Types of Shuttering Plywood: Uses & Key Factors to Consider

Shuttering plywood, or formwork plywood, is crucial in construction, providing temporary molds for shaping concrete structures. Different types are used based on project needs and environmental conditions.

This guide explores various shuttering plywood types, their properties, applications, and tips for choosing the right one for your project.

What Is Shuttering Plywood?

Shuttering plywood is a specialized type of plywood designed to provide temporary support during concrete construction projects. It helps hold the shape of the concrete until it solidifies.

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. Shuttering plywood also has features such as water resistance, strength, and reusability, depending on its type and grade.

Importance Of Choosing The Right Shuttering Plywood

Selecting the right type of shuttering plywood is crucial for several reasons

Strength And Durability

Different projects require varying degrees of strength. High-rise buildings and bridges need plywood that can withstand heavy loads, while residential buildings may require something less robust.

Moisture And Weather Resistance

For outdoor projects, choosing plywood with good water and weather resistance is essential to ensure the plywood does not warp or degrade when exposed to rain.

Cost-Effectiveness

Reusable plywood can be a cost-effective choice for larger projects, where the same panels are needed multiple times.

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, which enhances its water resistance and provides a smooth, high-quality finish. The phenolic film also increases the plywood’s durability, 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.
Cost: Typically ranges from ₹2,075 – ₹3,735 per sheet, depending on thickness and size.

Advantages:

Reusable up to 8-12 times, reducing costs in the long run.
Resistant to weather and moisture, making it ideal for outdoor 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.
Cost: Ranges from ₹1,245 – ₹2,490 per sheet.

Advantages:

Affordable and lightweight.
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 known as marine plywood or 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.

Properties: Exceptional water resistance, high durability, strong.
Applications: Dams, marine structures, bridges, and any outdoor construction requiring waterproof materials.
Cost: Ranges from ₹2,490 – ₹4,980 per sheet.

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.
Cost: Ranges from ₹2,905 – ₹5,810 per sheet.

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.
Cost: Ranges from ₹1,660 – ₹3,320 per sheet.

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.
Cost: Ranges from ₹1,245 – ₹2,905 per sheet .

Advantages:

Affordable and readily available.
Suitable for lighter construction projects.

Disadvantages:

Limited reusability and durability.
Lower moisture resistance.

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.

Moisture And Weather Exposure

For outdoor projects, waterproof options like BWP or film-faced plywood are essential to prevent warping and deterioration.

Reusability

If you need to reuse the plywood multiple times, opt for film-faced or high-grade BWP plywood, which offers superior durability.

Budget

While high-quality plywood can be more expensive, it can save costs in the long run due to its reusability and durability.

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, or veneer-based—offers specific benefits suited to different needs, such as durability, moisture resistance, and cost-effectiveness.

Factors like project type, exposure to weather, 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