In the construction world, shuttering plywood has long been a staple for creating moulds and frameworks that support concrete structures until they gain strength. Whether it’s for columns, slabs, beams, or retaining walls, shuttering plywood has traditionally been the go-to material. But with growing demand for more sustainable, cost-effective, and durable solutions, newer materials like recycled plastic boards are challenging its dominance.
This blog explores everything you need to know about shuttering plywood, its drawbacks, and how modern alternatives like WoWBoards are reshaping the construction industry.
What Is Shuttering Plywood?
Shuttering plywood, also known as formwork plywood, is a type of plywood specially designed for temporary structures in concrete construction. It helps shape wet concrete and holds it until it sets properly. It’s commonly used in:
- Slab shuttering
- Beam and column casting
- Retaining wall formwork
- Bridge and infrastructure construction
The plywood is typically treated with a phenolic resin coating to increase water resistance and surface smoothness.
Why Plywood Has Been the Traditional Choice
Benefits of shuttering plywood:
- Smooth concrete finish: Reduces need for post-construction surface treatments.
- Reusable: Can be used 5–10 times if handled carefully.
- Cost-effective upfront: Relatively affordable compared to metal or other alternatives.
However, plywood isn’t without its flaws, especially in modern construction environments that require more durability and environmental responsibility.
The Problems with Traditional Shuttering Plywood
- Limited Reusability
- Despite being labelled reusable, most plywood begins to delaminate or weaken after a handful of uses.
- Water Damage & Swelling
- In humid or wet conditions, plywood absorbs moisture, causing it to warp or decay.
- Environmental Impact
- Production of plywood leads to deforestation and increases carbon footprint.
- Termite & Fungus Vulnerability
- Without proper chemical treatment, plywood is susceptible to insects and fungal attacks.
- Labour & Material Waste
- When plywood fails prematurely, it must be replaced often, increasing labour and waste disposal costs.
Plastic and PVC-Based Plywood Alternatives
In recent years, plastic-based plywood sheets have gained traction as a replacement for wood-based shuttering. These include:
- PVC Plywood
- Plastic Plywood Sheets
- Recycled Plastic Shuttering Boards
- Synthetic Plywood Panels
These materials are designed to address the shortcomings of traditional shuttering plywood, particularly water absorption, limited reusability, and environmental damage.
The Weight Misconception: Is Plastic Shuttering Lightweight?
One common misconception is that plastic shuttering is lightweight. In reality, high-performance plastic or recycled plastic boards used in shuttering are dense and heavy. This weight contributes to their:
- High load-bearing capacity
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Durability in demanding construction environments
So, while they may be heavier than expected, their weight is often an indicator of strength—not a drawback.
Recycled Shuttering Plywood: A Step Toward Sustainability
Many companies are now creating shuttering boards using recycled plastic waste. This approach gives plastic a second life and significantly reduces dependence on wood-based materials.
Advantages of recycled plastic shuttering boards include:
- 100% waterproof
- Reusable for 50+ times
- Resistant to chemicals and corrosion
- No termite or fungal damage
- Strong and stable under load
These boards also help reduce waste generation at construction sites, making them ideal for eco-conscious developers.
Why WoWBoards Are a Better Alternative
WoWBoards are engineered from recycled plastic, designed specifically for shuttering applications. They combine strength, durability, and sustainability like no other.
Key Advantages:
- High Durability: Can withstand multiple uses without losing structural integrity.
- Waterproof and Termite-Proof: Ideal for all-weather conditions and high-humidity environments.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled materials and fully recyclable after use.
- Low Surface Adhesion: Concrete doesn’t stick to the surface, making demoulding easier and cleaner.
- Precise and Stable: Maintains shape even under heavy concrete pressure.
Unlike traditional shuttering plywood, WoWBoards do not warp, swell, or degrade. They provide a cost-efficient and sustainable alternative for today’s construction needs.
Whether you’re working on residential slabs or large-scale infrastructure, WoWBoards deliver the reliability and performance that modern sites demand.
Final Thoughts
While shuttering plywood has served the construction industry well for decades, it’s time to embrace a more advanced, durable, and sustainable solution. Plastic and recycled plastic alternatives like WoWBoards offer unmatched benefits in reusability, performance, and environmental impact.
If you’re looking to cut down on waste, improve your concrete finish, and make your projects more cost-effective in the long run, it’s time to explore WoWBoards—a smarter choice for the future of formwork.