A common issue with laminate flooring is not using the appropriate type for the installation area.
Gradings and classifications of laminate flooring aid in specifying the correct product for the application.
The Southern African Wood, Laminate and Flooring Association (SAWLFA) gives guidance and practical advice for architects, designers and specifiers.
South Africa vs global
The specification for a laminate flooring installation is set by the manufacturer and is based on all performance tests conducted. The six classifications used locally are the same as international specifications.
Class vs classification
The abrasion criteria or classification (AC) is the quality of the wear layer. These are AC1 to AC6, with AC1 being the softest or least wear resistant, and AC6 being the hardest or most durable. The European standard EN13329, uses classification ranges 21 – 34, as shown in the table below.
| Rating | Levels of use | |
| Domestic use | AC1
Class 21 |
Moderate – guest bedroom, dining room, low-use areas. |
| AC2
Class 22 |
General – living areas with moderate traffic. | |
| AC3
Class 23/31 |
Heavy – highest rating for residential use, suitable for living areas, passages, stairs etc. | |
| Commercial use | AC4
Class 32 |
Moderate – small hotel rooms, offices and meeting rooms. |
| AC5
Class 33 |
General – offices, waiting rooms, boutiques. | |
| AC6
Class 34 |
Heavy – large offices, shops, public buildings. |
Additional classifications
- Thickness swelling.
- Product specifications.
- Light fastness.
- Slip resistance.
- Fire resistance.
5 top tips when choosing laminate flooring
- Colour is very important. Make sure that large samples are shown to get a good understanding of how the floor will look in a large area.
- How long should the product last? Quality will play a big role in this respect.
- Is the application for domestic or commercial use?
- The sub-floor onto which the laminate flooring will be installed must be level, dry and flat.
- The installer is of paramount importance and will determine the success or failure of the installation. Accredited installers are highly recommended.
For more information, contact SAWLFA:
Tel: +27 11 455 2822
Email: info@sawlfa.co.za
Website: https://sawlfa.co.za/
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