Flooring, Carpets & Rugs Glossary Terms

What Does AC Rating Mean for Laminate Flooring?

AC (Abrasion Class) rating, from AC1 to AC5, indicates how much foot traffic and wear laminate flooring is designed to withstand, tested under a European standard. AC1-AC2 suits light domestic use such as bedrooms, AC3-AC4 suits busier living areas and light commercial use, and AC5 is rated for heavy commercial traffic — so matching the rating to the room's footfall helps the floor last as expected.

What Does Tog Rating Mean for Carpet Underlay?

Like duvets, carpet underlay is rated in tog for thermal insulation — a higher tog underlay helps retain more heat in the room, which can meaningfully reduce heat loss through ground floors. Underlay tog is separate from its cushioning/support properties, so a product is generally chosen by balancing its tog rating against the right density and thickness for the carpet and traffic level above it.

What is Aluminium?

Aluminium is a metal alloy known for its strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion. When listed as the material of a home & garden product, it indicates that the item is primarily constructed from aluminium. This generally means the product will be relatively lightweight compared to steel or cast iron alternatives, but also offers good durability and won't rust over time. Aluminium requires minimal maintenance – typically just occasional cleaning with soapy water – and is often chosen for outdoor applications where weather resistance is important.

What is Vinyl?

In the home & garden world, 'Vinyl' refers to a synthetic plastic material used in various product applications like flooring and window hardware. It’s typically a sheet-like material designed for durability and resistance against moisture and wear. Vinyl products are generally lighter than materials such as hardwood or metal, making them easier to install and handle. They often require less intensive cleaning compared to some other surfaces, but may still need occasional sealing or maintenance depending on the specific product and its intended use.

What is Carpet?

In the context of home & garden products, 'Carpet' refers to the floor covering material used in items like rugs, mats, and tile coverings. It describes the type of fibre – often synthetic such as polypropylene or nylon – that makes up the surface layer. Understanding ‘carpet’ means considering its inherent properties: durability against wear and tear, resistance to stains, ease of cleaning (some carpets require more specialist care than others), and overall weight which can be a factor in furniture design or installation. It's a key specification influencing both initial cost and long-term maintenance needs.