Wear class: AC3, AC4 or AC5
The class shows how well the top layer stands up to wear and load. In shops you will see it in two ways – as an AC rating and as a usage class:
- AC3 (class 31) – for rooms with little foot traffic, such as a bedroom.
- AC4 (class 32) – the most common choice for the home: living room, nursery, kitchen.
- AC5 (class 33) – for hallways, entrances, rental properties and small offices.
If in doubt, choose class 32. The price difference between class 32 and 33 is usually smaller than the difference in durability.
Thickness: 7, 8, 10 or 12 mm
Thicker laminate is more stable, quieter underfoot and copes better with small unevenness in the subfloor. For most homes, 8 mm is enough. 10–12 mm makes sense in hallways, rental properties and wherever you want a more solid feel underfoot. Bear in mind that thicker laminate raises the floor more, and doors sometimes need trimming.
Water-resistant laminate
Water-resistant laminate has a denser core and sealed edges that hold out longer against spills. It is a good choice for kitchens, hallways and flats by the sea that stay closed over the winter. Water-resistant does not mean waterproof, though – spills should be wiped up, and we do not recommend laminate in a bathroom.
Bevelled edges (V-groove)
Laminate with bevelled edges on all four sides (4V) has slightly chamfered edges and looks closer to real wood flooring. It also hides small height differences between boards. Without a bevel the floor looks smoother and is a little easier to clean.
Underlay
The underlay is the thin layer under the laminate. It evens out small irregularities, reduces noise and insulates against cold. On concrete and in new builds it is important for the underlay to have a vapour barrier, so moisture cannot come up from below. If there is underfloor heating, both the underlay and the laminate must be suitable for it – this is marked on the pack.
How much laminate to buy
Work out the area of all the rooms and add 5–10% for cutting. For rooms with many corners, alcoves and doors, go closer to 10%. Buy all the laminate at once and from one batch, as the shade can vary slightly between batches.
Guide prices
In Bulgarian shops, 8 mm class 32 (AC4) laminate costs around €10–13 per m², while class 33 (AC5) and thicker ranges start at roughly €17–19 per m². Our fitting costs €11 per m². See all prices for fitting, removal and skirting on our laminate installation prices page.
Laminate by the sea
In flats along the coast – Nesebar, Sunny Beach, Sozopol, Primorsko – moisture and heavy summer use wear the floor faster. There we recommend class 33, a water-resistant range and an underlay with a vapour barrier, and flats that stay closed over the winter are best aired now and then.
Not sure what to choose? At the free home visit we will tell you which laminate suits your home and exactly how much to buy.