AC Rating: What it Means

AC Rating: What it Means

When shopping for flooring, you’ve likely come across the term AC rating—but what does it mean?

AC, or Abrasion Class, is a standardized system that measures the durability of flooring.

It helps you understand how well a floor can withstand wear and tear from foot traffic, furniture, and everyday use.

Choosing the right AC rating is essential to ensure your flooring lasts for years and performs well in your specific space.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different AC ratings and how to select the best one for your home or business.

Be sure to read the 5 mistakes to avoid when choosing your new flooring.

AC Rating Scale

AC Rating is essentially a durability scale for laminate and some types of luxury vinyl flooring.

The scale ranges from AC1 to AC5, each level designed for different settings. Let's break it down:

  • AC1 - Light Residential: Best suited for low-traffic residential areas like bedrooms. Think of it as the cozy carpet for your feet in less bustling spaces.
  • AC2 - General Residential: Ideal for more active residential areas such as living rooms or dining rooms. It can handle a bit more foot traffic without breaking a sweat.
  • AC3 - Heavy Residential/Moderate Commercial: A versatile option that can grace your busy home spaces, like your kitchen, or low-traffic commercial areas like offices or small boutiques.
  • AC4 - General Commercial: Stepping into the commercial zone, this rating is perfect for spaces with moderate foot traffic, like cafes or salons.
  • AC5 - Heavy Commercial: The heavy lifter, suitable for intense foot traffic in spaces like department stores or busy offices.

What Determines AC Rating

Several key factors determine a flooring product’s AC rating.

Understanding these factors can help you evaluate the durability and suitability of different flooring options for your specific needs.

 

Wear Layer Thickness

The wear layer is a transparent coating on the surface of laminate or vinyl flooring that protects it from scratches, scuffs, and wear.

  • Thicker wear layers typically result in a higher AC rating because they offer better protection against daily wear and tear.
  • For example, an AC4 floor may have a thicker wear layer than an AC2 floor, making it more suitable for commercial environments or high-traffic areas in a home.

 

Scratch and Abrasion Resistance

The flooring's ability to resist scratches and abrasions is another crucial factor. This is especially important in spaces with heavy foot traffic or where furniture is frequently moved.

  • Higher AC ratings indicate greater resistance to surface damage, making these floors ideal for areas like kitchens, hallways, and entryways.

 

Impact Resistance

Impact resistance refers to how well the floor can withstand heavy objects being dropped on it or constant pressure from furniture.

  • Flooring with a higher AC rating is typically more resistant to dents and damage from impacts, making it a better choice for commercial spaces or homes with active children and pets.

 

Moisture Resistance

While AC ratings primarily measure surface durability, moisture resistance can indirectly influence the rating.

  • Some higher-rated floors (AC4 and AC5) are designed with better moisture protection, which can prevent swelling and warping, especially in commercial settings where spills are more common.

 

Core Material Quality

The core layer of laminate or vinyl flooring also plays a role in determining the AC rating.

  • High-density fiberboard (HDF) cores generally contribute to higher AC ratings because they provide a more stable and durable foundation.
  • In contrast, lower-density cores may result in lower AC ratings and reduced durability.

 

Surface Finish and Coating

The type of finish or coating applied to the flooring surface can impact its durability and AC rating.

  • Aluminum oxide coatings, for example, provide superior scratch resistance and are often found in floors with higher AC ratings.
  • In comparison, standard urethane finishes may be sufficient for lower-rated floors designed for residential use.

 

Testing Standards

Finally, AC ratings are determined through rigorous testing based on European standards (EN 13329). These tests evaluate the flooring's resistance to:

  • Wear (abrasion over time)
  • Impact (resistance to heavy objects)
  • Staining (resistance to common household stains)
  • Burns (resistance to heat and burns)
    Floors must meet specific thresholds in these categories to receive their AC rating.

AC Rating Limitations

While AC ratings are a valuable tool for understanding the durability of laminate and vinyl flooring, they have limitations.

It’s important to know what AC ratings do—and don’t—measure to make an informed decision.

 

Surface Durability Only

AC ratings focus solely on surface durability, measuring how well the top layer resists wear, scratches, and impacts. However, they do not account for other important performance factors like:

  • Moisture Resistance: A high AC rating doesn’t mean the floor is water-resistant. If you’re installing flooring in a bathroom, kitchen, or basement, consider products specifically designed for moisture-prone areas.
  • Stain Resistance: While some flooring with higher AC ratings may offer better protection against stains, this is not guaranteed. Check the manufacturer’s specifications if stain resistance is a priority.

 

Doesn’t Reflect Lifespan

A higher AC rating indicates better durability, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect the overall lifespan of the flooring.

Other factors, such as the quality of installation, maintenance, and environmental conditions, play a significant role in how long the flooring will last.

 

Limited to Wear from Foot Traffic

The AC rating is primarily designed to measure wear caused by foot traffic and light impacts. It doesn’t account for other types of damage, such as:

  • Heavy Furniture: Dragging heavy furniture across the floor can cause scratches or dents, even on floors with a high AC rating.
  • UV Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause fading or discoloration, regardless of the AC rating.

 

Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Higher isn’t always better. For example, an AC5 floor may be overkill in a low-traffic bedroom, leading to unnecessary costs.

Instead, choose an AC rating that matches the specific demands of the space.

 

No Correlation with Comfort or Appearance

AC ratings do not consider factors like:

  • Underfoot Comfort: Higher AC-rated floors are often harder and less forgiving underfoot. If comfort is important, consider adding a cushioned underlayment.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: The rating doesn’t reflect the floor’s appearance, color, texture, or design. Even a floor with a lower AC rating can be visually stunning and perfect for low-traffic areas.

    Choosing the Right AC Rating

    Selecting the right AC rating for your flooring depends on how and where the floor will be used.

    Different spaces in your home or business experience varying levels of foot traffic, impacts, and wear.

    Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the appropriate AC rating based on your specific needs.

    You can view and download this AC Rating guide to easily reference when shopping for flooring.

     

    AC1 – Light Residential (Low Traffic Areas)

    Best For:

    • Bedrooms
    • Guest rooms
    • Home offices

    AC1-rated floors are designed for areas with minimal foot traffic and light use. They offer basic protection against everyday wear but are not suitable for spaces with frequent activity or heavy furniture.

    Recommendation:
    Choose AC1 if you prioritize comfort and aesthetics over durability and the room experiences light, occasional use.

     

    AC2 – Moderate Residential (Moderate Traffic Areas)

    Best For:

    • Living rooms
    • Dining rooms
    • Home offices with moderate use

    AC2 floors provide better durability than AC1 and can handle moderate foot traffic. They are ideal for spaces that see regular daily use but don’t experience heavy impacts or constant movement of furniture.

    Recommendation:
    Select AC2 for spaces where comfort and moderate durability are both important.

     

    AC3 – Heavy Residential/Light Commercial (High Traffic Areas)

    Best For:

    • Kitchens
    • Hallways
    • Entryways
    • Small offices or boutiques

    AC3-rated floors strike a balance between durability and affordability, making them suitable for high-traffic residential areas or light commercial spaces. They can handle frequent use and resist scratches and scuffs better than AC1 and AC2 floors.

    Recommendation:
    Go with AC3 if your space experiences heavy foot traffic but doesn’t require industrial-level durability.

     

    AC4 – General Commercial (Heavy Traffic Areas)

    Best For:

    • Small retail stores
    • Cafes and coffee shops
    • Office lobbies
    • Busy kitchens

    AC4 floors are designed for moderate to heavy commercial use and high-traffic residential areas. They offer excellent resistance to wear, scratches, and impacts, making them ideal for spaces with constant activity.

    Recommendation:
    Choose AC4 for commercial spaces or busy homes where durability is a top priority.

     

    AC5 – Heavy Commercial (High-Traffic Commercial Areas)

    Best For:

    • Department stores
    • Public buildings
    • Schools
    • Hospitals

    AC5-rated floors are built for the most demanding environments, withstanding constant heavy foot traffic, impacts, and wear. They are highly durable and offer superior scratch and impact resistance.

    Recommendation:
    Opt for AC5 if you need flooring for a high-traffic commercial space where durability and long-term performance are critical.

    Conclusion

    AC ratings are a crucial tool for selecting the right flooring based on durability.

    By understanding the scale—from AC1 for light residential use to AC5 for heavy commercial spaces—you can choose flooring that meets the specific demands of your space.

    However, remember that AC ratings only measure surface durability.

    For areas with moisture, heavy furniture, or sunlight exposure, additional factors like moisture resistance, core quality, and UV protection should be considered.

    Want to dive deeper? Read the North American Laminate Floor Association's explanation of AC Rating.

    If you're unsure which AC rating is right for you, visit our showroom or contact our team for expert advice. We'll help you find the perfect flooring solution for your home or business.

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