Shuttering Plywood – What, How, and Which One to Buy

if you work on slab casting, bridge ka kaam, or any building site, you already know the word shuttering ply. some call it centering ply. basically, it’s that thick coated plywood we put under the concrete so slab gets support till it sets.

what is shuttering plywood

simple – it’s plywood with a smooth film on top and bottom. that film stops the cement water from going inside the ply. so ply doesn’t swell fast, and surface of concrete slab comes smooth.

normal brown ply is for furniture. shuttering ply is stronger, water resist, and coated for site work.

How it’s made

making shuttering ply is not rocket science.

1. core layers from hardwood veneer.

2. glue with strong waterproof resin.

3. press under heat.

4. add film coating (imported paper with resin) both sides.

5. press again so film sticks tight.

film is main thing – makes it look shiny, color also comes from it.

from red to black, blue, yellow

earlier almost all shuttering ply face used to be red color. you see that 10–15 years ago at any site. now makers offer many colors – black, blue, yellow, green also.

does color matter for quality?
not much. quality is more about film thickness and inside core. color is just for branding or market choice. but yes, sometimes black film is thicker, because many factories make black for premium series.

weights of shuttering plywood

ply comes in different weights per sheet (8x4 ft size):

• 25 kg – light, low price, for short term work.

• 30 kg – most common type

• 34 kg – stronger, more uses.

• 45 kg – very heavy, long lasting, for big projects.

most sites you see use 30 kg. other weights like 34 or 45 kg are usually made on order with prepayment.

things to check before buying

• real weight vs stamped weight – many sheets stamped 30 kg are actually 27–28 kg. yes, cheaper, but you won’t be able to reuse much.

• ISI mark embossed – means tested quality. not just sticker, but proper emboss on sheet.

• resin type – MR shuttering ply is cheaper but low water proof. for real site work, go for PF bonded.

• film thickness – higher GSM film = longer life.

Motion Black Shuttering Ply – my suggestion

Although we deal in shuttering ply of various brands but if you by my suggestion, if you want best repeated use, go for Motion Black Shuttering Ply.

• film thickness 120 GSM (many others are 90–100 GSM only).

• extra coating layer for better water protection.

• better pressing so edges don’t break.

• made for big infra projects – bridges, high-rise, heavy slab.

yea price thoda high, but use count doubles in many cases.

where it’s used

• building slab work

• bridge deck casting

• drain cover casting

• precast wall panels

if you’re a contractor or supplier, get proper heavy weight and good film shuttering. sasta will look good first day but fail after 2–3 pours.