The specification of wood finishes according to building regulations requires precise knowledge of the regulatory frameworks in force in each jurisdiction. Regulatory differences between countries can significantly affect the technical and economic viability of architectural projects, especially when it comes to natural wood interior finishes in public-use buildings or those with specific safety requirements.
Regulations in North America
United States: International Building Code (IBC)
The 2021 IBC sets requirements based on occupancy and height. Interior finishes are classified according to ASTM E84:
- Class A: Flame Spread Index ≤ 25
- Class B: FSI 26-75
- Class C: FSI 76-200
NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) supplements these requirements for escape routes. Natural wood panels can achieve Class A through specific treatments.
Canada: National Building Code (NBC)
The 2020 NBC adopts an approach similar to the U.S. but incorporates specific climatic considerations. Materials must comply with CAN/ULC-S102 for flame spread classification.
European Regulatory Framework
Spain: Technical Building Code (CTE)
The Basic Document SI (Safety in Case of Fire) establishes the requirements for interior finishes based on the building’s occupancy and height. Wood finishes must meet specific classifications:
- Ceilings and walls in escape routes: Class B-s1,d0 as a minimum
- Wood finishes in other spaces: Class C-s2,d0 up to D-s2,d0 depending on use
- Floors: Specific BFL-s1 classification for flooring
Parklex Prodema’s NATURPANEL-W products meet these requirements, allowing their use in spaces with strict regulatory demands.
The NATURPANEL-W panels achieve a B-s2,d0 classification, while NATURHARDPANEL-W panels achieve B-s1,d0, and NATURFLOOR-W panels comply with the Bfl-s1 standard.
France: Code de la Construction et de l’Habitation
French regulations establish five categories (M0 to M5) for construction materials, with equivalences to the European system:
- M0: Non-combustible (equivalent to A1/A2)
- M1: Non-flammable (equivalent to B/C)
- M2 to M4: Increasing degrees of flammability
Additionally, RT 2012 (Thermal Regulation) and its successor RE2020 set energy efficiency requirements that favor materials like wood for their natural insulating properties.
Germany: Landesbauordnung and DIN
German regulations vary by state (Länder) but generally follow DIN 4102 for material classification:
- A1/A2: Non-combustible
- B1: Hardly flammable
- B2: Normally flammable
Wood finishes require specific documentation (Zulassung) for applications in high-rise buildings or public-use facilities.
Regulations in Asia-Pacific
Australia: National Construction Code (NCC)
The Building Code of Australia sets performance requirements based on building classification:
- Classes 1-10: Different occupancy types with specific requirements
- AS/NZS 3837: Test method for spread index
Japan: Building Standards Law
Japanese regulations classify materials according to JIS A 1321:
- Non-combustible materials: Equivalent to European A1/A2
- Quasi-non-combustible materials: Similar to European B
- Fire-retardant materials: Specific Japanese category
Practical Considerations for Specification
Required Documentation
Each country requires specific documentation to demonstrate regulatory compliance:
- Test certificates according to local standards
- Manufacturer’s declarations of conformity
- Technical evaluations from authorized bodies
Parklex Prodema products come with documents certifying suitability for different construction contexts, including DIT Plus (Spain), ATT (France), Zulassung (Germany), CCRR (USA), and Agrément Certificate (United Kingdom).
Adaptation to Local Requirements
Successful specification requires:
- Prior analysis of the applicable regulations based on use and location
- Early coordination with local authorities
- Verification of compatibility between construction systems and selected products
Emerging Regulatory Trends
Regulations are evolving toward sustainability and healthy building criteria:
- Increasingly strict VOC emission limits
- Requirements for recycled content in materials
- Consideration of the full life cycle of the material
Need specific technical advice for your project? Contact our team with no obligation to address technical questions, analyze specific requirements, or develop customized solutions.
