In this Pergo Portfolio overview we take a look at how it is constructed and the different styles available. We also discuss installation and cleaning and show you how Pergo Portfolio’s price compares with other popular laminate flooring brands.

CONSTRUCTION AND STYLES

Pergo Portfolio laminate is constructed from four layers bonded together for strength and stability without any toxic chemicals.

The flooring is 100% waterproof thanks to the WetProtect technology, which protects against spills, humidity, and pet messes.

Portfolio is also designed to resist stains and scratches, making it one of Pergo’s most high-end laminate products.

The collection features 24 different styles to fit any décor, including traditional oak and hickory, gray-toned options, and even a couple of stone selections.

For a more modern look than other laminate flooring, the planks in the Portfolio collection are longer and wider than traditional laminate. The planks range from 6 to 7.5 inches wide and 48 to 54 inches long.

The planks are all 10mm thick for stability and a more natural-sounding flooring.

An embossed texture, low-luster finishes, and beveled edges give the Portfolio flooring a very natural and authentic look.

The flooring has an AC4 rating, making it ideal for residential and light commercial use.

Portfolio is available at Lowe’s stores nationwide and at independent retailers.

PROS AND CONS

The advantages of Pergo Portfolio include

• Beautiful, authentic color and texture mimics the look of real hardwood or stone
• WetProtect makes the flooring fully waterproof
• Premium durabilty and scratch-resistance with ScotchGuard Advance Protection

The disadvantages of Pergo Portfolio include

• Does not include an underlayment, adding an extra expense
• Installation can be tricky, especially the first few rows
• Color doesn’t always match the picture. Always order a sample first!

PRICES

Pergo Portfolio is very competitively priced compared to other waterproof laminate floors. At $0.83 to $2.58 per sq.ft. Pergo Portfolio is in the low to budget price range. Don’t forget to factor in the labor cost to install laminate flooring.

PRICE COMPARISON

Here is a price comparison table outlining the average prices of other popular laminate Brands:

 

BRAND	PRICE PER SQ FOOT
TrafficMaster Laminate	$0.89 – $2.20
Pergo Portfolio	$1.99 – $2.79
LifeProof Laminate	$1.99 – $2.59
Home Decorators Collection	$1.55 – $2.65
Pergo XP	$2.09 – $3.09
Evoke Laminate	$2.09 – $3.19
Pergo Outlast +	$2.79 – $2.89
Quick-Step	$2.50 – $5.00
Newton Laminate	$3.00 – $5.00
Mohawk RevWood	$1.90 – $3.50
AquaGuard Laminate	$2.79 – $3.99
Shaw Repel	$2.19 – $6.09
Mannington Restoration	$3.50 – $3.99

INSTALLATION

Like all of Pergo’s laminate products, Portfolio can be installed on, above, or below grade and because the flooring is waterproof, it can be used in bathrooms, mudrooms, and laundry rooms.

The planks can even be installed horizontally or vertically on walls for a warm, rustic accent. Make sure to let your flooring acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the room where it will be installed.

Pergo Portfolio is best installed over plywood or concrete subfloors, just make sure the subfloor is level and dry, with no holes or soft spots.

While Portfolio does not include an attached underlayment or backing, it is required prior to installation and acts as a moisture barrier between the subfloor and the laminate. Pergo Gold underlayment is also available at Lowe’s.

Pergo Portfolio is manufactured with Uniclic technology and is designed to be very easy to install. Portfolio is installed as a floating floor, meaning it doesn’t require any glue or nails to keep it in place.

The tongue side of one plank simply gets inserted into the groove side of the plank already on the floor at a slight angle. Then simply rotate downwards and the planks will then snap and lock together.

Pergo recommends applying a flexible silicone sealant around the perimeter of the room to create a watertight seal. Coordinating moldings are also available. Pergo’s website provides detailed installation instructions and tips.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Cleaning and caring for Pergo Portfolio flooring couldn’t be easier. A broom or a damp mop will clean up the majority of spills or dirt. Any liquids should be cleaned up as soon as possible.

A vacuum can also be used with a soft bristle brush attachment or a specific hard floor setting. Do not use a steam mop and only use non-abrasive cleaners on the flooring. Pergo’s website provides further cleaning instructions and recommendations.

Pergo Portfolio features ScotchGuard Advance Protection on its surface and their PermaMax top layer resist scratches, scuffs, and stains, even paint and nail polish.

It comes with a limited lifetime warranty on residential applications as well as a 10-year limited manufacturing warranty. More information is available on the company’s website.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

There are many very positive reviews for Pergo Portfolio from customers right on the Lowe’s website. Where we have seen negative reviews it has often been around installation issues which is why we recommend getting your laminate floor professionally installed.

We looked at many laminate flooring options for our kitchen and laundry room. We searched for months to find the right color and quality. Several of them looked very fake, almost as if the wood grain were printed on, and didn’t feel anything like natural wood. The Pergo Portfolio floors were perfect! Janice, Maryland

They look and feel just like real wood. The longer lengths and wider widths are really great. We are strongly considering this flooring for the rest of our house. Dave, SF

Pergo Portfolio flooring is beautiful. Our installer remarked on how easy it was to lay once you got the hang of it. He also said it did not break like other floors he has installed. This flooring looks like real wood and is waterproof if installed correctly. Denise, Fort Lauderdale

I have installed two other laminate floors in my home on my own and the Pergo Portfolio was easier to cut and fit better than any of the other laminate flooring that I’ve installed. Troy, Bloomington

I was happy with the price and  thrilled with the finished look of this flooring. I am replacing the old carpeting in my house and I will definitely use this product again. Sarah, Tucson

About the Author:

Greca Fotopoulos

Greca is the lead style writer at Home Flooring Pros (more), with a BA in Technical Art, she’s focused on flooring trends, flooring ideas, and flooring brand reviews.

“There’s nothing more satisfying than creating a home that you love. The hardest thing about this job is trying not to covet all the great floors I get to review; if I could remodel my home every month, I would!”