Which one fits you better?
An AC rating describes abrasion resistance under a specified test; it is not a ranking of every property of the floor. A well-suited AC4 can outperform a poorly chosen AC5 in a damp area if the latter lacks the required moisture protection or correct installation.
AC4
You need durable residential flooring or moderate commercial use without paying for unnecessary wear resistance.
AC5
You expect heavier traffic or the product specification genuinely benefits from the higher wear class.
Comparison at a glance
| Aspect | What you should know | How to decide |
|---|---|---|
| Wear class | Strong option for demanding residential use. | Designed for heavier wear classes. |
| Price | Often lower for otherwise similar products. | Can carry a premium. |
| Home use | Usually enough for many homes. | Useful when traffic is unusually high. |
| What it does not tell you | Does not define water resistance or installation quality. | Higher AC does not automatically mean a better floor in every respect. |
What matters before you decide
Choose the whole product, not just the AC badge. A well-made AC4 with the right moisture performance and locking system can be a better fit than an AC5 chosen only for the label.
Do not compare a single number
Compare products in the same intended-use class and read the complete declaration, including locking system, subfloor tolerance, water-exposure limits, impact resistance and warranty conditions.
Worked example: the cost of moving from AC4 to AC5
For a 20 m² room with a hypothetical 10% installation allowance, plan 20 × 1.10 = 22 m² before rounding to full packs. At example prices of €17/m² for AC4 and €22/m² for AC5, the board-only difference is 22 × (€22 − €17) = €110. Underlay, trims, moisture testing and labour are additional in both options; quoted prices are illustrative.
- Calculate the floor area, cutting pattern and pack rounding before comparing the price per square metre.
- Check whether the room's traffic and moisture exposure actually justify the higher abrasion class, independently of price.
Decision: Pay for AC5 if its abrasion performance fits genuine heavy traffic, not because the higher number supposedly solves dampness or subfloor issues.
Sample pack prices are not current store prices. A higher abrasion class is not evidence of improved waterproofing, core strength or installation tolerance.
Compare it with your own numbers
Calculate required square metres and package quantities first; compare complete material bills rather than shelf tags.
Decision checklist
Confirm intended use. Match room traffic and the maker's recommended residential/commercial class.
Read moisture limits. Check splash exposure, cleaning method and any water-resistance claims.
Inspect the base. Verify levelness, moisture and underlay requirements for the exact click joint.
Price full packs. Include cutting allowance, pack rounding, trims and installation.
When moving from AC4 to AC5 can be worthwhile
Abrasion class is only one property of laminate flooring. Water resistance, locking system, substrate requirements and warranty can matter just as much.
AC4
- Can be adequate for many residential applications when the product is rated for them.
- May avoid paying for wear resistance you do not need.
- The full specification still matters, not just the AC rating.
AC5
- Provides higher surface wear resistance in otherwise comparable products.
- Can make sense in heavier-traffic areas.
- Does not automatically mean better water, impact or subfloor performance.
Compare complete data sheets for equivalent products before paying more for a higher AC label.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: AC4 or AC5?
There is no universal winner. The first option may suit you if you need durable residential flooring or moderate commercial use without paying for unnecessary wear resistance. The alternative may suit you if you expect heavier traffic or the product specification genuinely benefits from the higher wear class.
Should I decide only by purchase price?
Not on its own. In a 20 m² illustrative room, the AC5 boards may cost €110 more. Check abrasion needs, moisture conditions, underlay and pack rounding before deciding.
What should I check before buying?
AC rating is only one property. Water resistance, locking system, board thickness, core quality and warranty also matter.