AS NZS 1859.1-2017 PDF

Full title and description

AS/NZS 1859.1:2017 — Reconstituted wood‑based panels — Specifications, Part 1: Particleboard. This standard specifies performance and product requirements for the manufacture, classification and application of particleboard used in building, joinery and furniture contexts.

Abstract

This document sets out the classification, dispatch requirements and specific performance limits (including dimensions, formaldehyde emission, moisture resistance and supplementary properties) for particleboard manufactured for general and moisture‑resistant service conditions. It also covers verification of compliance and marking requirements for product identification.

General information

• Status: Current (published 27 October 2017; reissued with Amendment No. 1 in 2021 and redesignated as AS 1859.1 where applicable).
• Publication date: 27 October 2017.
• Publisher: Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (joint development by the TM‑011 committee, Engineered Timber Products).
• ICS / categories: Wood‑based panels — Fibre and particle boards (ICS group 79.060.20 / wood‑based panels category).
• Edition / version: 2nd edition (AS/NZS 1859.1:2017). Includes Amendment No. 1 (2021) published as an Australian amendment (redesignation to AS 1859.1:2017/Amdt 1:2021 where noted).
• Number of pages: 6 pages (concise specification document).

Scope

Specifies product requirements for particleboard intended for two primary service conditions — standard (dry) and moisture‑resistant — and sets the mandatory tests, classification criteria and dispatch requirements that manufacturers and suppliers must meet. The standard excludes particleboard flooring requirements (covered in separate standards) and focuses on uncoated base panels and production tolerances, emissions and performance limits.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification of particleboard by intended service condition (STD / MR) and product grade.
• Requirements at dispatch: dimensional tolerances, thickness, density and face/back condition.
• Formaldehyde emission limits and test requirements for compliance.
• Lower and upper specification limits and specified performance thresholds for standard and high‑performance particleboards.
• Moisture resistance criteria and related test/acceptance rules.
• Supplementary properties (where applicable) and verification/testing procedures.
• Marking, product identification and documentation required for conformity.

Typical use and users

Used by particleboard and engineered wood manufacturers, quality and compliance teams, product certifiers, test laboratories, architects, specifiers, builders and furniture manufacturers who require standardised performance criteria for base particleboard products. Also referenced in procurement, product development and regulatory conformity checks.

Related standards

Commonly linked and cross‑referenced standards include the AS/NZS 4266 series (methods of testing for reconstituted wood‑based panels), AS/NZS 1859.2 & 1859.3 (other parts of the Reconstituted wood‑based panels series), AS 4707 (chain of custody / timber product traceability) and specific particleboard flooring standards (e.g., AS/NZS 1860 series). These referenced and referencing documents provide test methods and complementary specifications used alongside AS/NZS 1859.1:2017.

Keywords

particleboard, reconstituted wood‑based panels, engineered wood, formaldehyde emission, moisture resistant, dimensions, specification, marking, verification, AS/NZS 1859

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS/NZS 1859.1:2017 is the joint Australia/New Zealand product specification for particleboard (reconstituted wood‑based panels), defining classification, performance limits and dispatch requirements for base particleboard products.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers classification (service conditions), dispatch requirements (dimensions, tolerances and physical properties), formaldehyde emission limits, moisture resistance, specific limits for standard and high‑performance boards, supplementary properties, verification of compliance and marking requirements. It does not cover particleboard flooring (which is addressed in separate standards).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, quality managers, test laboratories, specifiers, architects, builders and procurement teams that need standardised product requirements and conformity criteria for particleboard used in joinery, furniture and building applications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2017 edition (AS/NZS 1859.1:2017) is the active edition; it was reissued with Amendment No. 1 in 2021 (published as an Australian amendment and resulting in a redesignation in Australian catalogues to AS 1859.1:2017/Amdt 1:2021). Check your national standards body for the latest amendment status before relying on the standard for regulatory compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 of the AS/NZS 1859 series (Reconstituted wood‑based panels). Other parts (for example Part 2, Part 3 and related documents) cover dry‑process fibreboard, decorative overlaid panels and complementary product specifications; test methods are contained in the AS/NZS 4266 series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Particleboard; reconstituted wood‑based panels; formaldehyde; moisture resistant; specifications; AS/NZS 1859; marking; verification; dimensions; performance limits.