When you’re out shopping for new flooring options, you’ll see all sorts of terms: “select grade,” wear layer thickness” and “mil rating.” What does it all mean? While it might sound like industry jargon, these labels are meant to help you, not confuse you. They tell you how floors look, perform and hold up over time. Understanding flooring grades now will help you make smarter decisions later.
At Tide & Timber, our goal is to help North Carolina homeowners understand these grade systems so they know what they’re buying. Whether you prefer hardwood or luxury vinyl, knowing how grades impact quality and price will help you choose the right flooring for your home.
What Are Flooring Grades?
Flooring grades are a system that classifies materials based on appearance, durability and quality. Each flooring material has its own system:
- Hardwood: The system describes color consistency, knots and grain patterns.
- Laminate: AC (Abrasion Class) ratings tell you how durable the flooring is.
- Vinyl: Grades focus on wear layer thickness and the scratch resistance.
- Tile: PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) ratings determine the ability to withstand wear and foot traffic.
These grades determine how your floors look, how long they last and what you’ll pay.
Hardwood Flooring Grades
When it comes to hardwood floors, the grading system is based on its natural appearance. Higher grades are more uniform, while lower grades offer more character. Here’s an overview:
- Select Grade: Known for its clean, uniform appearance with minimal knots or color variation, it’s the best way to get a sleek, polished look. However, it’s also the most expensive option.
- Natural Grade (#1 Common): Offering more character with minor knots and slight color shifts, these wood floors balance refinement with authentic wood texture. It’s versatile enough for most homes.
- Rustic Grade (#2 Common): Showcasing visible knots, pronounced grain and color variations, these budget-friendly wood floors are perfect for farmhouse and coastal styles.
Which grade makes sense for you? Choose Select for modern polish, natural for versatility or rustic if you prefer character and texture.
Laminate Flooring Grades (AC Rating)
Laminate flooring uses AC (Abrasion Class) ratings to measure durability. Check it out:
- AC1: Light residential (bedrooms, closets)
- AC2: Moderate residential (living rooms)
- AC3: Heavy residential or light commercial (busy homes with pets or kids)
- AC4: Medium commercial (offices, small shops)
- AC5: Heavy commercial (stores, restaurants)
In most homes, AC3 is good enough. However, laminate is water-resistant, not waterproof, which isn’t great for coastal North Carolina homes compared to luxury vinyl.
Luxury Vinyl Wear Layer Thickness
As for luxury vinyl products including, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and tile (LVT), quality is determined by wear layer thickness, which is measured in mils (1/1000th of an inch). Thicker wear layers offer better scratch resistance and longer lifespans. Here’s what you need to know:
- 6-12 Mil: Use in low-traffic areas like guest bedrooms. While offering basic protection, these floors aren’t made for heavy use or sandy coastal traffic.
- 12-20 Mil: Acting as a solid middle ground for most residential spaces, these vinyl floors handle moderate to heavy traffic in living rooms and kitchens.
- 20+ Mil: As the highest grade available, flooring in this category is made for pets, kids, heavy traffic and constant sandy entries from the beach.
In coastal North Carolina, 12 mil or higher is recommended. Sand is abrasive and thinner wear layers show damage faster. If you live near the beach, consider investing in 20+ mil is worth the investment.
Tile Flooring Grades (PEI Ratings)
Tile flooring uses a grading system called PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) ratings. These measure wear resistance:
- Grade 1: Walls only (not for floors)
- Grade 2: Light foot traffic (residential bathrooms)
- Grade 3: Heavy residential use (kitchens, living rooms)
- Grade 4: Light commercial (entryways, small businesses)
- Grade 5: Heavy commercial (restaurants, malls)
In most homes, Grade 3 should work. Meanwhile, Grade 4-5 is only really needed for entryways. Look into slip-resistant tiles for wet areas and waterproof ratings for bathrooms.
Choosing the Right Grade for Your Needs
The key to choosing the right flooring is considering your space and lifestyle. Here are our suggestions:
- High-Traffic Areas or Homes with Pets/Kids: Use natural or select-grade hardwood, 20+ mil luxury vinyl, AC3+ laminate or Grade 4-5 tile.
- Low-Traffic Spaces: Rustic-grade hardwood or 12-20 mil luxury vinyl are best for bedrooms or offices.
- Design Priorities: Select-grade hardwood offers a sleek, modern look. Rustic-grade or textured luxury vinyl offers the most character.
- Coastal Considerations: Humidity and sand can be a pain. Waterproof luxury vinyl and properly installed hardwood perform best. Laminate is sensitive to moisture, which is risky in coastal climates.
- Moisture-Prone Areas: High-grade luxury vinyl or Grade 4-5 tile for bathrooms and entryways are best.
When you’re shopping for flooring, you have to consider the grade. It makes a difference when it comes to both style and functionality.
The Bottom Line
Flooring grades don’t define what’s best for each material, but they do determine what’s best for your home. At Tide & Timber, our flooring contractors are here to help you navigate grades and quality. Our goal is for you to choose the flooring that makes the most sense for your space.
Ready to explore flooring options that fit your home and lifestyle? Visit one of our design centers in Hampstead, Wilmington or Jacksonville, NC, or contact us today!
