Home > About > News > How to Choose High-Quality Film Faced Plywood for Formwork and Shuttering

How to Choose High-Quality Film Faced Plywood for Formwork and Shuttering

09 Jan 2026

How to Choose High-Quality Film Faced Plywood for Formwork and Shuttering

When you pick high-quality film faced plywood, you need strong and tough materials. These materials should last long and not get damaged by water. They should also be good for the environment. These things help you get smooth concrete and keep workers safe. Plywood with a thick core and hard surface lasts longer. It makes your building materials work better. Good film faced plywood does not bend or change shape. It stays strong even when you use it many times. Plywood that is made well works with support systems like the H20 Beam. This helps you build safe and cheap buildings. Picking the right plywood keeps your shuttering steady. It also helps your project finish as planned.

Key Takeaways

  • Pick plywood with a strong core. It should have high density. This makes it last longer and stay strong.
  • Choose smooth, waterproof film faced plywood. It helps make concrete look good. It also lowers repair costs.
  • Go for certified plywood. It keeps things safe and high quality. It is better for the environment.
  • Use thicker sheets for heavy loads. They work well for many uses. This helps you get more for your money.
  • Use strong supports like the H20 Beam. They make shuttering safer and more stable.

Why Quality Matters in Shuttering

Concrete Finish & Strength

If you pick good plywood for shuttering, your concrete will look smooth and strong. The plywood’s surface changes how the concrete looks when you take off the formwork. Smooth plywood helps the concrete look perfect. You do not have to fix rough spots, so you save time and money. The brown film on film faced plywood keeps water away. This stops the plywood from swelling or changing shape. You get a shiny surface that makes your work look neat. Strong plywood can hold heavy things without bending. This keeps your shuttering steady and helps your project do well.

Safety & Longevity

You want your shuttering to be safe and last a long time. Good plywood uses tough hardwood and strong phenolic resin. These things help the plywood fight off water and last through many uses. The plywood gives strong support for wet concrete, so your worksite is safer. The grade of the plywood matters for holding heavy loads. It works well for big jobs and hard shuttering work. If you use plywood that is strong, you lower the chance of accidents. Your materials last longer, so you get better results and more value.

Cost Efficiency

Buying good plywood for shuttering helps you save money over time. You do not need to fix the surface much because the concrete comes out smooth. This makes your project faster and lowers labor costs. Strong plywood fights water and chemicals, so it lasts longer and keeps your concrete safe. You can use this plywood many times, even up to 30 cycles. This means you pay less each time you use it and get more for your money. Strong plywood does not need to be replaced often. You get more value from every sheet you use for shuttering.

Key Features of High-Quality Film Faced Plywood

Key Features of High-Quality Film Faced Plywood

When you pick film face shuttering plywood, you should check some important things. These things help your project work well, stay safe, and save money. Let’s look at what you need to check before buying.

Core Material & Density

The core material is the main part inside film face shuttering plywood. You want a strong core so the plywood stays tough and lasts longer. Most good plywood uses poplar or hardwood for the core. The density is very important for how the plywood works. If the density is too low, the plywood can bend or break. If the density is too high, it can be heavy and hard to use.

  • The best density for poplar core is 500-920 kg/m³.
  • The grade of plywood changes how well it works in shuttering.
  • High-density overlays help the plywood hold more weight.

You should also check if the plywood fights off termites. This keeps your film face shuttering plywood safe from bugs and helps it last longer on the job.

Surface Film & Waterproofing

The surface film on film face shuttering plywood keeps water and damage away. This film is made from kraft paper with melamine or phenolic resin. The film makes the plywood smooth and hard. It also makes the plywood waterproof, so it works well in wet places.

Film faced plywood with a good film will not swell or change shape when wet. The film also keeps out UV rays and chemicals. This means you can use it outside for concrete formwork and other hard jobs. You want the surface to be flat and not have bubbles or marks. A smooth surface helps your concrete look better.

Tip: Always look at the surface of your film face shuttering plywood before you buy. A shiny, smooth surface means it will work better and last longer.

Glue Type & Bonding

The glue that holds film face shuttering plywood together is very important. You want glue that can handle water and bad weather. WBP glue and phenolic glue are the best types. These glues keep the plywood strong even when it gets wet many times.

  • WBP or melamine glue gives strong bonding in wet places.
  • Phenolic glue makes the plywood safe from water, chemicals, and scratches.
  • Good glue keeps the plywood from coming apart, even after many uses.

The right glue helps your film face shuttering plywood last longer and not fall apart. This means you can use the same sheet many times and save money.

Thickness & Size

Film face shuttering plywood comes in different thicknesses and sizes. The thickness you pick depends on your project. Thicker plywood can hold more weight and lasts longer. Here is a table to help you choose the right thickness:

Thickness (mm)Application Description
12mmLightweight concrete and small structures
15mmModerate loads, walkways, driveways
18mmStandard foundations and slabs
25mmHeavy loads, big commercial projects
28mmHeavy-duty and large pours

Thicker film face shuttering plywood works better and can be used more times. The size should fit your formwork system. Always check that the plywood fits well with your supports, like the H20 Beam from SHANDONG XINGANG GROUP. The H20 Beam gives extra support and helps your shuttering stay safe and steady.

Certification & Grades

You should always pick certified film face shuttering plywood. Certifications show that the plywood is safe and works well. Some important certifications are:

CertificationWhat It Means
CEMeets European safety standards
EUTRLegal wood sourcing in Europe
CARBLow emissions, safe for workers
EPAMeets US environmental rules
ISO 9000Quality management system
EN-13986European plywood standard
FSCResponsible forest management

Certified plywood means you get safe and strong plywood. For example, fsc-certified plywood means the wood comes from forests that are taken care of. Certified grades also mean the plywood passed tests for strength, glue, and size. This helps you trust your film face shuttering plywood will work well in your formwork.

Note: Certified film face shuttering plywood helps you feel sure. You know you are using safe, high-quality plywood that follows the rules.

When you look for film face shuttering plywood, always check these key things. You want a strong core, a smooth waterproof surface, the right glue, the best thickness, and trusted certifications. These things help your shuttering work well, stay safe, and save money. When you use products like the H20 Beam with your film face shuttering plywood, your formwork gets even stronger and safer.

Comparing Film Face Shuttering Plywood Types

Comparing Film Face Shuttering Plywood Types

Marine vs. Regular Grades

It is important to know the difference between marine grade and regular grade plywood. Marine grade plywood is also called BWP plywood. It is the best choice for water resistance and lasts a long time. Regular grade, or MR plywood, is good for inside use but does not last in wet places. The table below shows how they are different:

FeatureMR PlywoodBWP Plywood
Water ResistanceMoisture-resistant, not waterproof.Completely waterproof, no delamination even in water.
DurabilityStrong for interior use, less robust than BWP.The strongest option, highly durable due to quality materials.

Pick BWP plywood if you need it outside or want it to last. MR plywood is fine for small projects that stay dry.

Thickness Impact on Performance

The thickness of plywood changes how strong it is. Thicker plywood is stronger and does not bend easily. You need thick plywood for big jobs and heavy concrete. Here are some things to remember:

  • Thick plywood holds heavy weight without bending.
  • It is good for jobs with lots of concrete.
  • Most plywood is 6mm to 21mm thick. Use thicker plywood for big jobs or if you want to use it many times.

People have used thick plywood in tall buildings and green neighborhoods. It lasts longer and saves money because you can use it again.

Application in Heavy-Duty Projects

Big projects like bridges and tall buildings need strong plywood. The plywood must last long and not get damaged by water. The table below shows what you should look for:

FeatureDescription
Moisture ResistanceKeeps the plywood strong during concrete pouring and curing.
Load-Bearing CapacityHandles heavy loads in large projects.
Surface Finish QualityGives smooth concrete, so you do not need extra plaster.
DurabilityLasts through many uses, saving you money.
LightweightEasy to move and install, even in tall buildings.
Corrosion ResistanceKeeps the concrete surface clean.
Thermal Insulation PropertiesHelps with winter construction.
Construction PerformanceEasy to nail, saw, and drill for different needs.

You can use plywood for many kinds of shuttering in big jobs. The H20 Beam from SHANDONG XINGANG GROUP gives more support. It makes your shuttering stronger and safer for hard work.

Tip: Always pick the right plywood grade and thickness for your job. Use strong supports like the H20 Beam to get the best results in big projects.

Cost, Sustainability & Value

Balancing Price & Quality

You want to get good value when you buy plywood for shuttering. Many builders use smart ways to save money and still get quality. They often buy straight from the manufacturer. This helps you know where your plywood comes from and keeps the quality the same.

To handle these risks, the company needs a good plan for buying plywood. One way is to buy straight from the manufacturer. This makes it easier to check the quality and know what you are getting.

Do not just pick the cheapest plywood. Think about how many times you can use each board. Look at the thickness, the core, and how smooth the surface is. Good suppliers know about export rules and what builders need. They sell plywood that fits your project.

  • Look for value, not just the lowest price.
  • Work with honest manufacturers.
  • Check if suppliers always give the same quality and use good glue.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Caring for the planet is important in every building job. You can pick plywood with eco-friendly certifications. These show the plywood meets tough rules for helping the earth. Groups like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Green Guard help you choose wood that protects forests.

CertificationDescription
FSCGood forest management
PEFCSupports safe forest practices
Green GuardLow chemicals for cleaner air

When you pick certified plywood, you help the planet. This choice means less harm to nature and helps animals and plants. You also show you care about the earth when you build.

  • Using recycled materials helps nature.
  • You can use the plywood again, so there is less waste.
  • You support good ways to get wood and help the planet.

Maximizing Reuse & ROI

If you take care of good plywood, you can use it many times. This saves money and helps the earth. Some plywood can be used three times or more, so it is a smart buy for shuttering.

Product NameReusabilityCost per CycleROI Improvement
Nova Basic Film Faced Plywood3 times$11.65 USD40% higher

To get the most for your money, you should:

  • Plan your budget to balance cost and quality.
  • Check if the supplier has certifications like EN 636-3.
  • Test the plywood and look at inspection reports.
  • Buy in bulk to save money.

You help the planet and get better value when you reuse plywood and buy smart.


You can choose the best film faced plywood for shuttering by following these steps:

  1. Match the plywood to your construction needs.
  2. Pick thicker sheets for longer use.
  3. Check for a smooth finish for better concrete.
  4. Select phenolic film for strong waterproofing.
  5. Confirm certifications for trusted quality.
  6. Look for plywood you can reuse.

When you balance cost, durability, and support from products like H20 Beam, your shuttering will stay safe and strong. Use these tips to make smart choices every time.

FAQ

What is film faced plywood used for in construction?

You use film faced plywood for formwork and shuttering. It helps shape and support wet concrete until it hardens. This plywood gives you a smooth finish and strong support during building projects.

How many times can I reuse film faced plywood?

You can reuse high-quality film faced plywood up to 30 times if you handle it with care. Always clean and store the sheets properly after each use to get the most value.

Why should I choose plywood with certifications?

Certified plywood meets safety and quality standards. You get reliable strength, better durability, and peace of mind knowing the wood comes from responsible sources.

Can I use film faced plywood outdoors?

Yes, you can use film faced plywood outdoors. The waterproof film and strong glue protect the wood from rain and moisture. This makes it a good choice for outside formwork and heavy-duty jobs.


Order samples

  • Name
  • Position
  • Contact Information*
  • Sample request details
  • Company Name (if applicable)
  • Country and City
  • Usage
  • Message