If you are looking for suitable vinyl plank flooring in your home, then you must have heard of two popular brands, Pergo and SmartCore.
While thinking between the two, you must have wondered which one is more suitable for your home. Well, then you have come to the right place, here you will see the main difference between the two is in price and durability mostly.
In this blog post, you will get to know the different features of Pergo and SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring, and the similarities and dissimilarities between both of these brands to make an educated decision.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
A Quick Comparison Table
Just like all other blog posts, this part intends to save you time while making your decision.
Here, you will get to know the brief aspects of both of these vinyl plank flooring, by getting to know those you will understand the primary similarities and differences between the two vinyl flooring. So, here you go.
| Specifications | Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring | SmartCore Flooring |
| Cost of the flooring | Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring would cost between $2 to $7 per square foot. | SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring would cost around $2.58 per square foot. |
| Manufacturing area | It is manufactured in Garner, North Carolina, and it was developed by a Swedish company, Perstorp Industrial Group. | It is COREtec that manufactures both SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Pro. |
| Environment friendliness | Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring is certified by PEFC, which is very well accepted for assuring sustainable sourcing of materials. | It is very well known for lower carbon emissions and for that it got GREENGUARD Gold Certification. |
| The thickness of the flooring | Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring has a thickness of 8-12 mm. | SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring comes with 5.5 mm thickness along with a 12 mil acrylic wear layer. |
| DIY friendliness | According to some users, Pergo seems to be extremely DIY friendly for homeowners. | It can be considered for DIY installation, but the process may not be as easy as it seems. You may need the assistance of an installer. |
| Warranty | It comes with a limited lifetime warranty. | It comes with a limited lifetime residential warranty. |
| Sharp object impact | Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring can be dented when it is exposed to a sharp object. | SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring can also be dented by a sharp object. |
| Waterproof | It is waterproof and very much durable. | It is waterproof, but it can not protect the flooring from moisture. Hence, you would need an additional moisture barrier. |
So, these are some notable features of Pergo and SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring, from where you can figure out the ones that would help you to get the suitable one for your home. But to know more about those, the later section will help you.
Key Differences Between Pergo And SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring
Now that you know the brief information of aspects in which Pergo and SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring both differ from each other, it is time to know about the mentioned features in detail. So, let’s begin.
- Manufacturing Area
The manufacturing area defines the availability of the product in the quickest possible time.
Here, Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring is being manufactured in Garner, North Carolina, the plant was created to get the market share of North America.
But the brand was developed by a Swedish company, Perstorp Industrial Group.
On the other hand, COREtec manufactures both SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Pro.
It is known by the customers that COREtec products are manufactured in China.
- Cost of The Flooring
When it comes to the cost of flooring, different users have different preferences about it. Generally, Pergo is generally more expensive than SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring.
Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring would cost between $2 to $7 per square foot, but SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring would cost around $2.58 per square foot. The high-end products of the Pergo may cost even more.
So, budget-conscious customers may go for SmartCore.
- Environment Friendliness
Manufacturers and users both are becoming conscious of the environment. Both Pergo and SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring are environmentally friendly options.
Here, Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring is certified by PEFC, which is very well accepted for assuring sustainable sourcing of materials.
And, SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring is known for having GREENGUARD Gold Certification for having lesser carbon emission.
- The Thickness of The Flooring
Pergo’s vinyl plank flooring is mostly thicker than SmartCore’s, which means it is more durable and resistant to wear and tear. Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring has a thickness of 8-12 mm.
On the contrary, SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring comes with 5.5 mm thickness along with a 12 mil acrylic wear layer.
- DIY Friendliness
Some users look for lessening the installation cost of Pergo and SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring. Both of the options can be installed on a DIY attempt.
But both attempts will not be equally smooth. Pergo is more DIY friendly according to the reviews of the current homeowners. DIY installation is also possible for SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring, but it may not be as smooth as Pergo.
- Warranty
Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring comes with a limited lifetime warranty while the SmartCore comes with a limited lifetime residential warranty along with a commercial warranty of 5 years. That is why SmartCore may not be suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Sharp Object Impact
Both of the vinyl flooring options are not immune to sharp objects. Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring might be dented when it is exposed to a sharp object.
There will be the possibility of scratches as well. The SmartCore may also get dented after getting exposed to a sharp object.
- Waterproof
Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring is waterproof and very much durable. SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring is also waterproof, but there is a catch here. Though it is waterproof, it may not be able to protect the floor from exposure to moisture. So, it needs an additional moisture barrier.
These are some notable features of Vinyl Flooring Options, hopefully, you have already made up your mind based on these.
- Durability On The Longer Run
Both vinyl options from both brands are strongly durable to work for longer periods.
That means if used with care and extra protection, neither will create problems and stay on your floor without any questions.
However, even when compared, Smartcore Vinyl flooring is much more durable because it is protected against moisture and wear and tear.
On the other hand, the Pergo Vinyl flooring requires an extra protection layer in case you want to save it and keep it more durable against moisture. Yet, they both provide value for money.
- Installation
Installation of flooring with either vinyl brand is easier because nothing requires any tools or equipment.
You need to go for the right room measurement, cutting, excellent quality adhesives, and other stuff to perform the job.
However, according to the experience shared by many flooring installation service providers, they say that Pergo flooring is a bit complicated during installation.
On the comparative side, the Smartcore flooring is hassle-free and doesn’t ask for much trouble.
- Which One Is More Famous And Liked By Homeowners
Compared to the reviews and number of purchases, Smartcore is more loved by many people in the market.
On those blogs, forums, and community sites, I’ve seen a lot of people talking about this brand.
In Contrast, the reviews and ratings for Pergo Flooring are not as significant as our compared brand has got!
- Color And Finishing Options
One can choose either brand’s required color or finish in vinyl flooring. But I am afraid that your selection will be limited when you are refereeing to the Smartcore.
Because at the same time, Pergo brings a lot of vinyl flooring options in various colors and finishes that match your specific desires.
- Availability
One can get the Pergo flooring from their official website. In Contrast, the Smartcore flooring is available at Lowes. It is another difference to find between these two flooring brands.
Which Vinyl Plank Flooring Is Better for You?
Here goes the answer to the most awaited question now, but picking between Pergo and SmartCore vinyl plank flooring is really tricky.
It all comes down to your priority and preferences.
If you would like to go for the cheaper one, then SmartCore Vinyl Plank Flooring is the one for you.
But you may need to get a professional installer, which would add to the cost.
But for Pergo you may go for the DIY option without thinking much.
On top of that, considering the thickness, waterproof feature, and warranty Pergo again seems to be the winner between the two.
If you still can’t make up your mind, here is another comparison table between the two for you.
| Features | Pergo Vinyl Plank Flooring | Smartcore Vinyl Plank Flooring |
| Durability on the longer run | Standard | Excellent |
| Installation | Takes a little time, but usually easier if installed by a professional | Hassle-free |
| Which one is more famous and liked by homeowners | It’s not bought highly and reviewed highly | It is highly reviewed and bought at a great deal |
| Color and finishing options | Number of options available | Limited options but offered in various colors and finishings |
| Availability | They have got their products on their own official website. | The availability of Smartcore vinyl flooring is only at Lowes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, both seem to be better options for your floor considering the durability. But you will have to be mindful about the vinyl is multilayered while having fiberglass components and PVC.
Pergo is a well-reputed brand for so many years. It is trusted over the years to the customers due to the quality it provides to the customers.
COREtec, Shaw, Mohawk, Home Decorators Collection, NuCore Flooring, etc. are some of the best luxury vinyl planks that are available in the market.
Pergo flooring provides the best quality laminate collections. It comes with so many colors and finishes. That is why it has an AC4 rating. It means Pergo is suitable for both commercial and residential uses.
Wrapping Things Up
When you are thinking about Pergo or SmartCore, both vinyl plank Flooring has their own advantages and disadvantages. Pergo is more DIY friendly and comes with a lifetime warranty, while SmartCore has a limited lifetime residential warranty along with a commercial warranty of 5 years.
But SmartCore is definitely one to consider when you are on a tight budget. So, it is you who is going to decide which one best fits your need and preference.
Cheers!