Laminate flooring is made from high-density fiberboard (HDF), with a plywood backing. Often times a thin layer of melamine is put underneath the HDF as a moisture protection layer. Simulated images of hardwoods, natural stones and ceramics are produced on thin sheets of paper and attached to the fiberboard and covered with a clear layer of aluminum oxide which protects the "image" and the backing. This layer, also known as the "wear coat", is designed to be water resistant, prevent burns, scrapes, scratching and withstand impacts. What To Look For HPL (high pressure laminate) has higher moisture and impact resistance and is the best choice for wet areas. DPL (direct pressure laminate) is less moisture and impact resistant and is best used in areas like a bedroom or living room.
As with most types of flooring materials, there are high and low quality ratings. For laminate it is called AC. This is an industry-wide rating system established for the battery of testing the flooring is put through. Each type of flooring will be given an AC rating factor from 1-5. The testing established is for staining, impacts, the effects of small burns, water absorption, swelling and abrasion. If the floor meets, or exceeds these tests, it is given a graduated AC rating.
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AC 1 is built for light foot traffic common to a bedroom or den.
AC 2 is built for greater amounts of traffic common to a living or dinning room.
AC 3 can withstand all traffic areas in a home or an office setting with light traffic.
AC 4 is commercial grade and best for standard amounts of foot traffic common to an office or small business setting.
AC 5 is the toughest available, and will withstand heavy amounts of foot traffic common to a department store or public building. For residential use, it is in your best interest to choose an AC 3 rating which covers all types of traffic common to a home. Anything less than this may not be durable enough for your needs. Most laminates available in stores will be AC 3. AC 4 or AC 5 laminates are more abrasive than AC 1, 2 or 3, rough on bare feet or for playing on the floor, and not the best choice for a home. For a bathroom or kitchen here is what you need; an AC 3 rating constructed with a moisture resistant inner core with wax impregnated edges, plus the heavy-duty moisture resistant "wear coat" protection layer.
No two manufactures are identical with their production and construction of laminate flooring. Where the flooring is going to be installed will determine the AC rating and structure of the laminate you will need. For instance, you will not need an inner moisture core if the flooring is being installed in a bedroom. Laminate without an AC rating is of very poor quality and not what a consumer should be considering for their floors. The number of choices available in laminate flooring is unbelievable! I doubt you will have any problem finding the one that fits your life style in appearance and with the best rating for your flooring project.
Laminate Flooring - Not All Are Created Equal!
Dixie Burden is the owner of FlooringSpecialty.com and there writes about selecting, installing and maintaining flooring of all types. Learn more about laminate flooring by visiting her Web site.
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