Installation

• Solid hardwood floors are usually nailed over a wood subfloor; Pergo floors are generally installed as a floating installation. This means that the floor rests on top of a subfloor, such as wood or a concrete slab. Floors have interlocking panels with a tongue-and-grove design. Therefore, most Pergo floors are ideal for do-it-yourselfers. They do require a base padding, which reduces the amount of noise the floors can produce. Pergo flooring can be installed over plywood, concrete or vinyl.
  
  

Construction

• Solid wood floors are planks directly cut from the tree as a solid piece of wood. On the other hand, Pergo flooring is made of a bottom layer of melamine plastic, which guards against moisture, followed by a layer of high density fiberboard (HDF) and a high-resolution "wood" photo. Planks are finished with a coating made from a special protective resin.
  
  

Cleaning

• You can't use a wet mop on a hardwood floor, as it can damage it. The same holds true for a Pergo floor. Cleaners specifically recommended for each type of flooring are recommended. While Pergo can withstand the general abuse of a vacuum, it's best to clean a wood floor with a brush attachment. Typically, a Pergo floor is an easier floor to maintain.
  
  

Durability and Longevity

• Hardwood floors do not hold up well when confronted with dirt or grit. These substances act like sandpaper on the finishes of these floors and can cause dents, scratches and dulling. You can protect the floors from this type of harm by placing mats at entrances. If your floor does get scratched, it usually is a fairly easy repair, as you can sand and refinish the area of the damage. The finish of a hardwood floor is not fade-resistant like a Pergo floor and can fade in areas where there is direct sunlight. It can also warp when exposed to water, so make sure you quickly clean up any spills.
  
  Like wood, it's not good to expose a Pergo floor to too much moisture as it can warp. However, a Pergo floor is superior to wood when it comes to withstanding scratches, stains and everyday impact. The laminated surface of Pergo flooring resists the harm that dirt and grime can cause. If small repairs are needed, you can use Pergo refinishing putty or use replacement planks for more extensive repairs.
  
  Although hardwood flooring is not as durable as Pergo, it can last from 40 to 80 years and adds to the resale value of your home. Pergo generally lasts about 20 years.
  
  

Cost

• A hardware floor is typically twice as expensive as a Pergo floor. Plan on spending about $12 per square foot versus around $6 per square foot for a Pergo floor.