What AC Rating Means on Laminate Flooring (And Why It Matters)

If you’re shopping for laminate flooring, you’ve likely encountered the term AC rating—but what exactly does it mean, and why should it matter to you? AC stands for Abrasion Class, a standardised index that measures a laminate floor’s ability to resist wear, scratches, stains, and everyday use.

While visually similar, not all laminate floors are equal beneath the surface. Choosing the wrong AC rating could lead to premature wear in high-traffic areas or unnecessary expense in quieter parts of your home. In this guide, we’ll explain what AC ratings mean, how they’re tested, and how to match them to the rooms in your home to ensure both durability and value.

What Is an AC Rating?

The term AC rating stands for Abrasion Class—a standardised durability score for laminate flooring. Developed under the European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) and defined by EN 13329 standards, it measures how well a floor resists everyday wear, including abrasion, impact, staining, and scratches.

AC ratings range from AC1 to AC5, with each level suitable for different levels of use:

• AC1: Light residential use (e.g., bedrooms, guest rooms).
• AC2: Moderate residential use, such as studies and dining rooms.
• AC3: Heavy residential and light commercial use (hallways, living rooms).
• AC4: Suitable for general commercial areas (offices, salons).
• AC5: Designed for heavy commercial use (public spaces, department stores).

This rating ensures consumers can easily compare products based on surface durability, with higher numbers indicating tougher wear protection.

How AC Ratings Are Determined

AC ratings follow the EN 13329 standard (from the European Producers of Laminate Flooring), and are based on rigorous testing that measures a floor’s resistance to everyday wear factors like abrasion, impact, stains, cigarette burns, and moisture.

The key test is the Taber abrasion test, where a wheel fitted with abrasive paper rotates under pressure on the laminate's surface. The number of cycles it endures before the décor layer shows wear determines its classification. Other tests include:

• Impact resistance – dropping a weight to evaluate dents.
• Stain resistance – exposing samples to common household substances to check for lasting damage.
• Heat & moisture resistance – checking dimensional changes or swelling under simulated conditions.

To earn a specific AC rating, flooring must pass all required tests with designated thresholds. Failure in any category means the product cannot be classified, resulting in an “unrated” label.

AC Rating Guide: What Each Level Means

The AC rating, or Abrasion Class, is a simple way to understand how tough a laminate floor’s surface is. Each level is designed for specific environments, from quiet bedrooms to bustling commercial spaces:

• AC1 (Light residential): Ideal for low-traffic areas such as bedrooms or guest rooms—designed to withstand minimal daily wear.
• AC2 (General residential): Suited for living rooms or dining areas—handles moderate family use.
• AC3 (Heavy residential / Light commercial): The most popular grade in homes; suitable for hallways, kitchens, and stairs. It also works in light commercial spaces like small offices or hotel rooms.
• AC4 (General commercial): Built for busy commercial environments—offices, cafes, salons—though it’s also a durable option for high-traffic homes.
• AC5 (Heavy commercial): Designed for very high footfall areas like department stores, showrooms, and public buildings. These floors are extremely tough, but may feel rougher underfoot in a home setting.

Pro tip: Choose the lowest AC rating that fits the room’s use. For most homes, an AC3 rating offers the perfect blend of durability, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. Going higher is only necessary for commercial use or exceptionally high-traffic conditions.

Which AC Rating Is Right for Your Home?

Choosing the right AC rating ensures your laminate flooring matches your household’s lifestyle and traffic levels. Here’s a breakdown to guide your decision:

• AC1–AC2: These are best suited for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and guest rooms. For general living spaces, they’re often too light—even AC2 may struggle in hallways or family rooms.
• AC3: The most popular residential grade—it handles heavy home use, including living rooms, dining areas, kitchens, and stairs. Industry experts say AC3 fits “more than 95% of homes” and offers an excellent balance of durability, aesthetics, and cost.
• AC4: Suitable for high-traffic areas in homes with pets, kids, or busy lifestyles. Also handles light commercial use. EnviroBuild recommends AC4 for "high-quality and durable finish for residential floors".
• AC5: Designed for heavy commercial environments—shops, offices, showrooms. While extremely durable, it may feel too coarse underfoot and is usually unnecessary (and more expensive) for home settings.

Pro tip: For most homeowners, AC3 is the sweet spot—durable enough for everyday life, comfortable underfoot, and cost-effective. But if your home experiences heavy wear—such as busy family rooms, kitchens with pets, or muddy entryways—AC4 offers extra peace of mind without overkill.

Common Misconceptions About AC Ratings

Despite the clarity AC ratings provide, several myths can lead buyers astray. Let’s debunk the most common misconceptions:

• “Higher AC = better overall quality”: A higher AC class reflects surface durability, not the overall quality of the floor. Factors like core construction, water resistance, and installation system are equally important for performance and longevity.
• “AC rating covers waterproofing and core strength”: AC tests focus on surface wear, not water resistance or structural core performance. A floor with an AC5 surface isn't necessarily suited for moisture-prone areas unless specified.
• “AC ratings apply to all laminate floors”: While AC is widely used in Europe and North America, some manufacturers—especially in Asia—may use different testing standards. Always look for the EN 13329 mark to confirm authenticity.
• “Any AC rating works anywhere”: A high AC rating doesn’t automatically guarantee suitability in all environments. For instance, AC5 floors may feel overly hard or noisy in a residential bedroom setting.

Pro tip: Use AC ratings as one part of your decision-making. Cross-check against manufacturer specs for moisture resistance, installation compatibility, and warranty terms to ensure you’re getting the right product for your needs.

Conclusion

Understanding the AC rating system is essential when buying laminate flooring. It’s not just a technical label—it tells you how well your floor will stand up to daily life. From low-traffic bedrooms to bustling kitchens and commercial spaces, the right AC rating ensures your floor stays looking great for years to come.

For most homes, AC3 or AC4 laminate flooring offers the best combination of comfort, style, and long-term durability. But knowing your household’s needs and traffic levels will help you avoid overpaying or underestimating the demands on your floor.

Explore our complete selection of laminate flooring or contact us for expert advice on choosing the perfect fit for your space.