Hardwood Versus Pergo

Pergo laminate flooring is a popular option to hardwood nowadays.  It’s easy to install, easy to keep clean, and very affordable.  Yet compared to the natural beauty of a stained hardwood floor detractors will insist, “It’s just not the same.”  Today’s Crown Point, Chesterton, and Dyer Do-It-Yourself enthusiasts should consider the pros and cons of both products before committing to cover their floor with either.  Here’s how they stack up against one another:

Hardwood

Pros:     Can be sanded and refinished if damaged
Adds to property resale value
Can last well beyond 20 years
Completely unique natural wood-grain non-repeating pattern

Cons:    No warranty
More expensive
Installation must attach to subfloor
May need finishing once installed

Pergo

Pros:     Generally 15 year warranty against stains and fading
More affordable
Stronger than wood
Lasts up to 20 years
Resistant to wear and scratches
Easy floating installation

Cons:    Cannot be refinished
Must be replaced if damaged
Print pattern on finish repeats after several boards

The choice between hardwood and Pergo has as much to do with personal taste as it does cost, ease of installation and maintenance, and resale value.  Ask yourself, “What is the norm in my neighborhood?”  Not to keep up with the neighbors, but if hardwood floors are the norm then that may very well be an expectation of incoming buyers for your home in the future.