Overview - EN ISO 20326:2018 (ISO 20326:2016)
EN ISO 20326:2018 specifies requirements and test methods for resilient floor covering panels/assemblies intended for loose laying (floating installation) at domestic and commercial use levels. It applies where the visible surface layer is a resilient covering (linoleum, rubber, PVC, cork, thermoplastic polymers, etc.). The document is the CEN adoption of ISO 20326:2016 and supersedes EN 14085:2010.
Note: this standard does not apply to heterogeneous PVC panels covered by ISO 10582 or to panels subject to frequent wetting (bathrooms, laundry rooms, saunas).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & exclusions - defines product types (floor panel = substrate + surface layer) and exclusions for wet areas and ISO 10582 products.
- Dimensional and geometric tolerances - requirements measured at the surface layer, for example:
- Side length/width tolerance: ±0.10% (ISO 24342)
- Overall thickness: nominal ±0.25 mm, individual max deviation ±0.30 mm (ISO 24346)
- Squareness ≤ 0.20 mm, straightness ≤ 0.30 mm
- Flatness, openings and height differences - normative test methods in Annex A/B: flatness percent limits, openings average ≤ 0.15 mm (individual ≤ 0.20 mm), height difference average ≤ 0.10 mm (individual ≤ 0.15 mm).
- Dimensional stability - limits for variation caused by humidity changes (≤ 0.25%, Annex C).
- Surface layer requirements and classification - tests for residual indentation, colour fastness to artificial light, rubber hardness, and classification by surface material (linoleum, rubber, PVC, cork, thermoplastic, heterogeneous polyurethane).
- Mechanical properties - includes determination of locking strength (Annex D) and other performance test methods referenced to ISO/CEN test standards.
- Marking, labelling and packaging - obligations for product information, traceability and transport protection.
- Annexes - normative methods (flatness, openings, dimensional variation, locking strength) and informative optional properties.
Practical applications and users
EN ISO 20326:2018 is used by:
- Manufacturers and R&D teams for product development and production quality control of loose-lay resilient panels.
- Test laboratories to perform standardized measurements and certification tests.
- Specifiers, architects and consultants when selecting compliant loose-lay flooring for domestic/commercial projects.
- Procurement and QA departments to verify supplier conformity and acceptance criteria.
- Standards committees and conformity assessors for alignment with European/national regulations.
Related standards
Commonly referenced documents include ISO 24342, ISO 24346, ISO 24011, ISO 10577, ISO 10581, ISO 10582, ISO 19322, EN 13845 and others listed in the normative references. These cover specific surface materials, classification (ISO 10874) and additional test procedures.