European Plywood Standards – Plywood with CE Marking and UKCA Marking

European and British plywood standard EN 13986:2004+A1:2015, EN 636: 2012, EN 314-2. Plywood with CE Marking and UKCA marking.

There are some important plywood standards in Europe (Plywood with CE Marking). It is very similar to British standard for plywood (Plywood with UKCA Marking).

EN 13986 Plywood Standard, CE marking
CE Marking

Below are the three most important BS EN standards that a plywood company should know about.

  • EN 13986:2004+A1:2015
  • EN 636: 2012 Plywood – Specification.
  • EN 314-2: Plywood – Bond Quality – Requirements

(BS)EN 13986:2004+A1:2015

EN 13986 is the overall European standard for wood-based panels. 

It defines the performance characteristics and test methods for Plywood, OSB, and Laminated Veneer Lumber.

 Panels marked within the European Economic Area for construction applications shall be marked according to EN 13986 plus.

EN 13986 is essential for plywood marking. Plywood complying EN 13986 and sold in Europe should be printed with CE Marking.

1For internal use as structural components in dry conditions.
2For internal use as structural components in humid conditions.
(Or protected external)
3For external use as structural components.
4For internal use as non-structural components in dry conditions
5For internal use as non-structural components in
humid conditions
6For external use as non-structural components
7For use as structural floor decking on joists in dry, humid or external conditions
For use as structural roof decking on joists in dry, humid or external conditions
For use as structural wall sheathing on studs in dry, humid or external conditions
End use and service conditions for wood-based panels by EN 13986 standard.

(BS) EN 314-2:1993: Plywood – Bond Quality – Requirements

EN 314-2: 1993 (confirmed in 2013) specifies the requirements for bonding classes of veneer plywood according to their end uses.

It includes three classes of bond quality.

EN 314-2 is widely seen in the test report of the plywood. It is the most important part of any lab test report for plywood.

ClassEnd Uses
Bond Class 1Dry conditions – interior applications where there is no wetting risk.
Bond Class 2Humid conditions – such as protected exterior conditions such as cladding plywood or under roof plywood.
Bond Class 3Unprotected exterior conditions – unprotected exterior conditions over sustained periods.
Bonding classes of veneer plywood according to their end uses.

(BS) EN 636:2012+A1:2015

EN 636:2012+A1:2015 gives the requirements for plywood for non-structural and structural uses in dry, humid, and exterior conditions.

EN636 takes into account the quality of the bond(EN314-2) and the durability of the timber species used.

UseENUsage ClassEnd Use
Plywood for use in dry conditionsEN636-1Class 1 – for normal interior climates.Warm Roof, timber frame, partition walls
Plywood for use in humid conditionsEN636-2Class 2 – for protected exterior applications, also suitable for dry conditionsCold roof, ground floors
Plywood for use in exterior conditionsEN636-3Class 3 – for long time exposure to weatherFully exposed

The number of this standard (EN 636) and the conditions of use:

  • EN 636-1 dry conditions
  • EN 636-2 humid conditions
  • EN 636-3 exterior conditions

 The letter corresponding to the panels intended application:

  •  “S” for structural
  • “NS” for general purpose (non-structural)

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