AC4 vs AC5 Laminate: Compared
Updated July 2026 · Pricing data from Floormath's flooring cost model
Standard AC4 Laminate: Mohawk RevWood, Shaw RevWood, Pergo Outlast entry. AC4 handles kitchens and hallways with normal care. Water-resistant — cleans up spills, not standing water.
Premium AC5 Laminate: Pergo TimberCraft, Quick-Step Impressive Ultra. Commercial-grade durability in a residential product. Realistic texture that feels like real wood underfoot.
Head to head
| Standard AC4 Laminate | Premium AC5 Laminate | |
|---|---|---|
| Spec | AC4 rating · 8–10mm · Water-resistant | AC5 rating · 12mm · Commercial-grade |
| Material/sf | $1.99–$3.49 | $3.49–$5.99 |
| 1,000 sf installed | $3,989–$6,039 | $5,864–$9,064 |
| Typical 1,000 sf total | $4,959 | $7,189 |
The bottom line
Standard AC4 Laminate saves about $2,230 on a 1,000 sq ft job at typical pricing. Whether the upgrade is worth it comes down to traffic: Pergo TimberCraft, Quick-Step Impressive Ultra. Commercial-grade durability in a residential product. Realistic texture that feels like real wood underfoot.
See the exact price gap for your square footage
Run the free calculator →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper: Standard AC4 Laminate or Premium AC5 Laminate?
Standard AC4 Laminate — by about $2,230 on a typical 1,000 sq ft installed project ($4,959 vs $7,189).
Is the upgrade worth it?
If the space sees heavy traffic, pets, or moisture, the pricier tier usually earns its premium in lifespan; in a low-traffic bedroom, the cheaper tier performs nearly identically.