AS NZS 1859.3:2017 Reconstituted wood-based panels— Specifications
The following recommendations should be applied to maintain decorative overlaid wood panels in good order and condition:
(a) The storage area should be protected from sun, rain and wind to minimize rapid changes in temperature and humidity. Open-sided sheds should not be regarded as dry stores.
(b) All packs should be evenly supported at each end and at intervals of not more than 600 mm. Where packs are multiple stacked, all supports should be vertically aligned [see Figures B1(a) and B1(b)].
(c) Should it be necessary to store in the open, decorative overlaid wood panels should be covered with a waterproof sheet, supported on battens laid on top of the pack allowing air to circulate around and over the pack. The cover sheet should protect both sides and ends to floor level and be tied to prevent lifting [see Figure B1(c)].
(d) The stack should be kept dry and clear of the ground, and be placed so that it will not be exposed to mechanical damage.
(e) Where packs are supported on bearers manufactured from decorative overlaid wood panels, care should be taken to ensure that surface water does not make contact with the bearers. Added care may be taken by supporting each bearer on natural timber packing (or other impervious material). The minimum thickness of packing should be 38.0 mm.
(f) To avoid staining and fading, the sheets should not be exposed to the weather while awaiting installation.
(g) The surface should be kept free of contaminants, e.g. dust, oil, and adhesives that will affect the overlaying of veneer, plastic laminate and other surface finishes.
(h) Sheets should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. (i) Small quantities of formaldehyde may be emitted from decorative overlaid wood panel sheets. Under normal conditions, atmospheric concentrations of formaldehyde will be well below recommended safe levels. If large quantities of decorative overlaid wood panels are stored together there may be a risk of formaldehyde build-up.