Pergo Vs. Hardwood
Pergo is a widely used laminate flooring that typically carries a warranty against stains and fading. Its close resemblance to hardwood flooring makes it a popular choice because of its lower cost, strength and ease of installation. If you're trying to choose whether to install Pergo or a hardwood floor in your home, a number of distinctions can be made between the two that might affect your decision, with respect to installation, longevity and durability. Does this Spark an idea?
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Maintenance and Cost
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Pergo typically carries a minimum 15-year warranty against stains and fading. No hardwood floor comes with such a guarantee; however, if damage does occur, hardwood boards can be sanded and refinished if needed, whereas Pergo cannot. From an overall cost standpoint, Pergo floors are much more affordable than hardwood flooring. Nonetheless, hardwood flooring is a better amenity for those wishing to increase their property's value.
Durability
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Pergo is 15 times stronger than wood and typically lasts 20 years before replacement is needed. Although wood is not as durable as Pergo, it's known to last well over the 20-year time frame and can be sanded or refinished if damaged. Pergo is more resistant than wood to scratches, dents and demarcations, but it must be replaced if the laminate is damaged.
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Moisture Resistance
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Although Pergo resists moisture well, it isn't guaranteed to be 100 percent waterproof. Therefore, use a moisture meter to detect moisture levels before proceeding with installation. Wood flooring is not recommended in areas with higher humidity either, as moisture causes wood to swell. Water damage to natural wood does not, however, disrupt the structure of the planks to the extent that it could with Pergo.
Surface Appearance
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On a Pergo floor, the pattern is repeated every few boards. With wood, the pattern of the grain reflects unique growth patterns and is never repeated.
Installation
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Pergo planks are wider than most hardwood planks and snap and lock into place easily and quickly. A Pergo floor is typically a floating installation, which means it's laid over a subfloor like vinyl or concrete but is not attached to the subfloor. Hardwood uses narrower planks and, depending on whether it's an engineered or solid ply, is glued, stapled, nailed or locked into place over the subfloor. Hardwood comes in pre-finished planks or may need finishing after installation, while Pergo is always ready to go as installed. Both types of flooring need to be acclimatized 48 hours prior to installation.
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