Summary

Wood products have traditionally been used as lining materials for formwork to concrete. Although timber planks were originally used as formwork linings, wood-based panel products are now more common in modern concrete construction.

This Wood Information Sheet (WIS) outlines a number of the key points and considerations to be made when using wood-based sheet materials for formwork linings, including the effect of the moisture in concrete on the timber’s service class, the benefits of using plywood for in-situ formwork and the steps which must be taken to achieve a smooth surface to the concrete.

Key Information

Wood-based panel products are used in bespoke formwork for in-situ concrete construction, modular formwork systems and in precast manufacturing units.

The main technical factors to consider are structural performance, the environment in the vicinity of the panels, the desired surface appearance of the concrete, the ease of working and potential for reuse.

The character of the in-situ concreting operation often dictates local modification to forms; hence formwork materials need to be workable and easy to handle on site.

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