CEN/TR 14723:2003

Overview

CEN/TR 14723:2003 is a CEN Technical Report giving guidelines for Field and Accelerated Conditioning Tests (FACT) to assess the durability of wood and wood‑based products treated with preservatives for out‑of‑ground contact applications. The document supports consistent planning, execution and reporting of tests that simulate above‑ground exposure to environmental agents and ageing, helping manufacturers, testers and specifiers evaluate preservative performance.

Key topics and requirements

The technical report focuses on practical guidance rather than prescriptive test parameters. Key topics include:

• Test purpose and scope - defining when FACT is appropriate for assessing wood preservative performance out of ground contact.
• Selection of test specimens - representative construction details, wood species and treated product types relevant to above‑ground use.
• Field exposure guidance - principles for selecting exposure sites, mounting methods and monitoring intervals to replicate real‑world weathering and biological attack.
• Accelerated conditioning methods - recommended approaches to simulate long‑term deterioration in shorter time frames using controlled cycles of moisture, temperature, UV and biological challenge.
• Performance assessment and criteria - guidance on visual assessment, decay rating, mechanical or dimensional checks, and criteria for evaluating preservative effectiveness.
• Data recording and reporting - recommended documentation, test records and reporting formats to ensure reproducibility and comparability.

Note: as a Technical Report, CEN/TR 14723:2003 provides guidance and best‑practice recommendations rather than mandatory specifications.

Applications

CEN/TR 14723:2003 is intended for organizations and professionals involved in wood durability and preservation, including:

• Wood preservative manufacturers developing or validating above‑ground products.
• Test laboratories conducting field trials and accelerated conditioning (FACT) studies.
• Certification bodies and regulators evaluating durability evidence for product approval.
• Timber engineers, architects and specifiers selecting treated timber for facades, claddings, joinery and other out‑of‑ground installations.
• Research institutions studying preservative performance and ageing mechanisms.

Using consistent FACT guidance helps stakeholders compare products, support claims of service life and improve durability design decisions for above‑ground applications.

Related standards

CEN/TR 14723:2003 complements other CEN and national standards on wood preservation, durability testing and specification of wood‑protecting chemicals. Users should consult applicable normative test standards and national regulations when planning compliance testing.

Keywords: CEN/TR 14723:2003, durability of wood, FACT tests, field and accelerated conditioning tests, wood preservative out of ground contact, wood‑protecting chemicals, durability testing.