Each entry is quoted from its source and linked to it. The full set is in the standards reference.
What laminate is made of, and what EN 13329 says about thickness
EN 13329 defines laminate flooring as a rigid floor covering with a multiple layer structure, its core usually particleboard, MDF or high density fibreboard (HDF, at least 800 kg/m³) and a backer that balances and stabilises it; it sets thickness only as a tolerance of 0.50 mm against the nominal value, and classifies every laminate for levels of use by the requirements of its Table 2.
“rigid floor covering, typically in a plank or tile format, with a multiple layer structure: e.g. backer, substrate, décor and worked edges that allow the product to be joined together to form a larger integral unit … It is generally a particleboard, as defined in EN 309, or a dry process fibreboard (MDF) as defined in EN 316 or a so called High Density Fibreboard (HDF) which is a MDF-board with a density ≥ 800 kg/m3. … layer opposite to the surface layer used to balance and stabilize the product … Thickness of the element, (t) without underlay Δtaverage ≤ 0,50 mm, relative to nominal value … All laminate floor coverings shall be classified as suitable for different levels of use according to the requirements specified in Table 2, when tested by the methods given therein.”
Source: EN 13329:2016+A1:2017 - Laminate floor coverings (SIST preview of the standard, clauses 3.1 and 3.3, Table 1)Laminate: the use class decides, not the thickness
Egger, a maker of laminate, says the thickness of a laminate or multilayer modular floor is not decisive for its suitability; what matters is the correct use class for the area. It makes laminate from 6 to 12 mm, and warns that an underlay that is too thick can harm the click joints and the efficiency of underfloor heating.
“For the suitability and use of multi-layer modular flooring (MMFA, EN 16511) and laminate flooring (EPLF, EN 13329) in the respective area of application, the thickness or gauge of the flooring is not decisive. It is important that the floor covering chosen has the correct stress class, which is approved and recommended for this area. EGGER produces laminate flooring and multi-layer modular floor coverings in thicknesses ranging from 6 to 12 mm. … If the impact sound underlay is too thick and not sufficiently pressure-resistant, this can have a detrimental effect on the durability / fitting accuracy of the click connections and also on the efficiency of the underfloor heating.”
Source: EGGER Flooring - FAQs, questions and answers (web page)EN ISO 10874 — use classes
EN ISO 10874 sets out a classification of floor coverings by area and intensity of use; the classes are 21, 22 and 23 for domestic use, 31 to 34 for commercial use and 41 to 43 for industrial use.
| Class 21 | Domestic moderate/light |
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| Class 22 | Domestic general/medium |
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| Class 23 | Domestic heavy |
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| Class 31 | Commercial moderate |
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| Class 32 | Commercial general |
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| Class 33 | Commercial heavy |
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| Class 41 | Industrial moderate |
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| Class 42 | Industrial general |
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| Class 43 | Industrial heavy |
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“In EN ISO 10874 a classification system for different use classes is described, with references to the relevant product standards.”
Source: How to use the Floor Covering Standard Symbols (FCSS) — EUFCA, symbols per EN 15398How flat the subfloor must be for click laminate
The EPLF gives as typical manufacturer tolerances for click laminate a maximum deviation of 2 mm under a straightedge over 1 m and 3 mm over 2 m, and allows no individual sharp height differences larger than 1.2 mm.
| Max. deviation over 1 m, click laminate (typical) | 2 mm |
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| Max. deviation over 2 m, click laminate (typical) | 3 mm |
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“Typical tolerances provided by manufacturer’s instructions for systems with mechanically assembled panels (without glue) are: … for two reference points 1.00 m apart, max. permissible vertical deviation is 2 mm … for two reference points 2.00 m apart, max. permissible vertical deviation is 3 mm … Individual sharp vertical height differences larger than 1.2 mm are not permitted”
Source: EPLF Technical Bulletin - Installation of Laminate Floor Coverings (English edition 06/2022), European Producers of Laminate Flooring, 5.4.1 Inspection of surface evennessWhat an underlay is actually for
The MMFA groups the benefits of an underlay under floating multilayer modular flooring into three headings: ensuring a satisfactory installation by levelling unevenness, permanently protecting the floor against wear and against rising residual building moisture, and improving the floor's properties in terms of impact sound, walking noise, heat insulation and walking comfort.
“The requirements for suitable underlays are aimed at protecting the floor from daily wear and tear such as falling objects and walking, as well as shielding the floor from rising residual building moisture or damp.”
Source: Underlays — MMFA (Multilayer Modular Flooring Association)EN 16354 — how an underlay’s impact sound value is declared
EN 16354 specifies the test methods for the technical characteristics of underlays under laminate floor coverings, impact sound among them, and sets requirements for marking. Neither the standard nor the trade associations publish a typical impact sound figure: the EPLF's technical bulletin says an underlay's ISLam value should be at least 14 dB, tested with the reference floor covering described in EN 16354, and any higher figure on a data sheet is a product-specific declaration by that manufacturer.
| Minimum ISLam impact sound value recommended by the EPLF for an underlay under laminate | 14 dB |
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“The test methods are described in EN 16354 'Laminate floor coverings - Underlays - Specifications, requirements and test methods'. The ISLam value of an underlayment for footstep soundproofing should be at least 14 dB. To express the ISLAM value the reference floor covering described in EN16354:2018 (clause 3.5) has to be used for tests.”
Source: EPLF Technical Bulletin - Underlay Materials under Laminate Floor Coverings - Test Standards and Performance Indicators (English edition 12/2022) · second sourceThe expansion gap
The EPLF, the European association of laminate flooring producers, recommends an edge gap of 8 mm to 12 mm on all sides of a floating floor, so that the covering can expand and contract without lifting.
| recommended edge gap on all sides | 8 to 12 mm |
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“To accommodate such changes, a edge spacing should be observed on all sides. A free space of 8 mm to 12 mm is recommended.”
Source: EPLF Technical Bulletin — Installation of Laminate Floor Coverings (06/2022), 6.4 Edge gapsBS EN 13329 — laminate floor coverings
BS EN 13329 specifies the characteristics, requirements and test methods for laminate floor coverings with a surface layer based on aminoplastic thermosetting resins, including requirements for marking and packaging. It also contains a classification system based on EN ISO 10874 for areas and levels of use, and it does not cover areas subject to frequent wetting such as bathrooms, laundry rooms or saunas.
“BS EN 13329 specifies characteristics, requirements, and test methods for laminate floor coverings with a surface layer based on amino plastic thermosetting resins. BS EN 13329 specifies requirements for marking and packaging.”
Source: BS EN 13329:2016+A2:2021 | 31 Oct 2021 | BSI Knowledge
