AC Ratings for Laminate Flooring

The Laminate Flooring Industry Standards Explained

Rob Jones
An AC (Abrasion Class) rating is applied to every line of laminate flooring by an independent body known as EPLF, or European Producers of Laminate Flooring. A series of tests are designed and carried out in order to test each line of laminate flooring for stress resistance. The tests range from resistance to burning, to scratching, to impact, and even tests for resistance against abrasion caused by castors and other furniture legs. When the tests are concluded, those lines of laminate flooring are assigned an AC rating, which is the measurement of stress as applied to where the laminate flooring is to be installed. Here is a general guide to the AC rating:

• 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 more durable still and can withstand the traffic of heavier commercial areas such as department stores and public buildings.

All reputable manufacturers of laminate flooring adhere to these standards which are outlined by the industry for the benefit of consumers. It is important for consumers to note the AC rating on the laminate flooring they are considering, particularly with the idea of foot traffic, moisture, and other stresses that the laminate flooring will need to endure firmly in mind.

Published by Rob Jones

Rob Jones is Communications Coordinator with BuildDirect (http://www.builddirect.com/), a leading online wholesaler of building products.   View profile

  • The AC rating is a way for consumers to balance price against durability for laminate floors
  • The rating is meant as a means of providing upfront information for the sole benefit of the consumer
  • The laminate floor AC rating measures the best use of laminate in relation to use and location
The AC rating was devised in Germany in the mid-90's as a way of ensuring the robust quality of the historically new laminate flooring industry. Before laminate became popular as flooring, it was a secondary product to the more popular laminate countertop industry.

3 Comments

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  • Laminate Flooring 3/19/2011

    I agree with you that u explain.Thanks for the tips and guide. it will be very helpful for me.
    visit : http://www.columbusflooringandmore.com/hardwood-gallery/

  • Dallas Rosenberry 9/1/2010

    Where do I find the AC ratings for Pergo? I looked at several packages of laminate at Lowes and asked a guy working in that department and we couldn't find any ratings. Are they part of some code?
    I also couldn't find how often the pattern was repeated nor if the material was HDF or MDF.
    I would appreciate any help. My email is ddrosenberry@gmail.com
    Thank you

  • Marlia Brightson 11/10/2009

    I got good AC rating for the laminate flooring I got right online at http://www.floormall.com. I never considered the AC rating until I read this article. Thanks for posting it.

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