Every laminate is rated based on a series of rigorous tests including an abrasion test burn resistance impact resistance stain resistance and swelling under moist conditions.
Hardwood flooring ac rating.
Solid hardwood flooring reviews.
Always check the janka rating of the wood which is an indication of its hardness and durability.
The test devised for abrasion resistance is the european standard en13329.
A similar but separate taber test is also used to establish abrasion or wear ratings for hardwood floor finishes.
The janka hardness scale determines the hardness of a particular type of wood over another.
The ac rating system was first created by the association of european producers of laminate flooring elpf but ultimately became the standard rating system for laminate flooring products worldwide.
For the most durable hardwood flooring invest in oak walnut ebony maple ash or pecan.
The ac rating is a good gauge as to how well a laminate flooring product will perform in your residential or commercial setting so it s a good.
The ac rating for laminate flooring is how the durability of your flooring is measured.
For residential use a rating of ac3 is perfectly adequate.
While hardwood flooring has a reputation for being susceptible to scratches some species of hardwood can be highly durable.
Jasper mazama and walking horse plank.
The ac rating is the universal measurement for determining how durable a flooring is in the laminate flooring world.
Below are our reviews of the best solid hardwood flooring brands.
These three less well known hardwood brands are all retailed through online wholesaler builddirect.
Luckily the european producers of laminate flooring eplf developed the abrasion rating system to give us a way of determining durability and recommended usage level of different laminate floors.
Because builddirect retail these brands direct to the consumer they can offer up to 50 off traditional retail prices which makes them particularly interesting.
The common term used to denote the durability level of laminate flooring is the abrasion criteria or ac rating.
The scale was invented in 1906 by gabriel janka an austrian wood researcher and standardized in 1927 by the american society for testing and materials depending on the room where the flooring will be installed a certain level of hardness may make it a more desirable choice.
All laminate flooring has a wear rating denoted by an ac abrasion class followed by a number.
Typically the higher the laminate flooring rating the higher the price may be.
What is an ac rating.
The abrasion rating system is a guidance tool that demonstrates the uses of each laminate such as durability.
To help buyers understand the difference in durability among laminate flooring products these ratings indicate a laminate s resistance to stress.