Laminate AC ratings...What do they mean?

AC rating stands for Abrasion Classification. The Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring gives the ratings to all laminate floors. The AC rating is internationally accepted and helps users understand and correctly choose their laminate flooring.

What is tested?

A laminate AC rating helps determine how resistant the flooring is to various versions of wear and tear. Some of the things testes for are resistance to cigarette burns, impacts, furniture, temperature, movement, and humidity.

How do I read an AC Rating?

The resistance of the laminate is represented on a scale of 1 to 5. Ranging from lowest durability (1) and to the highest durability (5).

Each rating tells you the amount of traffic the laminate can withstand and weather it can be used in residential or commercial spaces.

Ratings AC1-AC3 are used for residential spaces, while AC4 and AC5 are used in commercial spaces. There is an overlap with AC3. It can be used in both residential and commercial spaces. It helps to bridge the gap between heavy residential use and light commercial use.

What is a Wear Class?

The wear classes are a similar way to rate the flooring; they give you the same idea with a little more information. There are two numbers that make up the wear class rating. The first number represents the space in which the flooring should be used. 2 means it is for residential use, and 3 indicated commercial use.

The second number is a rating from 1 to 3. These go from ‘light’ (1), ‘moderate’ (2), to ‘heavy’ (3) uses.

The chart below will help connect the wear class and the AC rating.

Here is an easy guide to understanding each AC rating

So how do you choose?

Floors with a lower AC rating are much cheaper but will not have as long a life as ones with a higher AC rating. This is important to keep in mind, along with the intended use for the floor, when making your laminate flooring decision.

Also, floors with higher AC ratings may have a more dull look to them due to the thicker “wear layer” on the surface of the laminate. But remember, the thicker the wear layer (higher rating), the longer life your flooring will have.

Choosing the right AC rating for you depends on many factors. Households with children and pets may need a floor with a higher AC rating to ensure a longer life. However, a calmer, less crowded room may only need a lower AC rating. Every house and room is different, and will have different needs. Its up to you to decide what works best for you and your space.

Use our helpful chart to easily choose your Laminate AC rating.