AC Ratings

Over the years, the popularity and array of laminate flooring led to the European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) developing a set of standards for grading laminate floor. This system is known as the Abrasion Rating System.

The Abrasion Rating System encompasses a series of tests that include impact resistance, burn resistance, stain resistance, swelling under moisture, and also includes a Tabor Abrasion test.

From this test, the results are collated, and the laminate floor is given an AC rating (which means abrasion class rating), with the higher the number often associated with better quality laminate floor.

AC1 – laminate flooring is designed for residential areas with light traffic. Great for bedrooms.

AC2 – laminate flooring can withstand more traffic than AC1. Suitable for living rooms and dining rooms.

AC3 – laminate flooring can withstand any type of heavy residential traffic, such as hallways and may also be used in a professional setting with light traffic.

AC4 – laminate flooring is designed for commercial applications with moderately intense traffic. Ideal for small shops and offices.

AC5 – laminate flooring is designed for high-traffic commercial areas like department stores, shopping centres and office buildings. It has a tough finish that can withstand the most abuse.