EN 12369-2:2025
(Main)Wood-based panels - Characteristic values for structural design - Part 2: Plywood
General Information
- Abstract
This document provides information on the characteristic values for use in designing structures incorporating wood-based panels. The characteristic values given are as defined in EN 1995 1 1.
When utilizing the classification system for derivation of plywood characteristic values, this document can only be applied with reference to EN 636.
This document includes the characteristic values of the mechanical properties for plywood complying with EN 636 in bending, tension, compression, panel shear and planar shear. EN 636 classifies bending properties into two sets of classes, one for stiffness and another for strength. Stiffness and strength in tension and compression are related to the same properties in bending.
For shear properties, fixed values determined by correlation to density are provided.
Where optimized values are needed, the characteristic values are determined directly by testing in accordance with EN 789 and EN 1058 or by combination of testing according to the latter two standards and calculation according to EN 14272.
This document applies to panels complying with the three following conditions:
— 5 layers or more and 6 mm overall thickness and more;
— the ratio of the cumulative thickness of veneers in alternate directions does not exceed 2.5;
— wood species with a mean density greater than 350 kg/m3 and not exceeding 750 kg/m3.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 16-Sep-2025
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 112 - Woodbased panels
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 112/WG 4 - Test methods
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 17-Sep-2025
- Due Date
- 02-Apr-2026
- Completion Date
- 17-Sep-2025
Overview
EN 12369-2:2025 - Wood-based panels - Characteristic values for structural design - Part 2: Plywood (CEN) provides the characteristic mechanical and density values to be used when designing structures that incorporate plywood. The standard aligns its characteristic definitions with EN 1995-1-1 (Eurocode 5) and is intended to be used together with the EN 636 plywood classification system. EN 12369-2:2025 supersedes the 2011 edition and adds missing property values and clarifications for structural design.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability:
- Applies to plywood with 5 or more plies and overall thickness ≥ 6 mm.
- Cumulative veneer thickness ratio in alternate directions ≤ 2.5.
- Wood species mean density > 350 kg/m³ and ≤ 750 kg/m³.
- Characteristic values provided for:
- Bending strength and bending stiffness (separate classification for strength and stiffness per EN 636).
- Tension and compression - derived from bending properties.
- Panel shear and planar shear - shear values correlated to density (fixed values provided).
- Characteristic and mean density and guidance on percentile definitions (5th percentile for strength/density, 50th for mean stiffness).
- Methods for optimized values:
- Determination by testing according to EN 789 and EN 1058, or by combined testing and calculation per EN 14272.
- Design context:
- Values are given for moisture conditions corresponding to 20 °C and 65% relative humidity.
- Values must be modified for service class and load duration using kmod / kdef per EN 1995-1-1.
- Documentation and presentation:
- Manufacturers may present characteristic values following the informative format in Annex A.
- Annex B explains conversion/correlation factors (informative).
Applications
- Structural design and verification of plywood used in buildings and engineering works.
- Selection of plywood grades and lay-ups for floors, roofs, formwork, shear panels and other load-bearing elements.
- Use in specifications, product data sheets and conformity documentation for construction projects.
- Basis for structural calculations under Eurocode 5 when plywood is part of engineered timber systems.
Who should use this standard?
- Structural and civil engineers performing timber design to EN 1995-1-1 (Eurocode 5).
- Plywood manufacturers, product certifiers and test laboratories.
- Architects, specifiers and contractors specifying plywood for load-bearing applications.
- Regulatory bodies and standards committees harmonizing plywood performance data.
Related standards
- EN 1995-1-1 (Eurocode 5)
- EN 636 (Plywood classification)
- EN 789, EN 1058, EN 14272 (testing/calculation methods)
- EN 323 (density determination), EN 635 (surface classes), EN 13986
- ISO 13061-2 (replaces ISO 3131 reference)
Keywords: EN 12369-2:2025, plywood characteristic values, structural design, Eurocode 5, EN 636, plywood mechanical properties, bending strength, shear modulus, plywood density.
Relations
- Replaces
EN 12369-2:2011 - Wood-based panels - Characteristic values for structural design - Part 2: Plywood - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2023
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
EN 636:2012 - Plywood - Specifications - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 12369-2:2025 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Wood-based panels - Characteristic values for structural design - Part 2: Plywood". This standard covers: This document provides information on the characteristic values for use in designing structures incorporating wood-based panels. The characteristic values given are as defined in EN 1995 1 1. When utilizing the classification system for derivation of plywood characteristic values, this document can only be applied with reference to EN 636. This document includes the characteristic values of the mechanical properties for plywood complying with EN 636 in bending, tension, compression, panel shear and planar shear. EN 636 classifies bending properties into two sets of classes, one for stiffness and another for strength. Stiffness and strength in tension and compression are related to the same properties in bending. For shear properties, fixed values determined by correlation to density are provided. Where optimized values are needed, the characteristic values are determined directly by testing in accordance with EN 789 and EN 1058 or by combination of testing according to the latter two standards and calculation according to EN 14272. This document applies to panels complying with the three following conditions: — 5 layers or more and 6 mm overall thickness and more; — the ratio of the cumulative thickness of veneers in alternate directions does not exceed 2.5; — wood species with a mean density greater than 350 kg/m3 and not exceeding 750 kg/m3.
This document provides information on the characteristic values for use in designing structures incorporating wood-based panels. The characteristic values given are as defined in EN 1995 1 1. When utilizing the classification system for derivation of plywood characteristic values, this document can only be applied with reference to EN 636. This document includes the characteristic values of the mechanical properties for plywood complying with EN 636 in bending, tension, compression, panel shear and planar shear. EN 636 classifies bending properties into two sets of classes, one for stiffness and another for strength. Stiffness and strength in tension and compression are related to the same properties in bending. For shear properties, fixed values determined by correlation to density are provided. Where optimized values are needed, the characteristic values are determined directly by testing in accordance with EN 789 and EN 1058 or by combination of testing according to the latter two standards and calculation according to EN 14272. This document applies to panels complying with the three following conditions: — 5 layers or more and 6 mm overall thickness and more; — the ratio of the cumulative thickness of veneers in alternate directions does not exceed 2.5; — wood species with a mean density greater than 350 kg/m3 and not exceeding 750 kg/m3.
EN 12369-2:2025 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 79.060.10 - Plywood. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 12369-2:2025 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12369-2:2011, EN 1995-1-1:2004, EN 635-3:1995, EN 1995-1-1:2004/A1:2008, EN 635-2:1995, EN 789:2004, EN 323:1993, EN 1995-1-1:2004/A2:2014, EN 636:2012+A1:2015, EN 12871:2010, EN 16351:2021, EN 14272:2011, EN 636:2012, EN 13986:2004+A1:2015, EN 13986:2004. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 12369-2:2025 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 305/2011; Standardization Mandates: M/113. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 12369-2:2025 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2025
Lesne plošče - Karakteristične vrednosti za projektiranje - 2. del: Vezane plošče
Wood-based panels - Characteristic values for structural design - Part 2: Plywood
Holzwerkstoffe - Charakteristische Werte für die Berechnung und Bemessung von
Holzbauwerken - Teil 2: Sperrholz
Panneaux à base de bois - Valeurs caractéristiques pour la conception des structures -
Partie 2: Contreplaqué
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 12369-2:2025
ICS:
79.060.10 Vezan les Plywood
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 12369-2
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
September 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 79.060.10 Supersedes EN 12369-2:2011
English Version
Wood-based panels - Characteristic values for structural
design - Part 2: Plywood
Panneaux à base de bois - Valeurs caractéristiques Holzwerkstoffe - Charakteristische Werte für die
pour la conception des structures - Partie 2: Berechnung und Bemessung von Holzbauwerken - Teil
Contreplaqué 2: Sperrholz
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 6 July 2025.
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 CEN-CENELEC Management Centre 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 CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12369-2:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Symbols . 6
4.1 Main symbols . 6
4.2 Subscripts . 6
5 General. 7
6 Characteristic values for plywood . 7
6.1 Introduction . 7
6.2 Bending, tension and compression . 8
6.2.1 General. 8
6.2.2 Strength . 8
6.2.3 Modulus of elasticity . 9
6.3 Shear properties. 11
6.4 Characteristic density and mean density . 11
7 Material property values to be used for the structural design according to
EN 1995-1-1 . 12
7.1 General. 12
7.2 Additional supplementary material properties for Eurocode 5 (EN 1995-1-1,
EN 1995-1-2, EN 1995-2) . 13
7.2.1 Mean density (ρ ) and characteristic density (ρ ) . 13
mean k
7.2.2 Characteristic modulus of elasticity and rigidity values . 14
7.2.3 Compressive strength (f ) bearing and compressive and tensile stiffness (E
c,flat,k ct,flat,mean
and E ), out of plane . 14
ct,flat,k
7.2.4 Tensile strength (f ) perpendicular to the face of the panel, out of plane . 14
t,flat,k
7.2.5 Bending strength (f and f ) in edgewise loading in plane . 15
m,0,edge,k m,90,edge,k
Annex A (informative) Format for the presentation of characteristic values . 16
Annex B (informative) Information about the conversion factors . 18
Bibliography . 20
European foreword
This document (EN 12369-2:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 112 “Wood-
based panels”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
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 March 2026, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by March 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 12369-2:2011.
— where values required by EN 1995-1-1 for plywood panels have been missing, this document
provides additional properties in Clause 7 to be used in the structural design according to
EN 1995-1-1;
— the symbols used in wood-based panels product standards, test standards and in EN 1995-1-1 do not
match exactly to each other. This document gives advice how to use design properties when the
structural design is performed according to EN 1995-1-1;
— normative reference to ISO 3131 replaced by reference to ISO 13061-2;
— values for classes F 35 and E 35 mentioned in EN 636 introduced by interpolation.
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 1995-1-1.
The EN 12369 series Wood-based panels — Characteristic values for structural design is currently
composed of the following parts:
— Part 1: OSB, particleboards and fibreboards;
— Part 2: Plywood;
— Part 3: Solid wood panels.
Annex A and Annex B are informative.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document provides information on the characteristic values for use in designing structures
incorporating wood-based panels. The characteristic values given are as defined in EN 1995-1-1.
When utilizing the classification system for derivation of plywood characteristic values, this document
can only be applied with reference to EN 636.
This document includes the characteristic values of the mechanical properties for plywood complying
with EN 636 in bending, tension, compression, panel shear and planar shear. EN 636 classifies bending
properties into two sets of classes, one for stiffness and another for strength. Stiffness and strength in
tension and compression are related to the same properties in bending.
For shear properties, fixed values determined by correlation to density are provided.
Where optimized values are needed, the characteristic values are determined directly by testing in
accordance with EN 789 and EN 1058 or by combination of testing according to the latter two standards
and calculation according to EN 14272.
This document applies to panels complying with the three following conditions:
— 5 layers or more and 6 mm overall thickness and more;
— the ratio of the cumulative thickness of veneers in alternate directions does not exceed 2.5;
3 3
— wood species with a mean density greater than 350 kg/m and not exceeding 750 kg/m .
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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.
EN 323, Wood-based panels — Determination of density
EN 635-2, Plywood — Classification by surface appearance — Part 2: Hardwood
EN 635-3, Plywood — Classification by surface appearance — Part 3: Softwood
EN 789:2004, Timber structures — Test methods — Determination of mechanical properties of wood based
panels
EN 1995-1-1:2004, Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures — Part 1-1: General — Common rules and
rules for buildings
EN 13986:2004+A1:2015, Wood-based panels for use in construction — Characteristics, evaluation of
conformity and marking
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
As impacted by EN 1995-1-1:2004/A1:2008, EN 1995-1-1:2004/A2:2014 and EN 1995-1-1:2004/AC:2006.
3.1
characteristic value
value of a material property relating to limit state design, for use in the design of timber structures,
elements, assemblies and component
Note 1 to entry: As defined in EN 1995-1-1, this value corresponds to a specified percentile of the assumed
distribution of the property under consideration.
Note 2 to entry: For plywood determined as stipulated in this document.
3.2
service class 1
class characterized by a moisture content in the materials corresponding to a temperature of 20 °C and
the relative humidity of the surrounding air exceeding 65 % for only a few weeks per year
Note 1 to entry: In these conditions the moisture content of coniferous plywood can be expected not to exceed
12 %.
[SOURCE: EN 1995-1-1:2004, 2.3.1.3, modified – Moisture content for plywood has been added in Note 1
to entry.]
3.3
service class 2
class characterized by a moisture content in the materials corresponding to a temperature of 20 °C and
the relative humidity of the surrounding air exceeding 85 % for only a few weeks per year
Note 1 to entry: In these conditions the moisture content of coniferous plywood can be expected not to exceed
18 %.
[SOURCE: EN 1995-1-1:2004, 2.3.1.3, modified – Moisture content for plywood has been added in Note 1
to entry.]
3.4
service class 3
climatic conditions leading to higher moisture content in the materials than in service class 2
Note 1 to entry: In these conditions the moisture content of coniferous plywood can be expected to exceed 18 %.
[SOURCE: EN 1995-1-1:2004, 2.3.1.3, modified – Moisture content for plywood has been added in Note 1
to entry.]
3.5
load duration class
class characterized by the effect of a constant load acting for a certain period of time in the life of the
structure
Note 1 to entry: For a variable action, the appropriate class is determined on the basis of an estimate of the
interaction between the typical variation of the load with time and the rheological properties of the materials.
Note 2 to entry: For strength and stiffness calculations, actions are assigned to one of the load-duration classes
given in Table 1, derived from EN 1995-1-1.
Table 1 — Load duration classes
Order of accumulated
Load duration class duration of characteristic Examples of loading
load
Permanent More than 10 years Self weight
Long-term 6 months to 10 years Storage
Medium-term 1 week to 6 months Imposed load
a
Short-term Less than 1 week Snow and wind
Instantaneous — Accidental load
a
In areas which have a heavy snow load for a prolonged period of time, part of the load should be regarded as
medium-term.
3.6
lay-up
thickness and arrangement of the plies
3.7
composition
factors compounding the lay-up plus the combination of wood species
4 Symbols
4.1 Main symbols
E Modulus of elasticity (defined as stiffness in EN 1995-1-1:2004), (N/mm )
f Strength (N/mm )
G Shear modulus (N/mm )
k Factor for modification in strength (kmod) or stiffness (kdef) after a period of time relative to initial
values. Values are included in EN 1995-1-1
ρ Density of a wood species or of plywood (kg/m )
0 In the direction of the grain of the outer layer of plywood
90 Perpendicular to the grain of the outer layer of plywood
4.2 Subscripts
c Compression
k Characteristic (5th percentile)
m Bending
r Planar shear
t Tension
v Panel shear
w Wood species
p Panel
Mean Mean (50th percentile)
mod related to modification factor for strength
def related to modification factor for deflection
5 General
In this document the 5th percentile defines the characteristic value for:
— strength;
— density;
— modulus of elasticity where buckling, as an example, may be expected in service.
Otherwise the population 50th percentile defines the characteristic mean value of the modulus of
elasticity and shear modulus.
The strength properties are log-normally distributed. Stiffness properties and density are normally
distributed.
The characteristic value is derived in panels with moisture content as determined by a temperature of
20 °C and a relative humidity of 65 %.
All structural calculations shall be done in accordance with EN 1995-1-1.
Where panels are structurally used under service class 1, 2 and 3 conditions, performance values inferred
by the classification and listed in Table 2 and Table 3 shall be modified according to the service class and
the duration of load (kmod, kdef).
Manufacturers utilizing the EN 636 classification system for determination of characteristic values may
present these values in a format similar to that in Annex A.
The characteristic values shall be supported by the following information:
— product description;
— product specifications;
— service class or classes in which the panel can be used;
— details of the veneer species and grade, and of the composition;
— density of the panel.
6 Characteristic values for plywood
6.1 Introduction
Characteristic values for plywood can be determined by one of two distinct methods as described in
Clause 1. The following tables in this clause provide the characteristic values for plywood based on the
EN 636 Classification System.
The class values given in these tables shall be modified appropriately for service class and load duration
in accordance with the requirements of EN 1995-1-1.
NOTE A data analysis has provided a conservative property relationship:
— to bending for tension and compression values and;
— to density for shear values.
See Annex B for more information on this relationship.
6.2 Bending, tension and compression
6.2.1 General
Testing according to EN 310 and application of the procedure in EN 326-2 for internal control enables
the classification of the panels according to their composition and performances.
Characteristic values are provided for bending strength (see Table 2) and bending stiffness (see Table 3)
for the classes as specified by the EN 636 Classification System. Table 1 and Table 2 in
EN 636:2012+A1:2015 give the current threshold performance levels required to be achieved for the
purpose of classification.
Although classification for strength and stiffness are independent of ea
...