Types Of Shuttering Plywood & Factors Affecting Its Price

Shuttering plywood, or formwork plywood, is crucial in construction, providing temporary molds for shaping concrete structures. The main types are film-faced, MR grade, BWP, hardwood, softwood, veneer-based and plastic-coated plywood, and the right one depends on the load, the exposure to water and how many times you need to reuse it.

This guide explores each type, its properties and applications, how to choose the right thickness and grade, what affects the price and what to look for in a supplier.

What Is Shuttering Plywood?

Shuttering plywood is a specialized type of plywood designed to provide temporary support during concrete construction projects. It holds wet concrete in shape until it hardens, whether you are casting foundations, pillars or other concrete structures, and it is used on everything from small homes to large infrastructure projects.

This type of plywood is specifically engineered to withstand the weight and pressure exerted by wet concrete, which can be substantial in large-scale projects. Its surface is treated so that it does not stick to or damage the concrete when the formwork is removed. Shuttering plywood also has features such as water resistance, strength, and reusability, depending on its type and grade.

Why Choosing The Right Shuttering Plywood Matters

Using substandard plywood for shuttering can lead to warping, cracks, uneven concrete surfaces and structural weaknesses. Different projects need different degrees of strength: high-rise buildings and bridges need plywood that can withstand heavy loads, while residential buildings may require something less robust. Good shuttering plywood bears the load of wet concrete safely, gives a smooth concrete finish, stands up to rain and humidity, and can be reused for several pours, which makes it cost-effective on larger projects.

Types Of Shuttering Plywood

Shuttering plywood comes in various grades and types, each with its own properties and advantages. Below are the most common types of shuttering plywood used in construction:

1. Film Faced Shuttering Plywood

Film-faced shuttering plywood is one of the most durable and widely used types in the construction industry. It is coated with a layer of phenolic film (resin-impregnated paper), which enhances its water resistance and provides a smooth, high-quality finish. The film also increases the plywood’s durability and lets it come away from the concrete easily, allowing it to be reused multiple times.

• Properties: High strength, excellent water resistance, and smooth surface.
• Applications: Large-scale projects like high-rise buildings, bridges, and dams, where multiple uses are needed.

Advantages:

• Reusable up to 8-12 times, reducing costs in the long run.
• Resistant to weather and moisture, making it ideal for outdoor use.
• Easy to remove from concrete after use.

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than other types of plywood.
• Heavier due to the film coating.

2. MR Grade Shuttering Plywood (Moisture Resistant)

MR-grade (Moisture-resistant) plywood is an economical option often used in interior applications. While it offers some resistance to moisture, it is not waterproof and is, therefore, more suited for projects that will not be exposed to direct water or extreme weather.

• Properties: Moderate moisture resistance, affordable, lightweight.
• Applications: Indoor formwork, temporary structures, residential projects.

Advantages:

• Affordable, lightweight and easy to handle.
• Suitable for short-term and indoor projects.

Disadvantages:

• Limited moisture resistance—cannot be used for outdoor projects.
• Not suitable for long-term or heavy-duty use.

3. BWP (Boiling Water Proof) Shuttering Plywood

BWP plywood, also called waterproof plywood, is highly resistant to water and extreme weather conditions. It is engineered to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture, making it ideal for outdoor projects where water exposure is a concern. The waterproof glue used in its construction ensures durability, even under constant contact with water. Marine-grade plywood is another option for areas with very high moisture levels and is known for its longevity. See BWR vs BWP plywood for how the water-resistant grades differ.

• Properties: Exceptional water resistance, high durability, strong.
• Applications: Dams, marine structures, bridges, retaining walls, and any outdoor construction requiring waterproof materials.

Advantages:

• Completely waterproof, making it ideal for wet environments.
• Highly durable and reusable.

Disadvantages:

• Expensive compared to other plywood types.

4. Hardwood Shuttering Plywood

Hardwood shuttering plywood is made from dense hardwood species, which give it a high load-bearing capacity. It’s an excellent choice for projects that demand strength and durability, especially in high-stress environments. Hardwood plywood is less prone to bending and warping under pressure.

• Properties: Very strong, durable, and resistant to high loads.
• Applications: Heavy-duty construction projects like bridges, highways, and industrial infrastructure.

Advantages:

• High load-bearing capacity, ideal for heavy-duty applications.
• Less prone to warping and bending.

Disadvantages:

• Can be heavier and harder to handle.
• Higher cost compared to softwood or MR-grade plywood.

5. Softwood Shuttering Plywood

Softwood plywood, typically made from species like pine or fir, is a more affordable alternative to hardwood plywood. Although it offers less strength than hardwood varieties, softwood plywood is still widely used in construction, particularly for lighter projects or as temporary formwork. It’s also lighter in weight, making it easier to handle on-site.

• Properties: Lightweight, moderately strong, affordable.
• Applications: Residential buildings, temporary formwork, scaffolding.

Advantages:

• More affordable than hardwood plywood.
• Lightweight and easy to work with.

Disadvantages:

• Less durable and not suitable for heavy-duty projects.
• Limited water resistance.

6. Veneer-Based Shuttering Plywood

Veneer-based shuttering plywood consists of thin layers of wood veneer bonded together. This type of plywood is usually less expensive but can still offer adequate strength for smaller projects. Veneer-based plywood is often treated to enhance moisture resistance, but it’s not as durable as hardwood or BWP plywood.

• Properties: Cost-effective, moderate strength, available in different grades.
• Applications: Small-scale residential projects, temporary formwork.

Advantages:

• Affordable and readily available.
• Suitable for lighter construction projects.

Disadvantages:

• Limited reusability and durability.
• Lower moisture resistance.

7. Plastic-Coated Shuttering Plywood

This type comes with a plastic coating that makes it resistant to both water and chemicals.

Factors To Consider When Selecting Shuttering Plywood

When choosing shuttering plywood for your project, consider the following factors:

Project Type

Heavy-duty projects like bridges and dams require high-strength plywood, such as hardwood or BWP varieties. For smaller, residential projects, MR-grade or softwood plywood may suffice.

Thickness

Choose plywood with a thickness of at least 12 mm for formwork applications. Thicker plywood gives better load-bearing capacity. Our guide to plywood thickness lists the common sizes.

Grade

Opt for high-grade plywood that meets IS:4990 standards for shuttering, so you know it has passed the quality tests for heavy-duty construction.

Moisture And Weather Exposure

For outdoor projects, waterproof options like BWP or film-faced plywood are essential to prevent warping and deterioration when the formwork is exposed to rain.

Surface Finish

A smooth surface gives a flawless concrete finish without blemishes or rough patches, which reduces refinishing after construction. Film-faced plywood is ideal where you need a clean, polished concrete surface.

Reusability

If you need to reuse the plywood multiple times, opt for film-faced or high-grade BWP plywood, which offers superior durability and can last through several pours without losing its shape.

What Affects Shuttering Plywood Price

The price of shuttering plywood depends on the type, thickness, grade, surface finish and the treatment used to make it water-resistant, so ask a supplier for a current quote. Film-faced plywood tends to sit at the higher end because of its durability and reusability.

While high-quality plywood can cost more upfront, it saves money over the life of a project because the same panels can be reused for many pours. You can also keep costs down by:

• Buying in bulk: Larger orders placed directly with a manufacturer can bring the cost down.
• Reusing panels: Good-quality plywood lasts through several pours.
• Comparing suppliers: Compare quotes from different suppliers and negotiate.

For more on cost, see our guide to shuttering plywood prices.

Choosing A Shuttering Plywood Manufacturer Or Supplier

The right supplier matters as much as the right type. When comparing manufacturers and suppliers, check:

• Quality: The plywood should meet industry standards for shuttering.
• Specifications: Always check water resistance, thickness and load-bearing capacity before you buy.
• Supply capacity: A good manufacturer can meet high-volume demands.
• Experience: Established manufacturers bring years of expertise.
• Customer reviews: Reviews give an insight into a supplier’s reliability.

Distributors are the link between manufacturers and construction companies. Reliable distributors keep a large stock and deliver quickly to meet project deadlines. See also our guide to shuttering plywood manufacturers in Yamunanagar.

Conclusion

Selecting the right shuttering plywood is crucial for the success of any construction project. Each type—whether film-faced, BWP, MR-grade, hardwood, softwood, veneer-based or plastic-coated—offers specific benefits suited to different needs, such as durability, moisture resistance, and cost-effectiveness.

Factors like project type, thickness, grade, exposure to weather, surface finish, reusability, and budget should guide your choice. By understanding these considerations, you can choose the plywood that best meets your project requirements, ensuring both quality and efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Most Affordable Type Of Shuttering Plywood?

Softwood and veneer-based shuttering plywood are the most affordable, but they are better suited for smaller, less demanding projects.

How Is Shuttering Plywood Different From Regular Plywood?

Shuttering plywood is designed to hold wet concrete, so it is made stronger and more durable than regular plywood, and its surface is treated so it releases cleanly from the concrete.