The Ultimate South African Flooring Guide: Part 2

1. The Universal Grading System & Master Cheat Sheet

When you look at a flooring specification sheet, you will often see a mix of numbers: AC Ratings (for Laminate), Wear Layer Millimetres (for Vinyl), or "Classes" (like Class 32 or 33). These are different languages describing the exact same thing: How much foot traffic can this floor handle?

To make shopping simple, the global flooring industry uses a universal "Class" system divided into Residential (20-series) and Commercial (30-series). We have configured our store filters to match this exact grading system, allowing you to easily shop by Light, Medium, or Heavy traffic.

Our Store Filter	Grade Icon	European Class	Laminate AC	Vinyl Wear Layer	Ideal South African Use Case
Light Residential	Class 21	Class 21	AC1	0.15mm – 0.20mm	Guest bedrooms or areas with minimal foot traffic.
Medium Residential	Class 22	Class 22	AC2	0.20mm – 0.25mm	Standard bedrooms, studies, and dining rooms.
Heavy Residential	Class 23	Class 23	AC3 (Res)	0.30mm (Res)	High-traffic family lounges and hallways.
Moderate Commercial	Class 31	Class 31	AC3 (Comm)	0.30mm (Comm)	Small offices, hotel rooms, or low-traffic boutiques.
Medium Commercial	Class 32	Class 32	AC4	0.40mm – 0.50mm	The SA Sweet Spot: Busy family homes and indoor dogs.
Heavy Commercial	Class 33	Class 33	AC5	0.55mm	Retail stores or maximum durability for homeowners.

2. Total Thickness: Why Millimetres Matter

If the AC rating and Wear Layer handle the surface protection, what does the total thickness of the plank do? The thickness dictates the structural integrity, stability, and acoustic comfort of the floor.

Laminate Thickness (8mm vs. 12mm)

Laminate features a High-Density Fibreboard (HDF) core.

• 8mm: The industry standard. Cost-effective and perfectly suitable for flat screeds.
• 10mm to 12mm: The premium choice. A thicker HDF core feels much closer to real solid wood underfoot and is slightly more forgiving over minor imperfections.

SPC Rigid Core Thickness (The 4mm vs. 5mm+ Rule)

SPC features a rock-hard core made of limestone and PVC.

• While a 4mm plank is technically 100% waterproof, its rigid click-joints are shallow and prone to snapping over uneven subfloors.
• The Rule: Investing in a 5mm or thicker SPC ensures a drastically stronger locking system and a stable floor.

LVT Glue-Down Thickness

Unlike SPC or Laminate, flexible LVT is much thinner (usually 2mm to 3mm). Because it is glued securely directly to the subfloor, it relies entirely on the strength of your concrete screed.

3. Attached Underlays & Moisture Barriers

Many premium floating floors now come with a built-in acoustic underlay pad on the back. If you are comparing two products, check the foam type:

• EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate): A softer option that provides good initial comfort, though it can compress over time.
• IXPE (Irradiated Cross-Linked Polyethylene): The premium standard. It features a closed-cell structure that is 100% waterproof and retains its quality for decades.

⚠️ Important Note for Laminate & SPC without attached pads:

Laminate underlay is generally sold separately. Furthermore, installing a heavy-duty plastic DPM (Damp Proof Membrane) over your screed is a strict requirement for both Laminate and SPC to protect against rising moisture.

4. Beyond the Basics: Performance Tests & Global Certifications

When a floor achieves a "Class 32" or "AC4" rating, it has succeeded in a battery of rigorous factory performance tests, including: Thickness Swelling, Resistance to Impact, and Castor Chair tests.

Health, Safety & Global Certifications

Indoor air quality is a massive factor. Premium floors ensure no toxic gases are released into your home. Look for our simple "Tested = Yes" filter on the website.

• FloorScore: The most recognized indoor air quality (IAQ) certification. It ensures the product meets strict chemical emission limits.
• PEFC: Guarantees wood cores are sourced from sustainably managed forests.
• M1 & Nordic Ecolabel: Strict European standards for low emissions throughout the product's life cycle.