Pergo Flooring: Premium Laminate Flooring

Decorative laminate had been used in countertops, paneling, and other intricate projects years before the material was viable for flooring. Original laminate wasn't nearly strong enough to withstand the wear and abuse of a typical residential floor. Reinforced laminate was introduced to the market in the 80s beginning in Sweden and then to the rest of Europe. The development of reinforced laminate quickly took hold and it wasn't long before laminate products were more than twenty times as strong as the original decorative laminate. Pergo was out front in leading the research and development of the new laminate flooring and soon the company and its new product took off. Pergo flooring came to the US in 1994 and has been among the leading suppliers of laminate flooring ever since.

Product Options and Cost
One of the main advantages of Pergo flooring is the endless options it gives you for your flooring project. While only certain natural woods are up to the wear and tear of residential flooring, Pergo can offer any number of wood appearances and finishes to match your decorating tastes. Different tiling or planking options and the exact laminate flooring product you choose will affect the price of the flooring, but this variance isn't nearly as cost-prohibitive as exotic wood installations. Low-end laminate flooring will usually cost just over $1 per sq. ft. and can range up to $4 per sq. ft. for more high-end options.

Installation
The tongue and groove method makes the installation of Pergo flooring significantly easier and also greatly reduces the cost of your flooring project. Similar to paneling or fencing installations the general installation technique is not difficult to learn. Many homeowners with basic DIY skills can install their own flooring, although edges, end moldings, and sawing can also mean leaving the installation to a professional will guarantee a flawless, beautiful installation.

Pergo flooring offers installation training to service professionals specifically for their flooring. When you hire a service professional, you'll want to make sure that professional is a Pergo Endorsed Installer. In some cases, improper installation can affect product warranties. You can also buy an extended service warranty for your Pergo flooring to add risk-free years to your floor.

Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance—Even with the extra strength of reinforced laminate, there is no such thing as an indestructible floor. You'll want to use felt protectors for heavier furniture and appliances. Mats, rugs, or other floor coverings may help near exterior entrances to reduce the risk of tracking in gravel or other particles that can occasionally scratch your laminate flooring.

General Maintenance—Dust mops or vacuums with hard-floor attachments are the best way to clean your Pergo flooring. The hard and compressed nature of the floor makes it easy to clean and you'll never need to wax or refinish it. If you do end up scratching your floor, putty can cover small areas or a Pergo Endorsed Installer can replace individual planks or tiles.