Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Each plank has a real hardwood surface bonded to a layered core, so the visible floor is genuine wood. The engineered build helps reduce some natural expansion and contraction.
Engineered hardwood refinishingt depends on the hardwood veneer thickness and the product’s finish system. Thicker wear layers may allow light sanding or screening, while thinner veneers may only support recoating. Check Shaw’s installation guide or product specs before sanding, and have a flooring professional confirm the remaining wear layer.
Installation varies by product. Confirm whether the floor is approved for click-lock/floating, glue-down, nail-down, or staple-down installation, then follow Shaw’s requirements for subfloor prep, moisture testing, acclimation, and warranty compliance.
Installation Methods
Click-lock, also called floating installation, means the engineered hardwood planks connect together at the edges and float over the approved subfloor instead of being glued or nailed down. This method is often preferred for faster installation because the planks lock into place as a connected floor system, making it a practical option when the Shaw hardwood product is approved for floating installation.
This method attaches the flooring directly to the subfloor with adhesive. This method can create a solid feel underfoot and is often used over concrete, slab foundations, or areas where the product requires full adhesion.
Nail-down installation fastens the flooring to a wood subfloor using flooring nails or cleats. It is commonly used for hardwood installations over plywood or approved wood subfloors and usually requires professional tools.