Frequently Asked Questions

How is Pergo constructed?
What makes Pergo so durable?
Over which surfaces can Pergo be installed?
How is Pergo installed?
How do moisture, humidity and temperature affect Pergo?
How do I maintain Pergo?
How do I minimize minor scratches?
What happens if a plank becomes damaged?
Is it normal for the joints of a recently installed Pergo floor to appear swollen?
What makes Pergo superior to other laminate flooring products?
How does the plank function?
Where can I use a Pergo floor?
Is Pergo scratch-proof?
Will pet urine hurt the floor?
Who is Perstorp Flooring?

Environmental Concerns

How is Pergo constructed?
Each plank consists of three components that are bonded together. A wear-resistant decorative surface made of Perstorp Multilayer Composite™ material is bonded to a moisture-resistant wood-based core called PerCore®. A balancing backing laminated with a polymer material is bonded to the underside of the core.

What makes Pergo so durable?
The high-finish laminate surface has been additionally strengthened by aluminum oxide, making it approximately 30 times stronger than the laminate of a kitchen countertop.

Over which surfaces can Pergo be installed?
In most cases, Pergo can be fitted directly on top of old floors without having to change doors or thresholds. Pergo can be installed over vinyl, linoleum, ceramic tiles, wood floors, particleboard, concrete or other level and smooth floors.

How is Pergo installed?
Pergo Original is easily installed by the "do-it-yourselfer" or a professional. Perstorp Flooring partners with thousands of flooring professionals nationwide to guarantee the work of those who successfully complete the Pergo Endorsed Installer Training Program; contact a dealer near you to find an Endorsed Installer. Pergo Select is best installed by a professional to achieve the dramatic, stylish look that can be created when the floor is laid in an intricate pattern using complementary designs. Pergo can be installed on vinyl, linoleum, ceramic tile, wood floors, particleboard, concrete or other smooth and level floors. New Dock Lock Technology™ makes installation easier and more precise with its tongue- and-groove design and unique steering guides. For more installation information, see our "Installation" section.

How do moisture, humidity and temperature affect Pergo?
The melamine top surface withstands water, and the joints, if properly glued, will be tight enough to prevent water from penetrating into the wood-based core material. For a strong joint, plenty of glue must be used throughout the entire length of the groove. The water-based glue may cause the joints to swell temporarily, but they will go back to normal after about six to eight weeks. Pergo consists of 90 percent wood-based materials that expand and contract with the changes in humidity. Therefore, when installing Pergo, you must leave expansion spaces of 1/4" next to walls and other fixed objects.

How do I maintain Pergo?
You can easily care for your Pergo floor with an occasional damp mopping, a quick sweeping or light vacuuming with the hard-floor attachment. Do not use soaps or detergents because they leave a film, dulling the floor. Difficult spots like nail polish, markers, tar and cigarette burns can be removed with denatured alcohol, acetone or nail polish remover. The nature of the melamine laminate surface makes it virtually impossible for dirt to stick to the floor. Pergo floors must never be waxed, polished, sanded or refinished. Click here for our Stain Removal Guide.

How do I minimize minor scratches?
While Pergo is very resistant to scratching, it is not "scratch proof". To minimize scratching, use felt floor protectors on all easily moved furniture (chairs, tables, etc.) and replace them when dirt begins to adhere to the felt; use a mat inside any exterior doorways to capture gravel that may stick to shoes; replace plastic casters with rubber ones and lift rather than slide heavy objects across the floor. Vacuum cleaners can scratch Pergo, so be sure to use only the hard-floor attachments for upright- and canister-style cleaners on your Pergo floor.

What happens if a plank becomes damaged?
Individual planks can be replaced if necessary, and since we use no dye lots and the floor doesn’t fade, the planks will match perfectly. Plank replacement should be done by a professional.

Is it normal for the joints of a recently installed Pergo floor to appear swollen?
During the first six to eight weeks after installation, you may notice swelling along the seams of your floor. THIS IS NORMAL -- in fact, it is a good sign that an adequate amount of Pergo Glue has been used. It is caused by the absorption of glue in the core material and will disappear as the glue fully cures.

What makes Pergo superior to other laminate flooring products?
Perstorp Flooring invented laminate flooring and has over 20 years’ experience exclusively designing and manufacturing laminate flooring. Most of our competitors have only a few years of experience with laminate flooring and don’t have the technology to produce a floor comparable to Pergo. Pergo flooring is produced by using a high-pressure laminate technology that results in the highest-quality, most durable laminate floor possible. Every step of the production process, from raw materials to finished goods, is meticulously controlled by Perstorp Flooring. Many of our competitors don’t manufacture their laminate flooring; instead, they buy flooring from a supplier, giving them limited control over the quality of the finished product. Pergo is designed as a complete flooring system: No other floor is supported by such a wide range of color-coordinated moldings, tools, components and accessories.

How does the plank function?
The surface layer provides durability, the decorative layer the design, and the wood-based core the strength, stability and balance. In addition to its beauty and durability, Pergo provides exceptional walking comfort when installed over our Whisperwalk™ underlayment.

Where can I use a Pergo floor?
Pergo is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas in the home: kitchen, dining room, hallway, living room, bedroom, children’s rooms. It’s even moisture-resistant enough for use in bathrooms (when installed correctly!).

Is Pergo scratch-proof?
No. There isn’t a flooring material on the market that is completely scratch-proof, but Pergo’s exceptional durability makes it extremely scratch-resistant. Just take some simple precautions in caring for your floor, and it will stay beautiful for years and years.

Will pet urine hurt the floor?
Our tests of substances similar to pet urine have shown that Pergo, when installed according to our instructions, has not been damaged. However, we recommend that any accidents be cleaned up as soon as possible.

Who is Perstorp Flooring?
Based in Sweden, Perstorp Flooring is the inventor and world’s leading producer of laminate flooring. Perstorp’s North American headquarters and U.S. production facility are located in Raleigh, North Carolina.