Pergo® Vs. The World

Pergo® Vs. The World

Introduction

In this article I discuss the characteristics of laminate flooring, explain the differences between hardwood and laminate floors, offer tips for do-it-yourself installation and provide some cost comparisons.
What is Pergo®?

Pergo® flooring is one brand of a new type of flooring, known as laminate, which has the look of real hardwood with the easy maintenance of vinyl. It’s available in wood plank, limestone block, marble, and granite tile. While relatively new to the United States, Pergo® flooring been a mainstay in Europe for almost 20 years.

Pergo® flooring is comprised of three components:

1. The surface layer and decorative laminate - TOP
2. Carrier board or core material - MIDDLE
3. Balancing layer of laminate or other material - BOTTOM

To learn about the technical differences between laminate brands (like Wilsonart®, Pergo®, Bruce®, Formica® and numerous others) click on BRAND WARS.
Natural Hardwood vs. Laminate Flooring

So what exactly is the difference between laminate flooring and authentic hardwood floors? The answer is “not much” and “everything.”

Finished on-site hardwood floors are commonly referred to as Swedish finish floors. They require a nail-down installation and a specific type of sub-floor. The prep time adds dramatically to the cost of a Swedish finish floor and when the floor’s finish is being applied the home cannot be occupied.

Additionally, Swedish finish floors are typically 3/4-inch thick, which contributes to the problem of transitions between new and old floors. They also require regular upkeep, which some people find too much to cope with. Swedish finish floors are easily damaged by water spills and will fade in artificial light and direct sunlight. Therefore, refinishing is usually required every 5-8 years, although I have seen some floors last 15-years without being refinished.

Laminate, on the other hand, is installed as a “floating floor,” which means one layer of foam is placed under the laminate and adhesive is applied at the tongue and groove of the floor (both sides of the boards as well as the ends). Preexisting sub-floors such as vinyl, parquet, plywood, concrete and even ceramic tile can be easily covered. Laminate’s 1/3-inch thickness is also an asset when dealing with transitions. Remember–anytime you install a floor you must consider what type of transition you’ll have between the new and old floors and adjoining rooms.

Laminate will scratch but there are remedies that don’t involve sanding, which is a no-no for this product.

Professionally installed laminate floors cost approximately the same as Swedish finish floors.

Most laminate floors come with a triple warranty against wearing, staining and fading. Some manufacturers offer moisture warranties that might give a false sense of security. If you read the document you'll see it’s really an extension of your homeowner’s insurance policy. If your insurance company doesn’t cover the damage (which in most cases they will) then the flooring manufacturer may cover a portion of it. Either way it bears investigation.

Essentially the choice between laminate and hardwood comes down to your own personal taste and expectations. For instance, if you have hardwood throughout your home and want to match it, choose a Swedish finish. If you can’t find a laminate design you like, choose a Swedish finish floor and have it stained a custom color.

If, on the other hand, you have three dogs, two kids and are not the most meticulous housekeeper, laminate flooring is your best bet. If you have a high traffic area that is going to take constant abuse and direct light, laminate flooring, again, is the best option.

Be realistic in your expectations before making a purchase. Don’t be oversold on a product that you don’t really want. Later, when you’re stuck with a costly mistake you have to live with for years, you’ll have a bad case of buyer's remorse.
Watch Your Back Vinyl Guys!

If you’re a vinyl manufacturer you might want to skip this next section

When Pergo® flooring was first introduced to the US, nobody imagined it would be such a huge hit. In fact, Pergo®, which is actually a brand name, is one of many competitors in the laminate flooring category.

Vinyl makers were caught off guard when consumers, tired of the same old vinyl, chose new laminate floors that looked much better and cleaned just as easily. I saw the effects of the laminate phenomenon myself when sales of vinyl dropped by 50% at my store.

Unfortunately for all the vinyl guys, laminate’s popularity continues to grow. Major vinyl makers such as Armstrong®, Mannington® and Tarkett® have entered the laminate market mostly with subcontracted arrangements through European manufacturers although lots of new laminate factories are in the works in the USA.

For consumers with large kitchens, and family and dining room combinations, the look of Pergo® flooring, combined with its practicality is too good to pass up. And the cost is very favorable when compared with a high-quality vinyl floor installed by professionals.
Where Can I Put This Stuff?

All the rooms in your home with the exception of wet areas (bathrooms and laundry rooms) are candidates for laminate. Since laminate floors are mostly made of wood-based products prolonged exposure to water can cause them to warp and buckle. Water spills on the top layer of laminate will not damage it as it would hardwood but problems develop when moisture works its way along the edges or underneath. However, with some installation modifications, laminate can go in a wet area.

Still, when planning where to place your laminate floor it usually makes more sense to choose tile or vinyl for wet areas. I have never thought that a laundry room or bathroom was the best bet for any wood based product.

Cost comparisons:

Materials and Professional Installation Fees

* Laminate Floors 4.90-6.90 per square foot (very little prep required)
* Hardwood Floors 5.50-7.90 per square foot (prep generally required)
* Ceramic Tile 10-15.50 per square foot (prep generally required)
* Sheet Vinyl 1.99-3.99 per square foot (prep usually adds $2 per foot)
* Luxury Vinyl Tile 5.99-7.99 per square foot (prep generally required)
* Pre-Finished Hardwood Floors 5.99-12.99 per square foot (minor prep generally required)

The prices above are estimates only and will vary depending on where you live.
Can I Install Laminate Flooring Myself?

Installing laminate flooring is easy for some people and hard for others. If you consider yourself a skilled handy person, someone who can hang a door properly and do simple carpentry it shouldn’t be a problem. If you’re someone who has trouble changing a light bulb or hammering a nail, seek professional help.

Successful home installers follow the instructions word for word, don’t go off on crazy tangents or make up their own rules. They also know not to take short cuts.

Some folks forget the old adage "time is money." As you’re contemplating installing a new floor as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, I urge you to remember all the half-completed projects you already committed to around the house that are still in limbo. (I am specifically talking to the men in the audience -- you know who you are). Then think about this statistic: 90% of all laminate floor jobs can be installed by professionals in one day or less, but it takes 2 to 3 days of blood, sweat and tears for the average homeowner to complete the job. However, if you are patient, properly prepared, and like to enjoy the fruits of you labor installing a laminate floor may be the ideal project.

Videos, available at www.iFloor.com, will help you decide first of all if you are cut out to tackle the job. They demonstrate how to install the floor and give an overview of what to expect. After viewing the video, you can assess your own limitations.

If you decide to have the floor installed professionally make sure you deal with a reputable company that employs licensed, bonded and skilled installers.
Beware of Cheap Imitations

Laminate floors are not created equal. Every single aspect of how the floor is engineered, manufactured and tested, contributes to the final product. A customer once asked me how I could sell top quality laminate flooring for $3.99 p/S.F. when she could march right over to IKEA® and get the same product for only $1.99 p/S.F. Was I trying to pull a fast one? The IKEA salesmen told her it was the same product.

The answer is that I don't over-sell the product to make a quick buck, and the second part of the answer is really a question: How in the world would a furniture sales person know more about floors than me? The same is true for box stores that hire very nice people, but one day they’re selling sheet rock and the next they’re home interior experts. Just as automobiles are engineered differently, so too are laminate floors. I doubt the lady (who drove a Lexus®) would have argued if I pointed out that her automobile would have been a 1/4 of the cost if she’d just bought a Yugo® instead.

Floors, like everything else, are designed and engineered in different price ranges. So while it may be more practical to put in a cheaper laminate in a rental, you’ll want the best flooring you can afford in your own home.

Although flooring is a big-ticket item, I think everyone would be surprised if they knew how low a flooring store profit margin really is. Nationwide, the average net profit is 1.9%. That certainly doesn't leave room for many mistakes. Consequently, when independent floor covering stores enter into an agreement with you they are seeking to do a flawless job–for your sake as well as their own.
Two Downsides To Laminate Flooring

As I stated earlier, laminate is a floating floor. Therefore, you can hear a slight tapping echo when you walk on it. Some manufacturers have introduced acoustical padding to muffle the sound, with varying results. Test a piece of regular foam and then test a piece of acoustical padding and see if you can tell a real difference. Notice this while walking on the dealer display floor and imagine how it will sound in your home. I recommend cork underlayment for any floating floor, as the BEST method of reducing the echo effect or tapping sound that may be noticeable.

The laminate part of the floor is a photograph of wood and therefore lacks the natural depth found in a real hardwood floor. If you have seen a sample of the floor and don't know what I am talking about, then the look of the floor is not an issue for you. Some people can't tell the difference between laminate wood grains and the real thing. That's the way it's supposed to be! The newer styles of laminate that have surfaces that mirror the grain in the image and have bevels and other more realistic attributes increase the aesthetic value of the laminate floor as compared to natural floors.
Let's Wrap It Up

Sometimes customers refer to all laminates as Pergo® flooring, even though there are at least 40 other manufacturers of laminate floor coverings. Many times if you walk into a retail showroom and ask for Pergo® you will hear the salesperson say, “Oh sure we have that” and walk you over to several displays none of which bear the Pergo® brand name. This is a indication of how successful one company has been at promoting their brand. My advice is to know what you are getting and research the brands you are comparing and then make a decision.

So, there you have it– I enthusiastically endorse laminate flooring. Remember to take your time picking a brand you like and one that matches your needs and budget. Look for a dealer you can trust. Educate yourself first if you plan a DIY project and above all enjoy! By the way, I have hardwood and laminate floors in my home, as well as vinyl in the bathrooms. All of my floors are doing very well! The videos show exactly how to install the floor and give you a very practical look at what to expect. These videos serve as the final qualification to allow you to decide for or against a DIY install. After viewing the video, a person knowing their own limits should be able to make an honest assessment based on their own abilities.

I recommend that if you choose to have a professional installation, your installer has some formal and reliable training. Of course you'll just have to take the word of the sales person, but hopefully you will have already established trust with whom you are dealing. Every floor has distinct nuances that can make or break the installation. Do not use one manufacturer's instructions for another product.