In short
For slab and wall formwork in the UAE, 18 mm film faced plywood is the usual choice because it spans the common secondary beam spacing without bending. 12 mm is used for curved work, small infills and light temporary works; 21 mm suits wider beam spacing and heavy wall pours. The formwork design sets the final thickness.
Thickness at a glance
| Thickness | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 12 mm | Curved forms, small infills, edge forms, light temporary works |
| 15 mm | Light slabs and walls with close beam spacing |
| 18 mm | Standard for slab and wall formwork on H20 beams |
| 21 mm | Wider beam spacing, high walls, heavy pours |
Thickness and beam spacing
Thicker plywood spans further between secondary beams before it deflects. If you reduce thickness, close up the beam spacing. Wet concrete pressure on walls is higher than on slabs, so walls often need thicker sheets or closer walers.
Our stock
We commonly stock 12 mm and 18 mm in 1220 × 2440 mm. Ask for other thicknesses: film faced plywood, shuttering plywood.