The AC rating is a guide for laminate flooring to determine special properties and the durability factors. Keep in mind the higher the rating the more expensive the product will be. Also, keep note that as the higher in the AC ratings list you go, the ruffer the texture will be due to the compression it took to create it.
AC Ratings List
AC1 Moderate Residential Laminate – This laminate floor is only built to withstand light traffic within residential areas. They are suitable for closet and bedroom floors.
AC2 General Residential Laminate – This laminate floor is built for residential spaces and are designed to withstand minimal wear. They are suitable for dining rooms and living room floors.
AC3 Heavy Residential/Moderate Commercial Laminate – This laminate floor is built for residential and commercial spaces with mild traffic. They are great for offices and hotel floors.
AC4 General Commercial Laminate – This laminate floor is designed to withstand every type of residential use as well as high trafficked commercial areas. They are ideal for boutiques and cafe floors.
AC5 Heavy Commercial Laminate – This laminate floor is developed only for the highest commercial trafficked areas. They are made for department stores and walkway floors.