Shopping for flooring shouldn’t be too hard. However, when you come across terms like AC rating, wear layer or tile grade, you might wonder what it means. Luckily, you don’t have to anymore.
Flooring grades are important. They help determine how tough a flooring material is, how long it will last and if it’s a smart fit for your space. Shopping smart should be easy and is often made easy when you shop your floors from a reliable flooring store in Tampa, FL, but you should know the grades in case you are buying from a marketplace. Here is a breakdown of how flooring grades and how they can affect your next project.
What Are Flooring Grades?
Flooring grades measure the quality and durability of a material. Each product is unique. Laminate, SPC, tile and engineered hardwood have their own grading systems. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most popular materials:
- Laminate: uses the AC (abrasion class) rating system to determine how much it can handle.
- SPC (Stone Plastic Composite): is graded by the wear layer, which keeps it safe from scratches and stains.
- Tile: uses the PEI rating to determine how well much foot traffic it can withstand.
- Engineered Hardwood: is graded based on whether its appearance is Select, Natural or Rustic.
These systems make comparing the quality of different products easy. From there, you can choose a material that fits your or your client’s space and buy your flooring like a pro.
Flooring Grades by Product Type
There are so many flooring materials to choose from. With that said, you have to know what makes each one high-quality. Let’s learn about each one.
Laminate Flooring: AC Rating
Laminate is rated based on Abrasion Class (AC). This determines how tough the surface of the flooring is. Here is a breakdown:
- AC1: These floors are ideal for light use like in bedrooms and closets.
- AC2: Use these materials in the living room, dining room or any other space with moderate use.
- AC3: Consider floors with this rating for busy homes with kids, pets or high foot traffic.
- AC4: Small businesses offices and high-use residential areas will benefit from these floors.
- AC5: Consider using these laminate floors in commercial environments such as malls and busy shops.
If you’re planning on updating your home or working on a project for a client, AC3 and AC4 make the most sense. They will suffice.
SPC Flooring: Wear Layer Thickness
Instead of being rated based on an AC rating, SPC floors are graded based on their wear layer. The wear layer is a transparent top layer that protects your floors from damage. Consider the following:
- 6-12 mil: These floors provide basic protection for low-traffic spaces.
- 12-20 mil: Use these floors for homes with moderate foot traffic.
- 20+ mil: Opt for this durable floor for homes with families and pets as well as commercial jobs.
Looking for floors that are built to last and are kids or pet friendly floors? If you want your SPC floors to thrive, look for ones that are 20 mil or higher.
Tile Flooring: PEI Rating
Tile has its own classification system. It is rated by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI). It determines its durability under foot traffic:
- PEI 1: These tiles are intended for decorative use and should only be used on walls.
- PEI 2: If you want to put tile flooring in the bathroom, use these.
- PEI 3: The average room in a Florida home can use these tiles.
- PEI 4: Entryways, kitchens and busier rooms can benefit from these tiles.
- PEI 5: High-traffic commercial spaces like restaurants and lobbies require these durable tiles.
On average, a PEI 3-4 will work in the majority of Florida homes. They can withstand wear and the perils that come with everyday life.
Engineered Hardwood: Appearance Grade
As the leading flooring and building material supplier in Tampa for over 2 decades, we know that Eengineered hardwood is unique because it’s made from criss-crossed plywood and has a real wood veneer on top. The grading is based on how clean or rustic the surface looks rather than durability. Check it out:
- Select Grade: The wood top has a clean, consistent appearance with minimal knots or variation.
- Natural Grade: When you look at the wood tops, you will see a bit more variation in color and grain, adding more character.
- Rustic Grade: Glancing down at these floors, you will see knots, mineral streaks and strong grain patterns.
No matter which grade you choose, the floors will perform the same. The two things that change are the final look and overall price.
Grades Make a Difference!
Understanding flooring grades will help you make better decisions for you or your clients. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or built to last. At the most trusted flooring and building material showroom in Tampa, FL, Pro City Supply, we have durable, proven materials in stock. Our goal is to help contractors work smarter and homeowners upgrade with confidence.
Ready for new flooring? Contact us today!
