In the same way that duvets are rated using a tog system and electrical equipment performance is expressed across a coding range from A to G, laminate flooring is graded to help you make the right choices. Levels, ratings, grades, call them what you will, are a great way of helping you to make sure you choose the right product for your specific needs.
When it comes to laminate flooring, all flooring that is sold in the UK and internationally is given an AC rating. AC stands for Abrasion Criteria and basically tells you what you can expect in terms of wear and tear from the floor you choose. As you are no doubt aware, certain rooms in your home suffer a whole lot more footfall than others, and when you choose your new floor, you need to know that it will stand up to what your life throws at it. That’s why it’s really important to look beyond price and style when choosing laminate flooring and consider AC when making your selection.
Laminate AC ratings
Laminate AC ratings range from AC1 to AC6. The rating that is allocated to a floor is the result of what is called a Taber Test. This test calculates how much abrasion a laminate floor will withstand before losing its surface layer. Abrasion is what your floor suffers when you walk on it and the amount of abrasion it will suffer before losing its surface layer is a great way of knowing how much footfall your floor will withstand before looking tired and worn out.
AC ratings at a glance
As we’ve already mentioned, AC ratings range from AC1 to AC6 and here is an ‘at a glance’ overview to help you ascertain what sort of AC rating you should be looking for.
AC1
If you have very light footfall then an AC1 rating should be sufficient for your needs. This is likely to be the case in the likes of adult or guest bedrooms.
AC2
If you have light to moderate footfall or traffic, such as in dining rooms, then AC2 should suffice for your needs.
AC3
AC3 laminate flooring is ideal if you’re looking for laminate flooring that is suitable for rooms with a moderate amount of footfall or traffic. Such rooms might include living rooms, hallways or kitchens.
AC4
AC4 laminate flooring is the first level of laminate that is recommended for commercial use. What this means is that you can use it in the likes of offices, shops or cafés that don’t have a huge amount of traffic but that are busier than most homes. You can also safely use it in busy domestic rooms.
AC5/6
AC5 level laminate flooring is perfect for any domestic or commercial setting that is setting itself up for high levels of traffic or heavy footfall. This is a really safe choice if you want to be sure that your laminate flooring will last.
Laminate AC Ratings
Below is a table summarising the different Laminate AC ratings.
| AC Rating | Suitable For | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AC1 | Very light footfall areas (adult or guest bedrooms) | If your space has very light traffic or footfall, then an AC1 rating should be sufficient for your needs. |
| AC2 | Light to moderate footfall areas (dining rooms) | AC2 rated laminate flooring is suitable for areas with light to moderate traffic such as dining rooms. |
| AC3 | Moderate footfall areas (living rooms, hallways, or kitchens) | AC3 laminate flooring is ideal for rooms that see a moderate amount of traffic, like living rooms, hallways, or kitchens. |
| AC4 | Commercial use and busy domestic rooms | AC4 is the first level of laminate recommended for commercial use such as in offices, shops, or cafés that don’t have heavy traffic but are busier than most homes. It can also be used in busy domestic rooms. |
| AC5/6 | High traffic domestic and commercial settings | AC5 and AC6 laminate flooring is perfect for both domestic and commercial settings that anticipate high levels of traffic or heavy footfall. This is a safe choice if you want to be sure that your laminate flooring will last. |
Wood and Beyond chooses AC5 laminate flooring
At Wood and Beyond we have a great range of laminate flooring which you can find of superior quality. As you can see, we have a superb choice of colours spanning from off-white to almost black, so there truly is something for everyone. And the best news is that all our laminates are level AC5, which means that you can choose them safely in the knowledge that they’ll stand up to what your life has to throw at them; no matter how busy your home is.
If you’d like help to choose the right laminate floor, or indeed any other floor for your project, why not get in touch? At Wood and Beyond we’re here to help and just love sharing ideas so you can find a great solution at a great price, that you mightn’t otherwise have thought of.
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FAQ
What does AC rating mean in laminate flooring?
AC stands for Abrasion Criteria and is a commonly used rating system used to indicate the level of wear and tear a laminate floor can withstand. All laminate manufacturers use this rating system. AC rating helps you choose a laminate flooring product that is suitable for your specific needs and footfall.
What is the range of AC ratings for laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring AC ratings range from AC1 to AC6. Each rating corresponds to a different level of abrasion resistance and durability. AC1/2 light use, while AC5/6 is used in heavy foot traffic areas.
How are AC ratings determined?
AC ratings are determined through a Taber Test, which measures the amount of abrasion a laminate floor can withstand before losing its surface layer. The higher the AC rating, the more footfall the floor can withstand.
Which AC rating should I choose for my laminate flooring?
The AC rating you should choose depends on the level of footfall or traffic in the room where the laminate flooring will be installed. AC1 and AC2 ratings are suitable for low footfall areas like bedrooms, while AC3 is ideal for moderate footfall areas like living rooms and kitchens. AC4 is recommended for commercial use and busier domestic rooms, while AC5 and AC6 are designed for high footfall or heavy traffic areas.
What AC rating does Wood and Beyond offer for laminate flooring?
At Wood and Beyond, we offer laminate flooring with an AC5 rating. This level of durability makes it suitable for both domestic and commercial settings with high levels of footfall or traffic.