When it comes to choosing new floors for your home, two popular options are Pergo Outlast and LifeProof flooring. Both provide durable and attractive vinyl flooring solutions, but they have some key differences that may make one a better choice for your needs.
This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, costs and features of Pergo Outlast and LifeProof to help you decide which is right for your home.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Pergo Outlast | LifeProof |
| Durability | Most durable vinyl plank flooring. ScratchGuard technology prevents surface damage. | Durable but not as scratch resistant as Pergo Outlast. |
| Waterproofing | 100% waterproof surface and seams. | Also 100% waterproof surface and seams. |
| Installation | Can be floated or glued down. No attached underlayment. | Floating click-lock with pre-attached cork underlayment. |
| Cost | $2-8 per square foot. More expensive. | $3-5 per square foot. Budget friendly option. |
| Looks | Wide range of realistic wood and stone styles. | Focuses on traditional wood visuals. Less variety. |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime residential warranty. | Also limited lifetime residential warranty. |
Overview of Pergo Outlast Flooring
Pergo Outlast flooring features a premium engineered construction designed to be extra durable and scratch resistant. It consists of three layers:
- Top Layer – This clear vinyl wear layer provides stain, scratch and scuff protection. It has an embossed surface for an authentic wood or stone look.
- Middle Layer – This rigid fiberglass-reinforced layer prevents denting and imprints. It resists moisture damage.
- Bottom Layer – This thick durable core layer gives the planks strength and prevents warping.
Some key features and benefits of Pergo Outlast flooring include:
- Waterproof – The vinyl surface resists water damage from spills and wet shoes.
- Kid and Pet Friendly – Stands up to claws, scratches and high traffic areas. Easy to clean.
- Durability – Its ScratchGuard advanced urethane coating protects against scratches and scuffs.
- Stylish Options – Realistic wood and stone looks available in planks and tiles.
- Long Warranty – Features a limited lifetime residential warranty.
Pergo Outlast flooring is designed to last up to 33% longer than other vinyl flooring. It uses patented Nano-bead technology to create an extra protective coating that prevents wear and damage to the surface.
Overview of LifeProof Flooring
LifeProof flooring is a brand of luxury vinyl plank flooring owned by Home Depot. It consists of three layers:
- Top Layer – This durable and stain-resistant vinyl layer provides protection and realistic visuals.
- Core Layer – This rigid engineered core prevents warping or deforming.
- Bottom Layer – The cork underlayment layer reduces sound transmission.
Some benefits of LifeProof vinyl flooring include:
- Waterproof Surface – 100% waterproof core and seams to prevent moisture damage.
- Comfort and Warmth – Cork underlayment provides comfort underfoot and insulates.
- Stylish Wood Looks – Features natural wood grain patterns and coloring.
- Quick and Easy Installation – Floating click-lock design allows DIY installation.
- Long Warranty – Offers a limited lifetime residential warranty.
LifeProof flooring is designed to be easy to install and maintain.
The attached cork underlayment provides sound insulation and a softer feel underfoot.
Comparing Pergo Outlast And LifeProof Flooring
Now let’s compare the pros, cons, costs and key differences between these two popular vinyl plank flooring options:
- Durability
Pergo Outlast – Its ScratchGuard advanced urethane coating and nano-bead technology make it up to 33% more durable than other vinyl floors.
LifeProof – Uses a durable top vinyl layer and rigid core, but may not be quite as scratch resistant as Pergo Outlast.
Winner: Pergo Outlast – Offers superior scratch and scuff protection thanks to its innovative coating technologies.
- Waterproofing
Pergo Outlast – Completely waterproof thanks to the vinyl surface and rigid core preventing moisture damage.
LifeProof – Also 100% waterproof through the surface, core and seams. Cork underlayment resists moisture.
Winner: Tie – Both provide excellent waterproof protection. Pergo offers a longer warranty though.
- Installation
Pergo Outlast – Can be floated over most hard surfaces or traditionally glued down. No underlayment needed.
LifeProof – Floating click-lock planks for fast DIY installation. Underlayment pre-attached.
Winner: Tie – Both offer easy floating click-lock installation that is beginner-friendly.
- Cost
Pergo Outlast – Ranges from $2 – $8 per square foot. Considered a premium-priced product.
LifeProof – Runs $3 – $5 per square foot. More budget-friendly cost.
Winner: LifeProof – It comes at a lower overall price point, making it the budget option.
- Looks
Pergo Outlast – Available in realistic wood and stone visuals with varying grain patterns.
LifeProof – Focuses on traditional oak hardwood looks in different stains. Less variety.
Winner: Pergo Outlast – Provides a wider range of colors and visual options to match different decor.
- Warranty
Pergo Outlast – Offers a limited lifetime residential warranty.
LifeProof – Also offers a limited lifetime residential warranty.
Winner: Tie – Both feature excellent warranties to protect your investment.
As you can see, Pergo Outlast performs better when it comes to durability and style options while LifeProof wins on affordability. Both offer waterproof protection and easy installation making them excellent choices for DIY flooring projects.
Pergo Outlast Flooring Pros and Cons
Let’s dive deeper into the specific pros and cons of Pergo Outlast vinyl plank flooring:
Pros:
- Most durable vinyl plank flooring option
- ScratchGuard technology prevents surface damage
- Waterproof and pet friendly
- Realistic wood and stone visuals
- Easy DIY click-lock floating installation
- Limited lifetime residential warranty
Cons:
- More expensive than other vinyl plank options
- Needs some expansion space from walls
- Not suitable for commercial settings
- Limited color/style options compared to other brands
- Difficult repairs if planks become damaged
LifeProof Flooring Pros and Cons
Here are the key pros and cons of LifeProof luxury vinyl flooring:
Pros:
- 100% waterproof surface and seams
- Attached cork underlayment for comfort and sound insulation
- Easy DIY click-together floating installation
- Affordable price point
- Realistic wood visuals and textures
- Limited lifetime residential warranty
Cons:
- Not as durable or scratch-resistant as Pergo Outlast
- Limited style and color options
- Needs some room to expand away from walls
- Underlayment cannot be replaced if damaged
- Harder to find replacement planks if needed
As you can see, LifeProof is an excellent budget-friendly option, while Pergo Outlast offers enhanced durability and design options.
Cost Comparison
On average, Pergo Outlast vinyl plank flooring costs $2-8 per square foot depending on the specific color and style selected. This makes it one of the more expensive vinyl flooring options, but the enhanced durability and technology may make the investment worthwhile.
LifeProof vinyl plank flooring costs $3-5 per square foot on average. This more budget-friendly price point makes it attractive for homeowners looking for an affordable waterproof flooring solution.
LifeProof offers good durability and performance for the low cost.
There are also some differences in warranty length. Pergo Outlast features a limited lifetime residential warranty that covers staining, fading and wear through the vinyl surface. LifeProof’s warranty also provides lifetime limited residential coverage but is not quite as comprehensive.
Professional installation costs can add $3-5 per square foot for either option. Going with a DIY floating installation can save substantially on the overall project expense.
Which Is Better For You?
So when considering Pergo Outlast vs. LifeProof, which of these quality vinyl plank floors is right for your home? Here are a few final considerations:
- For superior durability and the best scratch resistance, Pergo Outlast is worth the extra investment. Its technology makes it last longer under heavy use.
- If you want the very easiest DIY installation, LifeProof’s pre-attached underlayment gives it an advantage.
- For pet households, Pergo Outlast’s extreme scratch resistance makes it a great option.
- If you’re budget conscious, LifeProof gives you excellent bang for your buck.
- For widest range of looks, Pergo Outlast offers more wood and stone styles.
- Both are great for kitchens, basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms thanks to their waterproof designs.
- Either performs well for family homes with kids or lots of foot traffic.
Take your own needs into account to pick the best choice. And always inspect product samples at local flooring stores before purchasing. This will help you get a feel for the durability, look and quality firsthand.
Whichever option you select, both Pergo Outlast and LifeProof vinyl plank floorings are excellent choices that offer style, waterproof protection and family-friendly durability. Carefully weigh their respective pros and cons to find the ideal vinyl flooring for your household.
FAQs About Pergo Outlast and LifeProof Floorings
Pergo Outlast would be considered the better quality option overall thanks to its superior scratch resistance and durability. However, LifeProof remains a great budget-friendly choice with good waterproof and installation features.
Yes, Pergo Outlast has a 100% waterproof construction to block moisture damage. Both the vinyl top layer and rigid core prevent water from penetrating the planks. This makes it suitable for bathrooms, basements, kitchens and laundry rooms.
Pergo is a popular brand of vinyl plank flooring. There are vinyl plank floors from other brands that offer similar quality and performance to Pergo. However, Pergo’s Outlast line stands out as the most durable and scratch-resistant option thanks to its proprietary technology and protective coating.
Some potential disadvantages of Pergo Outlast vinyl flooring include:
1. More expensive than other vinyl plank brands
2. Limited style and color options
3. Needs careful installation with room to expand
4. Difficult to make repairs if planks become damaged
5. Not suitable for commercial use
6. Can dent if heavy objects dropped on it
So the main downsides relate to its cost and repairs. But Pergo Outlast remains a top-quality choice for residential vinyl plank flooring in terms of appearance and durability.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between these two great vinyl plank floors, you can’t go wrong with either option. Pergo Outlast stands out if you want the very best scratch protection and durability. LifeProof offers excellent performance and feel at a more budget-friendly price point.
Be sure to take your own needs and home usage into account when deciding between Pergo Outlast vs. LifeProof. Examine warranties, costs, installation requirements and visuals before selecting the ideal vinyl plank flooring for your household.
Whichever you choose, enjoy the stylish new look and waterproof peace of mind these vinyl planks provide. Your new floors will upgrade your home for years to come.
