BRITISH STANDARD

Code of practice for the

Selection and application of

particleboard, oriented strand
board (OSB), cement bonded
particleboard and wood
fibreboards for specific
purposes

ICS 79.060.20

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

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BS 7916:1998

BS 7916:1998

Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted to Technical Committee
B/541, Wood-based panels, upon which the following bodies were represented:
Apa Engineered Wood Association
Association of British Plywood & Veneer Manufacturers
British Woodworking Federation
Council of the Forest Industries of British Columbia
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
Flat Roofing Contractors' Advisory Board
Forestry Commission
Furniture Industry Research Association
Institution of Structural Engineers
Local Authority Organizations
Mineral Bonded Board Products Federation
National Federation of Roofing Contractors
National House-Building Council
National Panel Products Association
Royal Institution of British Architects
Structural Board Association
Timber Research and Development Association
Timber Trade Federation
Wood Panel Industries Federation
Zurich Municipal Building Guarantee

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Sector Board for
Building and Civil Engineering,
was published under the
authority of the Standards Board
and comes into effect on
15 May 1998
BSI 1998

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No.

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference B/541
Draft for comment 97/100111 DC

ISBN 0 580 29526 5

Date

Text affected

BS 7916:1998

Contents
Page
Committees responsible
Inside front cover
Foreword
ii
1 Scope
1
2 References
1
3 Definitions
1
4 Handling, stacking, storage and conditioning of boards and safety
considerations
2
5 Selection and application of particleboard, oriented strand board (OSB)
and cement bonded particleboard
5
6 Application of boards in non-domestic flooring
9
7 Application of boards in sheathing
11
8 Application of boards in flat roofing
11
9 Application of boards in pitched roofing
14
10 Application of boards in furniture and built-in fitments
14
11 Selection and use of wood fibreboards
16
12 Grades
16
13 Selection of material
16
Annex A (informative) Nearest fit comparison between British Standard board
designations and European Standard designations
20
Annex B (informative) Determination of punching shear (concentrated load)
22
Bibliography
24
Figure 1 Stacking of boards
3
Figure 2 Positioning of boards over joists
8
Figure B.1 Layout of punching shear test rig
23
Table 1 Approximate equilibrium moisture content for different types of
board
4
Table 2 Types and grades of particleboard, OSB and cement bonded
particleboard
5
Table 3 Selection of boards according to category for domestic flooring
6
Table 4 Joist or batten centres
6
Table 5 Selection of materials for non-domestic flooring according to
category of use
10
Table 6 Selection of materials for use in flat roofing according to category
of use
12
Table 7 Maximum recommended centres of support for materials used in
flat roofs
13
Table 8 Centres of support for materials used for lining a pitched roof of
tiles or slates
14
Table 9 Selection of material for use in furniture or fitments
15
Table 10 Types and grades of wet and dry process wood fibreboard
17
Table 11 Guidance on the use of wood fibreboards in construction
18
Table A.1 Particleboard
20
Table A.2 Oriented strand board
20
Table A.3 Cement bonded particleboard
20
Table A.4 Wood fibreboards
21

BSI 1998

BS 7916:1998

Foreword
This British Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee B/541. It
supersedes BS 5669-5:1993, which is withdrawn.
Since being superseded by a group of BS ENs, BS 1142 and BS 5669-1, -2, -3 and -4
have been declared obsolescent and will eventually be withdrawn, effectively making
BS 5669-5 unusable. The new BS EN specifications for fibreboards, particleboards,
oriented strand boards (OSB) and cement bonded particleboards, which have already
replaced the obsolescent standards, do not at present have any companion documents
giving guidance on the selection and application of the specified materials, or on the
correct methods for storing and handling them before use.
In view of this, the Technical Committee and user bodies such as the Department of
the Environment, Trade and the Regions (DETR), architects, regulatory bodies and
building insurers considered that a companion code of practice for the BS ENs was
essential to ensure that the newly specified materials were correctly selected and
applied. This British Standard is intended to fulfil that role; however, it is recognized
that a comprehensive revision of this standard will be required when a new package
of European Standards, giving guidance on the performance of wood-based panels
used in the construction of floors, walls and roofs, becomes available. Each of these
European Standards comprises three parts: specification, requirements and test
methods. These documents are at present European pre-Standards undergoing public
enquiry.
The BS EN specifications referred to in this standard require fewer characteristics than
BS 5669-2, -3 and -4 and BS 1142. In some cases, therefore, recommended performance
levels are proposed for additional properties (for example hard body impact
resistance). The values for such properties are determined by the appropriate BS EN
method of test, referred to in the relevant clause and the list of references.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii, pages 1 to
24, an inside back cover and a back cover.

ii

BSI 1998

BS 7916:1998

1 Scope
This British Standard gives recommendations for the
storage, handling, selection and application of the
fibreboards, particleboards1), oriented strand boards
(OSB) and cement bonded particleboards defined
and specified in the following standards: BS EN 316,
BS EN 622-1, -2, -3, -4 and -5, BS EN 309,
BS EN 312-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6 and -7, BS EN 300,
BS EN 633 and BS EN 634-1 and -2.
NOTE The guidance given on the selection and use of
fibreboards is restricted to construction uses.

2 Normative References
The following normative documents contain
provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this British Standard. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications do not apply.
For undated references, the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies.

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this British Standard, the
following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
particleboard2)
panel material manufactured under pressure and
heat from particles of wood (wood flakes, chips,
shavings, sawdust, wafers, strands and similar)
and/or other lignocellulosic material in particle form
(flax shives, hemp shives, bagasse fragments and
similar) with the addition of an adhesive
3.2
oriented strand board (OSB)3)
multi-layered board made from strands of wood of a
predetermined shape and thickness together with a
binder. The strands in the external layers are aligned
and parallel to the board length or width; the strands
in the centre layer or layers may be randomly
oriented, or aligned, generally at right angles to the
strands of the external layers

3.3
cement bonded particleboard4)
sheet material manufactured under pressure, based
on wood or other vegetable particles bound with
hydraulic cement and possibly containing additives
3.4
wood fibreboard5)
panel material with a thickness of 1,5 mm and
greater, manufactured from lignocellulosic fibres
with application of heat and/or pressure. The bond is
derived from either:
the felting of the fibres and their inherent
adhesive properties; or
from a synthetic binder added to the fibres.
Other additives may be included
3.5 wet process fibreboards5)
fibreboards having a fibre moisture content of more
than 20 % at the stage of forming. The following
types are differentiated, according to their density:
3.5.1
softboards5)
(density < 400 kg/m3)
these fibreboards have thermal and acoustic
properties. They can be given additional properties,
e.g. fire retardance, moisture resistance
3.5.2
medium boards5)
(density $ 400 kg/m3 < 900 kg/m3)
low density medium boards
(400 kg/m3 < 560 kg/m3)
high density medium boards
(560 kg/m3 < 900 kg/m3)
they can be given additional properties, e.g. fire
retardance, moisture resistance
3.5.3
hardboards5)
(density $ 900 kg/m3)
they can be given additional properties, e.g. fire
retardance, moisture resistance, resistance against
biological attack, workability (e.g. mouldability)
3.6
dry process fibreboards (MDF)5)
fibreboards having a fibre moisture content of less
than 20 % at the forming stage, and having a density
of $ 600 kg/m3.
So-called medium density fibreboards (MDF) are
produced with a synthetic adhesive under heat and
pressure.
They can be given additional properties, e.g. fire
retardance, moisture resistance, resistance against
biological attack

1)

Sometimes referred to as wood chipboards.

Repeated from BS EN 309.
3) Repeated from BS EN 300.
4) Repeated from BS EN 633.
5) Repeated from BS EN 316.
2)

BSI 1998

BS 7916:1998

3.7
major axis3)
direction in the plane of the board in which the
bending properties have the higher values
3.8
minor axis3)
direction in the plane of the board at right angles to
the major axis
3.9
dry conditions6)
conditions (defined in terms of service class 1 of
ENV 1995-1-1 for load-bearing boards) characterized
by a moisture content of the material corresponding
to a temperature of 20 C and a relative humidity of
the surrounding air exceeding 65 % only for a few
weeks per year. Boards of this type are suitable for
use only in biological hazard class 1 of EN 335-3
3.10
humid conditions6)
conditions (defined in terms of service class 2 of
ENV 1995-1-1 for load-bearing boards) characterized
by a moisture content of the material corresponding
to a temperature of 20 C and a relative humidity of
the surrounding air exceeding 85 % only for a few
weeks per year. Boards of this type are suitable for
use only in biological hazard classes 1 and 2 of
EN 335-3
3.11
exterior conditions6)
weathering conditions, liquid water or water vapour
in a damp but ventilated location. Boards of this type
are suitable for use in biological hazard
classes 1, 2 and 3 of EN 335-3. (Defined in terms of
service class 3 of ENV 1995-1-1 for load bearing
boards.)
3.12
general purpose use6)
all non-load bearing applications, e.g. furniture and
fitments
3.13
load-bearing use6)
use in a load-bearing construction, i.e. an organized
assembly of connected parts designed to provide
mechanical resistance and stability to the works
(see BS 5268-2 or DD ENV 1995-1-1 and/or
performance standards)
3.14
biological hazard class 17)
situation in which the wood or wood-based product
is under cover, fully protected from the weather and
not exposed to wetting

3.15
biological hazard class 27)
situation in which the wood or wood-based product
is under cover and fully protected from the weather
but where high environmental humidity can lead to
occasional but not persistent wetting
3.16
biological hazard class 37)
situation in which the wood or wood-based product
is not covered and not in contact with the ground. It
is either continually exposed to the weather or is
protected from the weather but subject to frequent
wetting
3.17
biological hazard class 47)
situation in which the wood or wood-based product
is in contact with the ground or fresh water and thus
is permanently exposed to wetting
3.18
damp proof membrane
layer or sheet of material within a floor or similar
construction, or vertically within a wall, to prevent
passage of moisture
3.19
vapour control layer
layer of material restricting the transmission of
vapour

4 Handling, stacking, storage and

conditioning of boards and safety
considerations
4.1 General
The recommendations given in 4.2 to 4.5 are
fundamental to avoid damage, distortion, or
degradation of boards during transit or storage and it
is essential that they are followed.
4.2 Transport and delivery
Boards should be adequately protected by a
waterproof covering during all transportation. It is
particularly important that the edges are well
covered.
The edges of boards should be fully protected so as
to prevent damage by lashings or other banding.
Boards should be loaded so as to avoid distortion in
transit (see 4.4). Details of board type and quantity
should accompany each delivery.
4.3 Handling
The most vulnerable parts of the boards are their
edges and corners. Even if the boards are to be
further trimmed before use, they should be carefully
handled and, if necessary, edges and corners should
be additionally protected on site. This particularly
applies to profiled boards such as tongued and
grooved flooring. When handling boards it is
essential to avoid any contamination of the surface
likely to cause permanent damage or have an
adverse effect on subsequent finishing or finishes.

3)

Repeated from BS EN 300.

Repeated from BS EN 622.
7) Repated from BS EN 335-1.
6)

BSI 1998

BS 7916:1998

4.4 Stacking
Boards should be stacked flat, off the ground, and
on a level surface with all four edges flush. Stacking
on edge should be avoided wherever possible. The
ideal base is a close-boarded or slatted pallet. If this
is not possible the board should be carefully stacked
level on battens of equal thickness separated from
each other by not more than 600 mm (see Figure 1a).
The top of the pile should be covered with some
kind of protective board to prevent warping of the
topmost board. Intermediate bearers are
recommended every 10 to 15 boards and it is
essential that the bearers are placed directly above
those below. The ends of the battens should be
equidistant from the long edges of the stack and
parallel to the ends. Overhang of the boards at the
edges and ends of the stack should not
exceed 150 mm at any point.

Where boards are banded, the bands should be cut

as soon as practicable after delivery to prevent them
from permanently deforming the boards, which may
expand due to moisture absorption.
Where space only permits edge stacking, the edges
should not be permitted to come into direct contact
with the floor (see Figure 1b). The haphazard leaning
of boards against walls should always be
discouraged. Where boards with a thickness of 6 mm
or less are being stacked it is recommended that
support be provided for the entire area of the board
by placing a thicker board (at least 18 mm) at the
base of the pile (see Figure 1c).

a) Correct and incorrect method of storing boards on battens.

b) Correct method of edge stacking.

c) Correct method of supporting and stacking boards with a

thickness of 6 mm or less.

d) Example of providing temporary protection

(tarpaulin cover).

All dimensions in millimetres.

Figure 1 Stacking of boards

BSI 1998

BS 7916:1998

4.5 Storage and conditioning

Boards expand on taking up moisture from the
surrounding air and shrink on losing it. The boards
listed in Tables 2 and 10 are manufactured to
dimensional tolerances allowing close fits to be
achieved on jointing and placing the boards into
position. Careful storage is therefore very important
if the boards are to be maintained in the correct
condition for their subsequent use.
All boards should be protected from rain and
accidental soaking.
Only when boards are required for conditioning
should any protective wrapping be removed. Where
the boards are to be used in warm, dry areas the
moisture content should be kept as low as possible
to avoid unacceptable shrinkage after installation.
The moisture content of the boards when they leave
the factory ranges from 2 % to 13 %. Table 1 gives the
approximate equilibrium moisture content for
different board types stored under different relative
humidities of the surrounding air.
These levels can only be taken as a general guide
and will vary with type and density of board.
Long-term storage in damp conditions can cause
damage to the surface and edges of the boards.
Boards should therefore be stored in an enclosed dry
building. Where temporary storage outside cannot be
avoided, the stacks should be covered with
polyethylene or a tarpaulin, keeping all boards well
clear of the ground (see Figure 1d).

Design precautions necessary to accommodate

movement of board are given in 5.5, 6.3, 7.3, 8.3
and 9.2, but wherever possible boards should be
allowed to reach equilibrium conditions by storing
them under the atmospheric conditions in which
they are to be used. It is recommended that the
boards are air conditioned by stacking each board
with separators in between to allow free circulation
of air.
Conditioning in air is suitable for most board types
and applications. Where higher humidities may occur
after fixing, it is recommended that hardboards and
some wet process mediumboards are conditioned
with water prior to laying. In this method, water is
brushed into the mesh face of each board and the
boards then stacked mesh face to mesh face for a
prescribed time. Water conditioning is unsuitable for
particleboards, OSB, dry process fibreboards and
certain pre-treated boards, such as flame retardant
and predecorated boards.
4.6 Safety
Persons using these materials should be familiar with
normal industrial practice.
This code of practice does not purport to address all
the safety issues associated with the normal use of
wood-based panels.
It is the responsibility of the user to establish health
and safety practices when storing or handling these
materials which will ensure compliance with
UK regulations. These are principally the Control of
Substances Hazardous to Health
regulations 1994 (COSHH)8) [1], and especially
regulations 6, 7-(6) and 10; although all the
regulations are relevant.
The principal hazardous substances associated with
the storage and use of wood-based panels are wood
dust, produced by cutting, drilling and sanding, and
formaldehyde. The latter is only a significant
consideration in respect of certain particleboards
and MDF. Both substances are subject to maximum
exposure limits (MEL).
The MEL's are only likely to be realized if materials
are worked in poorly ventilated areas, or, in the case
of formaldehyde, if very large amounts of panels are
stored in hot, confined or poorly ventilated spaces.

NOTE Boards gradually attain the moisture content dictated by

the atmosphere within the building. Although it is not possible to
give precise levels, the following figures give a general indication
of the range of moisture content of boards under various
conditions:
a) continuously heated building: 7 % to 9 %;
b) intermittently heated building: 9 % to 12 %;
c) unheated new building: up to 15 %.
Any increase in moisture content causes slight expansion in the
boards and, although this also cannot be precisely defined, as a
rough guide, an increase in moisture content of 1 % increases
length and width by 0.3 mm per metre run for particleboard and
OSB and 0.4 mm per metre run for wet and dry process
fibreboards, and by 0.05 mm per metre run for cement bonded
particleboard.

Table 1 Approximate equilibrium moisture content for different types of board

Relative humidity
at 20 C

Approximate equilibrium moisture content

30
65
85

8)

7
11
15

Particleboard

OSB

Cement bonded
particleboard

Wood fibreboards

5
10
15

5
10
14

5
8
12

SI 1994 No. 3246

BSI 1998

BS 7916:1998

5 Selection and application of

particleboard, oriented strand board
(OSB) and cement bonded
particleboard
5.1 General
Clause 5 gives guidance on selection and application
of the types and grades of particleboard, OSB and
cement bonded particleboard which can be
considered for use in certain applications. Only
common uses in the construction industry in the
case of particleboard, OSB and cement bonded
particleboad, and use in furniture and built-in
fitments are covered. It is not intended that the use
of the materials is restricted solely to these
applications.
Additional guidance on the use of boards in specific
applications can be found in the codes and standards
referred to in this clause.

5.3 Application of boards in domestic flooring

5.3.1 Selection of material
It is essential that the materials used in suspended or
floating floors or overlayments in domestic premises
be selected from the following, according to the
category of use described in Table 3:
a) particleboards P5 conforming to
BS EN 312-5 and P7 conforming to BS EN 312-7;
b) oriented strand board, type OSB/2, OSB/3 or
OSB/4 conforming to BS EN 300;
c) cement bonded particleboard conforming to
BS EN 634-2.
NOTE Oriented strand board should not be used as the floating
overlay board on a continuously supported floating floor (5.3.3.1).

NOTE Until such time as the introduction of appropriate

European Standards, grade references given in other British
Standards referred to in this standard will need to be substituted
with the relevant grades as listed in 5.3.1, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1, 9.1 and
10.2. Comparative guidance is given in annex A.

5.2 Grades
Table 2 shows the types and grades of
particleboards, OSB and cement bonded
particleboards specified in the BS ENs referred to in
this standard.

Table 2 Types and grades of particleboard, OSB and cement bonded particleboard
Board type

Grade

Particleboard
General purpose (for use in dry conditions)
P2
Boards for interior fitments (including furniture) (for use in dry conditions) P3
Load bearing (for use in dry conditions)
P4
Load bearing (for use in humid conditions)
P5
Heavy duty load bearing (for use in dry conditions)
P6
Heavy duty load bearing (for use in humid conditions)
P7
Oriented strand board
General purpose and boards for interior fitments (including furniture)
(for use in dry conditions)
Load bearing (for use in dry conditions)
Load bearing (for use in humid conditions)
Heavy duty load bearing (for use in humid conditions)
Cement bonded particleboard
OPC (ordinary Portland cement) (for use in dry, humid and exterior
conditions)
BSI 1998

References

BS EN 312-2
BS EN 312-3
BS EN 312-4
BS EN 312-5
BS EN 312-6
BS EN 312-7

OSB/1 BS EN 300
OSB/2 BS EN 300
OSB/3 BS EN 300
OSB/4 BS EN 300

BS EN 634-2

BS 7916:1998

Table 3 Selection of boards according to category for domestic flooring

Conditions of use

Material
Particleboard

Installed dry, with no risk of wetting in

P5, P7
service
Risk of wetting during installation or risk of P5, P7
occasional wetting or condensation in
service

OSB

Cement bonded
particleboard

OSB/2, OSB/3, OSB/4 Suitable

OSB/3, OSB/4

Suitable

5.3.2 Hard body impact resistance

It is essential that materials used in domestic
flooring have adequate impact resistance. When
tested in accordance with BS EN 1128, in both the
jointed or un-jointed mode, all the materials listed
in 5.3.1a), b) and c) should have a resistance to hard
body impact of not less than 500 mm drop height.

Pre-cast concrete floors should have a level flat

surface. If deviations occur a levelling screed may be
required.
In all cases where boards are used over in situ
concrete floor construction, a damp proof membrane
(DPM) should be positioned over the slab to protect
the floor deck from residual moisture.

NOTE Hard body impact resistance does not form part of the
specification of any of these materials. Verification of compliance
with this property should therefore be obtained from the supplier.

NOTE 1 A DPM above the slab may not be necessary if there is a

DPM below the slab and the slab moisture content has been
determined as being below 5 %. With polymer modified concrete
and screeds, the guidelines of drying times of one month for
each 25 mm of slab thickness cannot be relied on. Even if the
surface appears dry, moisture can still be retained inside the
concrete or screed.
NOTE 2 Although pre-cast concrete floors are essentially dry,
protection with a vapour control layer (on all floor levels) is
needed to protect against residual moisture resulting from
construction or exposure to weather.

5.3.3 Design
5.3.3.1 Boards on continuous support
Material for boards on continuous support should be
selected from those listed in 5.3.1. The thickness of
boards used for this application is related to the
stiffness and compressive strength of the continuous
underlay.
5.3.3.2 Boards on joists or battens
The joist or batten spacings given in Table 4 are
maximum values for a uniformly distributed load
of 1.5 kN/m2.9)
5.4 Laying and fixing
5.4.1 Boards on continuous support
Before laying a continuously supported floating floor,
it is essential that the subfloor is adequately
prepared. Surface regularity should be class SR2 or
better to BS 8204-1, i.e. maximum 5 mm deviation
from under a 3 m straight edge. Particular attention
should be paid to movement joints and to screed and
bay junctions so as to avoid undulations and other
surface irregularities.

Special care should be taken to ensure that boards

are laid in a dry condition after all wet site
operations such as plastering have been completed.
In dry construction, e.g. timber frame, the overlay
floor should only be installed as a working platform
once the building is watertight. After laying, the floor
should be protected from dirt and moisture. Any
factory applied protective layer should be retained in
place for as long as possible.
A moisture and vapour control layer providing a
resistance to water vapour permeability of at
least 200 MNs/g e.g. a minimum thickness of 250 mm
(1000 gauge) should be laid above the insulation
layer and should be upturned by at least 38 mm
around perimeter walls. Any joints in the sheet
should be lapped by at least 150 mm and the joints
taped with a vapour resistant tape.

Table 4 Joist or batten centres

Dimensions in millimetres
Maximuma joist/batten centres for different material thicknesses

Material

15 mm

Particleboard types P5 and P7

OSB/22)
OSB/32), OSB/42)
Cement bonded particleboard

450

18/19 mm

450
450
610
450

22 mm

610
610

610

See 5.4.2.

It is essential that OSB is laid with the major axis (indicated on the board) at right angles to the support. (See 5.4.2.)

9)

See type A (self-contained dwelling units) in Table 1 of BS 6399-1:1996.

BSI 1998

BS 7916:1998

Proprietary composite floor panels with pre-bonded

plastics insulation of not less than 25 mm have a
relatively high vapour resistance, and it is therefore
acceptable to locate the vapour control layer
beneath the insulation.
Joints along the shorter edges should be staggered.
It is essential that all tongued and grooved joints are
glued.
5.4.2 Boards on a self-supporting floating floor
(with battens)
Timber battens should be preservatively treated in
accordance with BS 5589. Battens should have a
moisture content not exceeding 20 %. Where battens
have been treated with a water-borne preservative
they should be re-dried to a moisture content not
exceeding 20 %.
Battens should not be less than 47 mm wide and the
depth should be greater than the insulation thickness
to allow for shrinkage of the batten resulting from
drying to its equilibrium moisture content. Battens
should be placed at appropriate centres
(see 5.3.3.2).
Before laying the battens, the sub-floor should be
adequately prepared, and moisture conditions
satisfied, as described in 5.4.1. Any gaps beneath the
battens caused by unevenness in the sub-structure
should be packed with a durable material
(e.g. preservatively treated timber, tempered
hardboard, dry mix sand and cement mortar).
Flooring systems designed for acoustic performance
may utilize resilient materials.
A moisture and vapour control layer providing a
resistance of at least 200 MNs/g e.g. a minimum
thickness of 250 mm (minimum 1000 gauge) should be
laid above the battens and insulation layer and
should be upturned by at least 38 mm around
perimeter walls. Any joints in the sheet should be
lapped by at least 150 mm and the joints taped with a
vapour resistant tape.

BSI 1998

5.4.3 Positioning and fixing boards over joists

and battens
It is essential that square-edged boards are supported
continuously along all edges. This is best achieved
for particleboards and for cement-bonded
particleboards by positioning them with their longer
edges butt-jointed on the centreline of a joist or
batten and supporting the short edges by noggings or
counter-battens (see Figure 2a).
Tongued and grooved boards should be laid with
their longer edges across the supports. It is essential
that the joints between the shorter edges are
supported along the centreline of a joist or batten.
To avoid the need for additional support the joist
centres used may need to be less than those given in
Table 4 to accommodate the actual board
dimensions. Support under the long edges of tongued
and grooved boards between correctly spaced joists
is not required.
For both square edged and tongued and grooved
OSB it is essential that they are laid with their long
edges across the joists (see Figure 2b) since they are
stronger parallel to the major axis (see 3.7).
Additionally, for square edged OSB, it is essential
that the long edges are supported by noggings
(not shown in Figure 2b).
When using all types of either square edged or
tongued and grooved boards, joints along the shorter
edges should be staggered and the board length
should generally be not less than two joist spacings.
It is essential that edges around the perimeter of the
floor are continuously supported, either on joists or
noggings.

BS 7916:1998

a) Square-edged boards (other than OSB)

b) Tongued and grooved boards and square edged OSB.

NOTE 1 A similar arrangement applies to boards laid over battens.
NOTE 2 In the case of square edged OSB it is essential that the long edges are
supported by noggings (not shown).

Figure 2 Positioning of boards over joists

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BS 7916:1998

5.4.4 Fixing
All boards should be fastened firmly to joists,
battens or, when used as an overlayment, to an
existing timber floor (see BS 8201). Flat headed ring
shanked nails (3 mm in diameter) or screws should
be used. Unless modified screws are used, they
should be inserted through pre-drilled and
countersunk clearance holes. Their length should be
not less than 2.5 3 thickness of the board. Unless
power nailing is used, cement bounded
particleboards greater than 12 mm in thickness
should be pre-drilled before nailing. When fixing
boards to a steel supporting framework, self-tapping
screws of not less than 4 mm diameter should be
used. The screw point should extend at least 13 mm
below the underside of the steel support.
Fastenings should be spaced at centres not more
than 300 mm apart along both the continuously
supported edges and the intermediate supports.
Fastenings should be at least 8 mm from the edge of
the board. Nail heads should be punched 2 mm
to 3 mm below the surface of the board and screws
should be countersunk. Boards should be glued to
the joists and tongued and grooved joints should
also be glued.
To reduce the risk of creaking, the moisture content
of timber joists should be as near as possible to the
service condition10) when the boards are fixed.
NOTE Polyvinyl acetate (PVAC) adhesive conforming to at least
durability class D1 of BS EN 204 is satisfactory for gluing tongued
and grooved joints, and boards to joists.

5.5 Allowing for movement

It is necessary to allow for possible expansion by
providing a gap whenever boards abut any rigid
upstand such as a perimeter wall, column or
fireplace surround. This gap should be not less
than 10 mm wide. Large floors may need a wider gap
and intermediate expansion gaps to allow for a
possible overall expansion of 2 mm per metre length
of floor. The expansion gaps should be either:
a) left open and masked by a skirting or loose
cover strip; or
b) filled with an easily compressible material, such
as cork.
It is essential that they are kept free from plaster,
mortar droppings and other debris during
construction.

6 Application of boards in
non-domestic flooring
6.1 Selection of material
6.1.1 Suitable board types
It is essential, when selecting boards from those
listed below, that the conditions of use given in
Table 5 are carefully considered. Particleboards
P4, P6 and OSB/2 should not be used where there is
a possibility of their becoming wet in service.
The following are suitable board types:
a) particleboard P4, conforming to BS EN 312-4,
P5 conforming to BS EN 312-5, P6 conforming to
BS EN 312-6 or P7 conforming to BS EN 312-7;
b) oriented strand board type OSB/2, OSB/3 or
OSB/4, conforming to BS EN 300;
c) cement bonded particleboard conforming to
BS EN 634-2.
NOTE Oriented strand board should not be used as the floating
overlay board on a continuously supported floating floor.

6.1.2 Impact resistance

It is essential that materials used in flooring or
special floor construction with restricted deflection
have adequate impact resistance for the intended end
use.
6.1.3 Punching shear (concentrated load)
BS 6399-1 lists floor loadings appropriate to different
occupancy classes of buildings (e.g. residential,
office, retail, industrial, public assembly and
storage). Designers should be aware of the special
problems in use that may relate to boards in order to
satisfy certain concentrated load requirements.
If required by a design, the punching shear capacity
of the selected board type should be determined by
testing in accordance with the method described in
annex B. The design value based on the test results
may be derived by applying the procedures and
factors given in the National Application
Document, 6.2 of DD ENV 1995-1-1:1994.

NOTE Although expansion is the most usual movement

encountered, shrinkage can occur in areas with higher than
average temperatures, e.g. nursing homes, hospitals etc. (See 4.5.)

10)

See BS 5268-2.

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BS 7916:1998

Table 5 Selection of materials for non-domestic flooring according to category of use

Category

Design requirements

Clause

Conditions of use
Dry installation

1. Floating-floor
constructions in
which boards are
continuously
supported

No risk of personal injury in the event of

floor failure

2. Composite
Subject to compliance with performance
floors in which the testing using appropriate loadings in
board is only
BS 6399-1 and designed in accordance
partially load
with prototype testing as defined in
bearing
BS 5268-2

6.2.1

6.2.2

Risk of wetting
during
installation and
risk of
occasional
wetting in
service

P4, P5, P6, P7

P5, P7

OSB/2,
OSB/3,OSB/4

OSB/3, OSB/4

Cement bonded
particleboard

Cement bonded
particleboard

P4, P5, P6, P7

P5, P7

OSB/2, OSB/3
OSB/4

OSB/3, OSB/4

Cement bonded
particleboard

Cement bonded
particleboard

Risk of regular
wetting in
service

Cement bonded
particleboard

Cement bonded
particleboard

3. Light duty
Minimum board thickness 22 mm
suspended floors
at 400 mm joist centres
(including floating
battened floors
with discontinuous
support)
Restricted to
uniformly
distributed load
#2.5 kN/m2 and
concentrated load
#2.7 kN

6.2.3

P4, P5, P6, P7

P5, P7

Not suitable

Minimum board thickness 18 mm

at 400 mm joist centres

6.2.3

OSB/2,OSB/3,
OSB/4

OSB/3, OSB/4

Not suitable

Subject to compliance with performance

testing using the appropriate loadings in
BS 6399-1 and designed in accordance
with prototype testing as defined in
BS 5268-2

6.2.3

P4, P5, P6, P7

P5, P7

Cement bonded
particleboard

OSB/2, OSB/3,
OSB/4

OSB/3, OSB/4

Cement bonded
particleboard

Cement bonded
particleboard

4. Heavy duty
suspended floors
(e.g. warehouses,
storage areas and
mezzanine floors)
Uniformly
distributed load
>2.5 kN/m2 and
concentrated load
>2.7 kN

10

Until structural design values are available, recourse should be made to prototype testing in accordance with
BS 5268-2. Only those materials which meet the design criteria in such tests may be used.

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BS 7916:1998

6.2 Design

7 Application of boards in sheathing

6.2.1 Floating floor constructions in which

boards are continuously supported

7.1 Selection of material

It is essential that materials used in timber framed
wall sheathing be selected from the following:
a) particleboard P5 conforming to BS EN 312-5,
or P7 conforming to BS EN 312-7;
b) oriented strand board type OSB/3, or OSB/4,
conforming to BS EN 300;
c) cement bonded particleboard conforming to
BS EN 634-2.

NOTE See category 1 in Table 5.

Materials should be selected from those listed

in 5.3.1. The thickness of boards used for this
application is related to the stiffness and
compressive strength of the continuous underlay.
6.2.2 Composite floors incorporating wood
based panels, e.g. platform floors and access
floors
NOTE See category 2 in Table 5.

For composite floors it is recommended that type P4,

P5, P6 or P7 particleboard, type OSB/2, OSB/3 or
OSB/4, or cement bonded particleboard should be
used. Where there is a risk of wetting during
installation or occasional wetting in service, only
type P5 or P7 particleboard, type OSB/3, OSB/4, or
cement bonded particleboard are recommended.
6.2.3 Light duty suspended floors including
floating battened floors with discontinuous
support
General offices (see type B; general offices and work
areas not considered elsewhere) are defined in
Table 1 of BS 6399-1:1996 in terms of a maximum
uniformly distributed load no greater than 2.5 kN/m2
and a concentrated load no greater than 2.7 kN.
NOTE See category 3 in Table 5.

For light duty suspended floors, it is recommended

that type P4, P5, P6 or P7 particleboard or type
OSB/3, OSB/4 should be used. Where types P4 or
P5 particleboard are used, it is essential that the
minimum board thickness is not less than 22 mm
with a corresponding maximum joist spacing
of 400 mm. Where OSB/3 or OSB/4 are used it is
essential that board thickness should not be less
than 18 mm. Where there is a risk of wetting during
installation or in service, only types P5 or P7
particleboard, OSB/3, OSB/4 or cement bonded
particleboard are recommended.
6.2.4 Heavy duty suspended floors
Heavy duty suspended floors are defined in terms of
a maximum uniformly distributed load greater
than 2.5 kN/m2 or concentrated load greater
than 2.7 kN.
NOTE See category 4 in Table 5.

Until structural design values are available, recourse

should be made to prototype testing in accordance
with BS 5268-2. Only those materials which meet the
design criteria in such tests may be used.
6.3 Laying and fixing
The recommendations of 5.4 relating to board
orientation, provision of gaps and gluing also apply
to non-domestic floors.

BSI 1998

7.2 Design
The racking resistance of boards should either be as
given in Table 2 of BS 5268-6.1:1996 or obtained by
load testing, in accordance with BS 5268-6.1.
7.3 Fabrication
Fabrication should be carried out in such a way that
any variations in panel dimensions, member sizes,
sheathing and joint details are within the tolerances
given in BS 5268-6.1.
It is necessary to allow for possible expansion by
providing a 3 mm gap between adjacent boards and
a 10 mm gap between the panel and any abutment.
Long walls may need a wider gap and intermediate
expansion gaps to allow for a possible overall
expansion of 2 mm per metre length of wall. This is
in addition to the 3 mm gap required for expansion
between each individual panel.
7.4 Fire protection
Where mandatory regulations require restriction on
the spread of flame, such a requirement should be
observed.

8 Application of boards in flat roofing

8.1 Selection of material
It is essential that boards used as decks in flat
roofing be selected from the following list according
to the category of use given in Table 7:
a) particleboard P5 conforming to BS EN 312-5
or P7 conforming to BS EN 312-7;
b) oriented strand board type OSB/2, OSB/3 or
OSB/4 conforming to BS EN 300;
c) cement bonded particleboard conforming to
BS EN 634-2.
It is essential that materials used in the applications
given in b) in Table 6 should have adequate
resistance to hard body impact. For these
applications the recommendations in 5.3.2 should be
followed.

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BS 7916:1998

8.2 Design
It is essential that the maximum span between joists
for boards of different thicknesses is not greater
than the values given in Table 7.
The values in Table 7 are given on the assumption
that the roof will be constructed in accordance with
accepted design principles for weather resistance,
leakage and control of condensation within the roof.
If the roof construction necessitates the provision of
ventilation, the design should be such as to create an
unrestricted cross flow of air through the structure.
The rate of ventilation depends on the design and
occupancy condition of the building, but should at
least meet the minimum recommendations of
BS 5250.

8.3.2 Protection of boards

During laying, materials should be protected from
the weather and should be dry when the
weatherproof membrane is applied. Alternatively,
boards listed in 8.1 and protected with
weather-resistant covering, such as prefelting, a
resin-film overlay, or metal foil, may be selected in
this case.
It is essential that joints in boards already protected
with a weather-resistant covering are taped on the
day of laying. In this way a temporary protection can
be obtained without the need for further covering.
The protective layer should not be regarded as part
of a permanent water proofing specification.

8.3 Laying
8.3.1 General
Laying and fixing instructions may differ depending
on the covering material to be used. The general
recommendations given in 8.3.2 to 8.3.4 apply to the
majority of flat roof constructions.

Table 6 Selection of materials for use in flat roofing according to category of use
Roof types

Warm deck
a) Flat roofs to buildings where the roof insulation
occurs above the supporting deck and the thermal
design is such that it substantially eliminates the
possibility of condensation within the roof
b) Flat roofs to buildings where the roof insulation
occurs above the supporting deck but the thermal
design does not eliminate the possibility of
condensation or where occupancy conditions are
likely to lead to high levels of humidity
Cold deck
c) Flat roofs to small garages and other similar
unoccupied small buildings without a ceiling
d) Flat roofs to buildings where the insulation
occurs below the supporting deck and adequate
through ventilation of the void between the
insulation and the deck is provided, where a vapour
check at ceiling level is installed and where high
humidity conditions are not likely to occur

Particleboard

OSB

P5, P7

OSB/3, OSB/4

Should not be
used

Should not be
used

P5, P7

OSB/2, OSB/3,
OSB/4

P5, P7

OSB/3, OSB/4

Cement bonded
particleboard

Suitable for all

roof types

NOTE The different occupancy of compartments under a common roof should be taken into account in determining the humidity to
be used in the assessment. For example, where there is adequate cross ventilation between compartments, the occupancy humidity
should be obtained by assessing that prevailing in each compartment in proportion to the roof areas of the compartments.

12

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Table 7 Maximum recommended centres of support for materials used in flat roofs
Dimensions in millimetres
Application

Board
thickness

Types P5 and
P7

a) Roofs of small garages and

similar buildings (without access
except for maintenance)

b) Roofs over habitable areas

where access is provided
(in addition to maintenance and
repair)

c) Roofs over habitable areas

where no access is provided
(other than that necessary for
maintenance and repair)

OSBa

Particleboarda

Type OSB/2

Type OSB/3,
OSB/4

Cement
bonded
particleboarda

11 to 12
15 to 16
18 to 19

450
610

450
610

400
610
610

400
610

15 to 16
18 to 19
22

610

450
610
610

450
450
610

11 to 12
15 to 16
18 to 19
22

450
610

450
610
610
610

300
450
450
610

indicates not suitable.

NOTE 1 Spans relating to use may alternatively be determined by design using the appropriate characteristic values given in
prEN 12369 and modification factors in respect of load duration, strength and deflection given in DD ENV 1995-1-1.
NOTE 2 While it is accepted that the imposed loads in applications a) and c) are similar, site experience has shown that the thickness
quoted for garage and similar buildings provides an adequate construction in these lower risk situations.
NOTE 3 To avoid the need for additional support, the joist centres used may need to be less than those given above to accommodate
the actual board dimensions.

8.3.3 Positioning boards over joists

Boards should be positioned as recommended
in 5.4.3.
8.3.4 Fixing
Boards should normally be fixed directly to the
supporting structure by nailing at 100 mm centres.
The lengths of the nails should be at least 2.5 3 the
board thickness. Boards should be fastened firmly to
the supporting structure. The wind uplift resistance
of fastenings should be checked where relevant. Flat
headed annular grooved nails (3 mm in diameter)
and screws have superior holding power and should
be used in preference to plain shank nails. Unless
power nailing is used, cement bonded particleboards
greater than 12 mm thickness should be pre-drilled
before nailing, or, alternatively, where screws are
used, they should be inserted through pre-drilled and
countersunk clearance holes.

BSI 1998

When fixing boards to a steel supporting framework,

self-tapping screws of not less than 4 mm diameter
should be used. The screw point should extend at
least 13 mm below the underside of the steel
support.
Provision should be made for possible expansion of
the boards by allowing a gap between the edges of
the boards and the perimeter wall or other abutment.
A gap should be provided at the rate of 2 mm per
metre run. A perimeter gap of minimum width 10 mm
should be used.
In addition, for square edged boards, a gap of 3 mm
should be left around the perimeter of each board.

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BS 7916:1998

9 Application of boards in pitched

roofing
9.1 Selection of material
It is essential that boards used in pitched roofs
should be selected from the following:
a) particleboard P5 conforming to BS EN 312-5,
or P7 conforming to BS EN 312-7;
b) oriented strand board type OSB/3 or OSB/4,
conforming to BS EN 300;
c) cement bonded particleboard conforming to
BS EN 634-2.
9.2 Design
Boards may be used in pitched roofs in one of the
following ways:
a) as a supporting decking to roof coverings in
accordance with 9.1 and Table 8;
b) as a lining to a roof of tiles or slates (sarking)
in accordance with 9.1 and laid in accordance
with 8.3, where applicable, with the following
additional recommendations:
1) suitable roof underlays in accordance with
BS 5534:1997 should be laid over the
particleboard;
2) centres of support should not exceed those
given in Table 8.
Only cement bonded particleboard may be used in
pitched roofs in continuously humid conditions.

10 Application of boards in furniture

and built-in fitments
10.1 Application categories
10.1.1 General
The two main application categories of use in
furniture and built-in fitments are differentiated by
the surface and edging treatments applied to the
materials. Additional categories cover applications
requiring enhanced strength or improved resistance
to moisture.

10.1.2 Core boards

Within this category boards are used essentially as
core materials for the manufacture of panels. The
appearance, surface characteristics and stiffness in
bending of the panels are determined largely by the
presence of relatively thick surfacing materials, such
as wood veneers and plastics laminates of
thickness 0.5 mm or greater.
The resistance of the panel edges to impact damage
and the strength of joints between panels are
determined largely by the presence of solid wood
lippings of 10 mm thickness or greater bonded to the
edges of the panels.
Typical applications include domestic table tops and
panels with moulded wood edges for use in
reproduction furniture.
10.1.3 Panel boards
Within this category, the quality of the boards has a
major effect on the performance of the finished
panels as the surfacing and edging materials
contribute little to strength properties. Panels to be
surfaced with wood veneers, plastics laminates, foils
or liquid applied finishes with thicknesses less
than 0.5 mm and panels edged with wood lippings
less than 10 mm width, or with strip edging
materials, are included in this category. Panels with
postformed edge treatments and wrapped mouldings
are also included, as a board with enhanced core
strength is required to ensure no breakout of core
particles when the edges are profiled.
Typical applications include case goods, kitchen
units and shop fitments.
10.1.4 Boards with enhanced impact resistance
Boards used for some applications, such as
upholstered chair frames, bed bases and chair seats,
may require a high level of impact resistance in
order to resist certain types of damage associated
with the manufacturing process or conditions of use
in these items.

Table 8 Centres of support for materials used for lining a pitched roof of tiles or slates
Dimensions in millimetres
Thickness

8 to 9
11 to 12
15 to 16
18 to 19

Particleboard types P5 and P7

400
450
610

OSB/3, OSB/4

610a
450
610
610

Cement bonded particleboard

300
450
500
610

a Suitable only where roof coverings (e.g. slates and tiles) are independently supported on battens, secured to counter battens. In all
other cases, roof coverings may be attached directly to the board.
NOTE 1 Spans relating to the use of types P5 and P7 should be determined by design using the appropriate modification factors in
respect of load durations, strength and deflection given in DD ENV 1995-1-1.
NOTE 2 Where boards form part of a composite construction, the figures may vary in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations.
NOTE 3 To avoid the need for additional support, the joist centres used may need to be less than those given above to accommodate
the actual board dimensions.

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10.1.5 Boards with enhanced stiffness in

bending
Boards used for load bearing horizontal surfaces may
require enhanced stiffness in bending to limit
deflection in heavy duty applications.
Deflection limits for different use categories are
specified in BS 4875-7 and -8. In assessing the
requirements of boards for these uses, account may
be taken of the stiffening effect of wood veneers,
plastics laminates or other stiff surfacing materials
bonded to both faces. In addition to ensuring an
acceptable maximum initial deflection, some
allowance should be made at the design stage for
subsequent creep under sustained load conditions.
Typical applications include office storage systems,
library book shelves and contract shelving systems.

10.3.3 Machinability of boards

Various factors such as wood type, binder content,
wood density and grit content affect the
machinability of boards. Good machining
characteristics are important requirements for boards
which are to be edge profiled or used for vee
grooving applications. A method for assessing the
grit content of boards is given in ISO 3340. Where
intensive machining operations such as profile
moulding and vee grooving are to be carried out,
boards with a grit content (assessed on a sample of
full board thickness) not exceeding 0.05 % should be
selected or specified.
10.3.4 Surface texture
Boards to be used for laminating with
resin-impregnated papers or thermoplastic foils, or
for finishing by direct painting or printing, should
have a finer surface texture, no large individual chips
and a higher resistance to changes in surface texture
than boards that are to be surfaced with stiff
surfacing skins such as wood veneer or plastics
laminates.

10.1.6 Boards with improved moisture

resistance
Wood-based panels used for applications where they
may be subject to intermittent wetting or prolonged
exposure to conditions in excess of 85 % r.h. should
be constructed from boards with improved
resistance to moisture. Additionally, surface and
edges should be adequately sealed to reduce the risk
of water penetration.
Typical applications include kitchen worktops and
bathroom fitments.

10.4 Design
10.4.1 Edge treatments
Where boards are used for applications where water
spillage is likely, for example in kitchen or bathroom
fitments, all edges should be effectively sealed with
adhesive bonded edging tape or otherwise treated
with a sealant.

10.2 Selection of materials

It is essential that boards used for the construction
of furniture or fitments be selected from the types
given in Table 9.

10.4.2 Screws and fittings

Requirements for the resistance to the axial
withdrawal of screws do not form part of the
specifications of the particleboards referred to in this
standard; however, it is recommended that, when
tested in accordance with BS EN 320, the mean
resistance to axial withdrawal of wood screws from
the face of the board shall be greater than 500 N, and
greater than 450 N from the edge.
Additional screwholding strength can be achieved by
using particle board screws or fittings which
distribute applied loads over the widest possible
area.

10.3 Additional properties

10.3.1 General
Boards used for some furniture applications may
require additional characteristics to those covered by
the basic strength requirements. These are given in
10.3.2 to 10.3.4.
10.3.2 Flatness
Flatness shall be in accordance with 6.4 of
BS 4965:1991, when tested using either of the
methods described in annex C of BS 4965:1991.

Table 9 Selection of material for use in furniture or fitments

Application/requirement

Material types
Particleboard

Core boards
Panel boards
Enhanced stiffness
Improved moisture
resistance
BSI 1998

P3
P3
P3, P4, P5, P6, P7
P5, P7

Oriented strand board

OSB/1,
OSB/1,
OSB/1,
OSB/3,

OSB/2, OSB/3, OSB/4

OSB/2, OSB/3, OSB/4
OSB/2, OSB/3, OSB/4
OSB/4

Cement bonded particleboard

Boards should be sanded

Boards should be sanded

15

BS 7916:1998

11 Selection and use of wood

fibreboards
11.1 General
This clause gives guidance on the types and grades
of wood fibreboard which can be considered for use
in various applications. The list of applications
covers only those common uses in the construction
industry. It is not intended that the use of the
materials is restricted solely to these applications.
The choice of fibreboard for a particular application
will depend on a number of factors, of which
strength and durability will be paramount. Guidance
on the use of wood fibreboards in specific
applications can be found in the standards referred
to in this clause.
Where appropriate standards are not available for a
particular application, users should refer to
manufacturer's guidance; alternatively, it may be
necessary to undertake appropriate type testing
and/or third party assessment to demonstrate
suitability for purpose.

12 Grades
Table 10 lists the wood fibreboard types from which
grades for a particular application should be
selected.

13 Selection of material
Table 11 gives guidance on boards which can be
considered for use in various construction related
applications. It also lists those design considerations
which may be important when selecting between
different board types.

NOTE Until such time as the introduction of appropriate

European Standards, grade references given in the British
Standards referred to in this standard will need to be substituted
with the relevant grades listed in Tables 10 and 11. Comparative
guidance is given in annex A.

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Table 10 Types and grades of wet and dry process wood fibreboard
Board type

Softboard
General purpose (for use in dry conditions)
General purpose (for use in humid conditions)
General purpose (for use in exterior conditions)
Load bearing (for use in dry conditions)
Load bearing (for use in humid conditions)
Low density medium board
General purpose (for use in dry conditions)
General purpose (for use in humid conditions)
General purpose (for use in exterior conditions)
High density mediumboard
General purpose (for use in dry conditions)
General purpose (for use in humid conditions)
General purpose (for use in exterior conditions)
Load bearing (for use in dry conditions)
Heavy duty load bearing (for use in dry conditions)
Load bearing (for use in humid conditions)
Heavy duty load bearing (for use in humid conditions)
Hardboard
General purpose (for use in dry conditions)
General purpose (for use in humid conditions)
General purpose (for use in exterior conditions)
Load bearing (for use in dry conditions)
Load bearing (for use in humid conditions)
Heavy duty load bearing (for use in humid conditions)
Medium density fibreboard (MDF)
General purpose (for use in dry conditions)
General purpose (for use in humid conditions)
Load bearing (for use in dry conditions)
Load bearing (for use in humid conditions)
a

Grade

References

SB
SB.H
SB.E
SB.LS
SB.HLSb

BS EN 622-4

MBL
MBL.H
MBL.E

BS EN 622-3

MBH
MBH.H
MBH.E
MBH.LA1
MBH.LA2
MBH.HLS1b
MBH.HLS2b

BS EN 622-3

HB
HB.H
HB.E
HB.LA
HB.HLA1
HB.HLA2
MDF
MDF.H (option 1)a
MDF.H (option 2)a
MDF.LA
MDF.HLS (option 1)ab
MDF.HLS (option 2)ab

BS EN 622-2

BS EN 622-5

Two options are available:

option 1 boards are suitable for interior humid conditions only;
option 2 boards are suitable for use uncoated in environments falling under biological hazard classes 1 and 2 of BS EN 335-3.

For exterior applications, only MDF.H and MDF.HLS (option 2) boards should be used. Unless the inherent and/or conferred properties
of the board are adequate, it would be necessary to complement an option 2 board with an appropriate exterior coating system prior to
using it in a biological hazard class 3 environment (see 3.14 to 3.17).
Manufacturer's guidance should be sought on the use and protection of option 2 boards.
b

These boards are restricted under humid conditions to instantaneous or short periods of loading.

BSI 1998

17

BS 7916:1998

Table 11 Guidance on the use of wood fibreboards in construction

Application

Softboard

Mediumboard

Hardboard

Architectural
mouldings

Medium
density
fibreboard
(MDF)

Design consideration

MDF

- Strength and stability

MDF.H

- Humidity condition

Application
references

BS 1186-3

MDF.LA
MDF.HLS
Box and I-beam
webs

HB.HLA2

External
(non-structural)a

MBL.E
MBH.E

HB.E

- Strength and stability

MDF.H
(option 2)

BS 5268-2

- Durability
- Surface finishes

MDF.HLS
(option 2)
Flat roof
insulation overlay

SB.H

- Durability

BS 6229

SB.E
SB.HLS

Formwork lining

HB.H

- Durability

HB.E

- Number of re-uses

HB.HLA1

- Strength and stability

HB.HLA2
Internal wallb
lining

SB

MBL

HB

MDF

- Strength and stability

SB.LS

MBH

HB.H

MDF.H

- Dimensional movement

MBL.H

HB.LA

MDF.LA

- Performance in fire

MBH.H

HB.HLA1

MDF.HLS

- Impact resistance

MBH.LA1

HB.HLA2

- Surface coatings

MBH.LA2
MBH.HLS1
MBH.HLS2
Movement joint
fillers

SB.H

- Durability

SB.E

- Compression and
recovery

DoE
Specification for
road and bridge
works

Overlay to
structural floors

SB: Timber floors MBH

HB

MDF

- Strength and stability

BS 8201

SB.LS

MBH.H

HB.H

MDF.H

- Wear resistance

SB.H and
SB.HLS: Timber
and concrete
floors

MBH.LA1

HB.LA

MDF.LA

- Humidity condition

MBH.LA2

HB.HLA1

MDF.HLS

- Surface coverings

MBH.HLS1

HB.HLA2

- Dimensional movement

MBH.HLS2

18

BSI 1998

BS 7916:1998

Table 11 Guidance on the use of wood fibreboards in construction (continued)

Application

Roof sarking

Softboard

Mediumboard

Hardboard

Medium
density
fibreboard
(MDF)

Design consideration

Application
references

SB.H

MBL.H

HB.E

- Impact resistance

BS 5534-1

SB.E

MBL.E

HB.HLA1

- Humidity condition

BS 8000-6

HB.HLA2

- Strength and stability

SB.HLS

- Durability
Sheathing

SB.HLS

MBH.HLS1

HB.HLA2

- Strength and stability

MBH.HLS2

BS 5268-6

- Impact
- Vapour permeability
- Dimensional movement

Staircases

MDF

- Loading requirement

MDF.H

- Humidity condition

BS 585-2

MDF.LA
MDF.HLS
Windowboards

MDF.H

- Strength and stability

MDF.HLS

- Humidity condition

BS 1186-3

a The adequate performance of a material designated for external applications may be dependent upon the use of an appropriate
exterior coating system. Manufacturer's recommendations should be followed.
b Wood fibreboards typically have a surface spread of flame rating of no greater than class 3 when tested to BS 476-7, although some
boards can be post-treated or are available from the manufacturer with either a class 1 rating to BS 476-7 or a class 0 rating in
compliance with the Building Regulations.

BSI 1998

19

BS 7916:1998

Annex A (informative)
Nearest fit comparison between British
Standard board designations and
European Standard designations
Tables A.1, A.2, A.3, and A.4 below are intended for
guidance only, in order to assist during the period of
transition from British Standard (BS) specifications to
European Standard (BS EN) specifications.
The tables indicate the nearest fit comparison
between the grades given in BS 5669-2, -3, -4 and
BS 1142 to those given in BS EN 312-2, -3, -4, -5, -6
and -7, BS EN 300, BS EN 634-2 and BS EN 622-2, -3, -4
and -5.

Comparisons have been made between both properties

and also intended end uses. Since the system used to
characterize board types is different between the
BS and BS EN specifications, it should not be assumed
that the presence of a comparison for a particular
board type means that the boards have exactly the
same specification values.

Table A.1 Particleboard

BS 5669-2

BS EN 312-2, -3, -4, -5, -6 and -7

Use description

BS type

General purpose use (dry conditions)

Boards for interior fitments (furniture)
Load bearing (dry conditions)
Moisture resistant (not load bearing)
Load bearing (moisture resistant)
No equivalent
Heavy duty load bearing
(moisture resistant)

C1
C1A
C2
C3(M)
C4(M)

C5

BS EN type

P2
P3
P4

P5
P6
P7

Use description

General purpose (dry conditions)

Boards for interior fitments (furniture)
Load bearing (dry conditions)
No equivalent grade (use P5)
Load bearing (humid conditions)
Heavy duty load bearing (dry conditions)
Heavy duty load bearing
(humid conditions)

Table A.2 Oriented strand board

BS 5669-3

BS EN 300

Use description

BS type

BS EN type

General purpose and boards for interior

fitments including furniture

F1

OSB/1

General purpose (unconditioned)

Load bearing (humid conditions)
(conditioned)
No equivalent

F1
F2

OSB/2
OSB/3

OSB/4

Use description

General purpose and boards for interior

fitments including furniture
(dry conditions)
Load bearing (dry conditions)
Load bearing (humid conditions)
Heavy duty load bearing
(humid conditions)

Table A.3 Cement bonded particleboard

BS 5669-4

BS EN 634-2

Use description

Internal use (dry conditions)

Internal and external use

20

BS type

T1
T2

BS EN type

OPC bonded particleboard

Use description

No equivalent
For use in dry, humid and
exterior conditions
BSI 1998

BS 7916:1998

Table A.4 Wood fibreboards

BS 1142

BS EN 622-2, -3, -4 and -5

Use description

Hardboard
Standard hardboard (dry conditions)
No equivalent (nearest match)
No equivalent (nearest match)
Standard hardboard (dry conditions)
Tempered hardboard (humid
conditions)
Tempered hardboard (humid
conditions)
Low density mediumboard
Low density mediumboard (normal)
Low density mediumboard (extra)
No equivalent
High density mediumboard
High density mediumboard (normal)
High density mediumboard (extra)
No equivalent
No equivalent (nearest match)
No equivalent (nearest match)
No equivalent (nearest match)
No equivalent
Softboard
Softboard (normal)
Softboard (impregnated)
No equivalent
No equivalent
No equivalent (nearest match)
(sarking and sheathing grade)
Medium density fibreboard
Medium density fibreboard
Medium density fibreboard (moisture
resistant) (option 1 only)
No equivalent
No equivalent

BSI 1998

BS type

BS EN type

Use description

SHB/SHC
SHA/THN
THN
THN
THN

HB
HB.H
HB.E
HB
HB.HLA1

General purpose (dry conditions)

General purpose (humid conditions)
General purpose (exterior conditions)
Load bearing (dry conditions)
Load bearing (humid conditions)

THE

HB.HLA2

Heavy duty load bearing (humid conditions)

LMN
LME

MBL
MBL.H
MBL.E

General purpose (dry conditions)

General purpose (humid conditions)
General purpose (exterior conditions)

HMN
HME

HME

HME

MBH
MBH.H
MBH.E
MBH.LA1
MBH.LA2
MBH.HLS1
MBH.HLS2

General purpose (dry conditions)

General purpose (humid conditions)
General purpose (exterior)
Load bearing (dry conditions)
Heavy duty load bearing (dry conditions)
Load bearing (humid conditions)
Heavy duty load bearing (humid conditions)

SBN
SBI

SBS

SB
SB.H
SB.E
SB.LS
SB.HLS

General purpose (dry conditions)

General purpose (humid conditions)
General purpose (exterior conditions)
Load bearing (dry conditions)
Load bearing (humid conditions)

MDF
MDFMR

MDF
MDF.H

General purpose (dry conditions)

General purpose (humid conditions)

MDF.LA
MDF.HLS

Load bearing (dry conditions)

Load bearing (humid conditions)

21

BS 7916:1998

Annex B (informative)
Determination of punching shear
(concentrated load)
B.1 Principle
A load is applied to the surface of a rigidly supported
test specimen, via a punch (loading head) of specified
area, until the maximum applied load is obtained.
B.2 Apparatus
B.2.1 Punching shear test rig, as shown in Figure B.1.
The test rig should be capable of applying sufficient
load to cause the test specimen to fail and should be
fitted with appropriate circular punch sizes. It should
be capable of testing all the common thicknesses of
boards and of encompassing punch sizes of 25 mm
to 200 mm in diameter. It should have a steel
supporting plate and a clamping device. The steel
supporting plate shall have a thickness of Lmin/20,
where Lmin is the minimum side length of the test
specimen (see B.3), and a circular aperture at its
centre with a diameter, D, rounded to the
nearest 10 mm, of:
D = 6T + d + 25
where
T
d

is the board thickness in millimetres;

is the punch size in millimetres.

B.4 Procedure
Mark the diagonals on one face of the test specimen.
Measure the thickness at a point on each
diagonal 25 mm from each corner, to the
nearest 0.1 mm, using a micrometer.
Calculate the test specimen thickness to the
nearest 0.1 mm from the mean of the four values.
Place the test specimen in the support fixture as
shown in Figure B.1. Rigidly clamp the test specimen
so that no uplift occurs at the board edges when
loaded.
Position the complete assembly in the testing machine
so that the centre of the punch is directly over the
intersection of the diagonal marks.
Apply a continuously increasing load to the test
specimen until the maximum applied load is attained.
The movement of the punching head shall be
controlled by a constant rate of loading such that the
maximum applied load is obtained after 300 s 120 s.
B.5 Results and analysis
The test results should be expressed to the
nearest 0.1 N.
The following should be obtained:
the mean ultimate punching shear load W (in N);
failure diameter and actual failure plane area.

The supporting frame should be rigid.

B.2.2 Adequate ancillary equipment to measure all
the necessary loads and deformations and to record
and store all the test data continuously during each
test. Where the accuracy of the equipment is specified,
the equipment should be periodically calibrated.
B.3 Test specimens
Test specimens should be square with a minimum side
length Lmin, in millimetres, of:
Lmin = D + 75
where
D

is the diameter of the circular aperture of the

supporting plate in millimetres.

Test specimens should be conditioned to constant

mass at (20 2) C and (85 5) % r.h. Constant mass is
considered to have been achieved when the results of
two successive weighing operations, carried out at an
interval of 24 h, do not differ by more than 0.1 % of the
mass of the test specimens.

22

BSI 1998

BS 7916:1998

a) Test rig

b) Support plate
All dimensions are in millimetres

Figure B.1 Layout of punching shear test rig

BSI 1998

23

BS 7916:1998

Bibliography
Standards publications
BS 476-7:1997, Fire tests on building materials and structures Method of test to determine the classification
of the surface spread of flame of products.
BS 585-2:1985, Wood stairs Specification for performance requirements for domestic stairs constructed of
wood based materials.
BS 1142:1989, Specification for fibre building boards.
BS 1186-3:1990, Timber for and workmanship in joinery Specification for wood trim and its fixing.
BS 4875-7:1985, Strength and stability of furniture Methods for determination of strength of storage
furniture.
BS 4875-8:1985, Strength and stability of furniture Methods for determination of stability of storage
furniture.
BS 4965:1991, Specification for decorative laminated plastics sheet veneered boards and panels.
BS 5250:1989, Code of practice for control of condensation in building.
BS 5268-2:1996, Structural use of timber Code of practice for permissible stress design, materials and
workmanship.
BS 5268-6.1:1996, Structural use of timber Code of practice for timber frame walls Dwellings not
exceeding four storeys.
BS 5534-1:1997, Code of practice for slating and tiling Design.
BS 5589:1989, Code of practice for preservation of timber.
BS 5669-1:1989, Particleboards Methods of sampling, conditioning and test.
BS 6229:1982, Code of practice for flat roofs with continuously supported coverings.
BS 6399-1:1996, Loading for buildings Code of practice for dead and imposed loads.
BS 8000-6:1990, Workmanship on building sites Code of practice for slating and tiling of roofs and
claddings.
BS 8201:1987, Code of practice for flooring of timber, timber products and wood-based panel products.
BS 8204-1:1987, Screeds, bases and in situ floorings Code of practice for concrete bases and screeds to receive
in situ flooring.
BS EN 204:1991, Classification of non-structural adhesives for joining wood and derived timber products.
BS EN 300:1997, Oriented strand boards (OSB) Definitions, classifications and specifications.
BS EN 309:1992, Wood particleboard Definition and classification.
BS EN 312-1:1997, Particleboards Specifications General requirements for all board types.
BS EN 312-2:1997, Particleboards Specifications Requirements for general purpose boards for use in dry
conditions.
BS EN 312-3:1997, Particleboards Specifications Requirements for boards for interior fitments (including
furniture) for use in dry conditions.
BS EN 312-4:1997, Particleboards Specifications Requirements for load-bearing boards for use in dry
conditions.
BS EN 312-5:1997, Particleboards Specifications Requirements for load-bearing boards for use in humid
conditions.
BS EN 312-6:1997, Particleboards Specifications Requirements for heavy duty load-bearing boards for use
in dry conditions.
BS EN 312-7:1997, Particleboards Specifications Requirements for heavy duty load-bearing boards for use
in humid conditions.
BS EN 316:1993, Wood fibreboards Definitions, classification and symbols.
BS EN 320:1993, Fibreboards Determination of resistance to axial withdrawal of screws.

24

BSI 1998

BS 7916:1998

BS EN 335-1:1992, Hazard classes of wood and wood based products against biological attack Classification
and hazard classes.
BS EN 335-3:1996, Hazard classes of wood and wood based products against biological attack Application to
wood-based panels.
BS EN 622-1:1997, Fibreboards Specifications General requirements.
BS EN 622-2:1997, Fibreboards Specifications Requirements for hardboards.
BS EN 622-3:1997, Fibreboards Specifications Requirements for medium boards.
BS EN 622-4:1997, Fibreboards Specifications Requirements for softboards.
BS EN 622-5:1997, Fibreboards Specifications Requirements for dry process boards (MDF).
BS EN 633:1994, Cement-bonded particleboards Definition and classification.
BS EN 634-1:1995, Cement-bonded particleboards Specifications General requirements.
BS EN 634-2:1997, Cement-bonded particleboards Specifications Requirements for OPC bonded
particleboards for use in dry, humid and exterior conditions.
BS EN 1128:1996, Cement-bonded particleboards Determination of hard body impact resistance.
DD ENV 1995-1-1:1994, Eurocode 5 Design of timber structures General rules and rules for buildings.
prEN 12369, Wood-based panels Characteristic values for established products.
prEN 1195, Timber structures The testing of structural floor decking.
prEN 12869-2, Wood based panels Structural floor decking on joists Part 2 Performance requirements.
ISO 3340, Fibre building boards Determination of sand content.

Other documents
[1] The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 1994, published by The Stationery
Office, London.
[2] Platform floors: technical guidance. PSA MOB 01-707, published by the Property Services Agency, 198111).
[3] Specification for road and bridge works, published by the Department of the Environment12).

11) Obtainable from Schall Property Services (Publications group), 3rd floor, The Lansdowne Building, Lansdowne Road, Croydon, Surrey
CRO 2BX.
12)

Obtainable from The Stationery Office, 49 High Holborn, London WC1V 6HB.

BSI
389 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 4AL

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