Different Rating Levels for Laminate Flooring

Testing

• As with other types of flooring, laminates are not created equally. Ratings are assigned to laminates based on extensive tests. These assessments determine the material’s resistance to aspects such as scratches, impact, stains and small burns. Other tests include assessing water absorption and swelling along the edges of the installation and examining the effects of furniture legs and castors on the laminate surface. Failure to pass a single test will drop the laminate's rating down to a lower level. The AC rating assigned after test completion determines the level of stress that the laminate can endure as well as appropriate installation locations.

Rating Levels

• The AC rating levels are designated AC1 through AC5. AC1 is designed for light use in residential spaces with light traffic, such as bedrooms or closets; AC2 is suitable for moderate, general residential usage for areas such as living rooms and dining rooms that see medium traffic levels. The middle designation, AC3 spans residential and light commercial usage. As the most common laminate flooring rating, it is suited for use anywhere in the home and in areas with light commercial traffic. AC4 is used in areas with moderate commercial traffic, while AC5 flooring is necessary for high-traffic places like department stores and government buildings. Coarser materials are used for AC4 and AC5 floors, and while it may be tempting to select them for residential usage because of their durability, the material may feel uncomfortable underfoot. Consumers should also consider the type of laminate in addition to the AC rating; high-pressure laminate (HPL) is more durable than direct-pressure laminate (DPL).

Pictographic Identification

• In addition to the numbered rating, the EPLF developed a series of pictographs so consumers could easily discern the laminate’s rating. Residential ratings are designated by a pictograph of a house, while commercial ratings show a large building. One, two or three people in the pictograph show the intensity of usage, with one for moderate, two for general and three for heavy.

Considerations

• Laminate flooring should not be selected solely via AC Ratings. Laminate is not suitable for areas with high humidity, because it is made from wood fiber and may eventually warp. Areas receiving direct sunlight require laminate floors with UV protection to prevent fading. Individuals with special needs, such as those utilizing wheelchairs or walkers, should consider no less than an AC3 rating to counteract the effect of those devices on the floor. Because laminate tends to amplify sounds, some installations may require underlayment to deaden the noise. Look for Impact Insulation Class (IIC) or Sound Transmission Class (STC) when selecting underlayment.