Relatively new to the market, waterproof laminate flooring is constructed entirely without wood, making it spill proof and eliminating the concerns about soaking and staining. In addition, this version now makes it possible to install laminate in every room in the house, including the kitchen and bath, where it was once avoided because of the water/wood issues associated with the original product. Please be sure to specify which version you want, as the original one is still very much active.
We want all our customers to know about this because not all laminate flooring has the same strength levels. AC (Abrasion Criteria) is a one-to-six rating system, considered the most reliable method to determine the amount of wear the product can take. The product goes through a series of tests, and the failure can result in a lower rating.
For example, AC1 is for walls and very light foot traffic, such as bedrooms and, while AC2 is somewhat more robust, it still only should be used for areas like dining rooms. AC3 is the most common for residential use, as it is strong enough to withstand very heavily trafficked floors, such as hallways. Anything above is for commercial use.