18mm Shuttering Plywood - 1220mm x 2440mm

18mm shuttering plywood is a robust, engineered material made from multiple layers of pine veneers bonded in a cross-grain pattern. Each veneer is rotated 90 degrees relative to the next, which helps evenly distribute loads across the panel and significantly enhances both strength and dimensional stability.

This cross-grain construction minimises warping, splitting, and moisture-induced expansion by evenly distributing stress, allowing the plywood to retain its shape under pressure. As a result, it is highly resistant to the forces exerted by wet concrete, making it ideal for formwork and other demanding construction applications.

The plywood is typically treated with advanced water-resistant coatings or phenolic resin adhesives, enhancing its resistance to moisture and ensuring reliable performance through the wet-dry cycles typical in construction. While the material may exhibit natural features such as knots, its structural integrity and load-bearing capabilities make it well-suited for heavy-duty applications where visual appearance is secondary.

When used outdoors, it is essential to apply an appropriate wood sealant to the edges to safeguard against environmental elements and extend service life.

Uses

• General structural use and general construction
• Renovation work
• Hoarding
• Shuttering
• Packaging
• Structural and non-structural building work
• Provides a solid wall/ temporary structure while concrete sets
• Suitable for interior applications
  
  

Benefits

• Smooth coating on one side
• Strong and durable
• Lightweight and easy to work with
• Resistant to moisture and rot
• WBP Grading - weather-resistant capabilities
• Cost-effective solution for many construction projects

C +/ C Plywood Grading & Standards 

• Structural Grade - CE2+
• Face Veneer Grade - C+
• Reverse Veneer Grade - C
• Release of Formaldehyde Standard - E1
• Glue Line Standard - EN314-2 Class 3
• Durability Standard - EN 636-2 S
• Harmonised Standard - EN 13986: 2004
• Surface Appearance Standard - EN 635-3

Understanding the Standards: What EN 636-2 S & EN 314-2 Class 3 Mean

These standards are crucial indicators of the plywood's intended use and performance:

• BS EN 636-2 S (Structural use in Humid Conditions): This classification confirms the plywood panel meets the requirements for load-bearing use in construction applications where it might be exposed to occasional wetting or higher ambient humidity than normally found indoors (Service Class 2). This includes typical conditions found during construction phases, in roof voids, or subfloors. The 'S' specifically designates it as suitable for structural design calculations.
• BS EN 314-2 Class 3 (Exterior Glue Bond): This standard relates only to the durability of the adhesive used to bond the veneers. Class 3 signifies a high level of resistance to weather exposure and even boiling water without the glue failing (delamination). This is essential for shuttering ply which contacts wet concrete and for structural components that might experience moisture during their service life. Importantly, this does not make the untreated softwood veneers themselves waterproof or rot-proof.