EN 14521:2004
(Main)Resilient floor coverings - Specification for smooth rubber floor coverings with or without foam backing with a decorative layer
Resilient floor coverings - Specification for smooth rubber floor coverings with or without foam backing with a decorative layer
This European Standard specifies the characteristics of smooth, grained or embossed rubber coverings with a decorative surface layer, with or without a foam backing supplied in either tile or roll form.
This European Standard includes a classification system based on intensity of use, which shows where resilient floor coverings should give satisfactory service (see EN 685). It also specifies requirements for marking, labelling and packaging.
Elastische Bodenbeläge - Spezifikation für ebene Elastomer-Bodenbeläge mit oder ohne Schaumunterschicht mit einer dekorativen Schicht
Diese Europäische Norm legt die Eigenschaften von ebenen, genarbten oder geprägten Elastomer-Bodenbelägen mit einer dekorativen Oberflächenschicht fest, die mit oder ohne eine Schaumunterschicht versehen sein können und in Platten- oder Rollenform geliefert werden.
Diese Europäische Norm enthält ein Klassifizierungssystem auf der Grundlage der Nutzungsintensität, das zeigt, wo für diese Bodenbeläge ein zufriedenstellender Nutzen möglich wäre (siehe EN 685). Die Norm legt auch die Anforderungen zur Kennzeichnung fest.
Revêtements de sol résilients - Spécification des revêtements de sols lisses en caoutchouc avec ou sans sous-couche en mousse avec couche décorative
La présente Norme européenne spécifie les caractéristiques des revêtements de sol en caoutchouc lisses, grainés ou à relief avec couche décorative et avec ou sans sous-couche en mousse, en dalle ou en rouleau.
La présente Norme européenne comporte un système de classification reposant sur l'intensité d'utilisation, qui indique où il convient que les revêtements de sol résilients donnent satisfaction (voir l'EN 685). Elle spécifie également des exigences de marquage, d'étiquetage et d'emballage.
Elastične talne obloge – Specifikacija za gladke gumene talne obloge s penastim hrbtiščem ali brez njega z dekoracijo
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 08-Jun-2004
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Dec-2004
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 134 - Resilient and textile floor coverings
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 134/WG 7 - Resilient floor coverings
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 07-Jun-2023
- Completion Date
- 11-Feb-2026
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Refers
EN ISO 24346:2012 - Resilient floor coverings - Determination of overall thickness (ISO 24346:2006) - 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
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Overview
EN 14521:2004 - Resilient Floor Coverings sets out specifications for smooth rubber floor coverings with or without foam backing, incorporating decorative layers. Established by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), this standard applies to floor coverings supplied in tile or roll form with smooth, grained, or embossed surfaces. EN 14521:2004 provides a comprehensive classification system for the intended intensity of use, establishes key performance requirements, and details essential marking, labelling, and packaging practices for manufacturers and suppliers across Europe.
Key Topics
Material Specifications
The standard covers both natural and synthetic rubber floor coverings, focusing on products with decorative surface layers. It addresses products with either a solid rubber or a foam-backed construction and includes variants with smooth, grained, or embossed finishes.Performance Requirements
EN 14521:2004 stipulates minimum properties, including:- Overall thickness
- Dimensional stability
- Resistance to abrasion, indentation, stains, and heat (such as from cigarettes)
- Flexibility and hardness
- Colour fastness to artificial light These characteristics are tested and verified using referenced European and international test methods.
Classification System
The standard uses the EN 685 classification to define the recommended usage, ranging from domestic to industrial settings. Classification is based on critical criteria such as thickness and pattern depth, ensuring products perform appropriately under different levels of use.Marking, Labelling, and Packaging
Products and packaging must be clearly marked with information including the standard reference, manufacturer details, product identifiers, color/pattern, batch/roll number, classification symbol, and dimensions.Optional Properties
For specialized applications, the standard suggests evaluating additional properties such as electrical resistance, electrostatic propensity, and resistance to furniture movement and stains.
Applications
EN 14521:2004 floor coverings are widely used in a variety of environments where durability, resilience, and aesthetic quality are essential. These include:
Residential Applications
- Living rooms, hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms benefit from the comfort, slip resistance, and easy maintenance offered by smooth rubber flooring.
Commercial Spaces
- Offices, retail stores, educational facilities, and healthcare environments often choose resilient floor coverings for their high wear resistance, hygiene, and design flexibility.
Industrial Settings
- Light industrial premises use these coverings in areas exposed to moderate mechanical stress, leveraging the standard’s assurance of stability and durability.
Public Buildings
- Spaces with high foot traffic - such as airports, train stations, and municipal buildings - utilize rubber floor coverings classified for heavy or very heavy commercial use per EN 685 standards to ensure long-lasting performance.
Choosing products compliant with EN 14521:2004 helps specifiers, architects, and end-users ensure that flooring solutions meet rigorous safety, durability, and quality benchmarks.
Related Standards
EN 14521:2004 references several related European and international standards to ensure uniformity in testing, classification, and performance assessment:
- EN 685: Classification of resilient, textile, and laminate floor coverings by use intensity
- EN 426, EN 427, EN 428: Determination of dimensions and thickness
- EN 433, EN 434, EN 435: Measurement of indentation, dimensional stability, and flexibility
- EN 1399: Resistance to burning cigarettes
- ISO 4619, ISO 7619-1: Abrasion resistance and indentation hardness
- EN 1081, EN 1815, EN 423, EN 424: Electrical properties and resistance to staining and furniture movement
Selecting resilient floor coverings in line with EN 14521:2004 facilitates compliance with European quality standards, supporting robust, visually appealing, and safe flooring installations across diverse sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 14521:2004 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Resilient floor coverings - Specification for smooth rubber floor coverings with or without foam backing with a decorative layer". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies the characteristics of smooth, grained or embossed rubber coverings with a decorative surface layer, with or without a foam backing supplied in either tile or roll form. This European Standard includes a classification system based on intensity of use, which shows where resilient floor coverings should give satisfactory service (see EN 685). It also specifies requirements for marking, labelling and packaging.
This European Standard specifies the characteristics of smooth, grained or embossed rubber coverings with a decorative surface layer, with or without a foam backing supplied in either tile or roll form. This European Standard includes a classification system based on intensity of use, which shows where resilient floor coverings should give satisfactory service (see EN 685). It also specifies requirements for marking, labelling and packaging.
EN 14521:2004 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.150 - Floor coverings. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 14521:2004 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to CEN ISO/TS 19139:2009, EN ISO 4918:2021, EN ISO 24346:2012, EN ISO 23999:2025, EN ISO 10874:2012, EN 663:1994, EN ISO 24344:2012, EN 12466:1998, EN ISO 24343-1:2012, EN ISO 24342:2024, EN ISO 105-B02:1999, EN 15742:2009, EN 1399:1997, EN ISO 24341:2012, EN 660-1:1999. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 14521:2004 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)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Elastische Bodenbeläge - Spezifikation für ebene Elastomer-Bodenbeläge mit oder ohne Schaumunterschicht mit einer dekorativen SchichtRevetements de sol résilients - Spécification des revetements de sols lisses en caoutchouc avec ou sans sous-couche en mousse avec couche décorativeResilient floor coverings - Specification for smooth rubber floor coverings with or without foam backing with a decorative layer97.150Netekstilne talne oblogeNon-textile floor coveringsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 14521:2004SIST EN 14521:2004en01-november-2004SIST EN 14521:2004SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 14521June 2004ICS 97.150English versionResilient floor coverings - Specification for smooth rubber floorcoverings with or without foam backing with a decorative layerRevêtements de sol résilients - Spécification desrevêtements de sols lisses en caoutchouc avec ou sanssous-couche en mousse avec couche décorativeElastische Bodenbeläge - Spezifikation für ebeneElastomer-Bodenbeläge mit oder ohneSchaumunterschicht mit einer dekorativen SchichtThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 April 2004.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards 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 translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the officialversions.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, Slovakia,Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2004 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 14521:2004: ESIST EN 14521:2004
Optional properties.9 Bibliography.10
1 Scope This European Standard specifies the characteristics of smooth, grained or embossed rubber coverings with a decorative surface layer, with or without a foam backing supplied in either tile or roll form. This European Standard includes a classification system based on intensity of use, which shows where resilient floor coverings should give satisfactory service (see EN 685). It also specifies requirements for marking, labelling and packaging. 2 Normative references This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including amendments). EN 425, Resilient and lamin
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