BS EN 13986:2004+A1:2015

What is BS EN 13986 – Characteristics of wood-based panels about?  

BS EN 13986 defines wood-based panels for use in construction and specifies the relevant characteristics and the appropriate test methods to determine these characteristics for wood-based panels, unfaced, overlaid, veneered or coated: 

• For internal use as structural components in dry conditions 
• For internal (or protected external) use as structural components in humid conditions 
• For external use as structural components 
• For internal use as non-structural components in dry conditions 
• For internal (or protected external) uses as non structural components in humid conditions 
• For external use as non-structural components 
• For use as structural floor decking on joists in dry or humid or external conditions 
• For use as structural roof decking on joists in dry or humid or external conditions 
• For use as structural wall sheathing on studs in dry or humid or external conditions 

BS EN 13986 provides for the evaluation of conformity and the requirements for marking these products. 
BS EN 13986 covers wood-based panels in the form of solid wood panels, LVL 4 ), plywood, OSB, particleboards (chipboards) either resin- or cement-bonded, wet process fibreboards (hardboards, medium boards, softboards) and dry process fibreboards (MDF) for use in construction. They may contain chemical agents to improve their reaction to fire and their resistance to biological attack, e.g. by fungi and insects. 

Note1: BS EN 13986 is not intended to be applicable to wood-based panels for use in non-constructional applications.  

Who is BS EN 13986 - Characteristics of wood-based panels for? 

BS EN 13986 on expanded cork is useful for: 

• Wood-based panels manufacturers 
• Civil engineers 
• Architects  
• Quality control department 

Why should you use BS EN 13986 - Characteristics of wood-based panels?  

Wood-based panels refer to a variety of different board products made from wood in the form of chips, strips, veneers, strands, or fibres. BS EN 13986 provides requirements that can be followed while manufacturing the wood-based panels. This will ensure the quality and maintain the standard in factory production. BS EN 13986 provides test methods that help determine the efficiency and the performance of the wood-based panels which ensure their durability and safety.