Quality is one of the big concerns when buying and installing floating floorboards for renovations and new construction projects.
Even though the manufacturer supplies a lot of information regarding the product specifications and its uses, sometimes there are technical details that we don’t know how to interpret.
At Neo Floor, we offer you some advice on how to choose the best laminate flooring for your property, and we will explain to you what is the AC classification and the difference between AC4 and AC5 laminate flooring.
The AC classification is a general standard that classifies laminate and floating floors according to their resistance to abrasion, friction, or wear.
Manufacturers perform a test known as “Taber’s Test” to determine the abrasion classification, which consists of passing a roller with a sandpaper that goes around and exerts pressure on the surface of the floor.
Depending on the number of rotations the sandpaper can make before the first layer of the laminate floor wears out, the following classification can be determined:
- AC1: holds more than 900 turns.
- AC2: holds more than 1800 turns.
- AC3: holds more than 2500 turns.
- AC4: holds more than 4000 turns.
- AC5: holds more than 6500 turns.
- AC6: holds more than 8500 turns.
On the laminate flooring specifications, the acronym AC is always accompanied by a number from 1 to 6.
The higher the number, the more resistant the floor will be.
AC4 or AC5 flooring, which one is better?
All laminate floors are stylish, easy to install and cost-effective compared to natural materials such as wood, but when choosing one or the other, we will have to consider some aspects that go beyond their design or their easy installation.
Typically, the floorings sold for residential purposes are classified as AC3, AC4, AC5 and AC6.
Even though, AC3 floors are not very resistant and are meant for houses with low traffic, so their demand tends to be smaller.
Considering a typical residential property, it is usual to choose AC4 or AC5 floating or laminate flooring because they offer the best price-performance-durability relation.
In general, the resistance of the AC5 laminate floor is higher, but this doesn’t mean that it is the most appropriate for you.
In fact, depending on the use you are going to give to the area, it may be enough to install an AC4 floorboard, which is also often more affordable.
On the other hand, the difference in terms of wear and tear between AC5 and AC4 flooring is minimal, especially if it is to be installed on a regular residential property.
In the case of businesses or spaces with high traffic, the AC5 floor offers additional advantages over the AC4 floor, especially because it remains in better condition, extending its lifespan considerably.
As you can see, there is no right answer to the question: what is better, AC4 or AC5 parquet? Instead, there are different alternatives depending on the needs of your house or commercial premises.
3 Tips for choosing an AC4 or AC5 laminate flooring
Color
AC4 or AC5 laminate flooring adapts to any decorative style.
Some even resemble patterned, stained or stripped wood, offering original finishes.
Before choosing the color of laminate flooring for your property, remember:
- Light tones give luminosity and increase the feeling of spaciousness in the rooms.
- Beige tones give greater emphasis to the wood.
- Gray tones are original and attractive.
- Dark tones offer a sense of coziness and elegance, and their defined grains are ideal for ethnic or minimalist decorations.
- Shades that imitate natural woods (oak, beech, pine) are perfect for rustic style homes.
Usage
Depending on the intended use, it is recommended that you look for a laminate floor having a larger or smaller thickness.
For example, in rooms with low traffic such as the bedroom, a floor thickness of 7 mm would be enough; while in houses with children or pets or in areas such as the kitchen, it may be interesting to look for a laminate floor with a thickness between 8 and 12 mm.
Normally, all AC4 and AC5 floors fit these criteria.
Treatments and extra features
Other aspects that you can take into account when choosing an AC4 or AC5 floating floor are:
- Board thickness: the thicker the intermediate layer of the laminate flooring, the more solid it will be, the click will be more resistant and a better acoustic performance when stepped on.
- Antibacterial treatment: some AC4 and AC5 laminate floors have a special treatment to prevent the growth of bacteria on their surface. This type of flooring is recommended for homes with pets, small children or people with allergies.
- Antistatic treatment: this treatment reduces static electricity and, therefore, the accumulation of dust and lint on the floor.
- Anti-scratch treatment: this “extra” is especially important to protect the floor from when someone is moving furniture or when pushing trolleys or wheelchairs.
- Anti-slip treatment: essential if you want to install laminate flooring in wet areas of the house, particularly in restrooms and bathrooms.
- Slat size: floors with XXL slats provide a sense of depth and spaciousness. They are recommended for large, open spaces.
Lastly, when choosing an AC4 or AC5 laminate floor, you will also need to consider whether it has bevel or not.
Bevels are slits or oblique cuts on the edge of the slat that define the perimeter of each piece, and are recommended for floors with rustic or antique finishes.
Visit our website and choose the one that best fits your home.
