Every PERI FLOOR board stamped with the TFT Diamond Mark provides visible proof of independent testing and ongoing performance assurance.

Certified to perform: Why third-party accreditation matters when sourcing plywood for your subfloor

In a market that is seeing new products appear almost weekly, it can be tempting to make decisions based on price or headline specifications alone. But when it comes to plywood underlays for flooring, especially when working alongside high value finishes such as LVT and advanced adhesives, the difference between a good deal and a good result comes down to one thing: verified quality.

Third-Party Accreditation: The Diamond Standard

For designers, specifiers, contractors and distributors, reassurance doesn’t just come from a product label, it comes from independent verification. That’s where the TFT Diamond Mark sets sub-standard and high-quality plywood apart.

Why use certified Diamond Standard plywood?

  • It’s rigorously tested for compliance and ongoing quality
  • Experience consistent strength and stability as each board is monitored through regular testing
  • It guarantees your floor’s foundation is as reliable as its finish.

By contrast, products that lack independent certification, or that stray from the 3- or 5- ply construction proven in the field, carry inherent risks. A 4-ply sheet, for instance, may appear acceptable on paper, but it may compromise flatness and stability, both of which are crucial for flooring applications. Without that third-party oversight, there’s no reliable assurance of consistency or quality from batch to batch.

Accreditation matters to your project partners too

LVT manufacturers, adhesive suppliers, and training bodies such as the FITA and Floor Skills Centre and trade associations, such as The Contract Flooring Association (CFA) all endorse the use of accredited, BS-compliant underlays. That’s because they know performance depends on every flooring layer working in harmony.

A high-value overlay demands a high-performance substrate. Cutting corners on the plywood layer is like fitting budget tyres on a high-end car, the risk simply outweighs the saving.

Using certified flooring-grade plywood means your subfloor won’t compromise the performance of LVT or other high-value finishes.
The structural quality of your subfloor impacts the performance of the entire installation. Don’t compromise the finish; poorly constructed plywood can compromise even the best-laid floors, no matter how carefully installed.

Know what’s behind the sheet

The structural quality of your subfloor impacts the performance of the entire installation. Don’t compromise the finish; poorly constructed plywood can compromise even the best-laid floors, no matter how carefully installed.

Features to look out for when choosing a plywood product that’s fit for purpose:

  • Avoid bond failure: The strongest glue bonds will typically meet EN314-2 Bonding Class 3 standards
  • De-risk telegraphing: Thicker face veneers will have a minimum thickness of 0.75mm before sanding and will not overlap
  • Prevent surface irregularities: Inspect the edges for voids in the inner layers

These aren’t optional features; they’re critical safeguards for durability and long-term performance.

Quality you can count on

When you specify PERI FLOOR, you’re choosing a flooring-grade plywood that’s not only manufactured to BS 8203:2017 standards, but also backed by The TFT Diamond Mark, your visible proof of third-party accreditation and ongoing quality assurance. Every board is stamped for traceability and compliance, giving contractors, specifiers, and distributors complete confidence from the subfloor up.

Don’t take unnecessary risks with unverified alternatives. Ask for the mark, check the certification, and build on the confidence that only accredited Flooring Grade Plywood can deliver.