Homeowners often compare Mohawk RevWood with traditional laminate flooring because they look similar at first glance. Both offer wood-look designs, click installation, and budget-friendly pricing. However, RevWood uses more advanced construction and waterproofing technologies, which help it perform better in homes with pets, kids, or heavier daily use. This expert comparison breaks down what truly separates Mohawk RevWood from standard laminate so you can confidently choose the right floor for your home.
What Is Mohawk RevWood?
Mohawk RevWood is a next-generation laminate designed to combine the look of hardwood with boosted durability, scratch resistance, and moisture protection. It uses a wood-based core but incorporates Mohawk’s proprietary technologies such as WetProtect™, GenuEdge™ beveling, and ScratchGuard™.
RevWood appeals to homeowners who want hardwood-style visuals without paying hardwood prices or worrying about everyday spills and scratches.
What Is Standard Laminate Flooring?
Traditional laminate flooring is made from a fiberboard core topped with a photographic wood image and a protective wear layer. Laminate is affordable and attractive, yet most basic laminate products are not waterproof and may swell or warp if exposed to moisture for too long.
Laminate remains a popular option for bedrooms, hallways, offices, and other low-moisture areas. However, it typically does not match RevWood's performance in moisture protection or scratch resistance.
Is Mohawk RevWood Better Than Laminate?
Yes. Mohawk RevWood usually performs better than standard laminate because it offers stronger water resistance, improved scratch protection, and higher-quality wood-look visuals. Many homeowners choose RevWood because it provides more long-term durability and more advanced engineering while still maintaining an affordable price point.
Key Differences Between Mohawk RevWood and Laminate
| Feature | Mohawk RevWood | Traditional Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Waterproof in WetProtect™ lines | Generally water-resistant, not waterproof |
| Scratch Resistance | Enhanced with ScratchGuard™ | Moderate, varies by brand |
| Core Construction | Wood-based high-performance core | Standard HDF fiberboard core |
| Edge Protection | GenuEdge™ for improved moisture sealing | Basic edge beveling or none |
| Realism | High-definition imaging and deeper embossing | Varies widely depending on product |
| Ideal Use Cases | Pets, kids, active homes, spill-prone spaces | Low-moisture areas and lighter residential use |
Is Mohawk RevWood Waterproof?
Yes. RevWood flooring with WetProtect™ is engineered to be waterproof when installed according to Mohawk’s guidelines. Its tight locking system and edge coatings help prevent moisture from getting into the core.
Standard laminate floors may resist small spills but are not designed for standing water or frequent moisture exposure.
How Does RevWood Handle Scratches Compared to Laminate?
RevWood is built with a high-performance wear layer and ScratchGuard™ technology, which help protect against pet claws, dragged furniture, rolling chairs, and everyday abrasion. As a result, it often outperforms traditional laminate in maintaining its surface appearance over time.
Basic laminate lines can still scratch easily, depending on the brand and the thickness of the wear layer.
RevWood vs Laminate: Which Looks More Like Real Wood?
Mohawk RevWood uses high-definition printing and textured embossing that allow planks to closely resemble natural hardwood. Its premium lines often include:
- Deep wood grain textures
- Wide planks and long-length options
- Subtle color variation
- Matte, low-gloss finishes
While some traditional laminate floors also look good, RevWood tends to offer a more realistic visual at a similar price range.
Which Is More Durable: RevWood or Laminate?
RevWood is generally more durable because it is engineered for families and high-traffic homes. It handles scratches, dents, and daily wear more effectively than most standard laminate floors.
Laminate remains durable in many situations, yet its lack of advanced surface technology means RevWood typically lasts longer under heavier use.
Is RevWood More Expensive Than Laminate?
Yes, although the difference is usually modest. RevWood pricing falls slightly above mid-range laminate flooring.
Typical price ranges:
- RevWood: $2.99 – $4.99 per sq. ft.
- Standard Laminate: $1.29 – $3.99 per sq. ft.
Homeowners often find that the small price increase is justified, especially because RevWood offers better moisture protection and long-term durability.
Installation: Does RevWood Install the Same Way as Laminate?
Yes. Both RevWood and laminate typically use a floating click-lock system that installs over underlayment or pre-attached padding.
However, RevWood’s modern locking mechanisms can feel tighter and more secure, which helps support its waterproof performance in WetProtect™ lines.
Can RevWood Be Installed Over Existing Floors?
Yes. RevWood can be installed over many existing hard-surface floors when the subfloor is flat, clean, and dry. The same is true for most laminate products.
Does RevWood Need Underlayment?
Some RevWood products include attached padding. Others may require a moisture barrier or underlayment, depending on the subfloor and the specific installation guidelines.
Which One Is Better for Pets?
RevWood is almost always the better choice for homes with pets.
- Greater scratch resistance
- Stronger spill and moisture protection
- More durable wear layer
Standard laminate can perform well in some situations but may not hold up to repeated spills or active dogs as effectively.
Which One Is Better for Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Basements?
RevWood with WetProtect™ is the safer option in moisture-prone rooms because it is engineered to handle everyday spills and cleaning without damage.
Standard laminate is best kept to low-moisture spaces unless it is explicitly labeled as water-resistant.
Final Verdict: Should You Choose RevWood or Standard Laminate?
If you want a floor that looks like hardwood, installs easily, and offers strong durability at a mid-range price point, both RevWood and laminate can work well. However, RevWood provides significantly more value for most homes.
Choose Mohawk RevWood if you want:
- Better spill and moisture protection
- Superior scratch resistance
- More realistic wood visuals
- Longer-lasting durability
- A floor suitable for pets and busy households
Choose standard laminate if you want:
- The lowest possible price
- Flooring for a low-moisture space
- A basic wood-look floor for light residential use
Most homeowners ultimately choose RevWood because it performs well in real-life situations without a significant price increase compared to traditional laminate.
Shop Mohawk RevWood Flooring
If you're comparing RevWood styles or want expert guidance, you can browse Mohawk’s full RevWood collection here:
