EUROPEAN EN 335-2

STANDARD NORME
EUROPÉENNE August 2006

EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 71.100.50 Supersedes EN 335-2:1992

English Version

Durability of wood and wood-based products - Definition of use

classes - Part 2: Application to solid wood

Durabilité du bois et des produits dérivés du bois -

Dauerhaftigkeit von Holz und Holzprodukten - Definition der
Définition des classes d'emploi - Partie 2 : Application
Gebrauchsklassen - Teil 2: Anwendung bei Vollholz
au bois massif

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 7 July 2006.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such
national standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COM I TÉ EUR OP É EN DE N O R M A L I S AT I
ON E U R O P Ä I S C H ES KOM I TEE F ÜR
NORMUN G

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2006 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means
Ref. No. EN 335-2:2006: E
reserved worldwide for CEN national Members.
EN 335-2:2006 (E)

Contents Page

Foreword.................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................ 4
1 Scope............................................................................................................................................................ 5
2 Normative references................................................................................................................................... 5
3 Terms and definitions.................................................................................................................................. 5

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4 Use classes: application to solid wood...................................................................................................... 6
4.1 Use class 1.................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Use class 2.................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.3 Use class 3.................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.4 Use class 4.................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.5 Use class 5.................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.6 Summary of use classes for solid wood.................................................................................................... 7
Annex A (informative) Guide for the application to solid wood in relation to durability....................................8
A.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................... 8
A.2 General decision making............................................................................................................................. 8
A.3 General precautions................................................................................................................................... 12
A.4 Natural or conferred durability of solid wood.......................................................................................... 12
Bibliography............................................................................................................................................................. 13

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 EN 335-2:2006

Foreword
This document (EN 335-2:2006) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 38 “Durability of wood
and derived materials”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2007, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn
at the latest by February 2007.

This document supersedes EN 335-2:1992.

EN 335 is divided into three parts, Part 1 gives general definitions of use classes in different service
situations, Part 2 concerns their application to solid wood and Part 3 concerns their application to wood-based
panels

The revision of EN 335-2 is in accordance with ISO 21887 (under preparation).

NOTE Attention of users is drawn to the need to avoid misinterpretation of any numbering system using classes for
timber which cannot correspond exactly to the European use classes defined in this part of EN 335.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.

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EN 335-2:2006 (E)

Introduction
The classes described in this part of EN 335 are based on an existing classification agreed by the
European Homologation Committee (EHC) in 1981 and published in the EHC reference document in 1984.

Proposals for altering the five classes of EHC classification have been considered, particularly the
possibility of harmonisation with other classes used outside Europe. It has, however, been judged that five
classes are the most appropriate solution to European conditions.

The possibility of harmonisation between the three moisture categories of Eurocode 5 (EN 1995-1-1) and the
five classes of all parts of EN 335 has been carefully studied. The latter have been adjusted as far as possible.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that the two systems use different criteria to achieve different ends.

Any user may utilise the appropriate part of EN 335 to identify the "use class" of a given service environment
and geographical location. Table 1 will assist in determining the biological agents that can attack timber in that
situation. The user can then consider the type and duration of performance required, select an appropriate
level of durability and ensure that the timber or wood-based product specified has that durability either, as a
natural (see EN 350-2) or an acquired characteristic as the result of appropriate preservative treatment (see
EN 351-1).

NOTE At the moment EN 350-2 gives information with regard only to solid wood. EN 351-1 considers only
the performance of preservative-treated solid wood.

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 EN 335-2:2006

1 Scope
This part of EN 335 offers guidance on the application to solid wood of the use classes, as defined in Part 1 of
EN 335, in relation to the biological agents that can attack solid wood and solid wood panels.

NOTE Due to their specific behaviour against biological agents, solid wood panels are considered in this part of EN
335, as solid wood.

This Part shall be used in conjunction with Part 1 of EN 335.

Annex A gives information and guidance for the user to determine the appropriate use class and to select a
suitable level of durability (either natural or conferred by preservative treatment). It does not give guidance on
protective measures other than preservative treatment.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

None applicable.

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this European Standard, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1
protected
subject to design and construction measures intended to prevent excessive exposure to the direct effects of
the weather

3.2
solid wood
wood, sawn or otherwise machined which may include finger jointed and/or laminated wood

NOTE Adapted from EN 1001-2:2005, 1.39

3.3
solid wood panel
wood-based panel consisting of pieces of timber glued together at their edges and, if multi-layer, on
their faces

[EN 12775:2001, 4.1]

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EN 335-2:2006 (E)

4 Use classes: application to solid wood

4.1 Use class 1

In this environment the moisture content of solid wood is such that the risk of attack by surface moulds or by
staining or wood-destroying fungi is insignificant (that is the wood shall have a moisture content of maximum
20 %1) in any part for practically the whole of its service life). However, attack by wood-boring insects,
including termites, is possible although the frequency and importance of the insect risk depends on the
geographical region2).

4.2 Use class 2

In this environment the moisture content of solid wood occasionally exceeds 20 %, either in the whole or only
in part of the component and thus allows attack by wood-destroying fungi.

NOTE For timbers whose use includes a decorative function, disfigurement can also occur as a result of the growth
of surface moulds and staining fungi.

Risk of insect attack is similar to that for use class 12).

4.3 Use class 3

In this environment solid wood can be expected to have a moisture content above 20 % frequently, and thus it
will often be liable to attack by wood-destroying fungi.

NOTE For timbers whose use includes a decorative function, disfigurement can also occur as a result of the growth
of surface moulds and staining fungi.

Risk of insect attack is similar to that for use class 1 2).

4.4 Use class 4

In this environment solid wood has a moisture content in excess of 20 % permanently and is liable to attack by
wood-destroying fungi.

NOTE Termites may be an additional problem in certain geographical regions. Additionally, the above-ground (or
above-water) portion of certain components, for example fence posts, may be attacked by wood-boring beetles 2).

4.5 Use class 5

In this environment solid wood has a moisture content in excess of 20 % permanently. Attack by invertebrate
marine organisms is the principal problem, particularly in the warmer waters where organisms such as
Limnoria spp., Teredo spp. and Pholads can cause significant damage.

NOTE The above water portion of certain components, for example harbour piles, can be exposed to wood-boring
insects, including termites 2).

1)
Determined according to ISO 3130.
2)
Beetles are present throughout Europe (including overseas regions of European countries), but the risk of attack varies greatly from
high to insignificant. Local or national experts should be consulted for advice on the risk of insect attack

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 EN 335-2:2006

4.6 Summary of use classes for solid wood

Table 1 gives typical moisture content levels for solid wood and a summary of the biological agents which may
attack it in the various use classes.

Table 1 — Summary of use class moisture content conditions and attacking biological agents for solid
wood

Description of Occurrence of biological agentsa

Use class General service exposure to
situation a wetting in Marine
Fungi Beetles Termites
service borers
b

dry
1 interior, covered - U L -
max 20%
interior, or occasionally
2 covered U L -
> 20% Uc

3.1 occasionally
> 20% Uc U L -
exterior above
ground, protected
3
3.2 frequently
exterior, above > 20% Uc U L -
ground,
unprotected
4.1
predominantly
exterior in U L -
or permanently Ud
ground contact
> 20%
and/or fresh
4
water
4.2
exterior in permanently U L -
Ud
ground (severe) > 20%
and/or fresh
water
5 permanently
in salt water Ud U
e
L
e U
> 20%

U = universally present in Europe and UE territories

L = locally present in Europe and UE territories

a
Due to only locally criticality of exposure and the need of targeted prescription, sub-classification of biological
agents is possible locally.
b
The risk of attack can be insignificant according to specific situations and geographical locations.
c
Disfiguring + decay fungi.
d
Disfiguring + decay + soft rot fungi.
e
The above water portion of certain components can be exposed to wood-boring insects, including termites..

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EN 335-2:2006 (E)

Annex A
(informative)

Guide for the application to solid wood in relation to durability

A.1 Introduction
The purpose of this annex is to facilitate the use of this standard by providing:

 information on decision making;

 general considerations related to the durability of wood components made of solid wood;

 information on assigning use classes.

A.2 General decision making

Using the decision sequence represented in Figure A.1, the user may select suitable material for the intended
end-use environment. The steps may be summarized as follows:

a) Consider the performance required of the component.

b) Determine the use class of the situation in which the wood component will be used and the biological
agents that threaten it (see Figure A.2 for wood above ground and Figure A.3 for wood in ground or water
contact).

c) Assess whether the natural durability of the wood to be used is sufficient or if preservative treatment is
required.

d) Select for the component a more durable species of wood or choose another solution (design) or
preservative protection.

e) If preservative treatment is required, select the appropriate treatment taking into account the
biological agents against which protection is necessary.

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 EN 335-2:2006

Commodity

Determine use class

EN 335-1 and EN 335-

Figure A.1— General decision making sequence for selection of solid wood appropriate for the use
Select wood
species class

if possible or appropriate
Determine natural durability EN 350-2 select another wood species
change design

yes Is natural durability appropriate

no
to use class ?

PreservativePreservative
treatment nottreatment
necessarynecessary

Decide retention / penetration: EN 351-1

Determine treatability
of the selected wood species EN 350-2

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no ?
Is treatability appropriate

yes

Select wood preservative EN 599-1

Select appropriate treatment process

yes Check compliance no

Final use

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EN 335-2:2006 (E)

Component above ground

exposed to moisture
no yes

frequently exposed to weather

or wetting
no yes

1 2 3

protected b not
protected
3.1 a
3.2 a
Insect attack likely Insect attack likely Insect attack likely
no yes no yes no yes

both both both

coleoptera and coleoptera and termites coleoptera and termites
termites no yes no yes no yes

Coleoptera termites Coleoptera termites Coleoptera termites

yes yes yes yes yes yes

No
hazard 1c 3.1 or 3.1or 3.2 3.1or3.2 3.1or 3.2
1t 1ct 2f* 2fc* 2ft* 2fct*
3.2 f* fc* ft* fct*
f = fungi; c = coleoptera; t = termites
Protection may be specified against all coleoptera (c)or against individual insects (Anobium, Hylotrupes or Lyctus).
*Protection may also be specified against blue stain in service and moulds as an option where f applies.
a
1–2-3 represent use classes; 3.1 and 3.2 represent service situations depending on the severity of the situation (climate or installation)
b
See 3.1.

Figure A.2. — General decision making sequence for the identification of use classes and associated agents : Solid wood - Above ground
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EN 335-2:2006
 EN 335-2:2006 (E)

Component in ground and/or in fresh water contact Component in salt water

4a 5a

Not severe Severe

4.1 a 4.2 a

Insect attack likely Insect attack likely Insect attack likely

NoYes NoYes NoYes

Both Both Both

coleoptera and termites coleoptera and termites coleoptera and termites
NoyesNoyesNoyes

Coleopteratermites Coleopteratermites Coleopteratermites

yes yes yes yes yes yes

4.1 f* 4.1 fc* 4.1 ft* 4.1 4.2 f* 4.2 fc* 4.2 ft* 4.2 fct* 5f* 5fc* 5ft* 5fct*
fct*
f = fungi; c = coleoptera; t = termites
Protection may be specified against all coleoptera (c)or against individual insects (Anobium, Hylotrupes or Lyctus).
* Protection may also be specified against blue stain in service and moulds as an option where f applies.
a) 4 and 5 represent use classes and 4.1 - 4.2, represent service situations.

Figure A.3 — General decision making sequence for the identification of use classes and associated agents : Solid wood - In ground and/or in
water contact

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EN 335-2:2006 (E)

A.3 General precautions

If the use class for a component when in use cannot be accurately determined, or when different parts of the
same component are deemed to be in different use classes, decisions should be taken with regard to the
more severe of the possible use classes. In situations where wood components out of ground contact may
permanently accumulate water due to their design or surface deposits, it may be necessary to consider that
these situations are equivalent to contact with the ground or fresh water. This risk can vary from insignificant
to significant. It has been recognized that some components in use classes 4 and 5 will not be completely in
ground or water contact. The part protruding from the ground or water can be susceptible to attack from
additional organisms not normally associated with these use classes.

If a wood component is inaccessible or if the consequences of its failure would be particularly serious, it may
be more appropriate to consider a more durable timber or a more intensive preservative treatment than usual
for the perceived use class. The different durability and treatability of sapwood and heartwood should always
be considered.

For some wood preservatives, a risk of leaching exists if the treated wood component is not sufficiently
protected from weathering after treatment and before being put into service. This applies particularly to
components in use classes 1 and 2 that are exposed to the weather during construction. Under such
circumstances and if the specified wood preservative is leachable, it is essential that the wood component is
covered or otherwise protected after treatment and during transport and construction, as well as in service.

Timber handling and building practice during construction, quality of maintenance, type and integrity of applied
surface coatings and compatibility between treatments and coatings, are among the factors which can affect
the performance of treated wood and which should be considered during the development of the specification.

A.4 Natural or conferred durability of solid wood

The natural durability of solid wood can depend to a large extent upon:

 species;

 presence of heartwood or sapwood.

Improved durability may be conferred on solid wood by preservative treatment. The methods of treatment that
may be used depend upon:

 species;

 presence of heartwood or sapwood;

 preservative product used and the penetration and retention values selected from EN 351-1.

For the natural durability of wood, see EN 350-2.

For the penetration and retention combinations available, see EN 351-1.

For the performance of wood preservatives, see EN 599-1.

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 EN 335-2:2006 (E)

Bibliography
[1] EN 350-2, Durability of wood and wood-based products — Natural durability of solid wood — Part 2:
Guide to natural durability and treatability of selected wood species of importance in Europe 3)

[2] EN 351-1, Durability of wood and wood-based products — Preservative-treated solid wood — Part 1:
Classification of preservative penetration and retention 3)

[3] EN 460, Durability of wood and wood-based products — Natural durability of solid wood — Guide to
the durability requirements for wood to be used in hazard classes

[4] EN 599-1, Durability of wood and wood-based products — Performance of preventive wood
preservatives as determined by biological tests — Part 1: Specification according to hazard class

[5] EN 1001-2, Durability of wood and wood-based products — Terminology — Part 2:Vocabulary

[6] ISO 3130, Wood — Determination of moisture content for physical and mechanical tests

[7] ISO 21887, Durability of wood and wood-based products — Definition of use classes (under
preparation)

[8] EN 335-1, Durability of wood and wood-based products — Definition of use classes — Part 1: General

[9] EN 12775, Solid wood panels — Classification and terminology

3)
Under revision.

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