Most European laminate flooring manufacturers belong to the Association of European producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) in the US is the North American Laminate Floor Association (NALFA). This cooperative effort was formed to develop industry standards and provide consumers a means of identifying the usage level of various laminate flooring product.
The common term used to determine the durability level of laminate flooring is its “AC” rating. AC ratings are an abbreviated representation of a laminate’s resistance to abrasion, impact, stains and cigarette burns. The ratings also indicate that the product has been tested for the effects of furniture legs, casters, and swelling along its edges. If a laminate flooring product has a rating, then it has passed all of the test criteria. Failing just one test will disqualify a product.
The AC rating levels are designated AC1 through AC5.












