Shuttering Plywood
If you are in the construction business or planning a concrete structure, shuttering plywood is a term you’re bound to encounter. This specialised type of plywood material plays a critical role in shaping concrete during construction and ensuring smooth finishes. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every aspect of shuttering plywood, from what it is to its best alternatives, helping you make an informed choice.
What is Shuttering Plywood?
Shuttering plywood, also known as formwork plywood or concrete shuttering plywood, is a high strength red plywood used to create moulds for pouring concrete. It supports the concrete until it gains enough strength to hold its shape on its own.
This type of plywood product material is generally coated with a film face that protects it from water absorption and improves its reusability. Common variants include 12mm, 18mm, and even 6mm shuttering plywood, available in various sizes like the standard 8×4 ft sheet.
How is Shuttering Ply Made?
Understanding the manufacturing process helps you gauge the quality and durability of the material.
Shuttering plywood is crafted using high-density hardwood veneers bonded together using phenol-formaldehyde resin under high pressure and temperature. To increase its water resistance and durability, manufacturers coat it with a protective film – hence the name film-faced shuttering red plywood.
The process begins with selecting durable hardwood logs, which are then peeled into thin layers (veneers). These veneers are dried, treated for fungus resistance, and layered with glue in alternating grain directions for enhanced strength. The stacked layers are then hot-pressed in a hydraulic press to form a solid sheet product.
Finally, a waterproof film – often black or brown – is applied to both surfaces for moisture protection and to ensure a good finish during concrete casting.
Fact: Not All Boards Are Created Equal
When it comes to shuttering and formwork, WoWBoards stand out from traditional materials like plywood and WPC in India. Made from 100% recycled plastic, WoWBoards are waterproof, durable, and reusable over 2.5 times — making them an eco-friendly alternative. Unlike plywood shuttering, they don’t absorb moisture, swell, or degrade after use. Contact us for more information about ply wood alternative.
Want a board that lasts longer, performs better, and saves money?
Choose WoWBoards — the smarter shuttering solution.
Common Sizes & Thicknesses Available
When buying shuttering plywood, knowing the price, available sizes ensures minimal wastage and maximum efficiency.
Some commonly available sizes and thicknesses include:
- 12mm 8×4 size
- 18mm 8×4 size
- 6mm shuttering board 8×4 size
- Custom cuts depending on the supplier
Applications and Uses of Shuttering Plywood
Shuttering plywood has versatile use across different construction scenarios.
Formwork
Creating formwork for slabs, beams, and columns
Ceiling & Floor
Centring plywood for ceilings and flooring
Retaining Structures
Retaining walls, drains, and other structures
High Repetition Rate
Projects requiring repetitive concrete casting
Advantages of Shuttering Plywood
Before choosing any material, it’s vital to understand the benefits it brings to your project.
Construction plywood offers the following advantages:
- Excellent structural stability
- Reusable, making it cost-effective over time
- Easy to install, remove, and transport the board
- Gives excellent finishes
- Can be used in different weather conditions
Disadvantages of Shuttering Ply
Despite its usefulness, construction ply also has certain limitations.
Some disadvantages include:
- Susceptible to swelling if not dried properly
- Limited lifespan even with good maintenance
- Needs careful handling to retain shape and smooth surface
- Can delaminate over time with repeated use
The Better Alternative: WoWBoards
If you’re looking for a durable, waterproof, and truly reusable solution, consider switching to WoWBoards. Unlike traditional plywood shuttering, these boards don’t swell, rot, or delaminate and can be reused over 2.5 times more than shuttering ply.
For more details you can call us on phone number or write us on email mentioned on contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Specially manufactured plywood, also known as film faced plywood or formwork plywood, is used for shuttering in concrete construction. It is treated to withstand dampness, weight, and pressure during casting and curing.
Shuttering plywood is engineered for temporary use in concrete formwork and is coated with a film for moisture resistance, while regular plywood is designed for furniture or interior use and lacks the strength and durability needed for construction.
Shuttering plywood is water-resistant due to its film face coating, but it’s not entirely waterproof. Prolonged exposure to water may still damage it unless it’s properly maintained or replaced with recycled plastic shuttering sheets like WoWBoards.
The four common types of plywood are:
Softwood Plywood – used for structural work.
Hardwood Plywood – used in furniture and cabinets.
Marine Plywood – used in moisture-prone environments.
Shuttering Plywood – used in construction for concrete formwork.
Yes, shuttering plywood is very strong and built to handle the heavy loads and pressure of wet concrete during pouring and curing. It’s reinforced and treated to maintain structural integrity.
The load capacity depends on thickness, type, and quality. Typically, 18mm shuttering plywood can support 400–500 kg/m² under standard conditions. For precise structural loads, always consult manufacturer specifications or an engineer.
Product prices vary based on quality, coating, and brand. Typically ranges between ₹800 to ₹1300 per sheet.
Good quality shuttering plywood can be reused 6–20 times depending on maintenance.
Recycled plastic boards like WoWBoards are excellent alternatives offering higher durability.
It’s water-resistant, not waterproof. Prolonged exposure to water can still damage the material.
12mm and 18mm are most commonly used for slab formwork due to their strength and stability.
Yes, shuttering ply wood as well as its alternative is available easily in India.
Testimonials
Shuttering Plywood in India is rated 4.9 / 5.0 stars (By 496 customers)