KENYA STANDARD  DKS 2973 :2023 
ICS ##.### 
First  Edition  
  
 © KEBS 2023  
 Bamboo particle board — Specification  
 
 
 
 
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:   
2 © KEBS:yyyy:  – All rights reserved  
 Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)  
Softmation Africa Limited  
Kenya Building research center  
Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure Housing, Urban Development and Public Works  
Green pot ent erprise  
Alogo enterprise Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretariat  
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
In order to keep abreast  of progress in industry, Kenya Standards shall be regularly reviewed.  Suggestions 
for improvements to published standards, addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, 
are welcome.  
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2022  
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Cop yright Act, Cap. 130 of 2001 of  the Laws of Kenya, copyright 
subsists in all Kenya Standards and except as provided under Section 25 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bure au of 
Standards may be  reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any  form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing 
from the Managing Director.DKS 2973 : 2023 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  3 
  
Bamboo particle board — Specification  
 
Kenya Bureau of Standards, Popo Road, Off Mombasa Road,  
P.O. Box 54974  - 00200,  Nairobi, Kenya  
 +254 020 6948000, + 254 722202137, + 254 734600471  
 info@kebs.org  
 @KEBS_ke  
 kenya bureau of standards (kebs)   
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 Foreword  
This Kenya Standard was prepared by the bamboo and rattan  Technical Committee under the guidance of the 
Standards Projects Committee, and it is in a ccordance with the procedures of the Kenya Bureau of Standards  
During the preparation of this standard, reference was made to the following document (s):  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DKS 2973 : 2023 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  5 
 Bambo o particle board — Specification  
1 Scope  
This standard cov ers the r equirements of particle boards m ade of bamboo and  other lignocellulosic materials 
for general purposes, having specific gravity in the range 0.5 to 0.9.  
This standard does not cover veneere d particle boards, moulded particleboards, high- and low -density  
particleboards or particleboards fa ced by impregnated paper surfaces.  
2 Normative references  
The following referenced documents referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content 
constitutes requirements of this document. For dat ed refer ences, only the edition cited app lies. For undated 
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
KS 2877 Guidelines  for Sustainable Management  and Harvesting of bamboo species  
KS 2242 -1 Particle boards -Specif ication -Part 1: General  requirements for all board typ es. 
3 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.  
3.1 Additive -   Any material introduced  prior to the final consoli dation of  a board to improve some property of 
the final bo ard. Fillers and preservatives are includ ed under this term.  
3.2 Extruded Particle Board - A board manufactured  by mixing  particle  bamboo  and/or  other lignocellulosic  
materials of pre -determined  sizes and shapes with synthetic resins and pressing while the  mix is being forced 
through an extrusion  hot platen press, pressure being applied in the direction of the length of extrusion  which 
tends to orient the particles considerably in a direction at righ t angles to the direction of extrusion.  
3.3 Flat -Pressed P article Board -    Resin -bonded particle board manufactured by mixing particles of bamboo 
and/or other lignocel lulosic materials of pre• determ ined sizes and shapes with synthetic  resins and  pressin g 
in a parallel platen hot pr ess of the usual multidayligh t type but may also be pressed in a conti nuous band 
type of press. The applied pressure is perpendicular to the plane of the board.  
3.4 Formation (Forming) -  Laying up of the glued particles in the form of a mat, ready to be pr essed.  
3.5 Graded Particle Bo ard -   A board formed by arranging the p articles of bamboo  and/or other lignocellulosic 
materials in a graded manner such that the smallest particles form the top most layer and the largest particl es 
form the middle layer.   
3.6 Multi -Layer Particle Board  -   A board made of more than three laye rs of like material in which particles of 
different shapes and sizes may be used in different layers.  
3.7 Particles -   Distinct particle or fraction of bamb oo or other lignocellulose ma terial produced mechanically 
for use as the aggregate for a particlebo ard. This may be in the form of flake, granule, shaving, splinter and 
sliver as stated below:  
a) Flakes -    Specially made thin flat particles, with the gra in of the bamboo essentially parallel to the surface 
of the flake, prepared with the cutting action  of the knife in a plane parallel to the grain but at an angle to the 
axis of the fibre.  
b) Granule -A particle in which the length, width and thickness are a pproximately equal, such as p article of 
saw-dust.   
6 © KEBS:yyyy:  – All rights reserved  
 c) Shavi ng-A thin slic e or strip of bamboo  or any  other lignocellulosic pared off with a knife, plane or 
other cutting instrument, the knife action being approximately along the axis of the fibre, such as t he 
shavings produced in the s urface  of bamboo . 
d) Splinter  and Sliver -   Particle of nearly square  or rectangular cross -section with a length p arallel to 
the grain of the bamboo  of at least four times the thickness  
3.8 Particle Board -    A board manuf actured   from particles of bamb oo, wood and/or other 
lignoce llulose material in the form of flakes, s livers, shavings, splinters , granules agglomerated,  
formed  and pressed  together under  heat and pressure  by use of an organic  binder together   with   
one   or  more   additives   l ike   wax, preservatives,   c atalyst,  etc.  
3.9 Sing le-Layer Particle  Board - A board made of one uniform layer of particles and resin mix, 
predominantly of uniform texture and having uniform density across the board thickness.  
3.10 Sizing Material -    Wax, rosin or other additive in troduced to the agglomerate for a particl e board 
prior to forming, primarily to increase water resistance.  
3.11 Th ree-Layer Particle Board -A board  made of three layers  of particle and  resin mix, usu ally with 
finer and thinner p articles for the top and bott om layers and coarser and bigger particle s for the core 
layer. Resin  content in  a three -layer board is  usually higher in the face layers than in the core layer 
leading to a sandwich construction wit h stronger and  denser skin.  
3.12 Boiling Water Proof (BWP)  
BWP particleboard stands for  weather and  boiling proof. They are considered as a marine grade 
particleboard . BWP can be bared to humidity and moisture for a longer time without delamination. 
Gluing  up 3 to 4 layers of veneer c an make BWP  particleboard.  Phenolic glue is the one that is used 
to ma ke the sheets together in BWP.  
3,13 Boiling Water Re sistance (BWR ) 
BWR is called Boiling water resistance, it is highly resistant to water. They are mainly u sed for home 
furnishing, offi ce as well as outdoors.  
4 CLASSES   AND TYPES  
The particle board shall  be of the following classes:  
 P1 General purpose boards for use in dry conditions;  
 
 P2 Boards for interior fitments (including furniture) for use in dry conditions;  
 
 P3  Non load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions;  
 
 P4 Load -bearing boards f or use in dry conditions;  
 
 P5 Load-bearing boards for use in humid conditions;  
 
 P6  Heavy duty load -bearing boards for use in dry conditions;  
 
 P7 Heavy  duty load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions . 
 
 DKS 2973 : 2023 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  7 
 5 MATERIALS  
5.1 Any species of bamboo  and/or other lignocellulosic mater ials may be. Used in the manufacture of particle 
board.  For sustainably produced particle board, only materials from sustainab ly managed natural stands 
and/or farm grown bamboo shall be used for the manufacture of particle bo ards as per KS 2877 . 
5.2 Adhes ive 
Any suitable  type of synthetic  resin conforming to KS 509  may be used for the purpose   of bonding. However, 
for flat -press ed-three   layer, multilayer and graded boards, BWR or BWP type adhesive shall be used . 
5.3 Sizing  in Material  
Paraffin wax disso lved in mineral spirit or alternatively emulsified with water or melted shall be used as sizing 
material.  
6 MANUFACTURE  
6.1 Par ticles of bamboo  or other lignocellulosic materials for the manufacture   of particle    boards   s hall   be 
produced by cutting bamboo  and/or any other suitable lignocellulosic materials into shavings, flakes, splinters 
or slivers on a suitable chipping m achine.  The particles shall be dried in a mechanical drier.  The dried 
particles shall be graded   to required   sizes and thoro ughly blended with the requisite   quantity   of 
adhesives   in mechanical mixers or applicators.   The required sizing materia l may be added at this stage, 
either mixed with the binder or separately   introduced   into the mi xer. Care shall be taken that the moisture 
content of the binder does not excessively    increase   the moisture content of the chips.  The well -blended 
chips are then formed into a mat and pressed into panels by passing into the pressing   machine   under    
controlled    heat, pressur e and time conditions.   The hot pressed boards are subsequently cooled, 
conditioned to attain equilibrium moisture content and  sanded on both sides to attain uniform thickness and 
finally trimmed and cut to standard sizes.  
6.2 In case of three -layer parti cle   boards, the construction shall be well -balanced   about the central plane.    
In case of a single -layer   particle board,  the central  plane. In case of a single -layer particle board, the  
particles shall  be unifo rmly laid. Care shall be taken  that no asymmetric grading  of chip  stakes place.  
6. 3 A suitable preservative maybe added to the particl e mix at the time  of mixing  of adhesive. The following  
percentages preservatives are regarded  as suitable:  
a)  S odium 1 percent on  the basis of pentachlorophena te oven dry weight of particles, or  
b)  Trichlorophenol S percent on  the basis of resin adhesive mix  
Alternatively, 2 percent of sodium pentachlorophenate ortrichlorophenol   in organic solution should be applied 
on the surfac e and edges.  
7 FINISH  
The part icle boards shall be of uniform thickness and uniform density throug hout   the length and width of the 
boards . All particle boards shall be flat . Both surfaces of the particle board shall be sand ed to   a smooth  finish   
8 © KEBS:yyyy:  – All rights reserved  
 8 DIMEN SIONS AND  TOLERANCES  
8.1   The  sizes   of the p article   boards   shall   be conventional dimensio nals;2400mm x 1200mm  
NOTE -   Any other dimensions as agreed to between the manufacturer and the purchaser, shall be permissibl e. 
8.2 Thickness  
Unless otherwi se specified, the thickness of  particle boards shall be 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 20 
mm, 
25 mm, 30  mm, 35 mm, 40 mm and 45 mm.  
8.3   Dimensional   Tolerance  
The following tolerances on dimensions of finished boards shall be p ermissible:  
 
9 PHYSICAL   CHAR ACTERISTICS  
9.1 Density  
The me an density of the boards, when tested in accordance with 11.3 shall be between 500 to  
900 kg/m'. The density  shall not vary from  one sample to another by more than l 0 percent of the 
mean  
density . 
9.2   Moisture   Content  
The mean moisture content of the b oards, when determined  in accordance  with 11.4, shall not be less 
than 5 percent and not more than 15 percent .  The moisture content of individual test specimen shall 
not vary from the mean perce ntage by more than ±3 percent.  
9.3 Water   Absorption  
The mea n water absorption of the boards, when  tested as described in 11 .5, shall not exceed the 
prescribed limits given in Table 1   for various grades of boards after both 2 hand 24 h immersion.  DKS 2973 : 2023 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  9 
 9.4 Sw elling in Water  
The mean swell ing in length, width and thick ness, when tested as described in 11.6, shall not exceed  
the limits given in Table 1    for various grades of  
The mean swelling in thickness due to surface absorption, when tested in accordance with 11.7, shall not 
exceed the limits given in Table l for va rious grades of boards.  
9.6 Workability  
The particleboards shall no t crack or split when drilled, sawed and nailed perpendicular to the surface.  
NOTE -   Recommended precautions for storing, cut ting and working with particle b oards arc given in Annex B . 
10 SAMPLING   AND INSPECTION  
10.1 Scale of Sampling  
10.1.1  Lot 
In any  consignment, all  the particleboards of  the same class, grade and dimensions and  manufactured under  
similar conditions of produ ction, shall be grouped together  to constitute  lot. 
10.1.1.1 T he conformity  of a lot, to the requirements of this specification, shall be ascertained on  the basis of 
tests on particle boards selected from it.  
10.1.2 The  number of particle boards to be sele cted from a lot shall be in acco rdance  with the  following:  
 
10.1.2.1   The particle boards shall be selected at random (ISO 2 4153 ). In order to ensure randomness of 
selection, all the particle boards in the lot may be arranged in a serial order and eve ry other particle board 
may be sele cted till the required number is obtained, r being the integral part of Nin, where N is the lo t size 
and n is the sample size.  
10.2 Test Specimens and Number of Tests  
The length, width and thickness of the particle boards  selected as in 10.1.2 shall be mea sured before cutting  
the parti cle   boards for taking test specimens. The  edge   straightness   and squareness of the boards  shall 
also be measured.  
The lot having been found satisfactory shall be further tested for physi cal characteristics   given in 9. F or this 
purpose, the particle    boards   examined   according  to 10.2.1 and found satisfactory  shall be used.  
10.1.1 From each   of  the  particle   board   selected, following  test  specimens   shall  be cut  from  p ortions I 
SO mm  away  from  the  edges ,  for tests as specified unde r 11. The method of preparation and  conditioning  
of specimens for  tests listed in (e), (d), (e), (f) and (g) shall be as specified in KS 2242 -1  
10 © KEBS:yyyy:  – All rights reserved  
 a)  For determination of density  -Three test  specimens from each  sample, in  full thickness of material, 
75 mm  w ide  and  150 mm long. Other sizes of  sample specimens may  be used when  deemed   
necessary.  In case of tubular  board, the tubes should be uniformly distributed  in the center.  
b)  For determinat ion of moisture content - Three  
test   specimens   from   each   sample    in full  thickness of  material, 7S mm wide and I SO mm long.    
Smaller specimens may be  used when deemed necessary . 
c) For water absorption test  -   Three test  specimens, size  300 mm x 300 mm x full thickness of board 
from each sample.  
d)  For swelling In  water test -    Three   test specimens, size  200 mm x 100 mm x full thickness of  
board  from each sample.  
e)  For determining swelling due  to surface absorption -   Three test specimens from each sample, size 
125 mm x  100 mm.  
f)  For determinat ion of modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity -   Three test specimens from 
each sample to conform to  dimensions as  specif ied  in KS 2242 -1 
g) For   deter mination    of   tensile   strength perpendicular to surface -   Three test specimens   f rom 
each sample, size   50  mm  x 50 mm  x full thickness  of board.   In addition to this for   Grade   I 
boards,   three  mo re  test specimens    shall    be   take n    for   cyclic    or accelerated   water 
resistance   test  as given  in 11.9.1.  
h) Fo r determin ation   of screw withdrawal  strength   -    Three    test   specimens   from each sample 
of size as specified    in KS 2242 -1 
10.3 Criteria for Confo rmity  
A lot shall be  considered as conforming to the requirements of  the specification , if no group of  test 
specimens for any of ' the characteristics  fail, the  samples  and test  specimens pass  the  conditions   
as prescribed in 11.  
10.3.1   In case of  a failure, double samples shall be  taken   from   the lot for testing .    T he   lot shall    
be considered to hav e passed, if all these samples conform to the requirements specified . 
11 TESTING   OF SAMP LES  
11.1   The samples and test specimens  shall be tested as given in 11.3  to 11.10 and shall conform  to 
the requirements  prescribed  in 9 and Table  1.  
11.2   Accu racy of Dimensions of Boards  
The accuracy     of dimensions  of boards  shall be measured as  specified   in KS 2242 -1. All the 
samples selected in  accordance with 10.1.2 shall  be measured for  straightness of edges, squareness     
of boards, length , width and t hickness.  
11.3 Test for Density  
The mean density o f the board shall be determined in accordanc e with   KS 2242 -1 and   shall comply 
with the requirements  specifie d in 9.1 and  Table 1 .The mean density shall be straight average of the 
density of the test spe cimens taken out  from each of the s ample  as in 10.1.   While calculating the  
density of  the tubular board, the  empty tubular space  shall be deducted from the volum e of the test 
specimen.  
11.4 Test for Moisture    Content  DKS 2973 : 2023 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  11 
 The moisture content of  wood parti cle boards shall  be tested for each specimen as  prepared in  10.2.1 (b) in 
accorda nce   with   the   method    prescribed    in IS 2380 (Part 3) and the average    value for all the  samples 
shall comply with the requirements specified  in 9.2.  
11.5 Test for  Water   Absorption  
The water absorpti on   in test specimens as  prepared in 10.1.1 (c) shall be tested  in accordance  with KS 
2242 -1 and the average    value  shall  not exceed the limits specified  in (ii) of Table  1.  
11.6 Test for Swelling in  Water  
The swel ling in  length, width and thickness  of test specimens as  specified in  10.2.l(d), when tested by  the 
method prescribed i n KS 2242 -1 for  2 h soaking shall have an average value not exceeding  the limits  
specified  under  (iii)  and (iv) of Table  1. The le ngth of specimen in case of FPT boards  shall be taken as in 
the line extrusion.  
11.7 Test for Swelling due  to Surface   Ab sorption  
The swelling in  thickness due to  surface absorption  on test specimens as specified in 1 0.2.1(e), when tested 
in accor dance wi th KS 2242 -1, for 2 h soaking  
shall have an average value not exceeding the limits given under ( v) of Table 1.  
11.8 Test for Modulus or Rupture and Modulus of Elasticity  
The modulus of  rupture and  modulus of  elasticity on  test specimens spe cified in  10.2. 1(f) and tested as 
prescribed   in KS 2242 -1 shall have an  average and minimum value not less than the valu es specified in (vi) 
and (vii) of Table I, for modulus of rupture and modulus of  elasticity, respectively . 
11.9   Test for tens ile strength Perpendicu lar to Surface  
Tensile  strength perpendicular   to the surf ate of three test specimens as  prescribed in  10.2.1 ( g), when 
tested in accordance with KS 2242 -1  
11.9.1 The  tensile strength p erpendicular  to surface of three test specimens prescribed  in 10.2.1  (g) when 
subjected  to (a) cyclic test, or ( b) accelerated water  resistance test as given in Table 1 shall  have an average 
value not less tha n tha t specified in (ix) of Table 1 . 
11.10   Test for Screw Withdrawal Strength  
The screw withdrawal resistance of test specimens  as specified in 10.2.1 (h) and tested in accordance with IS 
2380 ( Part 14 ) shall have an average value  not less than the value  specified in  (x) of Table 1.  
12 OPTIONAL REQUIREMENTS  FOR SUSTAINABILITY  
12.1 General Requirements  
12.1.l   The  particle   board shall conform to the requirements of quality and performance as specified in this 
standard.  
12.1.2   The   ma nufacturer    shall   produce   to gazetted N EMA regulations  
13 Marking  
13.1 Each  particle board shall be legibly marked near  any of its edges with the following:  
a)  Name  of the manufacturer  or trademark , if any.  
12 © KEBS:yyyy:  – All rights reserved  
 b} Designation of  particle board  (see 4 ). 
c} Thickness ( see 8.2 ). 
d)  Date of manufac ture; and  
13.2 Certification   Marking  
Each particle board  may also be marked   with the  Standard Mark . 
13.2.1    The use of  the Standard    Mark is  governed by the provisions of  the Standards Act, 1974 an d 
the Rules    and Regulations    made thereunde r.  The details of  conditions under which a  licence for the 
use of the Standard Mar k may be gr anted to manufacturers or  producers may  be obtained from  the 
Kenya bureau of standards  
Boards of this type shall co mply with the requirements given in following tables  
 
General purpose boards for use in dry conditions (Type P1) — Requirements for specifi ed 
mechanical properties  
 
 
 
Property   
 
Test 
method   
 
Unit Requirement  
Thickness range (mm, nominal)  
< 3 3 to 6 > 6 to  
13 > 13 to  
20 > 20 to  
25 >25 to  
32 > 32 to  
40 > 40 
Bending 
strength  
Internal bond  EN 310  
 
 
EN 319  N/mm2 
 
 
N/mm2 11,5 
 
 
0,31 11,5 
 
 
0,31 10,5 
 
 
0,28 10 
 
 
0,24 10 
 
 
0,20 8,5 
 
 
0,17 7 
 
 
0,14 5,5 
 
 
0,14 
NOTE       The values are characterized  by a moisture content in the material corresponding  to a relative 
humidity of  65 % and a temperature of 20 °C.  
 
Boards for interior f itments (in cluding furniture) for use in dry conditions (Type P2) — Requirements for 
specified mechanical properties  
 
 
 
 
Proper ty  
 
Test 
method  
 
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickness range (mm, nominal) 
 
< 3  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6  
> 6 to 13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
Bend ing strength 
 
Modulu s of 
elasticity in 
bending 
 
Internal bond 
 
Surfa ce 
soundness EN 310 
 
EN 310 
 
 
 
EN 319 
 
EN 311 N/mm2 
N/mm2 
 
 
 
N/mm2 
N/mm2 13 
 
1 800 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
0,8 13 
 
1 800 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
0,8 12 
 
1 950 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
0,8 11 
 
1 800 
 
 
 
0,40 
 
0,8 11 
 
1 600 
 
 
 
0,35 
 
0,8 10,5 
 
1 500 
 
 
 
0,30 
 
0,8 9,5 
 
1 350 
 
 
 
0,25 
 
0,8 8,5 
 
1 200 
 
 
 
0,20 
 
0,8 7 
 
1 050 
 
 
 
0,20 
 
0,8 
NOTE       The values are characterised by a moisture content in the material corresponding to a relati ve humidity of 
65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. DKS 2973 : 2023 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  13 
  
Non load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions (P3) — Requirements for specified mechanical 
and swelling properties  
  
 
 
 
Property   
 
Test 
method  
 
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) 
 
< 3  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6  
> 6 to 13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
Bend ing strength 
 
Modulu s of 
elasticity in 
bending 
 
Internal bond 
 
Swelling in 
thickness, 24 h EN 310 
 
EN 310 
 
 
 
EN 319 
 
EN 317 N/mm2 
N/mm2 
 
 
 
N/mm2 
 
% 13 
 
1 800 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
25 13 
 
1 800 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
23 14 
 
1 950 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
20 15 
 
2 050 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
17 14 
 
1 950 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
14 12 
 
1 850 
 
 
 
0,40 
 
13 11 
 
1 700 
 
 
 
0,35 
 
13 9 
 
1 550 
 
 
 
0,30 
 
12 7,5 
 
1 350 
 
 
 
0,25 
 
12 
NOTE       The values for bending prope rties, internal bond and swelling in thickness are characterised by a moisture 
content in the material (before treatm ent in the case of swelling in thickness) corresponding to a relative humidity of 
65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. 
 
Non load -bearing boards for use in humid conditions (Type P3) — Requirements for  moisture r esistance  
 
 
 
Load -bearing boards for use  in dry con ditions (Type P4) — Requirements for specified mechanical 
and swelling properties  
 
  
  
 
Test   
 Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal)   
 
Property   
 
Test 
method   
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) 
 
< 3  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6 > 6 to 
13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
OPTION 1 
 
Internal bond 
after cyclic test 
 
Swelling in 
thickness after 
cyclic test  
 
EN 321 
  
EN 321   
N/mm2 
  
%  
 
0,18 
  
15  
 
0,18 
  
15  
 
0,18 
  
14  
 
0,15 
  
14  
 
0,13 
  
13  
 
0,12 
  
12  
 
0,10 
  
12  
 
0,09 
  
11  
 
0,08 
  
11 
OPTION 2 
 
Internal bond 
after boil test  
 
EN 1087 -1   
N/mm2  
 
0,09  
 
0,09  
 
0,09  
 
0,09  
 
0,08  
 
0,07  
 
0,07  
 
0,06  
 
0,06 
NOTE       The values for internal bond and swelling in thickness after option 1 treatment are characterized by a 
moisture content in the mate rial (before and after cyclic test) corresponding to a relative humidity of 65 % and a 
temperatu re of 20 °C. 
 
The values for internal bond after option 2 treatment are characterized by a moisture content in the material (before 
the boil test) corresponding to a relative humidity of 65 % and a temperature of 20 °C.  
14 © KEBS:yyyy:  – All rights reserved  
 Property  method Unit  
< 3  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6  
> 6 to 10 > 10 to 
13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
Bend ing 
strength 
 
Modulu s of 
elasticity in 
bending 
 
Internal bond 
 
Swelling in 
thickness, 
24 h EN 310 
  
EN 310 
 
 
 
EN 319 
 
EN 317 N/mm2 
 
N/mm2 
  
 
N/mm2 
 
% 14 
  
1 800 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
25 15 
  
1 950 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
25 16 
  
2 200 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
21 16 
  
2 300 
 
 
 
0,40 
 
19 16 
  
2 300 
 
 
 
0,40 
 
16 15 
  
2 300 
 
 
 
0,35 
 
15 13 
  
2 050 
 
 
 
0,30 
 
15 11 
  
1 850 
 
 
 
0,25 
 
15 9 
  
1 500 
 
 
 
0,20 
 
14 7 
  
1 200 
 
 
 
0,20 
 
14 
If it is made known by the purchaser that the boards are intended for specific use in flooring, walls or 
roofing the performance standard EN 12871 also has to be consulted. This might result in additional 
requirements having to be complied with. 
  
NOTE       The values for bending properties, internal bond and swelling in thickness are characterised by a moisture content in the 
material (before treatm ent in the case of swelling in thickness) corresponding to a relative humidity of 
65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. 
 
 
Load -bearing board s for use in humid conditions (Type P5) — Requirements for specified mechanical 
and swelling p roperties  
 
 
 
 
Property   
 
Test 
method  
 
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) 
 
< 3  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6  
> 6 to 10 > 10 to 
13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
Bend ing 
strength 
 
Modulu s of 
elasticity in 
bending 
 
Internal bond 
 
Swelling in 
thickness, 
24 h EN 310 
 
 
EN 310 
 
 
 
EN 319 
 
EN 317 N/mm2 
 
N/mm2 
 
 
 
N/mm2 
 
% 16 
 
 
2 000 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
16 18 
 
 
2 400 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
16 19 
 
 
2 450 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
14 18 
 
 
2 550 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
13 18 
 
 
2 550 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
11 16 
 
 
2 400 
 
 
 
0,45 
 
10 14 
 
 
2 150 
 
 
 
0,40 
 
10 12 
 
 
1 900 
 
 
 
0,35 
 
10 10 
 
 
1 700 
 
 
 
0,30 
 
9 9 
 
 
1 550 
 
 
 
0,25 
 
9 
If it is made known by the purchaser that the boards are intended for specific use in flooring, walls or 
roofing, the performance standa rd EN 12871 also has to be consulted. This might result in additional 
requirements having to be complied with. 
 
 
NOTE       The values for bending prope rties, internal bond and swelling in thickness are characterized by a moisture content in the 
material (before treatm ent in the case of swelling in thickness) corresponding to a relative humidity of 
65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. 
 
Load -bearing boards for use in humid conditio ns (Type P5) — Requirements for moisture resis tance  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Test  
 
 Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) DKS 2973 : 2023 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  15 
 Property  method Unit  
< 3  
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6 > 6 to 
10 > 10 to 
13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
OPTION 1 
 
Internal bond 
after cyclic test 
 
Swelling in 
thickness after 
cyclic test  
 
EN 321 
 
 
EN 321  
 
N/mm2 
 
 
%  
 
0,30 
 
 
12  
 
0,30 
 
 
12  
 
0,30 
 
 
12  
 
0,25 
 
 
12  
 
0,25 
 
 
12  
 
0,22 
 
 
12  
 
0,20 
 
 
11  
 
0,17 
 
 
10  
 
0,15 
 
 
9  
 
0,12 
 
 
9 
OPTION 2 
 
Internal bond 
after boil test  
 
EN 1087-1  
 
N/mm2  
 
0,15  
 
0,15  
 
0,15  
 
0,15  
 
0,15  
 
0,14  
 
0,12  
 
0,11  
 
0,10  
 
0,09 
NOTE       The values for internal bond and swelling in thickness after option 1 treatment are characterized by a moisture 
content in the mate rial (before and after cyclic test) corresponding to a relative humidity of 65 % and a temperatu re of 20 °C. 
 
The values for internal bond after option 2 treatment are characterized by a moisture content in the material (before 
the boil test) corresponding to a relative humidity of 65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. 
 
Heavy duty load-bearing boards for use in humid conditions (Type P7) — Requirements for specified 
mechani cal and swelling properties  
 
 
 
 
Property   
 
Test 
method  
 
 
Unit Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal) 
 
3 to 4  
> 4 to 6  
> 6 to 10 > 10 to 
13 > 13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
Bend ing 
strength 
 
Modulus  
of elasticity 
in bending 
 
Internal 
bond  
 
Swelling in 
thickness, 24 h EN 310 
 
 
EN 310 
 
 
 
EN 319 
 
 
EN 317 N/mm2 
 
N/mm2 
 
 
 
N/mm2 
 
 
% 20 
 
 
3 000 
 
 
 
0,75 
 
 
10 21 
 
 
3 100 
 
 
 
0,75 
 
 
10 22 
 
 
3 350 
 
 
 
0,75 
 
 
10 22 
 
 
3 350 
 
 
 
0,75 
 
 
10 20 
 
 
3 100 
 
 
 
0,70 
 
 
10 18,5 
 
 
2 900 
 
 
 
0,65 
 
 
10 17 
 
 
2 800 
 
 
 
0,60 
 
 
10 16 
 
 
2 600 
 
 
 
0,55 
 
 
9 15 
 
 
2 400 
 
 
 
0,50 
 
 
9 
If it is made known by the purchaser that  the boards are intended for specific use in flooring, walls or 
roofing, the performance standa rd EN 12871 also has to be consulted. This might result in additional 
requirements having to be complied with. 
 
 
NOTE       The values for bending properties, internal bond and swelling in thickness are characterised by a moisture con tent in the 
material (before treatment in the case of swelling in thickness) corresponding to a relative humidity of 
65 % and a temperature of 20 °C. 
 
 
Heavy duty load -bearing boards for use in hu mid conditions (Type P7) — Requirements fo r moisture 
resistance  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Test  
 
 Requir ement 
Thickn ess range (mm, nominal)  
16 © KEBS:yyyy:  – All rights reserved  
 Property  method Unit  
3 to 4 > 4 to 
6 > 6 to 
10 > 10 to 
13 >13 to 
20 > 20 to 
25 > 25 to 
32 > 32 to 
40  
> 40 
OPTION 1 
 
Internal 
bond after 
cyclic test 
 
Swelling in 
thickness 
after cyclic 
test  
 
EN 321  
 
 
 
EN 321  
 
N/mm2 
 
 
 
%  
 
0,45 
 
 
 
11  
 
0,44 
 
 
 
11  
 
0,41 
 
 
 
11  
 
0,41 
 
 
 
11  
 
0,36 
 
 
 
11  
 
0,33 
 
 
 
10  
 
0,28 
 
 
 
9  
 
0,25 
 
 
 
8  
 
0,20 
 
 
 
8 
OPTION 2 
 
Internal 
bond after 
boil test  
 
EN 
1087 -1  
 
N/mm2  
 
0,25  
 
0,25  
 
0,25  
 
0,25  
 
0,23  
 
0,20  
 
0,18  
 
0,17  
 
0,15 
 DKS 2973 : 2023 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  17 
 ANNEXB  
STORAGE   AND WORKING   OF BA MBOO PARTICLE     BOARDS  
B-1 GENERAL  
Particle board is a composite board of particles of bamboo  and/or other lignocellulosic mat erials bonded 
together with a resin -bonding agent. T he grain s of the particles are, therefore, non -directional as  compared 
with n atural wood which  has only one grain direction. Due to the abrasive nature  of the resin and the 
multitudinous grain  direction, tool wear is greater than with most medium density n atural woods.  Because of 
this special saw and cutter tips should be used on production runs .   By working according to  the following 
basic principles, particles boards can be generally handled, cut and w orked in much the same manner as 
natural wood.  
B-2 STORING  
Particle boards shall be stored in raised packs on a level flat surfac e in a clean, dry  and covered place with 
free circulation of air. The edges of boards in a pack shall be in  a straight vertical  plane.  If required, the edge 
may be sprayed or pai nted with a suitable protective coat or sealing material.  
B-3 CUTTING  
Normal  cutting  tools us ed in wood working machines and/or hand tools  shall be used.  The tools shall be kept 
sharp and free from swar f at all times.  When working on machines, high -spee d steel tools are preferable. For 
production runs, carbide -tipped saws  and cu tters give a smoo ther cut and longer life. The same feed speeds 
as for natural hard woods shall be used, but care should be tak en at all times, not to force the cut. A cutter 
spee d of 6 000 rpm is  recommended.  
B-4 DRILLING  
Drilling shall be effected by usi ng standard bench , portable or  pillar drilling machines.   The conventional hand 
drill can be used but the drill edge should be • always kept sh arp. The use of drills having a  helix angle 
between 20° and 32° is recommended.  When particularly clean  cuts are  required, spur  type drills will give 
best results.  
B-5 ROUTING  AND MOULDING  
B-5. 1   Tungsten    carbide -tipped     cutters    are recommended for  long production runs.  High spe ed steel 
cutters will produce good fmishes but edge life between sharpening i s limited.  As in  the case of sawing, 
moderate feed speeds shall be used.  
B-5.2 Recommended spindle  speeds for routers and spin dle moulders are given below:  
  
18 © KEBS:yyyy:  – All rights reserved  
 B-6 SANDING  
B.6. 1 Sanding operations shall be carried out in the same manner as with natural timb er.  It should b e 
remembered that there is no grain direction in carrying out this operation.  
B.6.2 Drum San .den 
The following combination of papers is recommended for use with t riple drum sanding machines:  
First drum       No. I~ grade or 40 Grit open coa t Second drum  N o.  1   grade or SO Grit open coat Third drum     
No. 0 grade or 80 Grit closed coat  
NOTE -The above recommendat ions are for g eneral guidance uid may be varied IO suit the plrlicul11job 
requirement.  
B.6.3 For hand sanding, generally com press ive stones with grit size 50  to 80 are suitable.  
B.7 APPLICATION OF PLASTIC LAMINATES  
Most resin glues and contact adhesives a re suitable  for bonding plastic laminates   to parti cle  board,  provided 
manufacturer's  instructions are adhered to.  Casein glue s are not suitable.  KS xxxx: yyyy    
 
© KEBS yyyy – All rights reserved