Pergo Outlast Plus Flooring Review 2022

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The Pergo brand (now a part of Mohawk Industries) is one of the pioneers of laminate flooring. In fact, they practically invented it 40 years ago.

In this Pergo Outlast Plus review and buying guide, we’re going to go over everything that you need to know about this flooring, including the benefits/drawbacks, where to buy, and if it’s right for you.

Ready? Let’s Jump in!

Table of Contents

What is Pergo Outlast Plus Laminate Flooring?

The quick explanation, is that Pergo Outlast+ is laminate flooring that has a waterproof top layer. It’s a moderately-priced option which makes it a popular option when it comes to laminate. Pergo has 6 different types of laminate in their lineup.

Pergo Outlast+ Benefits

No need for extra underlayment thanks to the integrated underlayment layer
SpillProtect technology gives good water resistance
Easy cleaning and maintenance
Fairly affordable
Can be used in any room
Huge range of colors and styles
You can DIY if experienced
Can be laid over many subfloors
Can be laid over radiant heating

Pergo Outlast+ Drawbacks

Can get scratched by pets
Not as durable as solid wood
Can’t be refinished
Not as authentic as hardwood

Specs & Features

The composition of Pergo Outlast Plus is as follows: transparent wear-resistant top layer, design layer that mimics the visual effect of wood, HDF core board with a base layer for stability, and the last underlayment layer.

The plank sizes all have a thickness of 10mm. When it comes to the width you have the choice of either 5.23”, 6.14”, or 7.48”. When it comes to length there is 47.24” or 54.33”.

At the time of this review Pergo has 56 designs in the Outlast+ collection for you to choose from. All the domestic woods like Oak, Hickory, Maple are covered, as well as exotic woods like fruitwood, and Jatoba.

They offer a wide variety of colors that have classic and contemporary looks. There are also some more distinctive looks such as whitewashed, gray tones, and varied grain patterns.

Water Resistant Technology

One thing we really like about the Pergo Outlast+ Collection is their SpillProtect technology. This technology shields your flooring from pet accidents, spills and splashes of water.

It doesn’t stop at the waterproof top layer either. The Uniclic system with beveled edges makes the joints tight. This means that the core and base layers have resistance against moisture and spills.

One thing we must note is that this technology is only meant to shield the flooring for a short period of time. If it is exposed to moisture for too long it will eventually discolor.

Pergo Outlast FAQ

Can I Install It Myself?

This flooring uses the industry-leading locking system called Uniclic.

If you are an experienced DIYer then you’ll be happy to know that the Uniclic system was designed with you in mind.

We have to note though that it’s not quite as easy as is suggested, so if you’re not experienced in this area it’s recommended to hire a professional.

If you want to get a fast quote from a professional in your area then click here.

Where Can it Be Used?

Because of the waterproof top layer, the Pergo Outlast Plus can be installed anywhere in your home including the basement, kitchen and bathroom. It can go on, below, or above grade.

One limitation though is that you can’t use this flooring in a wet room with a sump pump or in a bathroom with a floor drain because of excess water exposure.

There is a 48 hour acclimation time for this flooring. This means that you have to leave the unopened boxes in the room that you want to use them in for at least 2 days before starting.

The purpose of this is to let the flooring adapt to the humidity levels in the room and prevent the floor from buckling.

What are the Subfloor Requirements?

When it comes to the subfloor you’ll want to be prepared ahead of time. The two preferrable types of subflooring are concrete or plywood but linoleum and old vinyl tiles can also work.

Definitely clean the subfloors beforehand. Make sure they are dry and flat too. It’s recommended to moisture test and vapor test certain subfloors before buying the planks so that you don’t run into any issues.

As always, read the instructions carefully before starting so you know that your home is compatible with this type of laminate.

Is Underlayment Necessary?

No. You don’t need any underlayment for Pergo Outlast+ because it already has an attached foam underlayment.

Does it Need an Expansion Gap?

Yes. You need to make sure that you leave a ⅜” expansion gap around the edges of the flooring. This enables the flooring to expand and contract under varying humidity levels. If no gap is left it leaves the flooring at risk of buckling.

This expansion gap is necessary for the entire perimeter of the floor. The edges can’t touch any radiator pipes, walls, stairs, or kitchen appliances.

If you’re not thrilled about the idea of having this gap don’t worry there are solutions. The gap can be covered using skirting boards, radiator collars, transition strips, and beading. Pergo has a range of matching molding, stair nosing, and more available to handle this issue.

Is Climate Control Required?

You can install Pergo Outlast in houses that don’t have climate control, but not in damp or humid areas. The area must be properly ventilated to prevent moisture build-up. It can be used along with most types of in-floor or underfloor radiant heating as well.

How Can I Prevent Damage?

Although this flooring is scratch-resistant, it’s not scratch proof. This means that it might not be the best choice if you have any pets running around.

Using preventative measures like doormats and area rugs will help to stop dirt from outdoors getting inside and doing damage.

You can also use felt on your furniture to stop scuffing. As always, be very careful when moving heavy furniture and lift not slide.

You can read our comprehensive guide on protecting laminate here.

Cleaning

For general cleaning, it’s ok to use a vacuum designed for harder surfaces. You can also use a broom or dust mop.

Here is a general cleaning routine that Pergo recommends: mix 1 gallon water with 1 cup of vinegar or ⅓ cup of non-sudsing ammonia. Use this formula with a damp mop weekly. Just make sure that the mop is wrung out properly so that the top layer isn’t exposed to excessive water.

Although the formula above can handle most types of general spills, other substances will require a bit more.

For removing nail polish, markers, crayon, ink, cigarette burns and tar you can use denatured alcohol or nail polish remover. For candle wax and chewing gum, a plastic scraper should work well.

Note: never use detergents, soaps, waxes, polishes, abrasive cleaners, or steam mops on the Pergo Outlast+ due to the risk of damage.

Pricing

Although laminate is a cheaper type of flooring, Pergo Outlast+ is at the higher end of the range.

You can find the Outlast Plus at the Home Depot.

The Verdict

When it comes to laminate flooring, Pergo Outlast+ is a premium option. They live up to their reputation as the pioneers of laminate flooring with the Outlast+ being a quality product. The water-resistant technology, the tough wear layer, and added underlayment make this one of our favorite options currently on the market.

This flooring is ideal for anyone that wants a versatile laminate that’s water-resistant and low maintenance. If you have pets though you might want something more water resistant!

We hope that you found our reviews helpful. If you have any questions drop a comment below.