In construction, the right shuttering material can make or break your structure—literally. Whether you’re casting slabs, columns, or retaining walls, choosing the right shuttering sheets affects finish quality, labour cost, and overall project efficiency.
For years, shuttering plywood (or shuttering ply) was the default. Then came aluminium formwork, with its speed and reusability. And now, plastic shuttering sheets—specifically WoWBoards—are making the industry pause and rethink what’s possible.
Here’s a fair comparison of all three.
1. Shuttering Plywood: Old-School, but Flawed
Still widely used, shuttering plywood is known for its familiarity and lower upfront cost. But let’s face it—its downsides are hard to ignore.
Pros:
- Easily available
- Low initial cost
- Works with standard tools
Cons:
- Lasts only 5–6 repetitions
- Swells and warps with moisture
- Requires oiling for every use
- Creates patchy, uneven concrete finish
- Ends up in landfills after a few cycles
Verdict: Plywood gets the job done—just not for long. It’s low-cost but high-waste.
Aluminium Shuttering: Strong, Precise, but Pricey
Aluminium shuttering systems gained popularity for their high reusability and speed—especially in high-rise projects.
Pros:
- Excellent repetition (up to 200+ cycles)
- Ideal for large-scale, repetitive layouts
- Fast cycle times
Cons:
- Extremely high initial investment
- Needs skilled labour and special tools
- Poor finish, increases cost of plastering
- Difficult to customise for unique structures
- High maintenance cost
- Not recyclable by most on-site teams
Verdict: Great if you’re building hundreds of similar floors—but overkill for most everyday contractors and projects.
3. Plastic Shuttering Sheets (WoWBoards): The Sustainable Middle Path
WoWBoards, made from recycled plastic waste, strike the ideal balance: high reusability, great finish, low maintenance—and a strong environmental impact.
Pros:
- 40–60+ repetitions
- Waterproof & warp-resistant
- No oiling required
- Smooth, uniform finish = less plastering
- Easy to cut and work with existing tools
- Made from recycled plastic; recyclable again after use
- Cost-effective across the board’s life
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than plywood (especially in 16mm)
- Requires proper handling to maximise lifespan
Verdict: If you want durability without the capital cost of aluminium—and sustainability built in—WoWBoards are the future of shuttering.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Plywood | Aluminium | WoWBoards (Plastic) |
| Initial Cost | Low | Very High | Moderate |
| Reusability | 5–6 cycles | 150–200 cycles | 40–60 cycles |
| Finish Quality | Uneven | Uneven | Smooth |
| Water Resistance | Poor | Excellent | Excellent |
| Tools Required | Basic | Special tools | Basic |
| Labour Required | Regular | Skilled only | Regular |
| Recyclability | No | Yes (complex) | Yes (easy) |
| Custom Shapes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Oiling Needed | Always | No | No |
Why WoWBoards Are Winning Sites Over
WoWBoards aren’t just plastic shuttering boards—they’re a practical solution to real problems on Indian sites.
- A single WoWBoard replaces 5–6 plywood sheets
- It doesn’t absorb water or swell in the rain
- You don’t need to oil it before every use
- You save time on de-shuttering and plastering
- You support the circular economy by turning plastic waste into something valuable
Final Thoughts: What Should You Choose?
If you’re working on 50+ floors of the same layout and have the capital for aluminium shuttering, go for it.
If you’re looking for cheap and fast—plywood will do, but expect a lot of wastage and finish issues.
But if you want the sweet spot—a material that’s durable, cost-effective, waterproof, and environmentally responsible—WoWBoards are your best bet.
Thousands of tonnes of plastic waste can be diverted from landfills simply by switching your shuttering sheets. That’s not just construction. That’s impact.
Build Better. Build Responsibly.
Build with WoWBoards.