When I decided to renovate my home, I wanted flooring that could handle my chaotic household—think two rambunctious dogs, a toddler who treats the floor like a canvas, and my own clumsy coffee spills. Mohawk SolidTech Select caught my eye with its promise of durability, style, and easy upkeep.
After living with it for months, I’m convinced it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a blend of beauty and practicality. You should absolutely consider this flooring if you want a low-maintenance, pet-friendly, and stunning addition to your home. Let me share my journey and why it’s worth your investment.
My Experience With Mohawk SolidTech Select
Walking into my local flooring store, I was overwhelmed by options, but the Mohawk SolidTech Select display stopped me in my tracks. The Lamb’s Ear design, with its warm, natural wood grain, felt like it belonged in my cozy living room. I chose it for my entire first floor—living room, kitchen, and hallway—about 1,200 square feet of high-traffic chaos. The installation process was surprisingly smooth. My contractor praised the Uniclic locking system, which made the planks snap together like puzzle pieces. No glue, no fuss, just a day’s work, and my floors were transformed.
Living with SolidTech Select has been a revelation. My dogs, Max and Luna, treat the living room like their personal racetrack, yet the floor shows no scratches. I’ve dropped mugs, dragged furniture, and even had a juice spill incident that would’ve ruined lesser flooring, but a quick wipe, and it was like nothing happened. The waterproof feature isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifesaver. My kitchen, where spills are a daily ritual, looks pristine. The planks’ realistic wood texture fools guests into thinking I splurged on hardwood, and I love the compliments I get. The underlayment adds a cushioned feel, making it comfortable to stand on during long cooking sessions.
That said, I hit a snag during installation. A few planks had brittle locking tabs, which frustrated my contractor. We contacted Mohawk, and their customer service was responsive, sending replacement planks quickly. It was a minor hiccup, but it reminded me that no product is flawless. Overall, the durability, aesthetic, and ease of maintenance have made my home feel both luxurious and practical. I’m not a flooring expert, but as a homeowner, I can say SolidTech Select has exceeded my expectations for handling my family’s daily mess.
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Pros Of Mohawk SolidTech Select
- Stunning Realistic Design: The wood-like visuals, especially in designs like Lamb’s Ear, are so convincing that friends ask if I installed hardwood. The GenuEdge Technology rolls the design over the plank edges, enhancing the authentic look.
- 100% Waterproof Construction: Spills, splashes, and even a flooded dishwasher didn’t faze this floor. The WetProtect feature ensures water-tight joints, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Impressive Durability: With a 12-mil wear layer, it resists scratches from my dogs’ claws and heavy foot traffic. I’ve moved furniture without a single mark, which is a miracle in my house.
- Easy Installation: The Uniclic system made DIY installation a breeze for my contractor. The pre-attached underlayment saved us money and time, and the floor was laid in a day.
- Pet-Friendly Features: The All Pet Protection warranty covers scratches and stains from my furry friends. It’s reassuring to know my floors are built for Max and Luna’s antics.
- Low VOC Emissions: As someone sensitive to indoor air quality, I appreciate the FloorScore certification, ensuring minimal off-gassing and a healthier home environment.
- Comfort Underfoot: The underlayment provides a cushioned feel, making it comfortable for long periods of standing, like when I’m prepping meals or chasing my toddler.
These benefits make SolidTech Select a standout. The combination of style, toughness, and practicality is hard to beat, especially for a busy household like mine. I’ve had guests rave about the look, and I feel confident knowing it can handle whatever life throws at it.
Cons Of Mohawk SolidTech Select
- Brittle Locking Tabs: During installation, some planks had fragile Uniclic tabs that broke when snapped together. It wasn’t widespread, but it slowed us down until replacements arrived.
- Limited Warranty for Commercial Use: The 25-year residential warranty is solid, but the 7-8 year light commercial warranty feels short, making it less ideal for small businesses.
- Not Entirely Dent-Proof: While scratch-resistant, heavy impacts—like dropping a hammer—can leave small dents. I learned to be cautious when moving heavy appliances.
- Beveled Edges May Show Wear: The beveled edges enhance the wood look, but they can collect dirt in high-traffic areas, requiring extra cleaning attention.
- Higher Cost Than Budget Brands: At $2-$4 per square foot, it’s pricier than basic vinyl options like TrafficMaster. For budget-conscious folks, this might feel like a splurge.
- Potential for Sharp Edges: A few planks had slightly sharp butt ends, which could catch a sock if not installed perfectly. My contractor mitigated this, but it’s worth noting.
While these drawbacks exist, they haven’t dimmed my love for SolidTech Select. Most issues were minor or manageable, but they’re worth considering if you’re on a tight budget or planning a commercial space.
Maintenance Tips For Mohawk SolidTech Select
- Sweep or Vacuum Regularly: Dust and debris can scratch if left unchecked. I use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum without a beater bar daily to keep my floors pristine.
- Use a Damp Mop Sparingly: A slightly damp microfiber mop with water or a vinyl-safe cleaner works wonders. I mop weekly, ensuring the mop isn’t too wet to avoid water pooling.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Skip bleach or abrasive cleaners, as they can dull the finish. I stick to Mohawk’s recommended cleaners or a vinegar-water mix for tough spots.
- Protect with Felt Pads: I placed felt pads under all furniture legs to prevent dents and scratches. It’s a small step that makes a big difference, especially with heavy pieces.
- Clean Spills Immediately: The waterproof feature is forgiving, but I wipe up spills right away to prevent staining or slippery spots, especially in the kitchen.
- Use Mats in High-Traffic Areas: I added doormats at entryways and a runner in the hallway to trap dirt and reduce wear on the beveled edges.
- Avoid Dragging Heavy Objects: When rearranging furniture, I lift instead of drag to prevent scratches or dents. It’s a bit of extra effort, but it preserves the floor’s look.
Maintaining SolidTech Select is straightforward, which is a relief for someone like me who juggles a busy schedule. These tips keep my floors looking as good as the day they were installed, and I spend minimal time on upkeep.
Comparison With Other Brands
COREtec Vinyl Flooring
COREtec is a heavyweight in the vinyl plank world, and I considered their Grande line for its 30-mil wear layer, which trumps SolidTech Select’s 12-mil.
It’s thicker overall at 15mm, making it feel more substantial underfoot, and it’s also 100% waterproof, perfect for my spill-prone kitchen.
However, COREtec starts at $4.39 per square foot, which stretched my budget compared to SolidTech’s $2-$4 range.
The thicker wear layer is overkill for my home, where SolidTech’s durability suffices.
COREtec’s designs are stunning, but I found SolidTech’s Lamb’s Ear more authentic-looking with its GenuEdge Technology.
LifeProof Vinyl Flooring
LifeProof, sold at Home Depot, was tempting for its affordability, ranging from $1.99 to $2.59 per square foot. It’s 100% waterproof and FloorScore-certified, like SolidTech, and its pre-attached underlayment makes installation easy. However, LifeProof’s thinner planks (6-7mm) felt less robust, and store associates warned it’s less forgiving on imperfect subfloors. My concrete slab had minor flaws, so SolidTech’s rigid SPC core was a safer bet. LifeProof’s designs are decent, but they lack the embossed-in-register texture that makes SolidTech feel like real wood.
Pergo DuraCraft + WetProtect
Pergo’s DuraCraft line, with a 20-mil wear layer, competes closely with SolidTech. At 6mm thick, it’s slightly thinner but still waterproof and easy to install over concrete, which suited my basement. Priced at $3.49-$4.54 per square foot, it’s comparable to SolidTech but felt flimsier in person. Pergo’s designs are vibrant, but I preferred SolidTech’s warmer tones for my home’s aesthetic. Pergo’s WetProtect technology is similar to SolidTech’s WetProtect, but I found Mohawk’s customer service more responsive when I needed replacement planks.
TrafficMaster Vinyl Flooring
TrafficMaster, a budget option at $1.29-$2.27 per square foot, was a contender when I was pinching pennies. However, its 4-6 mil wear layer and lack of waterproofing made it a non-starter for my kitchen and bathroom. SolidTech’s thicker construction and pet-friendly features far outweigh TrafficMaster’s low cost. While TrafficMaster is fine for low-traffic rentals, it can’t match SolidTech’s durability or realistic wood look, which was crucial for my open-concept living space.
Karastan BelleLuxe
Karastan, owned by Mohawk, offers BelleLuxe, a laminate flooring with a timeless aesthetic. I loved its rich colors, but it’s not fully waterproof, unlike SolidTech. BelleLuxe’s durability is solid for kitchens, but its higher price point and lack of vinyl’s resilience made me lean toward SolidTech for my pet-heavy household. BelleLuxe’s installation is similar, but SolidTech’s SPC core felt more stable on my concrete subfloor.
SolidTech Select holds its own against these brands, balancing cost, durability, and style. It’s not the cheapest, but for my needs, it’s the sweet spot.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Mohawk SolidTech is fantastic flooring for most homes. Its waterproof construction, durable 12-mil wear layer, and realistic wood designs make it ideal for busy households with pets or kids. I’ve found it withstands daily wear, from dog claws to juice spills, with minimal maintenance. While some users report issues with locking tabs or minor dents, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, especially for high-traffic areas like my kitchen and living room. It’s a reliable choice if you want style and toughness without the hassle of real hardwood.
SolidTech Select and Plus both offer waterproof SPC cores and pet-friendly features, but Plus is the upgraded version. Plus typically has a thicker wear layer (up to 20 mils versus Select’s 12 mils) and enhanced antimicrobial properties in select styles. Plus also includes more premium designs with advanced texturing, like the Signature line with up to 1,000 shading variations. Select, which I chose, is slightly more affordable and plenty durable for residential use, but Plus is better suited for heavier traffic or those wanting top-tier aesthetics.
Vinyl plank flooring, including SolidTech, has some downsides. It’s not entirely dent-proof; heavy impacts can leave marks, as I learned when I dropped a tool. Some brands, including Mohawk, may have brittle locking systems, causing installation hiccups. Beveled edges can trap dirt, requiring extra cleaning. Vinyl isn’t as eco-friendly as hardwood due to its plastic content, and while low-VOC, it’s not VOC-free. Lastly, cheaper options like TrafficMaster lack waterproofing or durability, and even premium vinyl like SolidTech can be pricier than basic laminate.
Mohawk is a top-tier LVP brand, and I’m not just saying that because I chose SolidTech. With over 200 design options, a focus on low-VOC emissions, and features like WetProtect and All Pet Protection, Mohawk delivers quality and variety. Their customer service impressed me when they swiftly handled my replacement plank request. While some users report issues with installation or warranty limitations, Mohawk’s reputation, backed by a history since 1878, makes it a trusted choice. Compared to COREtec or Pergo, Mohawk’s balance of affordability and durability is hard to beat.
Conclusion: For Mohawk SolidTech Select
After months of living with Mohawk SolidTech Select, I can confidently say it’s a flooring solution you should consider. It’s transformed my home into a stylish, durable space that handles my family’s chaos with ease. From its waterproof prowess to its hardwood-like charm, it’s perfect for anyone craving low-maintenance luxury. Despite minor installation quirks, the pros far outweigh the cons. If you’re ready to upgrade your floors with a product that’s both beautiful and tough, SolidTech Select is a no-brainer. Trust me, your home (and your sanity) will thank you.