Shuttering is a process of creating molds for setting up architectural structures like walls, ceilings, pillars, columns, and other customized structural shapes. And shuttering plywood is a special type of plywood designed for the shuttering process.
It’s made from multiple (around 9) layers of plywood bonded together with waterproof glue and is available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. 12mm thickness plywood is commonly used in construction but when you’ll go for buying the shuttering plywood, you’ll also come across plywood of 18mm thickness or even more!
So, which one to choose from?
This article explains how 18mm or thicker plywood is any different from the thinner ones along with other important details to help you choose the best plywood for your next construction project.
How 18mm plywood is different from 12mm or other plywood?
The thickness of shuttering plywood is achieved by adding more layers of veneers on top of each other. So technically or in terms of construction, 18mm plywood is no different from 12mm shuttering plywood.
The difference lies when it comes to offering repetitions. An 18mm plywood will give more repetitions than the thinner counterpart.
So, what is meant by the term repetition? Repetition of shuttering plywood means the number of times a plywood can be used for fastening without getting swelled or cracked due to water or moisture absorption. Denser plywood offers more repetitions and the thicker the plywood, the higher its density.
In general, a standard 12mm shuttering ply with an (8 x 4) ft size can allow 7 repetitions on one face totaling 14 repetitions with one ply. And the same size of plywood with an 18mm thickness is good for 20 repetitions per face!
Also, 2 plywood with the same thickness may vary in their densities as the density depends upon the number of layers/sheets compressed within the same thickness. But the rule of repetitions will still go the same i.e. denser the shuttering plywood, the more the number of repetitions it can offer.
So, which one to choose from? Well. It depends upon the requirement. Generally speaking, the thicker or denser ply is best suitable for heavy and lengthy construction projects while the 12mm works otherwise.
Some Other Factors Affecting the Repetition
Apart from the thickness, there’re several more factors affecting the number of repetitions with shuttering plywood.
The thickness of the Coating
The repetition also depends upon the thickness of the coating done on the sides of the plywood surface. 45GSM is the standard coating thickness done on any shuttering panel but higher quality panels with 60GSM up to 120GSM are also available in the market.
Usage Factor
The way shuttering plywood is used also matters when it comes to its repetitions.
Shuttering plywood if coated with oil will not only offer more repetitions but will also give a good finish and better resistance against moisture and chemicals. The oil mainly protects the coating mantled on the panels.
Likewise, any cut or wear found on the shuttering plywood must be sealed with acrylic paint to prevent water from entering inside the plywood.
What’s the price of 18mm shuttering plywood?
The price of 18mm shuttering is slightly higher than the 12 mm thickness shuttering plywood. The price of 12mm thickness plywood ranges from Rs (30-45) per square foot whereas the price of 18mm thickness plywood ranges from Rs(50-70) per square foot. The price also depends on the quality and thickness of the coating done on the panel.
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