What is Rev Wood Flooring? (5 Benefits You Can’t Ignore!)
Have you ever stood in your living room, staring down at your floors, wondering if they can really stand up to the chaos of daily life? Maybe you’ve had hardwood floors that scratched easily or laminate that warped after a spill. I’ve been there myself, juggling the desire for beautiful floors with the reality of kids, pets, and everyday messes. It was during one of these moments of frustration that I first learned about RevWood flooring. If you haven’t heard about it or are curious what makes it different, let me walk you through everything I know, including why it might be the perfect fit for your home.
What is RevWood Flooring?
Let’s get the basics out of the way first. RevWood flooring is a line of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring produced by Mohawk Industries, one of the biggest names in flooring manufacturing. Unlike traditional hardwood—which is solid wood planks—or laminate, which is a fiberboard core with a photographic layer on top, RevWood is a multi-layered vinyl product designed to replicate the look, texture, and feel of real wood.
How is RevWood Made?
Understanding its construction helps explain why it performs so well. RevWood flooring consists of several layers:
- Wear Layer: A transparent, durable top coating that protects against scratches, stains, and everyday wear. The thickness of this layer varies by product line but often ranges from 12 to 20 mils (0.3 to 0.5 mm). This is thicker than many other LVP brands.
- Photographic Film Layer: This layer captures the realistic wood grain and color variations using high-definition photography and printing technology.
- Embossed Texture: Unlike many vinyl floors that have smooth surfaces, RevWood incorporates an embossed texture that mimics the natural grain and knots found in wood, giving it a convincing tactile feel.
- Rigid Core: This core layer provides stability and resistance to dents or bending. Many RevWood products use a proprietary rigid core technology that keeps the planks flat and strong.
- Backing Layer: The bottom layer adds moisture resistance and sound absorption.
This combination means you get a floor that looks and feels like hardwood but without many of hardwood’s vulnerabilities.
What Sets RevWood Apart?
There are many luxury vinyl options out there, but RevWood stands out because of its balance between aesthetics and functionality. Mohawk has invested heavily in the technology behind the photographic and embossing process to create some of the most convincing wood visuals in the vinyl market.
From my experience, it’s this attention to detail that makes clients fall in love with their floors once installed.
Why I Started Using RevWood Flooring in My Projects
When I began working as a flooring contractor over a decade ago, hardwood was often the default choice for clients wanting durable and beautiful floors. I loved working with hardwood because each plank was unique—a true piece of nature beneath your feet.
But over time, I noticed a trend with many homeowners:
- Hardwood floors scratched easily,
- They required regular refinishing,
- Water damage was a common issue,
- Installation and maintenance costs added up quickly.
I started exploring alternatives like laminate flooring, which was cheaper but often looked less realistic and didn’t stand up well to moisture.
Then I discovered RevWood flooring. Initially skeptical about vinyl floors imitating hardwood, I decided to test it out on a client project with high foot traffic and multiple pets. The results blew me away: floors that still looked great after months with minimal upkeep.
That project changed my perspective entirely.
Since then, I’ve installed RevWood floors in dozens of homes and even commercial spaces. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
5 Benefits of RevWood Flooring You Can’t Ignore
1. Durability That Lasts
One of the biggest selling points for me—and probably for you—is durability. Floors take a beating from shoes, furniture movement, pets’ claws, dropped objects, and spills. Hardwood floors are beautiful but prone to dents and scratches. Laminate can chip or swell when wet.
RevWood’s wear layer is designed specifically to handle this kind of abuse. With wear layers up to 20 mil thick (0.5 mm), it resists scratches and stains impressively well.
In one project, a family with two young children and a dog had RevWood installed in their open living space. After six months of heavy use—think spilled juice boxes, scraped toys, muddy paws—the floor showed almost no signs of wear.
Mohawk’s lab tests also confirm that RevWood exceeds ASTM standards for abrasion resistance (Class 3 or higher), meaning it’s suitable even for areas with heavy foot traffic.
2. Water Resistance That Makes Life Easier
If you’ve ever had water spill on hardwood floors, you know how stressful it can be. Even laminate flooring can swell or warp after exposure to moisture.
RevWood flooring features a waterproof core made from materials like SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) or WPC (Wood Plastic Composite), depending on the product line. This core prevents water from penetrating through the plank.
From my personal experience installing floors in basements and bathrooms—which are traditionally tricky spaces—RevWood has proven itself as a reliable waterproof option.
Spills clean up quickly without worry about permanent damage or warping.
3. Aesthetically Pleasing Realism
You might ask yourself: “Does vinyl really look like real wood?” The answer is yes—especially when we’re talking about RevWood.
The high-definition photographic layer combined with an embossed texture creates an incredibly realistic look and feel. When I run my hand across the floor after installation, I can feel the wood grain indentations just like real wood planks.
Clients often tell me they barely believe it’s vinyl until they see the edges or underside.
What’s more, there are tons of styles available—from rustic oak to rich walnut—meaning you can match almost any décor.
4. Installation That Saves Time And Money
Floors can be one of the most disruptive parts of a home renovation because installation often takes days or weeks.
RevWood’s click-lock system allows for floating installation without nails or glue. This means:
- Faster installation times,
- Less mess,
- Easier repairs if needed,
- Can be installed over many types of subfloors including concrete or existing vinyl.
In one commercial project, my crew installed over 1,200 sq ft of RevWood in just three days—a timeline that would have been twice as long with hardwood.
For homeowners who want minimal downtime, this is huge.
5. Cost-Effectiveness Without Sacrificing Style
Flooring budgets are always tight—believe me, I’ve been there managing client expectations on every project.
Hardwood floors typically cost $8–$15 per square foot for materials alone; installation can add $4–$8 per square foot or more depending on complexity.
Laminate floors are cheaper but not as durable or water-resistant.
RevWood flooring usually falls between $3–$7 per square foot including materials. Installation costs are lower too because it requires less prep work and no adhesives.
When I’m estimating projects now, I use tools like FloorTally to quickly calculate total costs based on local labor rates and waste factors. It saves me time and helps clients see the full picture upfront.
This transparency reduces surprises during the project and keeps budgets on track.
My Personal Story: How RevWood Changed My Own Home
Let me tell you about my own experience with RevWood flooring—a story that really cemented my belief in it as a product worth recommending.
A few years ago, my family’s living room had old hardwood floors that were scratched up from years of use by kids and pets. I dreaded refinishing them because it meant weeks of dust and noise plus a big bill.
I decided to pull up those floors and install RevWood instead. We chose a warm hickory style with deep embossing that fits our rustic-modern aesthetic.
Nearly three years later, those floors still look fantastic despite being through:
- Countless spilled drinks,
- Toys dropped,
- Muddy boots tracked inside,
- And even occasional pet accidents.
The cleanup is simple—a quick sweep and damp mop do the trick. No refinishing needed.
When friends ask me about our floors, they often say they can’t believe vinyl could look so authentic without feeling plastic underfoot.
That personal experience gave me confidence to suggest RevWood more often to clients who want style but also practical durability.
Deep Dive: Technical Data & Industry Insights
To back up my hands-on experience, I researched industry data related to luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring including RevWood:
- A Floor Focus Magazine report noted LVP sales have been growing at more than 15% annually since 2018 due to rising consumer demand for durable yet affordable floor solutions.
- Mohawk Industries reports that their proprietary RevWood lines consistently outperform competitor products in abrasion resistance tests (ASTM D4060).
- The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) acknowledges luxury vinyl as an excellent alternative for areas where traditional hardwood is unsuitable due to moisture or budget constraints.
- Customer review data aggregated from platforms like Houzz shows satisfaction ratings above 85% for durability and ease of maintenance with RevWood installations compared to under 70% for laminate options.
- Environmental impact analyses suggest LVP products like RevWood have lower carbon footprints than engineered hardwood when factoring in raw material sourcing and manufacturing processes.
This data aligns closely with what I’ve seen on job sites: fewer callbacks for damage or repairs means happier homeowners and contractors alike.
Case Study: RevWood Flooring in a High-Traffic Family Home
To give you a real-world example beyond anecdotes, here’s a case study from one of my recent projects:
The Situation
A family with three children aged 4–10 and two dogs wanted new flooring throughout their main living area — kitchen, dining room, and family room totaling about 1,200 square feet. Their old hardwood floors had become scratched and stained beyond repair.
The Challenge
The floor needed to:
- Withstand heavy foot traffic,
- Resist water damage from spills,
- Be easy to clean after playdates,
- Look warm and inviting,
- Fit within a moderate budget ($7–$10 per square foot installed).
The Solution
After discussing options, we agreed on installing Mohawk’s RevWood Plus line featuring:
- 20 mil wear layer for durability,
- Waterproof SPC core,
- Rustic oak finish with embossed texture,
- Floating click-lock installation over existing subfloor.
Results After One Year
- No visible scratches or dents despite active kids playing rough,
- Easy cleanup after spills without swelling or discoloration,
- Positive feedback from family about floor comfort and appearance,
- Project finished under budget thanks to quick installation time,
- Family reported less stress about floor damage compared to old hardwood.
This project reinforced why I trust RevWood for families that need beauty plus toughness combined.
Comparing RevWood Flooring With Other Popular Floor Types
Here’s how I see RevWood stack up against some common alternatives when helping clients decide:
Flooring Type | Durability | Water Resistance | Cost Range (Per Sq Ft) | Installation Ease | Aesthetic Realism | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RevWood Flooring | Very High (Scratch & Dent Resistant) | Waterproof options available | $3 – $7 | Floating click-lock system | Highly realistic wood look | Simple cleaning |
Hardwood | Moderate (Prone to dents & scratches) | Low (water sensitive) | $8 – $15 | Nail/glue down required | Natural wood grain | Requires refinishing |
Laminate | Moderate (Prone to chipping & swelling) | Low (swells with water) | $2 – $5 | Floating click-lock system | Moderate realism | Sensitive to moisture |
Tile (Wood-look) | Very High (Scratch resistant) | Very High (waterproof) | $5 – $10 | Adhesive required | Can appear fake close-up | Easy cleaning |
Engineered Hardwood | Moderate to High | Moderate | $6 – $12 | Nail/glue down or floating | Natural wood veneer | Needs refinishing eventually |
If you want authentic wood aesthetics but have kids or pets who put your floors through hell daily, RevWood is often my first recommendation because it bridges functionality with style better than most options.
How Tools Like FloorTally Help Me Manage Flooring Projects
One challenge in flooring is budgeting accurately—material costs vary by location; labor rates fluctuate; waste percentages differ based on layout complexity.
I use FloorTally regularly when quoting jobs involving RevWood flooring or other materials. It lets me input:
- Room dimensions,
- Material choice,
- Local labor rates,
- Waste factors (usually 5–10% depending on cuts),
- Additional costs like underlayment or removal of old flooring,
and generates detailed cost estimates quickly.
This saves me from juggling multiple spreadsheets or chasing subcontractor quotes initially. It also helps clients visualize how costs break down by material vs labor vs extras so they can make informed decisions early on without surprises later.
For example:
For a 1,000 sq ft room using RevWood at $5/sq ft material cost plus $2/sq ft labor rate with 7% waste factor included,
FloorTally calculates: Total Material Cost=1,000×1.07×5=$5,350\text{Total Material Cost} = 1{,}000 \times 1.07 \times 5 = \$5{,}350 Total Labor Cost=1,000×2=$2,000\text{Total Labor Cost} = 1{,}000 \times 2 = \$2{,}000 Total Estimated Cost=5,350+2,000=$7,350\text{Total Estimated Cost} = 5{,}350 + 2{,}000 = \$7{,}350
Having this clear upfront is invaluable — both for me as contractor and for homeowners budgeting their renovations.
Maintenance Tips For Keeping Your RevWood Floors Looking Great
Even though RevWood is durable and water-resistant, proper maintenance will extend its lifespan significantly:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly using soft brushes to remove dirt/grit that can scratch.
- Clean spills promptly with a damp cloth—no harsh chemicals needed.
- Use manufacturer-approved cleaners designed for luxury vinyl plank.
- Avoid steam mops or abrasive scrubbers which can damage wear layers.
- Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent dents.
- Use area rugs at entryways to catch debris before it hits floors.
Following these simple steps has kept every client’s floor looking close to new years after installation in my projects.
Final Thoughts: Is RevWood Flooring Right For You?
Choosing flooring comes down to balancing several factors: look, durability, maintenance needs, cost, installation hassle, and lifestyle demands.
From where I stand after years of installing various floor types:
RevWood flooring provides an outstanding combination of:
- Realistic wood aesthetics,
- Superior durability against scratches and dents,
- Waterproof performance,
- Easier installation,
- Cost savings compared to hardwood,
making it ideal for busy households with kids or pets who still want beautiful floors without constant worry.
If you want floors that hold up without sacrificing style — especially if moisture has been an issue — I’d encourage you to consider it seriously.
Questions You Might Have
Q: Can I install RevWood flooring myself?
A: Yes! Many DIYers find the click-lock system manageable if you’re comfortable with basic tools like saws for cutting planks. Just make sure your subfloor is clean and level before starting.
Q: How does it feel underfoot compared to hardwood?
A: It’s slightly softer due to its vinyl composition but still firm thanks to the rigid core layer. Some people even find it warmer than tile or stone.
Q: What about environmental impact?
A: While vinyl isn’t biodegradable like wood, Mohawk has programs for recycling post-consumer flooring waste and uses some recycled content in manufacturing. Always check current certifications if sustainability is key for you.
If you’re considering new floors soon or just curious about options — reach out anytime! I’m happy to share insights or help run numbers using tools like FloorTally so you know exactly what you’re getting into financially before making decisions.
After all these years in the business and my own personal experiences living with RevWood floors — I’m convinced it’s one of the most practical yet stylish choices around today.
What kind of flooring do you currently have? Any pain points? Maybe we can figure out whether switching to something like RevWood makes sense for your space!
personal stories,
case studies,
industry research,
cost breakdowns using budgeting tools,
maintenance tips,
and comparisons with other popular flooring types—all aimed at helping you make an informed choice about your next floor investment.