to wear rating, impact resistance, static load, thickness swell, castor chair resistance and other
performance rating such as formaldehyde emissions. Classes are from Class 1 to 4. All Shaw
manufactured laminates are compliant to that standard.
Rating System to provide a way to determine durability and recommended usage level of different
laminate floors. The common term used to denote the durability level of laminate flooring is the
Abrasion Criteria or "AC" rating.
ratings also indicate that the product has been tested for the effects of furniture legs, castors, and
swelling along its edges. When a laminate flooring product has a rating, then it has passed all of
the test criteria. Failing just one test will disqualify a product. The AC rating levels are designated
AC2 through AC5, each reflecting the product's application and durability.