In short
Film faced plywood has a phenolic or PP film on both faces, gives a smooth concrete finish and can be reused many times. Shuttering plywood has a plain face, is cheaper per sheet and suits concrete that will be hidden or poured only a few times. For exposed concrete or many pours, film faced usually costs less per use.
Side by side
| Film faced plywood | Shuttering plywood | |
|---|---|---|
| Face | Phenolic or PP film | Plain wood face |
| Concrete finish | Smooth, fair-faced | Shows wood grain and joints |
| Reuses | Many | Few |
| Water resistance | High (film plus sealed edges) | Lower |
| Price per sheet | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Slabs, walls, columns, exposed concrete | Foundations, footings, temporary works |
Which one should you buy?
Count the pours. If a sheet will be used once or twice on hidden concrete, shuttering plywood is enough. If it will cycle through a building floor after floor, or the concrete will be seen, film faced plywood is cheaper per pour and gives a better finish.
How to tell them apart
Film faced plywood has a shiny, coloured surface (brown, black or green) and painted edges. Shuttering plywood shows bare wood on the face.