When it comes to selecting the right shuttering material for construction projects, builders often compare WPC boards, plywood, and recycled plastic boards like WoWBoards. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to understand which option is best suited for your project.
In this detailed comparison, we will explore the strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance of WPC boards, plywood, and WoWBoards to help you make an informed decision.
1. What Are WPC Boards?
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) boards are made from a blend of wood fibres, plastic, and additives. They offer a durable and moisture-resistant alternative to traditional plywood, making them ideal for outdoor applications. WPC boards are often used in:
- Decking and cladding
- Furniture and partitions
- Formwork and shuttering in construction
Advantages of WPC Boards for Shuttering
- Resistant to moisture, rot, and termites
- Smooth surface, resulting in a clean concrete finish
- Minimal maintenance and higher durability than plywood
Limitations of WPC Boards
- Higher initial cost compared to plywood
- Can warp under extreme heat or heavy loads
- Limited reusability in high-stress formwork applications
- Nailing is very hard. It’s as tough as nailing a concrete block
2. What Is Plywood?
Plywood is a widely used construction material made from thin layers of wood veneer bonded with adhesive. Due to its affordability and strength, it is commonly used in shuttering and formwork.
Advantages of Plywood for Shuttering
- Readily available and cost-effective
- Provides adequate strength for most concrete shuttering applications
- Easy to cut, shape, and install on-site
Limitations of Plywood
- Susceptible to water damage, swelling, and warping
- Limited lifespan with only 6-8 reuses in most cases
- Requires additional protection against termites and moisture
3. Introducing WoWBoards: The Ultimate Alternative
WoWBoards are recycled plastic boards engineered to outperform both WPC boards and plywood in construction shuttering applications. Made from multi-layered recycled plastic, WoWBoards provide a sustainable and durable solution that is gaining popularity in the construction industry.
Advantages of WoWBoards for Shuttering
- High durability and reusability with over 50 repetitions without compromising strength or quality
- Waterproof and warp-resistant, remaining unaffected by moisture and preventing swelling
- Eco-friendly solution made from recycled plastic waste, contributing to environmental sustainability
- Smooth de-shuttering experience that provides a flawless finish, reducing the need for post-construction corrections
- Resistant to termites and fungi, eliminating the risk of insect or fungal damage
Limitations of WoWBoards
- Slightly higher initial cost compared to plywood, but on par with the premium plywood
- Lighter than WPC boards, requiring careful handling during installation
4. WPC Boards vs. Plywood vs. WoWBoards: Key Comparisons
| Feature | WPC Boards | Plywood | WoWBoards |
| Durability | Moderate | Low | High |
| Water Resistance | Moderate | Low | High |
| Reusability | 8-10 times | 6-8 times | 50+ times |
| Resistance to Termites | Yes | No | Yes |
| Eco-Friendliness | Low | Low | High (recycled) |
| Cost Efficiency | High initial cost | High initial cost | Long-term savings |
| Surface Finish | Smooth | Moderate | Superior |
5. Why WoWBoards Are the Best Choice for Shuttering
WoWBoards stand out as the superior choice for shuttering due to their unmatched durability, eco-friendliness, and cost-efficiency. Unlike traditional plywood, which warps, swells, and deteriorates after limited use, WoWBoards are made from recycled plastic, ensuring high resistance to water, termites, and fungal attacks. They offer over 50 reuses, significantly reducing material wastage and project costs over time.
The smooth surface of WoWBoards ensures a flawless concrete finish, eliminating the need for additional plastering, which saves time and labour costs. Its sturdy design makes handling and installation easier, enhancing efficiency on-site. Additionally, WoWBoards contribute positively to the environment by reducing timber dependency, helping preserve forests, and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
For builders and contractors seeking a long-lasting, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to plywood or WPC shuttering boards, WoWBoards provide the ideal solution, ensuring superior performance across multiple applications.
6. Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Shuttering
If you are looking for a durable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solution for your shuttering needs, WoWBoards are the ideal alternative to both WPC shuttering sheets and plywood. Their superior performance, high reusability, and eco-friendly design make them the future of formwork in modern construction projects.
Ready to switch to a more durable and sustainable shuttering solution? Choose WoWBoards for your next project.