Complete Guide to Shuttering Plywood: Types, Uses, Quantity Calculation & Price in Pakistan (2025)

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Introduction – What is Shuttering Plywood?

Shuttering plywood, also known as formwork plywood, is a specially manufactured plywood used to support wet concrete until it gains sufficient strength. It provides the required shape, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy to RCC elements such as slabs, beams, columns, and foundations.

Shuttering plywood is widely used in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects across the world.

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1. What is Shuttering Plywood? (Engineering Definition)

Shuttering plywood is a high-strength, water-resistant plywood made by bonding multiple layers of hardwood veneers using phenol-formaldehyde resin. The surface is usually film-faced to prevent concrete adhesion.

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2. Importance of Shuttering Plywood in Grey Structure

Shuttering plywood ensures:

✔ Accurate concrete dimensions
✔ Smooth concrete surface finish
✔ Proper load transfer during concreting
✔ Safe support until concrete hardens
✔ Faster construction cycles

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3. Types of Shuttering Plywood

a) Film-Faced Shuttering Plywood

Characteristics:

• Phenolic film coating
• Waterproof
• Smooth surface

Uses:

• Slabs
• Beams
• Columns

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b) WBP (Water Boiled Proof) Plywood

Characteristics:

• High moisture resistance
• Strong bonding

Uses:

• High-rise construction
• Heavy RCC work

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c) Commercial Shuttering Plywood

Characteristics:

• Lower cost
• Limited reuse

Uses:

• Small housing projects

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d) Plastic Coated Shuttering Boards (Modern Alternative)

Uses:

• High repetition projects
• Long service life

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4. Standard Sizes of Shuttering Plywood

Thickness	Size
12 mm	8 ft × 4 ft
18 mm	8 ft × 4 ft
21 mm	8 ft × 4 ft

📌 18 mm thickness is most commonly used for slabs and beams.

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5. Uses of Shuttering Plywood in Construction

✔ RCC slab shuttering
✔ Beam and column formwork
✔ Staircase formwork
✔ Foundation shuttering
✔ Retaining wall formwork

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6. Shuttering Plywood Quantity Calculation

a) For RCC Slab

1 plywood sheet covers ≈ 32 sq ft

Example:
Slab area = 320 sq ft
Required plywood = 320 / 32 = 10 sheets

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b) Beam & Column Allowance

Add 15–25% extra sheets for:

• Beam sides
• Column shuttering
• Cutting wastage

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7. Load Carrying Capacity

Thickness	Safe Use
12 mm	Light slab work
18 mm	Slabs & beams
21 mm	Heavy load RCC

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8. Advantages of Shuttering Plywood

✔ Smooth concrete finish
✔ High strength
✔ Reusable (10–20 times)
✔ Easy handling
✔ Reduced plaster cost

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9. Disadvantages of Shuttering Plywood

❌ Higher initial cost
❌ Damage if not properly stored
❌ Requires skilled fixing

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10. Quality Check for Shuttering Plywood

✔ Waterproof bonding
✔ No delamination
✔ Uniform thickness
✔ Smooth film surface
✔ Strong edges

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11. Storage & Handling

✔ Store on flat surface
✔ Keep away from moisture
✔ Apply shuttering oil before use
✔ Clean after each use

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12. Current Shuttering Plywood Prices in Pakistan (2025)

Thickness	Type	Price (PKR)
12 mm	Film-faced	4,500 – 5,200
18 mm	Film-faced	6,500 – 8,000
21 mm	Heavy-duty	8,500 – 10,000

📌 Prices vary by brand, city, and import cost.

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13. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Reusing damaged boards
❌ Poor support spacing
❌ No shuttering oil
❌ Improper propping

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14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How many times can shuttering plywood be reused?
10–20 times if properly handled.

Q2: Which plywood thickness is best for slabs?
18 mm film-faced plywood.

Q3: Is shuttering plywood waterproof?
Yes, WBP grade plywood is waterproof.

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Ravi Plywood → https://raviplywood.com

Master Plywood → https://masterplywood.com

Diamond Plywood → https://diamondplywood.com

Conclusion

Shuttering plywood plays a critical role in RCC quality and safety. Proper selection, correct quantity estimation, and careful handling significantly improve concrete finish and reduce construction cost