Pergo Extreme: Is This Dent Resistant Waterproof Vinyl Floor for You?

Pergo Extreme is the next big thing in durability for family homes. This water-resistant product is guaranteed against dents—perfect for use with pets and kids. Article updates 06/2021

In a 2019 survey, 73% of homeowners were planning a home renovation. Nearly half of those homeowners would choose to upgrade their flooring if they had an unlimited budget. 

The trouble is, no one really has unlimited renovation funds. What's a budget-conscious homeowner to do?

The answer is Pergo Extreme. It's an affordable flooring option that looks as good as high-end finishings.

Keep reading to learn about Pergo Extreme to decide if it's the right flooring for your home. 

2021 Updates

Starting this year all the products made in China are being discontinued and replacement lines are being made in a new plant, they are still imported, but at a signifigant cost savings. The Pergo Extreme replacement products have the same collection names, however the color names are a bit different. Not all the old colors made the cut, but the ones that did should have the same color number. The old versions and the new versions will not lock together.

What Is Pergo Made Of?

Pergo Extreme is a type of luxury vinyl flooring that's made entirely from synthetic materials.

It has a rigid core that's made from a composite. On top of that is a layer of PVC vinyl which gives the flooring its design. For wood-look floors, this decorative layer is embossed and for patterned designs, it's a printed photo representation. 

On top of the design is a coating of urethane, which is also called the wear layer. This top layer is what gives Pergo its signature durability and dent-resistance. 

These products feature a locking system and a pre-attached padded underlayment to help simplify the installation process.

Read about Pergo Extreme's construction here.

Pergo Vinyl Flooring Is Waterproof

Because Pergo is a synthetic material, it's inherently waterproof. While the urethane layer does protect the surface of the planks, it's not the only line of defense from water damage. Pergo is waterproof to its core. 

Hardwood and engineered hardwood can easily get water-logged. When they dry, they warp and show watermarks. Even tile floors can show signs of water damage, especially in the grout lines. 

Whether you're worried about your basement flooding or your wet dog running around the house after a bath, Pergo can handle it all. 

It's Dent-Resistant

The 22 mil wear layer on the Extreme flooring will prevent scratches and dents from everyday wear. It's so durable that it's even used in commercial settings. 

If you have pets or kids, then you should consider Pergo. It can handle everything from cat and dog nails to your son's skateboard. Plus, it also won't show dents from furniture. 

That means you don't have to call someone to buff or refinish your floors every time there's a lot of traffic in your home. 

Pergo actually advertises this as Dent Proof!

It's Easy to Clean

Another great benefit of Extreme flooring is that it's easy to clean. If you prefer low-maintenance cleaning, you should consider Pergo. 

You won't need to polish or wax the flooring since it's protected by a layer of urethane. It will always have the same sheen even between cleanings. That said, it's still important to keep it clean to protect the finish. 

For minor dirt and debris, you can sweep or vacuum the floor. If there's mud or other grime, you can use a wet mop or scrub it with a sponge. We recommend cleaners that are designed for vinyl and it is always important to make sure your cleaning solution has a neutral PH. Shaw has a good cleaning kit.

While the Extreme flooring is very durable, it's not indestructible. For example, it may not handle strong household cleaners unless it's formulated for vinyl flooring.

You also shouldn't pour water onto the planks or use a steam mop, we do not want to risk water getting under the floor and steam mops get too hot.  

You Can Install It Anywhere in Your Home

Thanks to its waterproof qualities, you can install Extreme planks in any room of your house. That includes damp rooms that are at risk for water leaks such as the basement, kitchen, and bathroom. 

If you'd like to install the same flooring throughout your entire home, Pergo is the right choice. It's one of the few flooring options that work in every room of the house. 

It's also ideal for open concept homes, especially ones with a combined kitchen and living room area. If a cohesive interior design is what you're after, you really need to use the same flooring throughout the space.

The trouble is, that limits your choice of flooring. Hardwood, for example, isn't really an option because of the risk of water leaks in the kitchen.

With Pergo, you can get the hardwood look in your open-concept kitchen and living room without worrying about the water risk. 

It Comes in Many Affordable Styles

Pergo Extreme comes in a range of styles including wood, marble, and tile. Whether you're looking for hardwood, Carrara marble, travertine, or patterned tile, you can find a Pergo style to match.

If you're drawn to luxury finishes but you don't have the budget to match, Pergo is an excellent choice. Vinyl plank flooring is a very affordable choice.

Marble tiles can cost anywhere from $10 to $40 per square foot, whereas the Pergo Extreme Blush marble tiles cost less than $4.00 per square foot.

Plus, real marble requires professional installation, whereas you can install Pergo tile yourself. Even if you decide to go with a professional, the cost of installed Pergo flooring is very reasonable. 

Not only will you get to choose from a range of styles, but you can get your dream look for an affordable price. 

It's Comfortable to Live With

Compared to hard surfaces like tile, marble or polished concrete, vinyl plank flooring is much more comfortable.

It stays room temperature, which is great if you live in a cold climate. That means you won't need to put on slippers or shoes just to walk around your house. 

Vinyl planks can also absorb pressure. That means you can stand on it for long periods of time without feeling the strain on your joints. 

Pergo is a great flooring choice if you have kids or if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Kids won't get as hurt when they fall down and you won't have a backache after an afternoon of baking.

Different Pergo Extreme Styles

Pergo Extreme comes in several different styles, one surely will fit your home's design. (*Edit: Due to a change in factories, the specs, colors, and SKUs have all changed. Some colors were brought over to the new lines with similar names)

Wood Originals

Wood Originals is the biggest line with the largest selection, ranging from rustic pine looks to more modern grays with less variation. A few quite unique looks exist within this line as well, such as flooring that has wood burning visuals.

Wood Enhanced

Wood Enhanced is a smaller line but it focuses on more modern looks and features EIR finished giving a real authentic look with some of the most realistic visuals in the waterproof vinyl space.

Wider Longer

Wider Longer features very large planks, offer options much wider and longer than your standard formats!

Tile Options

Tile Options features 15 tile and stone looks, including a few with some really cool pattern that are a must see.

Wood Fundamentals

Wood Fundamentals is their newest line featuring wood-look planks made in the USA which means you can save money by not having to pay tariffs along with other benfits of buying American. (This line is temporarily unavailable and should be back in production with new specs within a few months)

Choose Pergo Extreme for Your Flooring Update

If you're in the market for new flooring, you should consider Pergo Extreme flooring. It's an affordable option that comes in lots of great styles. Plus, it's low-maintenance, durable, and will make your home feel more comfortable. 

While these floors have been big sellers, our most commpnly shipped to areas in the last couple of moneths have been Idaho, Montana, Des Moines, and Buffalo... Maybe that is random as it looks liek we are have a surge in Phoenix in the last week or so, keep an eye out, maybe your neighbor will be having one of these floor installed and you can take a look. Also, always remember Znet Flooring will beat the prices of the flooring stores near you!

If you have questions about Pergo flooring or you'd like a sample set, contact us today.  

*Note: Amazon links are affiliate links, which reminds me, always put felt pads on the bottom of your furniture pieces to protect your newly installed waterproof vinyl floor! And for those choosing to use a vapor barrier, here is a good option.