Differences Between Grade A & Grade B Laminate Flooring

Advantages of Laminate

• One of the most obvious advantages of laminate versus traditional hardwood flooring is the cost. Laminate installation can be 50 percent cheaper than hardwood installation. This includes the material cost and the labor cost of the installation, since laminate often comes in a floating-floor option in which it's held together in tongue-and-groove form and built into the boards, making for a simple and quick installation. Laminate flooring is also usually more durable than hardwood and resists scratches, moisture and discoloration more than traditional hardwood. It's easier to clean than hardwood and less likely to come from a rare or endangered species of tree.

Disadvantages of Laminate

• Hardwood adds more value to a home than a laminate floor. Hardwood is easier to repair when there is damage to it. If a laminate board is damaged, it must be replaced; hardwood can be sanded and refinished. Some homeowners also prefer the look of real hardwood over the simulated look of laminate.

Traditional Floor Grading

• Hardwood flooring is often graded on a scale, with "select" or "A" the highest grade and the scale descended from there. An A-grade hardwood floor is mostly uniform in color with very few knots. An "AB" rating shows more natural color variations between the planks. This grade refers only to the appearance of the wood flooring and does not have anything to do with its durability or quality.

Laminate Floor Grading

• Because laminate floor is created using an image of hardwood, there is no need for a grade on appearance, as with hardwood floors that come with natural variations. Laminate flooring is graded on its durability, using an AC scale. AC5 is the highest grade; it and AC4 are used primarily in commercial settings with a high volume of foot traffic. AC2 through AC3 are excellent for homes, especially in areas that get a lot of wear such as kitchens, bathrooms and living areas. AC1 should only be used in areas where there will be very little wear, such as a guest bedroom. Unrated laminate has failed to pass the grading requirements and can be a risky investment, especially in a high-traffic area. Laminate graded on a scale other than the AC scale such as the "A/AB" scale may be an attempt to pass off unrated laminate as highly rated. Always check the AC rating before making a purchase.