Concrete formwork is an integral part of any construction project, serving as a temporary or permanent mold into which concrete is poured and allowed to set. Whether constructing a simple residential home or a towering skyscraper, the precision and stability of formwork ensure the structure’s longevity and safety. While materials like metal and plastic are often used, wood remains a favorite for many builders due to its affordability, ease of use, and versatility. Let’s explore the most common types of wooden formwork panels and how they fit into the construction process.
The three-ply shuttering panel is a solid wood formwork panel, consisting of three layers of wood bonded together. These layers are arranged with the outer layers positioned perpendicular to the inner layer, providing enhanced structural stability. The surface is typically coated with melamine resin, which protects the wood from water damage and increases durability.
- Wood species: Pine or Spruce
- Usage lifespan: Up to 40 uses
- Structure: Three layers (each 7mm or 9mm thick)
- Surface finish: Melamine resin (usually yellow in color)
- Long lifespan: Thanks to the special coating, three-ply panels can withstand multiple uses.
- High quality: These panels comply with European standards, ensuring consistent dimensions and angles.
- Smooth concrete finish: After casting, the surface of the concrete is left smooth and even.
- High load capacity: This type of panel can handle significant weight, making it ideal for various construction tasks.
Film-faced plywood, also known as formply, is a type of plywood coated with a phenolic film on the surface. This coating protects the plywood from water, chemicals, and wear, making it a durable option for concrete formwork.
- Wood core: Eucalyptus, Acacia, Birch, or Poplar
- Usage lifespan: 6–40 uses (depending on quality)
- Surface: Phenolic film (black or brown)
- Glue: Water-resistant phenolic or melamine glue
- Smooth concrete finish: Film-faced plywood leaves a clean, smooth surface on the concrete.
- Durable and reusable: With proper care, these panels can be reused multiple times.
- Customizable: Logos can be imprinted on the surface, making it easy to brand the panels for specific projects.
- Versatile sizes and qualities: Available in different dimensions, this type of plywood suits various sections of construction.
Melamine-coated plywood is a wooden formwork panel made from a core of water-resistant plywood coated with melamine resin. The coating is typically available in red or yellow, providing a visually distinct surface that is also highly water-resistant.
- Wood core: Eucalyptus, Acacia
- Usage lifespan: 6–8 uses
- Surface: Melamine resin (red or yellow)
- Glue: Water-resistant melamine glue
- Strong and durable: Melamine-coated plywood is highly resistant to water and damage from concrete additives.
- Easy to handle: The panels are lightweight and easy to maneuver on construction sites.
- Available in various dimensions: This flexibility makes them suitable for different project requirements.
Medium Density Overlay (MDO) and High Density Overlay (HDO) plywood are premium formwork panels designed for exceptional performance in concrete casting. The overlay provides a smooth, durable surface that results in a fine, matte finish on the concrete.
- Wood core: Eucalyptus or Acacia
- Bonding: EN 314-2 Class 3 (European standards for plywood)
- Surface: MDO or HDO on both sides, or one side MDO/HDO and one side phenolic film
- Excellent concrete finish: These panels create a matte finish on concrete, ideal for projects requiring high surface quality.
- Durable and long-lasting: MDO/HDO plywood is designed for extended use, making it a cost-effective option for large projects.
General plywood, also known as WBP (Weather and Boil Proof) plywood, is a common type of plywood used for concrete formwork. It is often employed in smaller projects where only a few uses are needed before the panel is discarded.
- Wood core: Eucalyptus, Pine, Acacia
- Surface: Natural wood veneer (Pine, Bintangor, Styrax)
- Glue: Water-resistant WBP glue
- Cost-effective: General plywood is a budget-friendly option for projects requiring only one to three uses.
- Easy to handle: These panels are lightweight and easy to transport.
- Non-smooth surface finish: Concrete surfaces may not be as smooth when using general plywood.
- Prone to delamination: Exposure to water and chemicals can cause the layers to separate, reducing panel lifespan.
When choosing the right formwork panel for your project, several factors come into play:
- Durability: MDO/HDO plywood and three-ply shuttering panels last longer due to their protective coatings and structural integrity.
- Water Resistance: Film-faced and melamine-coated plywood offer better water resistance than general plywood.
- Cost: General plywood is the most affordable but has a shorter lifespan, while MDO/HDO is more expensive but provides superior results and longevity.
Selecting the ideal formwork panel depends on the scale of your project, budget, and the required concrete surface finish. For high-quality concrete surfaces, MDO or HDO plywood is the best choice, whereas general plywood works well for smaller, cost-conscious projects.
To extend the life of wooden formwork panels:
- Clean after each use: Remove concrete residue to prevent damage.
- Store properly: Keep panels dry and flat to avoid warping.
While wood is a renewable resource, it’s important to consider the environmental impact. Some constructors are turning to sustainable alternatives, such as reusable metal or plastic formwork, to reduce waste.
Wooden formwork remains a popular choice in construction due to
its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. By selecting the right type of wooden panel for your project and maintaining it properly, you can ensure efficient and high-quality construction results.
1. How many times can wooden formwork be reused?
Depending on the type, wooden formwork can be reused anywhere from 1–40 times.
2. What is the best type of plywood for a smooth concrete finish?
MDO or HDO plywood is best for achieving a smooth, matte concrete finish.
3. Is wooden formwork environmentally friendly?
While wood is renewable, it’s important to source from sustainable forests and consider alternatives to reduce environmental impact.
4. What makes melamine-coated plywood durable?
The melamine resin coating provides excellent water resistance and durability, extending the life of the panel.
5. Can I use general plywood for large projects?
General plywood is best suited for smaller projects where only a few uses are needed before the panel is discarded.
If you would like more information about this product, please feel free to contact us. Recommend other popular products for you: shuttering board for construction
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