DIN EN 335 divides wood and wood products into five usage classes, which differ in terms of their environmental stresses, which can have an influence on the (biological) destruction of the wood product:
- Use class 1 (GK 1): dry indoor use
- class 2 (GK 2): indoor use or covered area. Weather-protected, but at risk of condensation
- Use class 3 (GK 3): outdoor area, exposed to the weather, but without contact with the ground
- Subclass 3.1 (GK 3.1): only temporary contact with water, the water can dry quickly again by designing or arranging the components
- Subclass 3.2 (GK 3.2): areas without the possibility of rapid drying
- Use class 4 (GK 4): outdoor area with contact with soil or fresh water
- Use class 5 (GK 5): Outdoor area with contact with salt water
The individual use classes differentiate with regard to the substantial hazard of the wood or the wood product from organisms such as fungi, beetles, termites and marine organisms.
Source: bauwion
