ISO 21629-2:2022

Overview

ISO 21629-2:2022 - "Bamboo floorings - Part 2: Outdoor use" specifies technical requirements, test methods and rules for handling, storage, packaging and marking of outdoor bamboo flooring. It applies to both laminated bamboo flooring and bamboo scrimber flooring, and defines appearance, dimensional and physical/mechanical performance criteria for products intended for exterior applications.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and terminology: Defines bamboo flooring types (laminated, scrimber), outer/inner bamboo layers, and defects such as cracks, gaps and splinters.
• Appearance: Materials must be free from physical damage, decay and insect attack; colour variation is permitted as a natural characteristic.
• Dimensional tolerances: The standard sets tolerances for length, width, thickness, squareness, cup and bow to ensure consistent product fit and installation quality.
• Physical and mechanical properties:
  • Density minima (e.g., higher requirement for scrimber than laminated).
  • Moisture content control and determination procedures (oven drying per Annex A, with modified method for scrimber).
  • Mechanical strength: minimum values for modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) where applicable (tested for products installed on battens).
  • Wet bending strength requirements and decay/durability classification (durability classes DC1–DC5; DC2 corresponds to a 5–10% mass loss in decay tests).
  • Bonding quality limits (cumulative delamination not to exceed one‑third of total glueline length).
  • Swelling limits: test methods for thickness and width swelling (Annex B).
• Sampling and test specimens: Detailed specimen sizes and quantities for laboratory testing (sampling diagrams and trimming rules).
• Handling, storage, packaging and marking: Manufacturer responsibilities and minimum package marking (manufacturer, trade name, ISO reference, dimensions, bamboo species, production date/batch, quantity/covered surface).

Applications - who uses ISO 21629-2

• Manufacturers of outdoor bamboo laminated and scrimber flooring - to design, test and certify products for exterior use.
• Testing laboratories and quality control teams - for standardized sampling and test methods (moisture, swelling, bonding, strength).
• Specifiers, architects and landscape designers - to select compliant outdoor bamboo flooring for decks, terraces and exterior walkways.
• Importers, distributors and regulatory bodies - for product marking, conformity checks and procurement specifications.
• Certification and inspection bodies - to verify durability class, emissions and performance claims.

Related standards

• ISO 21625 (terminology and product definitions)
• ISO 16978 / ISO 16979 (bending and moisture tests)
• ISO 9426 / ISO 9427 (dimensional and density tests)
• ISO 17959, ISO 20585 and EN 17009 (related flooring test methods and performance classes)

ISO 21629-2 is essential for ensuring consistent quality, durability and safe use of bamboo flooring outdoors, supporting manufacturers and specifiers with clear, testable performance criteria.