The UK and Europe adhere to the same standards for wood-based panels. The standard that classifies plywood is (BS) EN 636 and the overall harmonised (EU) or designated (UK) standard for wood-based panels is (BS) EN 13986: 2004+A1 2015.
Here’s a quick guide in table and list form, giving the relevant clauses and tables in this overall standard. The Clause number stays the same but the Table number varies depending on your specific application. The guide will help you find out how your panels have been tested and verified to ensure they comply with requirements.
Refer also to our application guide, which matches performance characteristics to your specific application.
Essential structural & non-structural
Clauses (Tables 3,4,5,6,7)
Bending strength
5.1
Bending stiffness
5.2
Bond quality
5.3
Durability – moisture resistance 2 (not internal dry non structural)
5.6.5
Release of formaldehyde
5.7
Optional: structural & non- structural
Clauses (Tables 3,4,5,6, 7)
Reaction to fire
5.8
Water vapour permeability
5.9
Airborne sound insulation
5.10
Thermal conductivity
5.12
Biological durability
5.17
Content of pentachlorophenol (PCP)
5.18
Optional: structural only
Strength & stiffness for structural use
5.13
Optional/Extra tests for strength & stiffness for structural use
5.133
Racking resistance
5.15.3
Mechanical durability
5.16
Embedment strength
5.19
Impact resistance for structural use
5.14
Strength & stiffness under point load for structural load
5.154
Special feature – sound absorption
5.11 in Tables 4, 5, 7
Special feature – Air permeability (wind barriers)
5.20 in Tables 3 & 6
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
STRUCTURAL
NON-STRUCTURAL
Applications
Exterior
Floors,Walls/ Roofs
Internal Dry
InternalHumid
Exterior
‘Essential’ in shaded cells
EN 13986 Table 31
Table 7
Table 4
Table 5
Table 61
Bending strength
5.1
5.1
5.1
5.1
5.1
Bending stiffness
5.2
5.2
–
–
–
Bond quality
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
Durability – moisture resistance
5.6.5
5.6.52
–
5.6.5
5.6.5
Release of formaldehyde
5.7
5.7
5.7
5.7
5.7
Reaction to fire
5.8
5.8
5.8
5.8
5.8
Water vapour permeability
5.9
5.9
5.9
5.9
5.9
Airborne sound insulation
5.10
5.10
5.10
5.10
5.10
Sound absorption
–
5.11
5.11
5.11
–
Thermal conductivity
5.12
5.12
5.12
5.12
5.12
Strength & stiffness for structural use
5.13
5.13
–
–
–
Optional/Extra tests for strength & stiffness for structural use3
5.13
5.13
–
–
–
Impact resistance for structural use
–
5.14
–
–
–
Strength & stiffness under point load for structural load
–
5.154
–
–
–
Racking resistance
5.15.13
5.15.3
–
–
–
Mechanical durability
5.16
5.16
–
–
–
Biological durability
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.17
5.17
Content of pentachlorophenol (PCP)
5.18
5.18
5.18
5.18
5.18
Embedment strength
5.19
5.19
–
–
–
Air permeability
5.205
–
–
–
5.205
1 Plywood should be used out of direct contact with the ground, soil or water2 For use in humid conditions only3 Tests for strength & stiffness in tension & compression, panel shear (Modulus of Rigidity), panel shear, planar shear (Modulus of Rigidity), & planar shear strength4 Only relevant when intended for structural floor or roof decking on joists5 Relevant only for use as wind barriers.
