AC Rating for Laminate Floors

To better assist you in choosing which type of laminate flooring to install to which room, the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF), the association to which reputable manufacturers of laminate flooring adhere, has come up with a standard international grading system for laminate floors; the AC (abrasion class) rating. This grading system tells consumer how durable a particular laminate and how much traffic it can withstand.

Laminates go through a number of tests when being assessed for an AC rating. Each line of laminate flooring is tested for resistance to burns, scratches, stains, abrasion, and impact. Tests are also done to assess the effects of furniture legs on the flooring, swelling, etc. To be able to acquire an AC rating, all of the tests must be passed. Should a flooring fail one test, it wouldn't be able to get an AC rating.

The AC rating ranges from a score of 1 to 5, determined by a series of criteria that test the product's durability, and suggests its best application. The rating centers around usage, based on the kinds of traffic each floor is likely to endure in a given area, either residential or commercial, with associated levels of intensity.

AC ratings are explained here:

• AC1:21 (Residential, moderate traffic) - Laminates rated AC1 are best suited for use in bedrooms where there isn't that much foot traffic.

• AC2:22 (Residential, general traffic) - AC2-rated floors work best in areas like living rooms and dining rooms.

• AC3:23 (Residential, heavy traffic) - Laminate flooring possessing this rating works well in all areas of the home.

• AC3:31 (Commercial, moderate traffic) - Hotel rooms and small offices are the suitable applications for floorings rated AC3:31.

• AC4:32 (Commercial, general traffic) - These floorings suited for use in boutiques, busier offices, restaurants, and cafes.

• AC5:33 (Commercial, heavy traffic) - AC5 floors are suitable to be used in places such as public buildings and department stores.

  It is important to note that while AC5 floors may be used in residential applications, an AC3 will serve most purposes as far as traffic goes. Laminates that have higher ratings, while very strong, also tend to be priced higher, suited as it is for commercial spaces. In view of this, most residential laminate flooring bear ratings up to AC3. AC4 and AC5 is generally considered to be what is called "commercial laminate flooring".

  
  

  There should be no difficulty, however, in finding laminate flooring that is suitable for your home are business because of the vast selection available. One should be able to find the perfect match required for a laminate flooring project.