Laminate Floor Ratings

Here are the five levels of ac ratings.

Laminate floor ratings. Ac 1 is the lowest rating and products with this rating should only be used in light traffic areas. If a laminate floor is not rated it may have been found lacking in one or more of these areas during the testing process and thus not certified. It measures the resistance to a variety of factors including abrasion staining burning and swelling. Ac1 laminate flooring is designed for residential areas with light traffic.

Easy to maintain laminate requires little maintenance. This rating is generally referred to as moderate residential and is at the lowest end of the price range. Generally laminate flooring rated at ac1 through ac4 is created using direct pressure laminate while ac5 or higher is created using high pressure laminate. Most residential laminate flooring will come with an ac 2 or 3 ranking though the very best premium brands will have an ac 5 strong enough to handle anything.

Despite the low prices it would be advisable that you look for the moderately priced. You can tell how durable a laminate floor is likely to by simply checking the abrasion class rating ac rating. Laminate floor underlayment as with everything not all underlayment is created equally the best products will offer good quality sound absorption and help smooth out imperfections in your subfloor. These ratings are applied to all laminate floors by an independent body known as european producers of laminate flooring eplf.

Unlike wood you don t need to wax or buff laminate. Laminate provides for a floor that s quite affordable. An ac rating is a common term used to indicate the durability level of laminate flooring. Take the time to research.

What is an ac rating. As you shop you ll encounter the following ac ratings. The ac rating was developed by laminate floor makers and a floor that has a certified rating is definitely a good way to go. With a square foot costing from as low as 1 it s one of the cheapest options available today.

Simply put the ac rating is a measure of the durability of the laminate floor including its resistance to burns scratches impacts and moisture. Alternatively you can choose to glue the laminate directly to the sub floor. Ac1 perfect for low traffic rooms such as bedrooms ac2 ideal for low or medium traffic rooms such as dining rooms.