Laminate flooring is one of the most common floor coverings residential and commercial space owners use today. And when it comes to quality and highly efficient laminate flooring, Pergo leads the pack.

The flooring brand, however, has a large collection of laminate flooring which can be overwhelming for customers new to the laminate flooring game. Perhaps you are also not sure which flooring solution is the best. Is it Pergo XP or Pergo Outlast? Let’s find out.

All About Pergo XP and Pergo Outlast

In the late 70s Perstop, a company dedicated to creating flooring solutions, invented and developed laminate flooring. The company then marketed it as Pergo, making it the oldest laminate flooring brand in the industry. 

Pergo has since become an American staple and has further expanded its line of laminate flooring, including Pergo Outlast and Pergo XP.

For individuals looking to choose a laminate flooring for the first time, it is helpful to know if there is a significant difference between the two.

Pergo XP

Pergo’s oldest line of laminate flooring is Pergo XP. Exclusively sold at Home Depot, it has a gallery of more than 30 different styles—including rustic, cottage, or industrial—for customers to choose from. They offer several color options as well. You will find planks with shades including Mahogany, Oak, and Chestnut.

But that is not all.

Pergo XP’s series of laminate flooring features boards with varying finishes. It has, for instance, hand-scraped planks. Some boards are smooth and are glossed (medium to high) too. Further, the average thickness of each plank is between 8mm to 10mm.

The planks also include features that can help prevent your floor from retaining scratches and marks (which I will discuss further below). 

Pergo Outlast

While Pergo Outlast serves the same purpose as Pergo XP, it is a flooring solution specifically developed for the kitchen, bathroom, and other parts of the house that is prone to moisture. Pergo Outlast laminate flooring features technologies that protect the planks from deteriorating easily due to moisture. 

Style-wise, you will find a variety of boards in different styles, colors, and finishes too. In fact, it has more options (over 90 options) compared to Pergo XP. You will find boards in the shade of Graceland and Thornbury Oaks, as well as Jatoba, Chestnut, and Applewood.

The only downside is that Outlast is slightly expensive compared to Pergo XP. 

Interested in other types of flooring? Get a quote from flooring experts near you.

Hardwood Flooring
In general, the cost of hardwood flooring tends to range between $3 and $10 per square foot before labor costs.
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Carpeted Flooring
In general, the cost of carpet tends to range between $2 and $10 per square foot depending on the material and style.
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Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors will cost anywhere from $2 to $8 per square foot depending on the thickness of the fiberboard base layer.
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A Side-by-side Comparison of Pergo XP vs. Pergo Outlast

Now that you have an idea of what Pergo Outlast and Pergo XP are, let’s talk about their features and how they differ from each other. 

Durability Comparison

Pergo’s line of laminate flooring solutions is guaranteed tough enough to withstand common floor problems. Nevertheless, Pergo XP and Outlast still have different degrees of durability. 

Here’s how:

  • Mold and mildew resistance. Molds and mildews breed on damp surfaces. To prevent them from growing and spreading, you will need a floor covering that is water and moisture resistant such as Pergo Outlast and XP. 

    Pergo Outlast and XP are both waterproof and perform well in this area.

    Outlast, however, is much more resistant to mold growth than XP since it was developed specifically for areas that are often wet and prone to moisture. It has a technology called SpillProtect and Uniclic Joint System that, essentially, protects the planks from the effects of moisture.  
  • Scratch-resistant. When it comes to scratches and other marks, however, Pergo XP has the upper hand. This is because it comes with features called ScratchGuard Advanced and PermaMAX to protect the planks from lacerations.

    Outlast, on the flip side, comes with the SurfaceDefense technology, which is helpful against scratches, but not quite as durable as XP’s extra protections. 

Safety and Convenience Comparison

You and your family’s safety are crucial when it comes to assessing which floor covering you should use. That said, are Pergo XP and Outlast safe and convenient?

  • Installation process. Both Pergo Outlast and XP have a dual-locking installation system that makes the process a lot easier. You can do the job alone without professional help, and it will only take you approximately a day (depending on the size of the room) to complete it. 
  • Kid- and pet- friendly. When it comes to your kids’ and pets’ safety, both lines of Pergo perform well. The boards are protected with a surface layer that is resistant to scratches and marks. So, no need to worry if your kids and pets run and play around the house. 
  • Cleaning and maintenance. With Pergo, taking care of laminate flooring is easy as well. Removing stains such as liquid or food spills, for example, is as simple as wiping the flooring off with a clean cloth damp in either lukewarm water or non-abrasive cleaner. A mop or a vacuum (with soft bristle) are also highly recommended when removing dust and dirt. 

    Like with most hard flooring, it is also best to place felt covers or floor protectors underneath chairs and table legs to avoid marks. 

Cost Comparison

When it comes to prices, Pergo XP and Outlast laminate flooring solutions are not that expensive. The average cost is around $2 to $3 per square foot, depending on the style, thickness, and size. Pergo Outlast in the style of Pewter Oak and 10mm thick costs about $2.79 per square foot. Pergo XP in style Haley Oak and 8mm thick costs around $1.89 per square foot.

And as you can see, Outlast is slightly pricier compared to XP. But both floorings provide a reasonable price since Outlast performs well in damp and moisture-prone areas. 

Eco-friendliness

There is not much information about whether Pergo’s laminate flooring solutions are eco-friendly or not. Still, laminate planks in general are far greener compared to other floor coverings like vinyl. 

It is also important to note that Pergo Outlast and XP are certified CARB compliant. They are both FloorScore certified as well, which means the indoor air quality of the floor covering is healthy and good quality.

Get a Flooring Installation Estimate From Local Experts
Typical Cost: $6 – $24 per sq foot

So, Is Pergo XP or Pergo Outlast Right For you?

Is it better to use Pergo XP or Pergo Outlast?

Both lines are excellent options. However, the answer to that question will significantly depend on where you would use it.

As mentioned, Pergo Outlast is much more effective at protecting the planks from water and moisture damage. Thus, if you need a floor covering for your, say, kitchen or bathroom, it is best to use Pergo Outlast. However, if you would use it for, say, living room or bedroom, then Pergo XP might be more durable since it is better able to withstand the scratches that often accompany heavy furniture. 

Editorial Contributors
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Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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