What is a laminate flooring AC rating?
A. AC ratings are a standardized measure adopted by the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (ELPF). The AC measure rates abrasion resistance, impact resistance, resistance to staining and cigarette burns, and thickness swelling along edges. If a laminate flooring cannot meet the requirements for each of these ratings, approval for a given AC rating will be denied. AC ratings below 3 are recommended for low traffic residential use only. Here is a more detailed guide: AC1 is suitable for lighter, more infrequent traffic, e.g. a bedroom. AC2 is suitable for general residential use in living rooms and dining rooms. AC3 can be applied to more varied locations, such as small offices and other light commercial locations. AC4 can be installed in higher traffic commercial areas such as boutiques, busier offices, and restaurants. AC5 is the most durable and can withstand the traffic of heavier commercial areas such as department stores and public buildings.
