Pergo TimberCraft Reviews: Is Lowe’s Pergo Laminate Worth Buying?

Pergo, renowned for pioneering laminate flooring in the 1970s, remains a leading brand in the market. However, the quality and reputation of their Lowes-exclusive Pergo TimberCraft line have raised questions. This is in light of the skepticism often associated with exclusive products from major retailers, as they sometimes fall short of the parent company’s standard offerings. An example of this is the “Mohawk Home” line by Mohawk, available exclusively at Costco, which has been critiqued for being inferior to Mohawk’s premium products sold at specialized flooring stores.

Investigating Pergo TimberCraft: Quality and Brand Reputation

The central question is whether Pergo TimberCraft lives up to the high standards set by Pergo’s general product range or if it is merely a lower-quality product benefiting from Pergo’s brand name. 

In order to tackle this, it is essential to do a comprehensive evaluation of Pergo TimberCraft, taking into consideration its features, price, pros and cons, and, most importantly, how it stacks up against other laminate collections from Pergo.

To offer a well-rounded perspective, this investigation is grounded in the analysis of numerous Pergo TimberCraft reviews. These reviews reflect the experiences of actual product owners and offer insights into the real-world performance with aim to answer the question: Is Pergo flooring good?

The aim is to ascertain whether Pergo TimberCraft is a worthy investment. This evaluation will help potential buyers make an informed decision based on a comprehensive understanding of the product, considering both its merits and shortcomings in the context of Pergo’s overall product line.

Pergo’s History and Market Presence

Pergo, recognized for inventing laminate flooring in the 1970s, initially introduced it as a cost-effective alternative to hardwood. Since then, laminate flooring has evolved into a well-regarded product category. 

Over the decades, Pergo has transformed its laminate products from simple, affordable solutions to high-quality flooring options. 

Besides laminate, Pergo offers various flooring types, including notable entries in the vinyl plank flooring segment. For example, Pergo Extreme is their top-tier Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) line, indicating the company’s broadened focus in the flooring market.

Assessing Pergo’s Laminate Quality

Pergo is often included in discussions about the best laminate flooring brands, which is a good indicator of its quality. 

When we talk about Pergo laminate, their TimberCraft collection is the first product that comes to mind in their extensive laminate collection. It distinguishes itself with several key features:

• Thickness and Durability: TimberCraft planks are 12mm thick, which is fairly strong.
• Affordability: It is positioned as a relatively affordable option in the laminate flooring market.
• Design Focus: This collection exclusively features wood floor designs, avoiding stone appearances.

Pergo TimberCraft Laminate Prices

Pergo TimberCraft is priced between $2.60 and just over $3.00 per square foot. This pricing places TimberCraft in a more affordable range, especially compared to other flooring options like Shaw laminate, which goes over $5 per square foot, or some real wood options that range from $5-$10 per square foot.

Additionally, reviews indicate that the cost of installing TimberCraft falls within the average range for laminate flooring, which is between $2 and $7 per square foot.

Exclusivity at Lowes

Pergo TimberCraft is exclusively available at Lowes. This exclusivity is something you sould have in mind, especially considering the mixed reputation of exclusive flooring products from big box stores. Previous assessments of Lowes’ offerings in other flooring categories, like cork and their SmartCore LVP line, have yielded lukewarm reviews. 

Pergo TimberCraft’s Unique Technologies

• TimberCraft includes Mohawk’s WetProtect technology, enhancing its resistance to spills and moisture. This feature is also found in Mohawk’s RevWood, reflecting shared innovations due to their common ownership under Mohawk.
• Utilizing Pergo’s UltraDef technology, TimberCraft aims to replicate the look and feel of genuine hardwood authentically. Customer reviews generally affirm the effectiveness of this technology in achieving realistic wood aesthetics.

High Durability Rating

TimberCraft boasts an AC4 rating, indicating high scratch resistance and durability. This rating suggests suitability for commercial use, highlighting its strength and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. In comparison, even top hardwood brands typically do not recommend their flooring for commercial settings, whereas TimberCraft’s AC4 rating places it in a highly durable category.

Is Pergo Timbercraft Really Waterproof?

Pergo TimberCraft is indeed classified as waterproof laminate flooring. Given the limited options for waterproof laminate flooring available in the market, this feature is a significant advantage.

While brands like Mohawk’s RevWood, Shaw’s Repel, and Floor & Decor’s AquaGuard are also in the waterproof laminate category, the market for such products is not overly saturated. TimberCraft’s waterproof capabilities position it favorably within this niche segment.

It’s important to note that TimberCraft’s waterproofing doesn’t mean it is suitable for extremely wet environments like pools or showers. However, it is designed to withstand everyday spills and splashes effectively. The recommendation is to treat it similarly to waterproof hardwood flooring—promptly cleaning up liquids and avoiding prolonged exposure to standing water.

Style Options in Pergo TimberCraft Collection

Pergo TimberCraft offers a diverse range of 17 different styles, primarily focusing on replicating the appearance of wide-plank wood flooring. This variety provides enough options for different aesthetic preferences and design needs.

While the range of hardwood species that TimberCraft imitates is somewhat limited, it effectively covers popular options like hickory and oak. However, it does not extend to exotic appearances like ebony flooring.

The collection showcases a broad spectrum of shades, ranging from dark to light wood, to accommodate various interior design themes and personal preferences.

Apart from basic wood appearances, TimberCraft includes specialized styles like distressed pine flooring lookalikes. There are also references to Douglas fir flooring patterns, although their current availability might vary.

The Advantages of Pergo TimberCraft Laminate

Positive Customer Reviews

Pergo TimberCraft has garnered largely positive reviews from actual buyers, a noteworthy feat in the laminate flooring market. Despite the general trend of mixed feedback in laminate reviews, TimberCraft stands out for its favorable reception. The few complaints it does receive typically relate to its water resistance, which is not perfect but generally satisfactory.

Durability and Comfort

A standout feature of Pergo TimberCraft is its durability. Importantly, this durability doesn’t sacrifice comfort – a common issue with laminate floors. Those familiar with walking on WPC flooring will find TimberCraft similarly cozy.

Exceptional Customer Service

Pergo’s customer service for TimberCraft, particularly evident in interactions on Lowes’ website, is commendable. They often respond to reviews and address warranty claims, even stepping in when claims are initially rejected by Lowes. This level of service is relatively rare among laminate flooring manufacturers.

Warranty Assurance

TimberCraft comes with a limited lifetime residential warranty, a standard offering for quality laminate flooring. TimberCraft’s warranty lacks the complex stipulations that often void such warranties, suggesting reliability with proper installation.

Solid Commercial Warranty

TimberCraft also offers a surprisingly lengthy 10-year commercial warranty, exceeding the typical 5-7 years for laminate products. This indicates its suitability for high-traffic areas and its durable nature.

Affordability

At around $3/sq. ft., TimberCraft is an affordable option in the laminate flooring market. This pricing makes it an attractive choice for those looking to upgrade their flooring without incurring high costs.

UV Resistance

TimberCraft’s resistance to UV fading is a significant advantage, particularly for sun-exposed areas like sunrooms. This resistance to fading is not commonly found in other flooring types, including some of the best vinyl plank options, which can be prone to UV fading.

Indoor Use

While TimberCraft is not designed for outdoor use, it’s an excellent choice for indoor settings with a desired wood floor appearance, without the maintenance concerns associated with natural wood.

Disadvantages of Pergo TimberCraft Laminate Flooring

Questionable Waterproofing

While Pergo TimberCraft is marketed as waterproof, some reviews suggest it may not fully live up to this claim. Installation quality plays a critical role in ensuring water resistance. TimberCraft might not be the best choice for areas prone to significant water exposure, like flood-prone basements. In such cases, alternatives like tile or different types of vinyl flooring, known for superior waterproofing, might be more suitable.

Limited Style Range

TimberCraft’s style selection, while offering a decent variety of wood floor looks, is somewhat limited, with fewer than 20 options. This range focuses primarily on popular wood colors and species, which might not satisfy all aesthetic preferences.

Absence of Stone or Tile Imitations

For those looking to compare or opt for stone or tile aesthetics, TimberCraft may not be suitable as it exclusively offers wood-look styles. Customers interested in tile or stone looks might need to explore other Pergo lines or different brands.

Lack of Eco-Friendly Certifications

The product information for TimberCraft does not explicitly mention any low-VOC or eco-friendly certifications. In an era where environmentally friendly products are increasingly valued, this omission might be a concern for eco-conscious consumers. Prospective buyers prioritizing such features might need to contact Lowes or Pergo for clarification or consider alternatives like sustainable wood flooring.

Flooring Installation Issues

Purchasing TimberCraft from Lowes involves installation by third-party contractors, who may not always have specialized flooring certifications. This contrasts with installations done by certified professionals from dedicated flooring stores. The lack of direct accountability in this third-party model can potentially lead to complications if issues arise during installation. Buyers might face a loop of blame between the store, installers, and manufacturers, with no clear resolution path.

How Does TimberCraft Compare to Other Pergo Laminate Collections?

Pergo TimberCraft is one of five laminate lines offered by Pergo. It stands out with certain features, but how does it compare to the other collections?

Comparison with Pergo Portfolio

• Price: Pergo Portfolio, also available at Lowes, is more affordable than TimberCraft, priced around $2.60/sq. ft.
• Design Variety: Portfolio offers a selection of stone looks, which TimberCraft does not.
• Thickness and Durability: Portfolio planks are 10mm thick, 2mm thinner than TimberCraft’s 12mm. This suggests TimberCraft may be more robust, offering greater durability.

Pergo Outlast from Home Depot

• Pricing and Style Options: Pergo Outlast, priced at $2.80/sq. ft., offers a wider range of styles compared to TimberCraft. It’s available exclusively at Home Depot.
• Thickness and Underlayment: Like Portfolio, Outlast is 10mm thick and comes with a pre-attached underlayment, making it less durable than TimberCraft but potentially easier to install.

Review Comparisons

• TimberCraft’s Ratings: On Pergo’s website, TimberCraft has a 4.3-star rating based on 90 reviews, slightly lower than other collections.
• Review Analysis: Reviews on Lowes’ website for TimberCraft are more favorable, with a larger sample size. The smaller sample on Pergo’s website might not fully represent the average customer experience, as it could be biased towards extreme opinions.

Overall Assessment

• TimberCraft’s Standing: Reviews suggest that TimberCraft’s performance is comparable to other Pergo collections. Its durability, stemming from its thicker planks, is a significant advantage.
• Choice Criteria: The choice between TimberCraft and other Pergo lines should consider individual preferences for style, durability, and price.

Conclusion: TimberCraft as a Viable Laminate Option

Based on reviews, Pergo TimberCraft is a worthy purchase in the laminate flooring market.

While TimberCraft holds its own against other Pergo collections, comparing it with other brands like RevWood reveals similar pricing and shared technologies, given both are Mohawk-owned. RevWood offers a broader style range, which might appeal to those seeking more variety.

When selecting laminate flooring, focus on style preference and consider purchasing from a top-rated local flooring store. Local stores often provide superior products, installation, and service compared to box stores.