Plywood for formwork

Plywood for formwork: specifications

Plywood is a sheet material consisting of several layers of wood veneer that undergoes preliminary processing and is glued together. The adhesive base can be of several types. Depending on which plywood qualities are of primary importance (water resistance, environmental friendliness, or super strength), the appropriate adhesive base is used. For example, plywood may have enhanced water-repellent properties, but it is recommended for outdoor use only due to the phenol-formaldehyde glue in its structure.

For formwork systems, plywood sheets are specifically manufactured for this type of work. Formwork plywood is covered with a polymer film that acts as a barrier, preventing contact between the wood and concrete. Thanks to this additional protection, the aggressive composition of concrete mixtures does not destroy the material, allowing it to be reused multiple times. This production technology is the most complex and costly, increasing the product’s price. Therefore, if the reuse of sheets is not a priority, there is single-use formwork plywood available at a more affordable price.

Types, varieties, and labeling of formwork plywood

Laminated plywood for formwork

The most popular among consumers. The external coating in the form of a film makes the material resistant to environmental conditions and the effects of concrete components. Laminated plywood for formwork is made from wood, mainly hardwood species. The best veneer is birch. It produces a quality product that is strong and resistant to transverse loads. This makes it possible to reuse laminated formwork plywood. Its long service life and the possibility of multiple uses increase demand for this construction material.

FSF plywood

Water-resistant plywood. This is also an optimal option for formwork. It can also be used repeatedly. FSF plywood is made from coniferous wood, making the sheets lightweight and strong. The veneer is glued with phenol-formaldehyde resin, making the material resistant to direct contact with water and able to maintain its integrity well. However, this glue composition makes the product less environmentally friendly. Since temperature fluctuations can cause harmful emissions, plywood labeled E2 and above is used exclusively for outdoor work. FSF class E1 can be used for internal repair work.

FC plywood for construction

An environmentally friendly option. The veneer is glued with urea glue, which does not contain harmful chemical elements capable of evaporating into the atmosphere. This allows FC plywood to be used in all types of construction and repair work, both outdoors and indoors. Construction plywood for formwork is mostly used due to its affordable cost, but only for single use. Since the sheets can deform with prolonged contact with water, used FC plywood is not suitable for formwork.

Formwork plywood: sizes, price, quality

When choosing plywood suitable for formwork structures, it is important to focus on the following characteristics:

• Thickness. The optimal plywood for formwork is 18 mm and 21 mm. Plywood thinner than these parameters will not provide the necessary stability and strength to withstand the pressure of concrete. Buying thicker plywood is unjustifiably expensive.
• Grading. FSF water-resistant, FC, laminated. If multiple uses of the sheets are planned, it is more reasonable to buy laminated plywood for formwork. It will be more expensive, but the high quality justifies the cost.
• Wrap resistance. This criterion determines the number of times a formwork plywood sheet can be used without deteriorating in quality. Typically, this value is expressed in numbers – for example, 5, 20, 25, 30, 50. Laminated plywood with a smooth surface has the highest wrap resistance.

To summarize, it can be confidently said that laminated plywood is the best choice for repeated formwork use. The price of the material is compensated by its long service life and multiple-use capability. Product samples are presented in the Win-Wood catalog pages.

Laminated formwork plywood from Ukrainian and European manufacturers is available to order in any thickness and format. Delivery is available throughout Ukraine. Contact our consultants for information in the way that is most convenient for you — call the specified phone number, write an email, or leave a request in the site chat.