When you’re shopping around for new flooring, you might hear terms like “Select Grade,” “AC Rating” or “Wear Layer.” What do any of these mean? Basically, they measure the quality, durability and longevity of your flooring. Understanding how flooring grades work helps you shop smarter and find the perfect balance of performance, style and value for your home.
At our Denver Flooring warehouse, we give homeowners clarity, not confusion. That’s why we’re taking the time to explain what each grade means. In our guide, we’ll help you understand each one so you can choose flooring products that look beautiful and stand up to everyday life.
What Are Flooring Grades?
Flooring grades measure and compare the appearance, durability and construction quality of different flooring materials. Each flooring material has its own grading system that determines where it performs best.
Here’s an overview of each system:
- Hardwood Grades: This system determines how your hardwood floors will look, including the color variation, knots and grain pattern.
- Laminate Grades (AC Ratings): This rating system determines the durability of your flooring’s surface and its resistance to scratches and wear.
- Vinyl Grades: When it comes to this scale, it focuses on wear layer thickness, which affects longevity and scratch resistance.
- Tile Grades (PEI Ratings): Such ratings determine a tile’s ability to withstand foot traffic and wear.
Knowing how these grades work can go a long way. It will help you choose flooring that meets your priorities, whether that’s premium style, everyday practicality or affordability.
Hardwood Flooring Grades
Hardwood flooring grades are all about appearance. In other words, they determine how consistent and clean each plank looks. Here’s what you need to know:
- Select Grade: This is the highest grade with minimal knots, streaks or color variation. It’s best for elegant spaces like dining rooms or living areas.
- Natural Grade (or #1 Common): You’ll find slight variations in tone and grain, striking a balance between refinement and character, great for families.
- Rustic Grade (or #2 Common): These floors tend to have lots of personality and feature natural knots, mineral streaks and a varied color palette, ideal for farmhouse or rustic designs.
The best grade for you comes down to your preferences. Do you prefer a sleek, consistent finish or floor with more natural charm and warmth?
Laminate Flooring Grades
Laminate flooring in Denver uses an Abrasion Class (AC) rating. This measures its durability and scratch resistance. Here’s a basic overview:
- AC1-AC2: These laminate floors work for light residential use in bedrooms or home offices.
- AC3-AC4: This is the most popular laminate flooring option for busy homes as it’s durable enough for families and pets.
- AC4-AC5: You’ll find this laminate flooring in commercial spaces and high-traffic areas of the home like hallways or entryways.
Looking for affordability without compromising strength? Most families use AC3-rated laminate for their homes.
Vinyl Flooring Grades (Wear Layers)
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and sheet vinyl flooring are graded based on the thickness of their wear layer. It’s the clear protective coating that prevents scratches, stains and fading. Consider the following:
- 6-12 mil: These vinyl floors are suitable for less busy areas of the home like the bedroom or guest room.
- 12-20 mil: Medium to high-traffic areas of the home like living rooms or kitchens can take advantage of vinyl flooring with this grade.
- 20+ mil: If you live in a busy home, have pets or have high-traffic areas, you’ll benefit from this premium grade of vinyl flooring.
At Denver Carpet & Flooring, we recommend 12–20 mil vinyl for family homes. It offers the durability, style and value required without overdoing it when it comes to thickness.
Tile Flooring (PEI Ratings)
Tile flooring is graded by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI). The grade determines how much wear the floor can handle. Check out how it works:
- Grade 2-3: These tiles are good for residential spaces like bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
- Grade 4-5: Such tiles are super durable and designed for high-traffic areas or commercial-style entryways.
Many Denver homeowners opt for Grade 3 or Grade 4 tile because they combine elegance with endurance. This is necessary for busy, moisture-prone areas.
How Grades Affect the Price and Quality of Your Flooring
Flooring grades influence the price of your floors and their long-term performance. Although higher-grade materials cost more upfront, they offer greater durability, easier maintenance and better long-term value. Consider the following:
- Higher Grades: Benefit from superior durability and visual uniformity, which is ideal for high-traffic or formal spaces.
- Mid-Grades: Balance cost and performance to get a floor that’s perfect for your home.
- Lower Grades: Combine affordability and functionality for low-traffic or lesser-used areas.
You should also consider installation quality. Certified flooring installers in Denver help your flooring perform according to its grade. Even the highest grade material won’t reach its full potential with improper installation.
Choosing the Right Grade for Your Home
Consider your lifestyle and level of household activity. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision for you and your family:
- High-Traffic Homes: Choose high-rated materials like 20+ mil vinyl, AC3–AC4 laminate or Grade 4–5 tile.
- Families with Pets or Kids: Search for scratch-resistant flooring like AC3 laminate or mid to high-grade LVP.
- Low-Traffic Areas: Bedrooms or offices can take advantage of affordable, low-grade materials such as AC2 laminate or 12 mil vinyl.
- Design-Driven Projects: Select Grade hardwood or patterned tile makes an elegant statement in any room.
When in doubt, ask the Denver Carpet & Flooring team for help. We let homeowners compare flooring options side by side without setting foot in a showroom.
Invest in Quality Flooring That Lasts
Flooring grades aren’t just technical details. They determine how different products look, how well they stand up to wear and so much more! At Denver Carpet & Flooring, we’ll help you understand each flooring grade so you can choose the right option for your space, and we’ll handle the flooring services with care so nothing gets overlooked. Your flooring should look great and be built for real life.
Ready to explore your flooring options? Contact us to book a shop-at-home consultation today!
