In June of 2009, I purchased and had installed a laminate floor manufactured by Shaw. The product is their Radiant Luster line. It's their top of the line floor and expensive. It's a great looking floor. Upon completion of the installation, I noticed what appeared to be shadows/reflections at the corners of the boards in multiple locations. I passed this information on to the company that I purchased the floor from, however I did not pursue the issue because once the furniture pieces were in place these imperfections where not as noticeable. Also, by the time the floor moldings had been installed, I had built-ins made around the fire place and also had made cherry moldings to abut surrounding areas. I rationalized that though I was disappointed, I could live with the floor as is.

This is a second home and is lived in 6 months full time and periodically during the late fall/winter months. We have no pets and our children are grown. This home is inhabited by my wife and me. The heat/air is kept on 12 months. Early spring of 2010 I noticed what I called shadows/reflections on the floor were blistering at several locations. I contacted the company that I had purchased the floor from, they contacted Shaw, and Shaw sent a flooring inspector to analyze the problem. His final analysis is that the floor has been subjected to moisture and Shaw has no responsibility. I don't believe anyone can tell me how this floor was subjected to moisture. The home has Pergo Laminate floors in two abutting rooms and I removed a Pergo Laminate floor in the same location and replaced it with this Shaw radiate luster floor. The Pergo floor has been installed for 10 years without a problem. Does this tell us something about the Shaw flooring – it can’t stand up to the Pergo after only 12 months?

I cannot understand Shaw’s “moisture analysis” verdict. The home is heated and has central air. The floor is installed in a living/dinning room area and in two bedrooms on a second level the floor is dry mopped and occasionally wiped with damp cloth to remove occasional spots. As a matter of fact, the floor on the second level has never been wiped with a damp cloth. Shaw’s verdict is not viable.

Another observation is that at the corners of the boards in several locations do not butt together perfectly. One board is higher then the other. It seems Shaw has a manufacturing problem that they will not admit to. I’m frustrated. I am a victim of Shaw flooring.