AC3: Best for higher traffic and heavy-use residential areas like kitchens or laundry rooms, and can be used in light commercial applications like small offices or hotel rooms.
| AC 1 | Residential, Moderate Traffic: Suitable for bedrooms or guest rooms |
| AC 2 | Residential, General Traffic: Suitable for living rooms or dining rooms |
| AC 3 | Residential, Heavy Traffic: Suitable for all areas |
| AC 4 | Commercial, Moderate Traffic: Hotel rooms, small office |
| AC 5 | Commercial, General Traffic: Office, boutique, café |
AC3 rated laminate and vinyl flooring is the highest rating for houses and the starting grade for commercial areas. Homeowners can use AC3 rating to hold up in main living areas, hallways, and stairs. AC3 also may acceptable for light commercial usage.
WHAT IS AC GRADE?
When choosing flooring, you need to consider wear ratings along with price and style. In laminate, vinyl etc. flooring, a wear rating is an indicator of how well the floor will stand up to daily wear and tear. Modern floors are attractive, versatile and durable, but they can be scratched or gouged. All flooring has a wear rating denoted by an AC, “Abrasion Class,” followed by a number. There are five AC ratings for floors, ranging from AC1 for low-traffic areas to AC5, meant for commercial use.
