Commercial MR plywood is cheaper than film faced shuttering plywood, so it is tempting to use it for formwork. On a short, one-time job in dry weather it may get through. For repeated pours it is the wrong tool, and the savings often disappear in replacement and poor finish.
Here is why, and what to use instead.
Key Takeaways
- MR (moisture resistant) plywood is made for dry interior furniture and wardrobes.
- Wet concrete, water and repeated stripping are harder on glue and face than MR is designed for.
- Shuttering needs a waterproof phenolic bond and a sealed film face.
- Judge cost per pour, not sheet price.
What MR Plywood Is Designed For
MR plywood resists humidity, not prolonged wetting. Our MR 303 is an interior grade for furniture, wardrobes and dry interiors. The MR vs BWP guide explains the difference between moisture resistant and boiling water proof bonds.
Why It Struggles in Formwork
- Water and wet concrete: without a waterproof bond and a sealed face, layers can separate and the board swells at the edges.
- No film face: an unfilmed face absorbs water, picks up concrete and gives a rougher finish that needs more plastering.
- Repeated stripping: boards that are re-used lose their face and edge quickly.
- Thickness variation: uncalibrated sheets cause step marks at joints.
See why cheap shuttering plywood costs more for typical site failures.
What to Use Instead
| Need | Use |
|---|---|
| Repeated concrete pours | Film faced calibrated shuttering plywood |
| Very high reuse | Metallic shuttering plywood or plastic shuttering boards |
| Smooth fair-faced concrete | Mirror finish film faced plywood |
| Dry interior furniture | MR 303 |
Keep MR for the furniture it is designed for and use a proper shuttering grade where concrete is poured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use commercial plywood for shuttering?
What is the difference between MR plywood and shuttering plywood?
Why does plywood delaminate in concrete formwork?
Is BWP plywood suitable for shuttering?
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