What is shuttering plywood?
Shuttering plywood, also known as shutter ply or softwood plywood, is a sheet material used in construction for temporary works such as concrete formwork. It is typically made from softwood veneers, including Elliottis Pine, and designed for strength, ease of handling, and cost-effective use on site.
What is shuttering ply used for?
Shuttering ply is primarily used for forming moulds into which concrete is poured. It is commonly used for foundations, slabs, columns, and other structural elements where a temporary form is required to hold concrete in place while it sets.
It is also used for general site work where a strong, disposable or reusable sheet material is needed.
Why use softwood plywood for shuttering?
- Cost-effective for temporary construction use
- Easy to cut and handle on site
- Suitable for formwork and general building tasks
- Available in common construction sizes and thicknesses
Softwood plywood is widely used because it balances strength and affordability, making it suitable for repeated but not permanent use.
18mm shuttering plywood applications
18mm shuttering plywood is one of the most commonly used thicknesses due to its strength and rigidity. It is suitable for heavier-duty applications such as slab formwork and structural pours where the board needs to withstand weight and pressure from wet concrete.
Thinner boards such as 12mm are typically used for lighter-duty applications or where flexibility is required.
Shuttering plywood vs phenolic plywood
Shuttering plywood is typically an untreated or lightly treated softwood ply designed for general formwork use. Phenolic plywood, by comparison, has a resin-coated surface that improves durability and allows for more reuses.
Shuttering ply is usually chosen for cost-effective, short-term use, while phenolic plywood is used where longer life or repeated use is required.
Common mistakes when using shutter ply
- Reusing boards beyond their structural condition
- Using insufficient thickness for load requirements
- Not supporting sheets correctly during concrete pours
- Assuming all plywood is suitable for shuttering
Correct selection and support are essential to ensure safe and effective performance during use.
FAQs
What is shuttering plywood?
Shuttering plywood is a type of plywood used in construction to create temporary moulds for concrete. It is designed to be strong enough to hold wet concrete while it sets, making it suitable for formwork and structural applications.
What thickness shuttering ply do I need?
The required thickness depends on the application. 18mm shuttering ply is commonly used for heavier-duty formwork, while thinner boards such as 12mm may be suitable for lighter applications or smaller pours.
Is shuttering ply waterproof?
Shuttering plywood is not fully waterproof, but it can withstand limited exposure to moisture during use. For longer-term or repeated exposure, phenolic-coated plywood is typically a more durable option.
Can shuttering ply be reused?
Shuttering ply can be reused depending on its condition after use. However, repeated exposure to moisture and load will reduce its lifespan, so it is important to check for damage before reuse.
What is the difference between shuttering ply and softwood plywood?
Shuttering ply is typically a type of softwood plywood used specifically for construction formwork. While softwood plywood can have general uses, shuttering ply is selected for applications where temporary structural support is required.