Cost-Effective Construction: The Benefits Of Plywood Formwork

Contractors often turn to concrete today when constructing buildings and other structures because it is durable and affordable. When using this material, however, they need temporary formwork to hold the wet concrete in the desired shape until it cures. The formwork remains in place until the concrete can withstand external impact without damage.

Choosing a material to use for this formwork can be challenging. There are numerous options offered today. However, many contractors stick with plywood, which has several benefits. Why should plywood be one of the top choices when making this decision? What advantages come with using plywood formwork?

Outline:

• Durability
• Flexibility
• Sustainable
• Cost-Effective
• Resistant to Splitting

Durability

Contactors need to know the selected formwork will be durable and sturdy. They often use laminated plywood for formwork because it can withstand pressure and hold up in the elements. The concrete load won't strain the formwork as it dries. Furthermore, plywood is resistant to fire, water, and termites that decimate natural wood. There is no warping or shrinking in extreme weather conditions.

This plywood can be used on various projects, saving the company time and money. A contractor might use it for a project requiring high-resistance materials. They choose the number of layers needed in the plywood to provide this resistance. Because the rigid layers are attached, the plywood won't break under stress. It can easily resist impact.

Flexibility

Plywood can be purchased in different sizes and designs. The construction crew may split, cut, drill, or otherwise manipulate the pieces to fit the project's unique specifications. Concrete structures often have unique shapes that require this flexibility. Plywood can even be used to create slightly curved surfaces, which isn't possible when rigid materials are used.

Sustainable

Plywood is often not considered an environmentally friendly material because it comes from wood. However, this product actually uses materials that would otherwise be disposed of. Engineered wood is created using wood byproducts. The byproducts are made into solid recyclable materials during the manufacturing process. This process helps to conserve wood while reducing the rate of deforestation. These plywood sheets can be cut and reused, allowing them to be utilized on multiple projects before being discarded.

Cost-Effective

As the plywood can be used multiple times, construction companies save time, money, and resources. They can pass the savings on to clients while keeping construction costs down. Customers appreciate that they are using eco-friendly construction methods without the price that often comes with green building materials. The plywood is easy to install and lightweight, so less manual labor is involved, which also helps keep costs down.

Resistant to Splitting

Plywood is solid and won't split easily. The layers of thin wood are pressed together, so the finished product is a smooth, laminated sheet. The sheet is uniform in width and strength. When nailing wood, construction crews often find the material splits at the edges. Using plywood, they can eliminate this concern. The plywood has a high strength-to-weight ratio, and the grains are consistent across the piece. These properties allow construction crews to use plywood formwork when creating floors, walls, beams, and foundations. Natural wood cannot be used similarly, as it may not have a smooth surface or uniform consistency.

Contractors are always looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. At times, they find cost-effective materials superior to natural materials, and plywood is an excellent example of a manufactured product that offers numerous benefits over its natural counterpart. Learn more today about plywood formwork and its benefits to see why many construction crews refuse to use anything else today.