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Laminate flooring holds a significant market share due to its affordability and exceptional wear resistance, making it a popular choice among consumers. Wear resistance is typically determined by testing the number of abrasion revolutions. But what exactly is the number of abrasion revolutions? Is a higher number always better?
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring, also known as impregnated paper laminate wood flooring or engineered wood flooring, is made by impregnating one or more layers of special paper with thermosetting amino resin, laying it on the surface of particleboard, high-density fiberboard, or other engineered wood substrates, adding a balancing paper on the back, and adding an aluminum oxide wear layer on the front, and then hot-pressing and molding the flooring. Laminate flooring consists of four layers: a surface wear layer, a decorative pattern layer, a high-density core layer, and a bottom balancing (moisture-proof) layer glued together.
What is wear resistance revolution count?
Abrasion resistance in revolutions is a way of expressing the abrasion resistance of flooring, usually in revolutions. Abrasion resistance directly affects the lifespan of a product; generally, the higher the abrasion resistance in revolutions, the better the abrasion resistance. An abrasion resistance in revolutions of 6000 or more is classified as Grade I for residential use, 4000 or more as Grade II for residential use, and 9000 or more as commercial use.
The abrasion resistance of engineered wood flooring mainly depends on the aluminum oxide content in the surface layer. The basis weight of the abrasion-resistant paper is measured in grams per square meter (gbps), meaning the weight of the paper per square meter. A higher basis weight indicates more aluminum oxide particles, resulting in more abrasion-resistant engineered wood flooring, but other properties such as transparency may be affected. A basis weight of around 45 grams is sufficient to meet the household Class I standard of 6000 revolutions.
Does wear resistance equal durability?
Wear resistance and durability are two separate issues. The number of abrasion revolutions is only one important indicator of the surface performance of engineered wood flooring, but it is not the only one. The durability of flooring is related to many other indicators, such as its impact resistance, scratch resistance, water absorption thickness expansion rate, internal bond strength, stain resistance, and resistance to smoke burns.
Is a higher abrasion resistance rating for flooring always better?
Since the abrasion resistance rating affects a product's durability, one might assume that the higher the abrasion resistance rating, the better for flooring. However, this is not the case; this view is somewhat one-sided. While a higher abrasion resistance rating does improve durability, the wood grain on the surface of the flooring will not be as clear or natural, and the feel underfoot will be significantly worse. Around 6000 abrasion resistance ratings, the grain will appear more natural, and the feel will be warmer and more comfortable underfoot.