While shopping for laminate flooring it’s important to keep the end use of the room in mind. Not all laminate flooting is the same, and you should take note of the different qualities and what they are best for.
Classifying Laminate Flooring By Their Abrasion Class
Laminate flooring can be described by its abrasion class (AC), known more commonly as its AC Rating. This rating was first developed by European flooring manufacturers and is now considered standard around the globe. Use these ratings in conjunction with other factors such as thickness, core density and ultraviolet protection to determine which laminate is right for you. Here are the five different AC Ratings you’ll see:
- AC 1: These floors can withstand moderate use. They’re ideal for closets and guest bedrooms.
- AC 2: These floors can stand up to moderate traffic. They’re a good choice for dining areas and living rooms.
- AC 3: These floors can withstand heavy residential use and moderate commercial use. They’ll work in any area of the home and are ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and entryways.
- AC 4: These floors can stand up to general commercial use such as that seen in bakeries and barber shops. That means they’re also ideal for indoor workrooms and finished garages.
- AC 5: These floors can withstand heavy commercial use. They’re generally only used in commercial settings, but homeowners may wish to use them for specialized applications.
At S&G Carpet and More, we’re proud to offer laminate flooring products that have earned a rating of 3 or more. We believe these products offer our customers the best value, durability and selection possible.
Using AC Ratings to Shop for Laminate
You’ll take many different factors into account as you shop for new laminate flooring. However, purpose should always be your primary concern. The flooring you choose needs to be durable and attractive enough for the area of your home where you plan to have it installed. If you want to use the same flooring for all of your rooms, choose flooring that will meet the demands of the most high-traffic area in your home.
Remember that AC Ratings tell you a lot more about a flooring product’s durability than its thickness does. When it comes to evaluating factors other than ratings, take a look at the overall quality of the flooring. Is it constructed with a dense, durable core? Is it crafted to fit together easily in order to minimize gaps and warping? Has the flooring been finished in a UV-resistant coating? Well-made floors are easy to maintain, long lasting and always look good.
At S&G Carpet and More, we’re proud to provide the best in laminate flooring to clients throughout the greater Sacramento area and Central Valley. Stop by one of our showrooms to browse our great selection of flooring and rugs.
