Laminated plywood

Laminated Plywood - Types, Sizes and Application

Laminated plywood is a durable multi-layer panel material made from birch or softwood veneer and coated on both sides with a protective phenolic film. Thanks to this coating, the plywood becomes moisture-resistant, wear-resistant, and ideal for intensive operating conditions.

RMS “GROUP” offers laminated formwork plywood for wholesale and retail purchase from leading manufacturers. We guarantee competitive prices and a wide range of sizes and thicknesses. Popular as well as rare options are always available in stock. We provide delivery or self-pickup. Check with our managers about current promotions and discounts.

Types of Laminated Plywood

By wood species:

• Birch plywood — provides maximum strength, high density, and dimensional stability; most commonly used in construction and formwork.
• Softwood plywood — lighter and more affordable; suitable for furniture, cladding, and decorative applications.

By surface coating:

• Phenolic film (F/W or F/F) — standard coating with excellent moisture and wear resistance.
• Smooth / mesh surface — the smooth side is used for formwork, and the mesh side for floors, vehicle platforms, and surfaces where extra grip is needed.

By moisture resistance:

• FSF (high-moisture-resistant plywood) — designed to withstand repeated water exposure.
• FCL (laminate) — intended for interior use, furniture, and decorative purposes.

At RMS “GROUP”, you can purchase plywood in three quality grades:

• First grade — perfect condition on both sides, no defects.
• Second grade — minor defects are allowed, such as small scratches, slight burn marks on the film, and other insignificant cosmetic issues.
• Third grade — may include more visible flaws: incomplete film coverage, scratches, chips, or insufficient bonding inside the veneer layers.

Purpose and Key Features

The main purpose of laminated plywood is to create strong, smooth, and durable surfaces resistant to moisture, frost, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical loads. The material does not delaminate, maintains its geometry, and withstands repeated wetting and drying cycles. The laminated surface does not absorb dirt, requires no additional finishing, and is easy to maintain. Its high surface hardness makes it suitable for heavy-duty environments — from construction sites to the transport industry.

Common Sizes: 2440x1220 mm, 2500x1250 mm, 3000x1500 mm, 1525x1525 mm. Thickness ranges from 6 to 30 mm, allowing selection for various load requirements.

Application by Size and Thickness:

• 6–10 mm — used for interior cladding, decorative elements, furniture production, wall panels, and lightweight partitions.
• 12–15 mm — universal thickness for trailer floors, stage platforms, wall cladding, furniture, and packaging structures.
• 18–21 mm — the best choice for construction formwork, vehicle platforms, truck floors, and other structures requiring high load-bearing capacity.
• 24–30 mm — used for heavily loaded industrial floors, large formwork panels, and high-strength bases.

How is laminated plywood used for formwork?

Using laminated plywood for formwork requires following certain rules to maximize its lifespan and ensure a smooth concrete surface. Before pouring concrete, the surface of the plywood is coated with special release agents (shuttering oils) to prevent the concrete from sticking to the laminated layer. This allows for easy removal of the formwork without damaging the plywood surface.

This is the most critical point. Although the face of the plywood is waterproof, its edges (cut areas) are the weakest points. If you have cut the plywood to fit a size, the cut edges must be sealed with water-resistant paint or silicone. Otherwise, moisture will be absorbed, causing the plywood to swell and delaminate.

Installation and Fastening:

• The plywood is placed on supports or a metal frame.
• When fastening, it is recommended to use screws or nails that cause minimal damage to the laminated layer. The areas around the holes can also be treated with sealant.

After the concrete has set, the formwork is carefully dismantled. Always clean the surface of concrete residue after each use. After cleaning, it should be dried and stored horizontally, away from direct sunlight.

How many times can it be reused?

Depending on the quality (for example, plywood made from birch veneer), laminated plywood can be reused 20 to 50 times with proper care. If you notice small scratches on the lamination, seal them immediately with paint to prevent water from penetrating the wood.

Thanks to direct partnerships with manufacturers, we offer sheet materials at competitive prices. Delivery is available throughout Armenia.

We provide a wide range of building materials for wall and partition concreting, formwork, and building projects. Choosing the right material will ensure excellent results and help your structures last for decades without unnecessary expenses or repairs.