Many customers have asked how the wear rating system for Laminate Flooring is determined. Here is the simplest definition:
The common term used to denote the durability level of laminate flooring is its “AC” rating. AC ratings are an abbreviated representation of a laminate’s resistance to abrasion, impact, stains and cigarette burns. The ratings also indicate that the product has been tested for the effects of furniture legs, casters, and swelling along its edges. If a laminate flooring product has a rating, then it has passed all of the test criteria. Failing just one test will disqualify a product.
The following is a breakdown of the AC ratings, their associated symbols and some suitable uses:
All reputable manufacturers of laminate flooring adhere to internationally recognized test standards that describe a variety of procedures used to evaluate physical properties of the product. To determine how much “normal” wear and tear the product can hold up to, flooring manufacturers use the Taber Rotary Platform Abraser. The Taber test measures the number of wear cycles completed until initial damage to the decorative layer is observed, providing an indication of abrasion resistance characteristics. This accelerated test allows the many years of wear to be compressed into a very short duration.
Using a rating scale, the laminate flooring producer can determine which classification the laminate floor satisfies and to what market segment it should be promoted. As the total number of Taber wear cycles increases, so does the product’s durability. As an example, the AC rating is often referenced:
AC1 Moderate Residential: Intended for infrequent traffic and light residential use (i.e. bedroom)
AC2 General Residential: Able to handle moderate foot traffic for most residential spaces (i.e. living room or dining room)
AC3 Heavy Residential/Moderate Commercial: can be applied to high-traffic rooms and commercial spaces with light traffic (i.e. small offices)
AC4 General Commercial: Suitable for all residential and heavy traffic commercial areas (i.e. offices, restaurants, and boutiques)
AC5 Heavy Commercial: Recommended for commercial use in high–traffic spaces (i.e. department stores and public buildings)
What is the benefit of Taber testing? How long a laminate floor will last depends upon the product selected, the amount of traffic, and how well the product is cared for. Based on requirements like the Taber test, consumers can be assured that their laminate flooring will withstand many years of use.
Note: It is important to recognize that most product warranties do not cover abnormal wear and tear resulting from damage caused from spike heel shoes, insufficient protection from furniture, and other abrasive materials such as loose sand.