A practical overview of the standard set a carpenter encounters in load-bearing timber structures: Eurocode 5 with Danish amendments, load standards, material standards and building regulations — and what changed in 2024 and 2026.
Introduction
Load-bearing timber structures in Denmark are designed according to Eurocode 5 — the European standard for timber structures — with national annexes (DK NA) that adjust partial coefficients and climate parameters to Danish conditions. As a carpenter, you encounter these standards when receiving static calculations, reviewing working drawings, or assessing whether a delivery is correct.
The most important standards
| Standard | Subject | Coming into force (DK) |
|---|---|---|
| DS/EN 1995-1-1+AC:2007 DK NA:2024 | Load-bearing timber structures — general rules | 1. juli 2024 |
| DS/EN 1995-1-2 DK NA:2026 | Fire technical dimensioning of wood, including CLT | 1. januar 2026 |
| DS/EN 1990 DK NA:2024 | Base for design calculations | 2024 |
| DS/EN 1991-1-3 DK NA:2024 | Snow load | 2024 |
| DS/EN 1991-1-4 DK NA:2024 | Wind load | 2024 |
| DS/EN 338 | Strength classes for solid softwood (C14–C30) | Running |
| DS/EN 14080 | Laminated timber — CE marking, GL classes | Running |
| DS/EN 14081-1 | CE marking and grading of structural timber | Krav siden 1. jan. 2012 |
Material standards and CE marking
All load-bearing structural timber must be CE-marked and strength-graded in accordance with DS/EN 14081-1. This has been a legal requirement since January 2012 — the use of ungraded or unmarked timber in load-bearing structures is not permitted. Glulam (GL classes) follows DS/EN 14080. Typical grade levels in Danish structures: C18 for simple load-bearing structures, C24 for more demanding ones.
The individual strength classes (C18, C24, GL28h etc.) with characteristic bending strength and typical use are collected in the article on timber structure and strength grading. The CE mark and grading statement must be on the building site during receipt inspection.
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