The abbreviations on floor labels – AC4, IC11, IP33 – often confuse even experienced professionals. Yet, these are precisely the values that determine whether a given flooring is suitable for the intended room. This article reviews the most important ratings.
AC class (Abrasion Class) – for laminate floors
AC is the wear resistance category measured according to the European EN 13329 standard. There are six levels: AC1 is the lowest (sample quality), AC6 is the highest (industrial traffic).
In practice: AC3 for medium residential use, AC4 for intensive residential (corridor, dining room), AC5 for light commercial (small shop, office), AC6 for heavy commercial (restaurant, high-traffic shop).
IC class (Impact Class) – for SPC floorings
For SPC, impact resistance is the decisive factor instead of wear resistance. On the IC1–IC12 scale, a higher number indicates better resistance. IC10 already withstands significant domestic loads, while IC11–IC12 is recommended for commercial and heavy-traffic environments.
IP rating – impact protection level
IP31, IP32 and IP33 represent the impact protection classification of laminate floors. The first digit indicates surface hardness, while the second shows the core. IP33 is the highest value currently available on the market – a particularly good choice for family homes where small objects are frequently dropped.
Water resistance levels
Water resistance labelling is manufacturer-dependent. "Water-resistant" generally means water resistance for 24–48 hours. "Waterproof" is a stronger claim and applies only to SPC or specially treated laminate floors. For bathrooms, a flooring with a waterproof rating is always recommended.
How to decide?
Low residential traffic (bedroom, study): AC3–AC4 or IC8–IC10 is sufficient
Intensive residential (living room, corridor, dining room): AC4–AC5 or IC10–IC11
Light commercial environment (small office, boutique): AC5 or IC11
Heavy traffic (shop, hospitality, high-traffic office): AC6 or IC12
Selecting the appropriate class not only ensures customer satisfaction but also reduces warranty risks. The initial surcharge of a higher class is offset many times over by a longer lifespan.