If you are working on a construction project, you are surely familiar with formwork. One of the important materials often used for this purpose is plywood. But don’t just choose any plywood! Not all types of plywood are suitable for formwork, especially if you want your project to be durable and neat.
So, what are the types of plywood for formwork? We will discuss them in detail, along with their respective advantages. Read on to make your project more solid and durable!
Types of Plywood for Formwork Use
Every construction project has different needs, including formwork materials. To ensure strong and neat results, the choice of plywood cannot be arbitrary. Here are several types of plywood commonly used for formwork that you can consider based on your project needs!
1. Film Face Plywood
This plywood has a smooth surface coated with black or brown melamine film. This coating makes it waterproof and prevents it from sticking when in direct contact with concrete. Due to its high durability, film face plywood is suitable for repeated casting and can even be used more than five times if properly maintained.
2. Melamine Plywood
A more economical alternative to film face plywood is melamine plywood. Although it is also water-resistant, its strength is still below that of film face plywood. Therefore, this type is usually only used for one or two castings, especially for small projects with limited budgets.
3. MR (Moisture Resistant) Plywood
MR plywood is designed to be resistant to moisture, although it is not completely waterproof. This material is ideal for non-structural formwork such as floors or lightweight partitions. Although its durability is lower, this plywood is quite popular because of its relatively economical price.
4. BWP (Boiling Water Proof) Plywood
This type of plywood is known to be highly resistant to hot water and extreme humidity. BWP plywood is often used in outdoor construction projects due to its high durability. Although it is more expensive, this plywood can be used multiple times and does not warp easily, making it suitable for large projects that require high quality.
5. Hard Plywood
This plywood uses hardwood as its main material, giving it good structural strength. It is usually used for casting foundations or main building structures. Although it is quite heavy when installed, its durability makes it an ideal choice for vertical work or large-scale construction.
6. Soft Plywood
Unlike the hard version, soft plywood is lighter and more flexible. These advantages make it suitable for curved formwork or non-rigid architectural elements. However, due to its limited water resistance, this plywood still needs additional coating or protection to prevent rapid damage.
7. High-Quality Local Plywood
Local plywood is also widely used because it is more affordable. As long as you choose good quality plywood, you can use local plywood for light or small-scale formwork. Don’t just choose any plywood when buying, make sure the glue is strong and the surface does not crack easily when exposed to water.
8. Custom Plywood According to Your Needs
For projects with unique designs, many suppliers now provide custom plywood. You can customize the thickness, core material, and even the type of coating according to your project needs. However, make sure you buy it from a trusted supplier so that the quality does not disappoint and remains in accordance with construction standards.
So, those are the various types of plywood commonly used for formwork. Each has its own advantages and characteristics, so it is very important to match it with the type of project you are working on. Don’t make the wrong choice, as using the wrong material can result in subpar outcomes and even increase costs.
In essence, if you want a durable, neat, and efficient construction project, make sure you use the right and high-quality plywood.
Still unsure which one suits your needs?
Check out the best plywood options exclusively at Hojaya!