- 1). Determine the traffic pattern for your flooring. Some residential applications may require a commercial-grade product if it's installed in a home with a large family or where the homeowners frequently entertain guests. On the other hand, flooring destined for a seldom-used bedroom doesn't require nearly the same durability.
- 2). Learn your AC ratings. AC stands for "Abrasion Class." The AC rating standards apply to all flooring types and are particularly useful for selecting a laminate floor. The AC standards are expressed on a scale from 1 to 5.
AC1 flooring is for light use and low-traffic areas. Use a laminate floor product with a rating of AC1 for that seldom-used bedroom.
AC2 flooring is appropriate for formal dining and living rooms.
AC3 flooring is suitable for most any home application, including hallways and the rooms you use the most.
AC4 flooring is appropriate for commercial installations, including offices and hallways.
AC5 flooring is the toughest and most durable. These laminates are suitable for mall common areas, department stores and commercial areas accustomed to high traffic. - 3). Consider the brand and warranty. As laminate flooring has become more popular, the competition has gotten tougher. Industry standard-bearers are Pergo, Mohawk, Shaw and DuPont. Each offers flooring products with high durability and reputations for excellence.
A distinguishing factor may be the manufacturer's warranty. A minimum 15-year warranty is the standard, with some laminate producers offering longer terms. Read the fine print. The warranty should, at the very least, state coverage for conditions like premature wear, fading or staining. - 4). Think about chemical safety. Like it or not, manufacturers sometimes use potentially toxic chemicals in the production process. These chemicals are present in the surface lacquer or coating that seals the floor planks. Laminate floors that exclude chemicals, like formaldehyde, exist, but they cost more.