Pergo TimberCraft Laminate Flooring | 2022

Pergo TimberCraft Laminate Flooring – In Brief

Pergo Timbercraft is the brand known for creating laminate flooring, and is now part of the Mohawk family. You can normally expect to pay around $4 per square foot for Pergo flooring. Pergo laminate mimics the look of real wood while providing shiny coloring and finish.

Laminate flooring is not what it used to be.

After a long, storied history, the flooring finally got a makeover.

Now it is tough, durable and inexpensive. But is it right for you?

Today, we will look at Pergo’s TimberCraft laminate flooring.

This is a well known brand with a great following.

We examine the costs, pros and cons as well as what people are saying online. We will also help you understand how to install the flooring and all the extra things you will need for a completed project. Read on to learn all about Pergo TimberCraft.

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Pergo TimberCraft Laminate Options

There is a lot to like about the brand and the style. Here are the top options or benefits of Pergo TimberCraft.

Real wood styles. TimberCraft offers many shades and varieties of oak, hickory and reclaimed wood.
WetProtect. A patented sealing system from Pergo makes the planks water resistant.
Laminate leader. Pergo invented laminate and is the foremost authority on the flooring type.
AC4 rating. AC4 is a rating for higher-end residential and light commercial grade laminate. It will hold up.
Texture. Unlike a lot of laminate options., Pergo TimberCraft is embossed with a natural texture of wood.

Who Makes Pergo?

Pergo has quite an interesting story. Their history goes back to 1977 when a Swedish company by the name of Perstorp wanted a new method of use for their high-pressure laminate. a new product was created and a new company rose from it called Pergo.

In 2013 Pergo was bought, in whole, by Mohawk, the world’s largest flooring company and now produces the Pergo laminate under their Belgium-based brand Unilin.

This allows the products to be made on commercial demands and ship around the world.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Pergo Flooring

Choosing the right Pergo flooring is a fairly simple process. When going with TimberCraft you have less options than many other brands, but you have a high-quality product. Still, there are a few factors you need to consider before you open your wallet.

Coverage Area

The size of the actual project is going to be a major factor. Knowing the square foot of the space will tell you how much material to buy, what accessories or extras you may need and even how much you should expect to be charged for installation labor.

Take the time to measure your space carefully. Getting the right amount of flooring will save you extra trips to the shop for more, or having so much left over you don’t know what to do.

Underlayment and Accessories

One of the downsides to TimberCraft with WetProtect is that it does not come with an underlayment. This will be an additional purchase on your part. However, the good news is that you can pick the right underlayment for your subfloor type.

You will also need to consider accessories like new baseboards, thresholds and transitions. Some projects won’t need any and others will require some of each. Only your specific project details will determine what and how much additional materials you need to budget for.

Installation Method

Pergo TimberCraft is designed for a simple DIY installation. The click-lock technology means the planks fit together fairly easily and even those with limited experience should get great results. However, if you don’t want the hassle, you can also easily hire out the project to a licensed professional.

Tools and Equipment

If you do decide to perform the installation yourself, you will need a few tools and some equipment. The list isn’t long but can become expensive. You will need some rubber spacers, a knocking block and hammer as well as a table or circular saw to make cuts.

Beyond that, your most valuable resource is your time. An average single room install should take you about 6 to 10 hours to complete. However, if you are unprepared or don’t have the right tools, this can easily take much longer.

Cost and Warranty

Finally, the cost and warranty are also going to be big factors. The initial cost can cover a lot of different aspects. Of course, there is the flooring itself, but also any subfloor repairs or replacements, underlayment, accents, accessories or other materials.

If you hire out the project install, you also need to include labor into the mix.

The warranty is also not standard across the board. It will depend on where you buy the flooring, who installs it and how much you purchase.

However, most dealers and showrooms will offer at least 10 years on the product and the install, with some going as high as 50 years. You will need to check with your retailer before you buy to see what warranty they offer.

Pergo TimerberCraft Laminate Flooring Report

Pergo offers you a wide variety of flooring options, from luxury vinyl planks to hardwood flooring and, of course, laminate. One of those laminate options comes in their TimberCraft line. This line produces wood-look patterns, grains and embossing to mimic hardwood without the cost or frustration.

There are a lot of good things from laminate these days. We no longer have to deal with flimsy rolls of sheet laminate that can peel, crack and rip with ease. These boards are thick, sturdy and resilient.

They are not bulletproof, though, so you need to take care of them.

Board Sizes and Construction

Pergo TimberCraft boards all come with a wood-grain pattern. This pattern does repeat, so you need to mix and match your boxes. This means that during installation you want to take boards from various boxes instead of laying an entire box at a time.

The boards also come embossed, which give them a texture more like hardwood that you can feel when walking on them. This also helps the look and illusion of real wood. However, most of the colors and shades, while natural, are on the shiny side.

The laminate does have a slight plastic appearance that is a tale-tell sign it isn’t real hardwood. The trade off, though, is that you only pay about $4 per square foot instead of $8 or $9.

These boards also come in a wide variety of sizes. Most Pergo TimberCraft boards are 48 inches long, but you will find widths between 1.25 and 8 inches wide. Depending on the look and style you are after, there is a width and color to match.

Installation of Pergo TimberCraft

Pergo TimberCraft is a click-lock floating floor solution. This means that you can easily install the flooring yourself with a little patience and a YouTube video or two.

Once you gather your materials and tools, the process should take you between 6 and 8 hours for 120 to 150 square feet. The hardest part is the first and last rows, ensuring a uniform and perfect fit.

If you are uncomfortable with the process, or you want to not be bothered, you can always hire out the job to a professional. Just make sure you get at least three quotes and that the company you decide on is vetted, insured and experienced.

Waterproofing and Sealant

TimberCraft also comes with WetProtect, a proprietary waterproofing that makes the laminate suitable for above, at or below grade installation. With WetProtect water doesn’t absorb into the laminate or get between the seams where it can cause damage. In fact, you have about 72 hours to clean up any wet messes before there is danger.

This doesn’t mean you can soak the flooring, install in wet areas like unfinished basements, laundry rooms or other flood-potential areas. What it does mean, though, is that you have an extra layer of protection against every day spills and messes.

Where to Buy Pergo Flooring

Pergo is sold in most major flooring retailers, home improvement stores and even floor specialty dealerships. The best place to buy is locally in a showroom or business where you can view the product in person. Home Depot and Lowe’s are common places to buy Pergo Flooring.

The problem is that TimberCraft comes in so many shades, colors and styles that local retailers can’t stock each option and not in enough quantities for larger projects.

In these instances it is best to get samples to find the exact color and wood pattern you like and order online. The same retailers with brick and mortar shops will also have online stores with larger selections.

What People are Saying

As with any product you will find a mix of opinions depending on where you look and what website you read. However, in almost every instance there will be more good opinions than bad ones.

Most people find Pergo to be a high-end product with great quality, durability and resilience. The most noted aspects are the thick planks and ease of installation. You will also find that the install also falls on the negative side.

The board thickness can make the click lock harder to get together. In these instances, it is usually a DIY install that has a problem. Most professional installers have dealt with difficult boards and tighter click-locks and know how to get them together without problem.

Other negative remarks come down to the scratch resistance of some of the Pergo planks. However, Pergo has a lot of different styles and qualities. Lower end types do scratch easier, but TimberCraft is much more resilient.

Pergo TimerbCraft Pros and Cons

pros and cons pergo timbercraft flooring

There is good and bad with any product, service or, in this case, flooring. Pergo TimberCraft has a lot of good things going for it, but there are negative aspects as well. Let’s dive deeper into both sides of the proverbial coin.

Pros	Cons
DIY install capable	Doesn’t come with an underlayment
High-quality construction	Board thickness can complicate installation
WetProtect offers some higher-end water resistance	Even with WetProtect it is not recommended to install in wet areas.
Multiple widths available
Embossing creates a more natural wood grain look and feel

Pergo Vs. Other Laminate Brands

One question we get all the time here at Household Advice, is how does the product we examine stand up against other major brands in the category? This section will answer that very question as we compare Pergo TimberCraft to Mohawk, TrafficMaster and LifeProof laminates.

Pergo TimberCraft Vs. Mohawk

As the mother company, Mohawk technically owns Pergo. However, Mohawk moved the Pergo division to the Unilin factories in Belgium. This frees up Mohawk to make their own flooring alongside (and in competition with) Pergo.

Mohawk laminate is something to behold. It is as strong as LVP and as durable as you can get. It also comes at a much higher price. However, as the world’s largest flooring company, Mohawk knows what they are doing.

Their laminate is thick, easy to install, durable and has a lot of additional properties. You will find that their brand is water resistant, scratch and dent resistant and even holds up to extreme weight from furniture and appliances.

Mohawk also offers a more clear warranty with better coverage. However, Pergo will win in the cost department and in most cases even in availability. If you are after a specific color or style and trying to stay on a budget, Pergo is probably a better choice. Otherwise, we recommend choosing Mohawk.

Pergo TimberCraft Vs. TrafficMaster

TrafficMaster is a popular brand because they focus on a quality product at a highly affordable price. The main drawback to TrafficMaster laminate is that they are only sold through Home Depot. One of two major brands sold this way (the other, mentioned below).

TrafficMaster also offers plank laminate with a DIY installation, a decent warranty and some options with water resistant additives. However, the planks aren’t as thick or as durable as Pergo. While you may pay a little more, the extra cost is easily forgiven due to Pergo’s durability and easy to work with warranty center.

TrafficMaster is a better choice for those on a smaller budget or that just want a small area covered. For larger projects, high-traffic areas and those with a little more wiggle room in the budget should opt for Pergo here. It is a more sensible choice.

Pergo TimberCraft Vs. LifeProof

Like TrafficMaster, LifeProof is manufactured exclusively for Home Depot. This makes it easier to find, but it also limits your choices in local shops. Most of the purchasing will be done online to ensure you get the style and colors you desire.

This can present its own headaches, though, if the wrong thing is shipped or you fail to get samples before ordering.

With LifeProof laminate you get a durable plank that is among the easiest on the market to install. The boards are thinner and scratch a little more easily, but there are a lot more color and style options. However, Pergo has a better board selection, giving you stronger boards and more width sizes to choose from.

This comparison really boils down to your budget. If you are hiring a professional for the install and want a more natural, yet unique look, go with Pergo. If you need to save money and plan to install it yourself, or have the install done in a smaller area, LifeProof could serve you well.

At a Glance

How do all the brands above compare? The chart below outlines the different features in a side-by-side comparison for you.

Brand	Types Offered	Color or Styles Available	Average costs per sq. ft.
Pergo TimberCraft	Plank	Over 40 wood color and design variations	$3 to $6.50 per sq. ft.
Mohawk	Plank	Over 100 colors and 20 styles	$4 to $8 per sq. ft.
TrafficMaster	Plank, Tile	Over 50 colors and 12 styles	$2.50 to $6 per sq. ft.
LifeProof	Plank, Tile	Over 100 colors and 25 styles	$2 to $5 per sq. ft.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pergo TimberCraft

In this section we will answer the most common questions about Pergo TimberCraft and laminate in general. If you have other questions feel free to use the comment section below the article.

Q. Is laminate worth it?

Laminate is a solid choice for most areas of your home. With Pergo’s TimberCraft you can have a natural wood look in your living room, hallways, bedrooms or even kitchen. The WetProtect feature adds an extra layer of water resistance to help your floors last even longer.

Q. Is laminate better than LVP?

The battle between laminate and luxury vinyl planks (LVP) goes back and forth. Both are durable and strong and they install easily. LVP is a better choice for wet areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms and even basements. It is 100% waterproof, where laminate is only water resistant. However, laminate has its place and can fit more styles in the other areas of your home.

Q. Is Pergo the best laminate option?

Pergo is the first company to make laminate for commercial and residential installation. They basically invented the stuff. However, they aren’t at the very top anymore. That accolade goes to brands like Shaw, Mohawk and other premium brands.

Q. How long does Pergo Laminate flooring last?

Pergo laminate can last a lifetime. Depending on the install type, location and care you give the floors, you should easily expect at least 10 to 12 years of reliable, gorgeous service. However, with Pergo, a good maintenance routine and low traffic, it isn’t surprising to see floors last over 20 years.

Conclusion

Pergo TimberCraft with WetProtect is a laminate flooring solution worth investing in. The natural wood look patterns, embossing and water resistance make the planks durable and easy on the eyes.

You will also find the planks are simple to install and will outperform most other options. However, there are a few drawbacks. Things such as a lack of underlayment and a limited choice of wood grains, you may not always find what you are after.

When you do find one, though, it is a simple decision to purchase and install the flooring. A choice you won’t be disappointed in.