
While Floorte has a 5.5mm floor thickness, Floorte Pro, on the other hand, has a 6.5mm diameter and wear layer of 20 mils. This product line is considered as the premium segment of Floorte’s main category. Compared to ordinary Floorte, Floorte Pro comes with a thicker wear layer.
As such, it is durable enough to be used in commercial applications. Shaw’s styles under their Pro series are more high-end. Currently, they have Blue Ridge Pine, Cross-Sawn Pine, and Heritage Oak as part of the Pro series. Just like its Floorte contemporary, the Pro series is also known to lessen telegraphing since its planks are thicker compared to the planks under the luxury vinyl product lines of Shaw.
Aside from the differences mentioned above and after review of Mannington vinyl plank, experts added one main difference between the Pro and Floorte series. This additional difference is related to the attached vinyl acoustical pad. Users of resilient flooring complained that such flooring is cold and feels thin underfoot.
To remedy this issue, Shaw attached underlayment on their Pro series, making the said series one of the thickest when it comes to luxury vinyl. This additional underlayment also adds a warmer and softer feeling.
Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank Collections
Aside from its main vinyl product lines, Shaw Floorte has different vinyl plank collections, and these collections are provided as follows:
Floorte Casa
This is Shaw’s best-selling wood-like resilient planks. Floorte Casa emulates top colors and species of hardwood, making Floorte Casa a marketplace must-have that can work well with different decorating styles.
Floorte Casa comes in 18 different exotic color variants like Gialo, Grigio, and Bianco. Casa are textured planks that are vividly and finely detailed, striking a perfect balance between warm and weathered. These planks are ceramic coated and have a 12 mil wear layer. 12 mil may be okay for vinyl, but it might be too thin for active households.
Floorte Bella
Compared to Casa, Bella has smaller color options. The Bella line is composed of nature-inspired and gorgeous deep tones coupled with lifelike detailing. Currently, Bella is available in 4 inches long vinyl planks. The Bella line may be short in color selections, but it made up for it with quality. Floorte Bella vinyl planks come with a wear layer of 20 mils. This wear layer is ideal for busy homes.
Floorte Largo
Floorte Largo, on the other hand, is Shaw’s smallest collection. Despite its size, it offers more diversity. Shaw’s Largo planks are available in six different colors that replicate popular wood species.
Largo Planks
Largo Planks are best for open floor plans. They come in eight inches by six inches long sizes, making them ideal choices for homeowners who want a seamless flooring look. If you use more massive planks, you can create continuity and a sense of flow in your floor areas.
Just like Bella, Largo comes in a 20 mil wear layer and a 6.5mm total thickness. Aside from this, it is also scratch-resistant, waterproof, and has a warranty that lasts a lifetime.
Largo Mix Plus
One of Largo’s subcollections is called the Largo Mix Plus. Planks under this category all come in various lengths and premixed boxes. With Largo Mix, you have the freedom to choose your own design as these are fully-customizable.
Largo Mix Plus is also available in six different shades that are not found in the main Largo vinyl product line. They also offer a lifetime warranty for this line.
Mantua Plank
Mantua is known as the brand’s vinyl plank line value. They come in nine different colors that can blend well with different design styles. They are also 5.5mm and 6 inches by 4 inches thick. Compared to other lines, Mantua planks have a thinner eight mil wear layer. This means that these planks are suitable for houses without pets or children. The warranty for this product line is 15 years.
Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank Features
To know more about Shaw Floorte’s vinyl planks, check these salient features out:
WPC
WPC is short for wood plastic composite. This is an engineered, vinyl plank option that has been introduced to the market. Compared to ordinary flooring solutions, WPC has a more technologically advanced structural composition.
Instead of PVC backing, WPC vinyl is made from wood-plastic composite support. This backing technology combines plastic composites with recycled wood pulp to come up with a more stable and robust bond.
Shaw’s vinyl plank flooring utilizes the same backing technology. This explains why their vinyl planks are sturdy, more compact, and fully-waterproof.
Softer Underfoot
If you are looking for allergy-friendly and soft flooring options, Shaw’s vinyl plank is the answer. For one, kitchen flooring should be comfortable to walk on. The vinyl already provides this much-needed floor softness. If you add the quality materials and felt backing to the equation, you get softer flooring.
Thickness
Shaw’s vinyl planks come in different thickness and wear layers. The thinnest is eight mils, with 20 to 30 mils as the thickest. Depending on the usage and heaviness of human activities, you can find the right flooring solution for every floor space in your home.
Warranty
Shaw also offers different warranty lengths for their vinyl floorings. Most vinyl products from their Floorte line come with lifetime warranties. With such more extended warranties, you won’t have to worry about damage and other kinds of quality-related issues with vinyl. Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring will last you for a long time.
Ease of Installation
While installation of NuCore vinyl plank may take time, Shaw’s vinyl planks can be installed only within a few hours. No need for elaborate instructions to follow to get a fine-looking and chic flooring.
Impervious to Moisture
As already mentioned above, Floorte’s selling point is its imperviousness to moisture. This advertising point is known as Lifeguard. As such, two things are accomplished.
Firstly, it is delivered and installed on the same day as wood flooring needs to acclimate to a specific room for approximately 48 hours before it is installed. Secondly, this means that this product line is ideal and can be installed even in high-moisture areas like basements and bathrooms.
Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank Wear Layer Options
Shaw vinyl comes in three different wear layer options provided as follows:
8 Mils
This is the thinnest wear layer for Shaw vinyl planks, and Mantua plank is an example of planks having such a thin wear layer. This wear layer is best for houses with minor foot traffic and without kids and pets.
12 Mils
This wear layer is ideal for residential homes with no pets and lesser children.
20 and 30 Mils
These wear layers are the thickest and are suitable for commercial spaces or residential spaces with pets and an active family.
How to Install Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank
Step 1 – Layout Planning
Before you start a DIY installation project, the very first thing you should do is plan the layout of your flooring.
Step 2 – Clear the floor area
Once the plan is done and you are ready to start the installation process, it is ideal for removing the casing or the trim that touches the floor. This means you have to remove the quarter-round, door trim, baseboards and door.
Step 3 – Install the planks
Once the floor area is clear, you can now run the first row of planks. Cut these planks using a utility knife. After that, flip the board over for the finished surface to face down. After that, fold the vinyl plank back.
Since the majority of vinyl planks are attached end-to-end and side-to-side using a fold-and-lock groove and tongue system, you can just fold the second board and wait until the said board lies parallel and flat to your first board.
Make plank cut-outs and once you are done doing this, you can now start installing your planks. Attach one plank to the rest of the adjoining planks as you hold your cut-out plank upward. Fold the cut-out plank slowly until both lock into place. Re-attach the trim and baseboards once the floor is fully-laid. You can use an electric brad nailer for this.
How to Clean and Maintain Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank
Cleaning your vinyl plank flooring is rather straightforward. Though there are no specific steps to follow when cleaning and maintaining these planks, Shaw provided these tips in taking care of your Shaw Floorte vinyl plank flooring.
Step 1 – Sweep on a regular basis
Regularly sweep the floor to get rid of grit and dirt. If there are spills on the floor, make sure to wipe it immediately.
Step 2 – Use Shaw’s hard surface floor cleaner
All you have to do is spray the cleaner on your vinyl floor and mop to dry.
Do’s and Don’ts With Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank
Here are a couple of dos and don’ts you have to keep in mind when using Shaw Floorte vinyl planks.
Do’s
- Clean your vinyl floor regularly to get rid of grit and dirt.
- Only use premium dog food mat when allowing your pets to enter and live in your home with vinyl plank flooring
- Wipe floor spills immediately.
- Check the warranty and wear layer of your vinyl planks.
- Make sure that the wear layer of your vinyl plank matches the limitations on floor activities.
- Keep your vinyl floor polished and clean.
- Use the world’s best spray mop in cleaning your vinyl.
Don’ts
- Overexpose your vinyl floors to UV rays.
- Use harsh and toxic chemicals when cleaning your floor.
- Use steam on your vinyl floor.
- Clean with a vacuum that has a brush or beater bar.
- Thorough vacuuming of tile floors.
FAQ About Shaw Floorte Vinyl Plank
Which Shaw Floorte vinyl plank has the most “texture” or grip (non-smooth)?
All of Shaw’s vinyl planks come with a non-smooth grip feature. This makes them entirely impervious to moisture. This also makes Shaw vinyl ideal for floor areas that are prone to moisture like bathrooms and basements. The only difference between these different kinds of vinyl is their respective wear layers.
Conclusion
When you see that your house can get upgraded and appear aesthetically pleasing, you can easily forget all the hard work, money, and effort you put in to beautify it. The sense of satisfaction that every homeowner feels after seeing the fruits of their labor can always outweigh the financial limitations they might encounter along the way.
At the end of the day, upgrading your home will never be a dead investment. More than monetary gains, you get happiness, security, and pride in return. And these things will never ever be quantified.
Photos from: photovs / depositphotos.com, digidream / depositphotos.com, siam.watsadudd@gmail.com / depositphotos.com, O-SHI-ADISORN / depositphotos.com, Drakonyashka / depositphotos.com and photovs / depositphotos.com.