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).
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.
| 1 | For internal use as structural components in dry conditions. |
| 2 | For internal use as structural components in humid conditions. (Or protected external) |
| 3 | For external use as structural components. |
| 4 | For internal use as non-structural components in dry conditions |
| 5 | For internal use as non-structural components in humid conditions |
| 6 | For external use as non-structural components |
| 7 | For 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 |
(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.
| Class | End Uses |
|---|---|
| Bond Class 1 | Dry conditions – interior applications where there is no wetting risk. |
| Bond Class 2 | Humid conditions – such as protected exterior conditions such as cladding plywood or under roof plywood. |
| Bond Class 3 | Unprotected exterior conditions – unprotected exterior conditions over sustained periods. |
(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.
| Use | EN | Usage Class | End Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood for use in dry conditions | EN636-1 | Class 1 – for normal interior climates. | Warm Roof, timber frame, partition walls |
| Plywood for use in humid conditions | EN636-2 | Class 2 – for protected exterior applications, also suitable for dry conditions | Cold roof, ground floors |
| Plywood for use in exterior conditions | EN636-3 | Class 3 – for long time exposure to weather | Fully 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)
