Thickness does not mean the durability of laminate flooring

Flooring industry professionals believe that laminate flooring is one of the very hard surface types on the market. Like other types of flooring, many different grades and styles can be used. Laminate flooring is cheaper than hardwood flooring, but lighter in weight and easier to install and maintain. Most manufacturers recommend that you should not choose laminate based on thickness, but consider a range of factors that make up the quality.

  AC rating

AC grade indicates the durability of laminate flooring. It measures various factors such as moisture resistance, stationary liquids, cigarettes and other types of burns, stains, abrasions and impacts. Grades start with AC1 and go to AC5. AC1 is suitable for medium use, such as bedrooms and closets. Ac2 flooring is suitable for medium use spaces such as living and dining rooms, while AC3 flooring is suitable for heavy residential and medium commercial uses. General commercial Ac4 flooring can be used in all residential and commercial spaces with heavy traffic. AC5 is usually installed only in heavy commercial environments. Industry professionals recommend AC3 or higher.

  Other important qualities

In addition to AC grade, several other factors also determine the quality of laminate flooring. These include strong backing and dense core layers; boards with dense and treated edges that fit together and stay locked; beautifully printed hardwood reproductions; and UV treatment to prevent surface discoloration. In addition, it is necessary to find the validity level of building codes for product quality.

  HPL and DPL

High pressure laminate (HPL) consists of at least five layers and is more durable than direct pressure laminate (DPL). The latter consists of only four layers. The HPL layers are fused to the core under hot pressing, while the DPL process assembles all layers and fills them with hardened melamine resin under heat and pressure. The core of the floor is the key to the quality of the floor. It should be made of smooth HDF, particleboard or plastic to increase impact resistance. Backing is an important element, mainly used as a balancing agent to prevent warpage.

  Influence of thickness

Thickness does not mean the durability of laminate flooring. However, it can help prevent laminate flooring warpage and other problems. Laminates with a thickness of 12 to 15 mm are more like hardwood flooring than thinner laminates.