Fire-Resistant Parquet and Panels: A Safety Guide

In modern interior design, parquet and panels are chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for the comfort, acoustic balance, and functionality they provide. However, beyond beauty and functionality, there is one factor that must never be overlooked: fire resistance. The choice of parquet and panel materials can determine not just the style of a space, but also its safety in critical situations.

During a fire, floor and wall coverings play a direct role in flame spread. If non-compliant or uncertified materials are used, flames can engulf an entire space in just minutes. This rapid escalation endangers both human lives and structural integrity. That is why the use of fire-resistant parquet, flame-retardant panels, and certified products has evolved from being a design preference into an absolute necessity.

According to the TS EN 13501-1 standard, materials are classified into categories such as A1 (non-combustible) and A2 (flame-retardant), as well as other lower ratings. For example, fire-resistant floor coverings can slow down flame spread, minimize smoke generation, and allow additional time for safe evacuation.

The Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings mandates the use of fire-compliant parquet and panels in high-risk environments such as schools, hotels, hospitals, and other public facilities. Choosing uncertified or substandard products not only increases safety risks but can also result in compliance failures, legal penalties, and insurance complications.

In this comprehensive guide, you will discover why fire resistance in parquet and panels is essential, the role of non-combustible and flame-retardant materials, relevant Turkish and European fire standards, the fire performance of different materials, the benefits of certified products, and finally, Acarkon’s certified fire-resistant solutions.

Why Is Fire Resistance So Important?

One of the most critical aspects of any fire scenario is the speed of flame spread. If parquet or panel materials are highly flammable, the fire can expand within minutes, leaving little to no time for intervention.

Flame Spread and Life Safety

1. Flame-retardant parquet and flame-resistant panels significantly reduce the rate of flame spread, allowing building occupants precious time to evacuate safely.
2. Products classified under TS EN 13501-1 as A1 (non-combustible) or A2 (flame-retardant) offer high levels of protection.
3. A1 materials do not contribute to fire at all, while A2 products slow down the spread enough to meet stringent fire codes.

The Role of Smoke and Toxic Gases

Studies show that in most fire-related fatalities, the primary cause is not flames but toxic smoke inhalation. Therefore, parquet and panel products should not only resist ignition but also demonstrate low smoke emission (s1 classification).

1. Certified acoustic panels with fire ratings such as A2-s1,d0 ensure both safety and acoustic comfort.
2. Low-smoke and no-drip materials extend evacuation time and reduce casualties.

Insurance and Regulatory Advantages

Using fire-certified parquet and panels provides tangible benefits:

1. Compliance with fire regulations eliminates legal risks.
2. Insurance companies often grant better coverage and faster claims for certified buildings.
3. Certified products reduce liability in case of fire incidents.

A Non-Negotiable Requirement

Today, fire safety in parquet and panels is no longer optional. Especially in residential complexes, offices, hotels, and public facilities, the use of fire-resistant parquet, flame-retardant panels, and certified coverings is both a legal requirement and a moral responsibility.

Fire Regulations and Standards for Parquet and Panels

Parquet and panels used in interior spaces must comply with the Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings, which defines the fire reaction classes of construction materials. These regulations are aligned with European standards such as TS EN 13501-1, ensuring consistency and safety across projects worldwide.

TS EN 13501-1: The European Benchmark

The TS EN 13501-1 standard is the leading European classification system for the fire performance of construction materials. It evaluates:

1. Combustibility
2. Smoke production (s1, s2, s3)
3. Droplet formation during burning (d0, d1, d2)

Fire Classes Explained

1. A1 Class (Non-Combustible): Examples include mineral-based panels and stone wool acoustic boards. These do not contribute to fire under any circumstances.
2. A2 Class (Flame-Retardant): Chemically enhanced wood-based panels or resins. They are difficult to ignite and slow flame spread.
3. B Class (Limited Contribution): Flammable materials treated with fire retardants. Offer some protection but not ideal for high-risk areas.

Practical Applications in Buildings

1. Escape routes and staircases: Only A1 non-combustible parquet and panels are permitted.
2. Residential, office, and hotel rooms: A2 or B class products may be acceptable.
3. Public buildings, hospitals, and schools: At least A2 class flame-retardant panels are mandatory.

In summary, parquet and panels should never be chosen solely for their visual qualities; they must also comply with fire codes, TS EN 13501-1 classification, and legal regulations.

Types of Parquet and Panels: Fire Performance Compared

1. Laminate Parquet

1. Structure: Made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) with melamine or resin coatings.
2. Advantages: Cost-effective, durable, wide variety of designs.
3. Fire Performance: Standard laminate is typically combustible (B class). However, when enhanced with fire-retardant resins or special coatings, laminate parquet can reach A2-s1,d0 classification, meaning it is flame-retardant, produces minimal smoke, and emits no burning droplets.

2. Solid Wood Parquet

1. Structure: 100% natural wood.
2. Advantages: Long lifespan, premium aesthetic.
3. Fire Performance: Wood is naturally combustible and usually rated C or D. However, with fire-retardant varnishes, impregnation treatments, and chemical additives, solid wood parquet can achieve higher fire resistance and comply with safety codes.

3. Acoustic Panels

1. Structure: Produced using wood, MDF with fabric, polyurethane foam, or mineral-based materials.
2. Advantages: Improve sound insulation and provide decorative finishes.
3. Fire Performance: Wooden or fabric-covered acoustic panels are combustible. However, mineral-filled acoustic panels can achieve A1 or A2 fire ratings under TS EN 13501-1, making them both fire-safe and acoustically effective.

4. Composite Panels

1. Structure: A combination of wood fibers and mineral fillers.
2. Advantages: Lightweight, durable, sustainable.
3. Fire Performance: Thanks to mineral additives, composite panels typically fall into the A2 flame-retardant category, offering reliable performance in high-traffic and public buildings.

Advantages of Using Certified Products

1. Legal Compliance

Certified parquet and panels meet the requirements of TS EN 13501-1 and Turkey’s fire codes, avoiding issues during inspections. Projects using A1 non-combustible parquet or A2 flame-retardant panels pass approvals smoothly.

2. Insurance Benefits

Insurance companies prefer certified fire-resistant materials. Buildings with fire-certified panels face lower risks and may secure better policies, while claims are processed more efficiently in case of incidents.

3. Long-Term Safety

1. Certified products significantly reduce fire risk.
2. Flame-retardant parquet and non-combustible coverings slow down flame spread and protect lives.
3. Products with low smoke emission ratings (s1) ensure safer evacuation.

4. Brand Reputation

Modern clients expect not only aesthetics but also safety.

1. Using fire-compliant parquet and panels demonstrates corporate responsibility.
2. Hotels, malls, and offices that prioritize fire safety gain stronger reputations and customer trust.

Acarkon’s Fire-Resistant Solutions

Acarkon offers more than aesthetic and acoustic solutions—it develops safety-driven products that meet both Turkish and European fire standards.

Certified Laminate Parquet

1. Produced according to European fire classifications.
2. Available in A2-s1,d0 certified options, ensuring flame-retardant performance and low smoke emission.

With Acarkon, you gain not only decorative appeal but also fire-resistant laminate parquet solutions.

Acoustic Panels

1. Designed for both sound insulation and fire safety.
2. Mineral-based production ensures A1 or A2 fire certification, ideal for offices, hotels, and auditoriums.

Acarkon’s certified acoustic panels combine elegance, performance, and safety.

Composite Coverings

1. Made with mineral fillers to achieve high heat resistance.
2. Rated A2 flame-retardant, making them suitable for malls, public buildings, and high-occupancy areas. 

Acarkon’s composite coverings deliver durability, sustainability, and compliance in one product.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is parquet fire-resistant?

Yes, parquet can be made fire-resistant with additives and certifications.

Which class of parquet is safest?

A1 (non-combustible) and A2 (flame-retardant) products are the safest choices.

Are laminate floors fire-safe?

Certified laminate parquet can meet fire codes, especially when rated A2-s1,d0.

Are acoustic panels fire-resistant?

Mineral-filled acoustic panels with A1/A2 ratings provide strong fire resistance.

Is using certified products mandatory?

Yes, in public facilities like hotels, schools, and hospitals, certified products are legally required.

What is TS EN 13501-1?

It is the European standard that classifies building materials by combustibility, smoke production, and droplet formation.

What is the difference between flame-retardant and non-combustible parquet?

Flame-retardant parquet slows flame spread, while non-combustible parquet (A1) does not ignite at all.

What happens if uncertified products are used?

It can cause compliance failures, invalidate insurance, and increase liability risks.

Are composite panels fire-safe?

Yes, mineral-filled composite panels typically achieve A2 flame-retardant classification.

Are fire-resistant products more expensive?

Generally, yes, but the long-term safety, insurance, and compliance benefits outweigh the higher initial costs.

Why is fire safety important in flooring and wall coverings?

Because they directly influence flame spread, smoke production, and evacuation safety.

Can fire-resistant materials be eco-friendly?

Yes. Many composite and mineral-based products are both sustainable and fire-safe.

Fireproof Parquet, panel and profile

Parquet and panels are not merely aesthetic choices—they are long-term safety investments. In the event of a fire, certified materials protect both people and property.

In today’s world, especially in high-occupancy buildings such as hotels, schools, and offices, fire-resistant parquet and flame-retardant panels are no longer optional. They are both legal requirements and essential for public safety.

Acarkon combines elegance, acoustic comfort, and fire safety with its certified laminate parquet, acoustic panels, and composite coverings. Compliant with TS EN 13501-1 standards, Acarkon’s products guarantee that your interiors are not only beautiful but also safe.

Discover Acarkon’s certified fire-resistant parquet and panel solutions today—combine safety, aesthetics, and compliance for a secure future.