Is Pergo Max any good?

We are considering putting in this Pergo Max laminate. Wasn't thinking about laminate and have never used it. Didn't like how laminate used to look fake & plastic. It looks a lot better now. Salesman tells us that it has greatly improved and is extremely durable. We were looking at hardwood or engineered but is a bit out of our price range for now. We could afford to do the whole house with the sale that is going on this particular laminate now. We actually like it but the problem is how many bad reviews are online about it. I read reviews but also only consider them a part of research. I would like you guys to give me you opinions. A lot of you guys are professionals and generally give great advice. So what do you say?

 

Laminates have their place and usually are a budget considered item or a stop gap until real wood comes into the budget. They also should only be used in normal dry rooms. Never in kitchens, bathrooms or basements as they are susceptible to water issues. Read the warranty and see what isn't covered to get a better feel for the brand you are picking out. I have installed more than my fair share, even have it in my family room, but with so many on the market, it is tough to have an opinion on a specific brand and style unless I have actually installed it in the past. Other quirks about laminate are the need for transitions at doorways, need for expansion space at edge of room all the way around. Wood plank patterns offer less waste than tile look patterns as you use the cut side to start each successive row. It also is fairly DIY friendly so you can save money there as well. Engineered is a different story but is installed similar to laminate and also could be a money saving alternative if you don't have to pay for installation.

 

I don't know which version of Pergo it is but my wife's sister has it in her house and it's held up well. Her husband installed it a few yrs before he died so I'd guess it's been down for 10-12 yrs. I know she has it in the kitchen, not sure about the bath [hope not]