If you’ve been on a commercial site or set up a concrete pour in the last few years, chances are you’ve worked with formply—but not everyone realises just how versatile this material really is. Known for its durable, smooth finish and strength under pressure, formply is a staple in formwork construction across WA. But beyond holding concrete in place, this engineered plywood has a growing range of applications in sheds, site fit-outs, and even interior projects. In this article, we’ll break down what formply is made of, its performance benefits, and how builders are using it well beyond the pour.
What is formply?
Simply put, formwork plywood, or formply, is a stronger plywood that has both sides laminated with phenolic resin. This lamination is not present in standard plywood, giving it a sturdier composition that doesn’t crack when nails are driven into it.
Besides that, formply is made using type-A marine bond glue, the strongest bond available for plywood, making it resistant to prolonged exposure to hot, cold, and wet environments. All formply panels we stock in Westgyp fall under the standards set forth by the Australian Standard (AS) 6669 to ensure consistent and reliable quality.
What is formply used for?
Formply is primarily used for structural formwork to mould concrete until it is fully set, and can also be used for table or jump forms in building construction. It can be used in tandem with timber or steel frame systems for a sturdier final output.
Due to its resistance to wet environments, it’s also often used in the construction of civil construction projects such as bridges. Utilised as the reusable moulds of its beams, slabs, and columns that use wet concrete, which needs to be cured for extended periods of time, formply provides a reliable mould that doesn’t lose its structural strength due to its properties.
Benefits of formply over standard plywood
Here’s a quick summary of the benefits of formply at a glance:
- Moisture resistant
- Heat resistant
- Cold resistant
- High load-bearing capacity
- Uses phenolic resin for a smooth, laminated surface
- Can be used in saltwater environments
Top 5 Non-formwork Uses for Formply
With all the sturdy qualities of formply in mind, let’s take a look at what we can do with it outside of general formwork.
1. Ceiling Lining
Formply, in the right home, can be used for visible ceiling linings for a smooth, industrial look. It’s also worth noting that because of its laminated surface, it’s quite easy to clean any accumulated dust or dirt on its surface.
Take note that formply is only moisture-resistant, and must still be sealed properly before installation to avoid untoward accumulation of moisture that can potentially damage your panels and lead to mould growth, which is a significant health risk.
2. Wall Accents
Its durability and laminated finish allow it to be a great wall accent for your Perth home. The bare wooden appearance lends itself well to achieve the recently rising trend of Japandi interior aesthetics that fuses Japanese and Scandinavian styles, which utilises minimalist and simplistic design choices, such as wooden panels to cover a section of a wall.
3. Built-in Furniture
Since formply is quite sturdy and moisture resistant, you can also make furniture out of it. Pieces with high-load bearing requirements are a perfect fit for formply to be used in, like shelves, desks, and even cabinets. Keep in mind to use the appropriate tools when cutting formply panels to avoid chipping along the edges, as well as any loose splinters that may injure you if left unnoticed.
How to treat & seal formply
While durable, to improve the longevity of formply, it’s also important to properly treat and seal the material.
Like standard plywood, it’s important to acclimate the formply panels you will be using for at least 48 hours so that they get used to the temperature and humidity conditions of the area they’ll be installed in.
For cut panels, make sure to sand down the areas that were cut to make them level and smooth to avoid any unseen gaps.
Next, choose a high-quality, waterproof edge sealant like acrylic or enamel paint and apply it to all the cut edges, holes, gaps, and exposed areas to protect them from moisture penetration. This will help it maintain the panels’ integrity and stop it from swelling and possible delamination, or the separation of its layers.
Lastly, let the sealant cure according to its specifications for the best result.
Why choose Westgyp as your go-to formply suppliers in Perth
Can’t wait to experiment and use formply in your construction projects? At Westgyp Building Supplies, we carry the best brands and materials available at competitive prices for all your DIY and building needs. That includes stocking durable plywood and formply on hand that meets Australian Standards for structural integrity.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our team of experts is always available to guide you on all your projects with seasoned advice. If you have any further questions about formply uses or applications, we’re here to help you out.
Visit our store at 39 Ledgar Road, Balcatta, WA, to browse through our selection or contact us today.