Formwork Plywood Thickness Guide: Slab, Wall, Column Selection
concrete finish quality, and project costs. This technical guide covers slabs, walls,
and columns based on load conditions, spans, and reuse cycles.
Why Formwork Plywood Thickness Matters
Plywood thickness determines panel response to fresh concrete pressure, vibration,
and repeated pours. Too thin = deflection → poor concrete surfaces. Too thick =
unnecessary costs and handling issues.
Key Risks:
Uneven surfaces, safety hazards, rework costs, inefficient material use.
As Vietnam plywood supplier, FOMEX GREENWOOD sees thickness often
treated as “default spec.” Optimal choice depends on support spacing, pour method,
and reuse targets.
Recommended Thickness by Application
| Application | Typical Thickness | Key Factors | Load Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slabs | 12-18 mm | Beam span ≤600mm, slab ≤200mm thick | Uniform vertical load |
| Walls | 15-18 mm | Pour height ≤3m, lateral pressure | High stiffness required |
| Columns | 18 mm | Corner stress, edge durability | Concentrated pressure |
Slab Formwork (12-18 mm)
Uniform loads over large areas. Use 12mm for tight supports (≤400mm span),
15-18mm for wider spans or high pours.
Wall Formwork (15-18 mm)
Lateral concrete pressure demands stiffness. 15mm for low walls, 18mm for
tall/fast pours to prevent bulging.
Column Formwork (18 mm)
High edge stress at corners. 18mm ensures rigidity during vibration and stripping.
Risks of Wrong Thickness Specification
- Under-specify: Deflection → wavy surfaces, panel damage, safety risks
- Over-specify: +30% material cost, heavier handling, no performance gain
- Compromised concrete quality requiring grinding/polishing
- Reduced reuse cycles (from 10→5 uses)
5 Steps to Optimize Thickness Selection
- Calculate support spacing and concrete head pressure
- Match pour rate/vibration to thickness capacity
- Factor in expected reuse cycles (5-20 uses)
- Verify plywood quality (veneer, glue, edges)
- Consult formwork design standards
Read more
Get Expert Thickness Recommendations
FOMEX GREENWOOD engineers provide free application-based plywood specs
for your formwork projects worldwide.
Email: qc@fomexgroup.vn
☎ +84 877 034 666