Form Ply & Timbers

Form ply is a reusable construction material. After using one side of the timber for a job, it can be turned around and used again on the reverse side. This ability makes form ply a cost-effective construction material when compared to regular plywood or other formwork products. 

The phenolic coating applied to form plywood makes it water resistant, but not fully waterproof. Importantly, its structural integrity will not be impacted by moisture in the concrete mix, or contact with rain during the curing process. However, the timber may degrade if it is submerged in water or subjected to prolonged moisture exposure.

Using formwork plywood offers a number of advantages beyond simply complying with building codes. It offers a smooth finish thanks to its phenolic coating, making it easier to pour concrete more evenly. The durable construction and water resistance of form ply means the timber is capable of withstanding the conditions of concrete pouring and curing. Form ply is also easy to shape into the required shape for your application, allowing you to easily lay the formation for your concrete pour.

Unlike regular plywood, form ply is specifically designed for use with concrete. Its smooth, coated surface prevents concrete from sticking during the pouring process. Form ply also boasts improved water resistance over regular, untreated plywood, making it the more suitable material for direct contact with wet concrete mixes. Additionally, form plywood must pass a number of tests to ensure it adheres to formwork performance standards.

Formwork plywood has a number of applications throughout the construction industry. It is primarily designed to create a mould ready for concrete to be poured into. Form ply can also be used to shape walls, columns and beams that are to be made from concrete. Using formwork plywood helps create strong, accurate concrete slabs for building foundations, retaining walls and enterprise civil engineering projects.