🏠 Introduction
When shopping for laminate flooring, you might notice terms like AC3, AC4, or AC5—but what do they actually mean? These aren’t just random codes. AC ratings are an essential guide to understanding how durable and wear-resistant a laminate floor is.
Whether you’re renovating a quiet bedroom or a busy office in Gauteng, knowing the right AC rating ensures your floor performs well for years.
📏 What Does “AC” Stand For?
AC stands for Abrasion Class, and it measures how well a laminate flooring product resists wear and tear like foot traffic, furniture movement, and surface damage.
These ratings are standardized by the European Standard EN 13329, and each laminate floor is tested in a lab for:
- Scuff resistance
- Impact
- Staining
- Burns
- Swelling
🪵 AC Rating Scale Explained
AC Rating
Recommended Use
Typical Areas
AC1
Light residential
Bedrooms (very low traffic)
AC2
Moderate residential
Living rooms, dining rooms
AC3
Heavy residential
Kitchens, hallways, home offices
AC4
Light commercial
Small shops, salons, busy households
AC5
Heavy commercial
Retail stores, restaurants, offices
AC6 (rare)
Industrial use
Airports, factories
🛒 Why AC Ratings Matter When Buying Flooring
- Durability
- The higher the AC rating, the more resistant the floor is to daily wear and tear.
- Peace of Mind
- Choosing the right AC rating helps you avoid early damage, scratches, or fading—especially in high-traffic areas.
- Value for Money
- Over-buying (e.g., choosing AC5 for a guest room) might waste your budget, while under-buying (AC2 in a busy kitchen) may result in early replacement.
✅ Which AC Rating Should You Choose?
For South African Homes (Gauteng included):
- Bedrooms or studies: AC2 or AC3
- Living rooms or lounges: AC3
- Kitchens, passageways, and entrances: AC3 or AC4
- Pet-friendly homes or large families: AC4
- Home-based businesses or salons: AC4 or AC5
- Shops or commercial offices: AC5
🔍 AC Rating ≠ Thickness
It’s important to note: AC rating is about surface durability, while thickness affects sound insulation, comfort, and stability. For example:
- A 12mm AC3 floor might be more comfortable underfoot than an 8mm AC4.
- But if the space has heavy traffic, go with the higher AC rating.
🧰 Final Tips Before You Buy
- Check both the AC rating and the warranty period.
- Ask your installer or supplier to recommend the right product for your traffic level.
- If you’re in Gauteng, check whether your laminate flooring is suitable for the local climate and moisture levels.
📍 Need Help Choosing the Right Laminate Floor?
At Picasso Laminate Flooring in Gauteng, we stock a wide range of high-quality AC3–AC5 laminate floors suitable for every room—whether you’re renovating your home or upgrading your business.
👉 Contact us today for a free quote or visit our showroom!
