prEN 204
(Main)Classification of thermoplastic wood adhesives for non-structural applications
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard classifies thermoplastic resin based wood adhesives for non-structural applications into durability
classes D1 to D4 based on the dry and wet strengths of bond-lines measured under specified conditions after various
conditioning treatments.
For special applications, further tests that do not fall within the scope of this European standard can be applicable.
The adhesives specified in this European standard are suitable for the bonding of furniture and interior structures,
panelling, doors, windows, stairs etc. made of wood or derived timber products.
This European Standard does not specify the temperature resistance of bond-lines
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 28-Mar-2028
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 193 - Adhesives
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 193/SC 1/WG 12 - Adhesives for non-loadbearing timber structures
- Current Stage
- 4020 - Submission to enquiry - Enquiry
- Start Date
- 13-Aug-2026
- Due Date
- 11-Nov-2026
- Completion Date
- 13-Aug-2026
Overview
prEN 204: Classification of Thermoplastic Wood Adhesives for Non-Structural Applications is a European Standard developed by CEN/TC 193 “Adhesives.” This standard provides a classification system for thermoplastic resin-based wood adhesives used in non-structural applications, based on the durability and strength of their bond-lines after exposure to specified conditioning treatments. The standard outlines four durability classes, D1 to D4, to guide manufacturers, specifiers, and users in selecting the proper adhesive for varied furniture, interior construction, and timber product applications.
Key Topics
- Classification System: prEN 204 divides thermoplastic wood adhesives into four durability classes (D1–D4). Each class is defined by the adhesive’s strength performance after standardised dry and wet conditioning methods.
- D1: For dry interior use where wood moisture content does not exceed 15%.
- D2: For interior use with short-term exposure to moisture, wood moisture content up to 18%.
- D3: For interior use subject to frequent moisture or high humidity, and exteriors not exposed to direct weather.
- D4: For more demanding applications, including exteriors exposed to weather but with protective coatings.
- Performance Testing: The standard specifies that adhesives are assessed for bond-line strength using standard testing conditions as referenced in prEN 205. The tests ensure the adhesive’s suitability for the intended durability class, focusing on both dry and wet strength performance.
- Non-Structural Applications: The adhesives covered are intended for applications where the glue line is not required to carry structural loads. Temperature resistance is not specified under this standard.
Applications
prEN 204 supports the effective and safe use of thermoplastic wood adhesives across a variety of non-structural contexts:
- Furniture Manufacturing: Provides clear guidance for selecting adhesives based on expected moisture exposure for tables, chairs, cabinets, and other wooden furniture.
- Interior Joinery: Applicable to bonding for doors, windows, stairs, and panelling, ensuring products withstand routine humidity variations found indoors.
- Timber Products: Suitable for plywood, blockboard, particleboard, and other derived timber products, where classification by environmental durability is critical.
- Craft and DIY Projects: Offers a recognized benchmark for adhesive choice in non-professional settings, helping end-users match products with project needs.
- Quality Assurance: Facilitates consistent testing and supplier comparisons, improving consumer safety by clarifying adhesive performance and suitability.
Related Standards
- prEN 205 – Specifies the method for determining the tensile shear strength of lap joints for non-structural wood adhesives. Used for durability classification testing in prEN 204.
- EN 923 – Provides standard terms and definitions for adhesives, supporting consistent terminology and comprehension across all CEN adhesive standards.
- EN 12765 – Classification for thermosetting wood adhesives for non-structural applications, addressing different adhesive technologies compared to thermoplastics.
- EN 17619 – Classification guideline for wood adhesives specifically designed for non-structural timber products intended for exterior use.
By following prEN 204, adhesive manufacturers and users across the furniture and timber products sectors can ensure compliance with recognized European standards, resulting in improved product selection, consumer protection, and performance assurance for non-structural wood bonding. This standard is key for anyone involved in woodworking, carpentry, furniture design, and supply of adhesives for interior joinery applications in Europe and internationally.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Sep-2022
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Frequently Asked Questions
prEN 204 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Classification of thermoplastic wood adhesives for non-structural applications". This standard covers: This European Standard classifies thermoplastic resin based wood adhesives for non-structural applications into durability classes D1 to D4 based on the dry and wet strengths of bond-lines measured under specified conditions after various conditioning treatments. For special applications, further tests that do not fall within the scope of this European standard can be applicable. The adhesives specified in this European standard are suitable for the bonding of furniture and interior structures, panelling, doors, windows, stairs etc. made of wood or derived timber products. This European Standard does not specify the temperature resistance of bond-lines
This European Standard classifies thermoplastic resin based wood adhesives for non-structural applications into durability classes D1 to D4 based on the dry and wet strengths of bond-lines measured under specified conditions after various conditioning treatments. For special applications, further tests that do not fall within the scope of this European standard can be applicable. The adhesives specified in this European standard are suitable for the bonding of furniture and interior structures, panelling, doors, windows, stairs etc. made of wood or derived timber products. This European Standard does not specify the temperature resistance of bond-lines
prEN 204 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.180 - Adhesives. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
prEN 204 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 204:2016. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
prEN 204 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-oktober-2026
Razvrstitev plastomernih lepil za les za nekonstrukcijsko uporabo
Classification of thermoplastic wood adhesives for non-structural applications
Klassifizierung von thermoplastischen Holzklebstoffen für nichttragende Anwendungen
Classification des colles thermoplastiques pour bois à usages non structuraux
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 204
ICS:
83.180 Lepila Adhesives
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
August 2026
ICS 83.180 Will supersede EN 204:2016
English Version
Classification of thermoplastic wood adhesives for non-
structural applications
Classification des colles thermoplastiques pour bois à Klassifizierung von thermoplastischen Holzklebstoffen
usages non structuraux für nichttragende Anwendungen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 193.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, 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.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN 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.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 204:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Classification. 5
5 Test method . 6
6 Requirements . 6
Bibliography . 8
European foreword
This document (prEN 204:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 193 “Adhesives”,
the secretariat of which is held by UNE.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 204:2016.
Compared to EN 204:2016 the following modifications have been made:
a) In Clause 5, a) and b) the sentences have been modified;
b) In Clause 5, the last sentence has been modified deleting “atmosphere used as a control”;
c) Table 2 modified editorially and adding note d;
d) Table 2: modified water temperature range.
Introduction
European Standards giving a common classification with respect to durability classes for wood adhesives
will allow considerable improvement in consumer protection in any future product liability system with
regard to properties guaranteed by the adhesive manufacturer.
Wood adhesives for non-structural applications can be classified according to D class, C class and XT class.
D class is relevant for thermoplastic adhesives, such as PVAc, whereas C class (EN 12765) is relevant for
thermosetting adhesives, such as UF and MUF.
Adhesives that can be considered as thermoplastic or thermosetting, such as PU and EPI, according to
manufacturer instructions, can be classified according to D, C or both classes.
XT class (EN 17619) is relevant for all wood adhesives for exterior use.
This document is giving classification with respect to durability classes for thermoplastic wood
adhesives.
1 Scope
This document classifies ther
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