Choosing the right flooring option can be overwhelming, considering there are so many varieties to choose from. Laminate floors are often valued by homeowners for being affordable, durable, and low-maintenance. However, knowing a flooring's abrasion criteria (AC) rating can provide you with additional useful insight into how the floor will wear over time. Here is a brief guide to understanding this classification system.

What Is an AC Rating?

This rating measures a laminate floor's durability in terms of its resistance to abrasion, impact, stains, and burns. Its scale goes from A1 to A5, with A5 being the most heavy-duty. Companies rate their flooring options by conducting standardized testing on their products. The same testing is used across the board, so A1s are comparable from one brand to another. 

During testing, the floor is exposed to common situations in which flooring is damaged over time, including repeated exposure to chair legs, castors, and moisture. 

It is a common misconception that thicker laminates are more durable than thinner varieties. A floor's AC rating is a much more reliable measurement. A thin flooring rated as A3 will always be more durable than a thick flooring rated as A1.

What Rating Should You Look For?

Generally, a higher AC rating equates to a higher price point. A low-traffic area, such as a guest bedroom, would be well suited to flooring with an A1 rating. An A2 laminate floor is ideal for low-moderate traffic areas, like a dining room or living room in a house inhabited by two adults. Larger families or people with dogs should consider an A3 option, which is durable enough for high traffic. Ratings of A4 and A5 are typically reserved for commercial use.

If you're considering upgrading to new high-quality floors in your home, turn to A-1 Linoleum & Carpet Co in Lincoln, NE. This local business has made trusted flooring recommendations and offered top-of-the-line products and installation for over 45 years. Visit their website or call (402) 464-3125 for more information on their selection.