When it comes to construction, the choice of materials can significantly impact not just the budget but also the longevity and efficiency of a project. One of the most critical choices in this regard is the selection of shuttering materials. Traditionally, shuttering plywood has been the go-to option for many contractors. However, with advancements in material technology, plastic shuttering sheets, like our WoWBoard, have emerged as a competitive and sustainable alternative. In this blog, let’s dive deep into a cost-benefit analysis of shuttering plywood versus plastic shuttering sheets, focusing on both immediate costs and long-term benefits.
Understanding the Costs: Plywood vs. Plastic Shuttering Sheets
Case 01: Cost Analysis for 25 Repetitions
Let’s begin by comparing the costs involved in using shuttering plywood versus WoWBoard for 25 repetitions—a typical scenario in construction projects.
Shuttering Plywood: Priced at Rs. 57 per square foot, shuttering plywood is initially more affordable. However, with a limited lifespan of only 10 repetitions, it needs to be replaced multiple times to achieve 25 repetitions. Specifically, plywood would need to be purchased 2.5 times, bringing the total cost for 25 repetitions to Rs. 4560.
WoWBoard Plastic Shuttering Sheet: At Rs. 65 per square foot, WoWBoard is slightly more expensive per square foot than shuttering plywood. However, it offers 25 repetitions per sheet without the need for replacement. Thus, the total cost for 25 repetitions using WoWBoard would be Rs. 2080.
Cost Savings Analysis:
The savings with WoWBoard in this scenario amount to Rs. 2480.
However, it’s essential to account for the additional cost of runners required for WoWBoard. Unlike plywood, plastic sheets are generally more flexible, necessitating extra support. Each 8-foot runner costs Rs. 100, and a maximum of 2 additional runners might be needed, adding Rs. 200 to the overall cost.
Adjusted Savings:
Even with this additional cost, the total savings with WoWBoard still stand at Rs. 2280, making it a more economical choice even in the short term.
Case 02: Cost Analysis for 50 Repetitions
For a more extended application involving 50 repetitions, the cost savings become even more pronounced.
Shuttering Plywood: For 50 repetitions, shuttering plywood would need to be purchased 5 times (since it only lasts for 10 uses), resulting in a total cost of Rs. 9120.
WoWBoard: The cost remains Rs. 2080 for 50 repetitions since the sheet does not require replacement within this usage range.
Cost Savings Analysis:
The savings with WoWBoard now increase dramatically to Rs. 6840 for 50 repetitions, a clear indication of its long-term cost-effectiveness. Even when considering the extra runner cost of Rs. 200, the savings remain significant.
Runner Placement and Durability Considerations
When comparing these two materials, it is also essential to consider the specific requirements for runner placement:
Shuttering Plywood: Generally, with good quality plywood, the distance between runners is maintained at 300mm. This spacing provides sufficient support for the plywood and ensures a stable formwork setup.
WoWBoard: Given its flexible nature, WoWBoard requires a closer runner spacing of no more than 200-250mm to maintain stability. This closer spacing helps ensure that the formwork is sturdy and can handle the pressures of repeated use.
While the need for additional runners might initially seem like a disadvantage, it is crucial to consider the overall durability and lifespan of WoWBoard. The closer spacing requirement is a small price to pay for the significant cost savings and sustainability benefits that WoWBoard offers over its lifespan.
The Long-Term Benefits of Choosing WoWBoard
Beyond the immediate cost savings, several other factors make WoWBoard a more beneficial choice over traditional plywood:
Durability: WoWBoard is more durable than shuttering plywood, resistant to warping, cracking, and moisture damage. This durability means fewer replacements, less downtime, and lower overall costs.
Sustainability: By choosing WoWBoard, contractors contribute to a more sustainable construction practice. The use of recycled plastic in WoWBoard helps reduce waste and supports environmental conservation efforts, aligning with modern construction trends that favour sustainable materials.
Quality of Finish: WoWBoard provides a superior finish compared to traditional plywood. A higher quality finish reduces the cost and effort required for plastering and other finishing processes, further driving down costs and improving project efficiency.
Conclusion: Making the Smart Choice for Your Project
In construction, every decision impacts both the bottom line and the quality of the final product. The cost-benefit analysis between shuttering plywood and plastic shuttering sheets like WoWBoard clearly shows that while plywood may seem more affordable upfront, the long-term savings, durability, and sustainability of WoWBoard make it the smarter investment.
Choosing WoWBoard isn’t just a cost-effective decision; it’s a step towards more sustainable and responsible building practices. By investing in materials that offer longevity and environmental benefits, we can build a future where construction and sustainability go hand in hand. So, when planning your next project, consider WoWBoard—it’s a choice that pays off in more ways than one.