Concrete Forming Plywood
At Hanford Lumber, we have been a trusted supplier to the concrete forming industry since our inception, providing high-quality products and expert guidance to meet the rigorous demands of modern construction. Concrete forming is a critical phase of the building process, requiring precision, durability, and material reliability to ensure superior structural integrity and surface finishes.
To support this, we offer a wide range of overlaid plywood panels sourced exclusively from recognized North American mills, ensuring consistent performance, strength, and quality assurance. Unlike many imported formply panels, which fail to meet North American strength and adhesion standards, our panels are engineered to meet or exceed APA and CSA certification requirements. This ensures exceptional structural integrity, durability, and reliability across all forming applications.
Designed for performance, our panels withstand high pressures, chemical exposure, and repeated use in demanding formwork applications. Whether used for general-purpose concrete pours, architectural-grade finishes, or large-scale infrastructure projects, our plywood products provide exceptional strength, reusability, and superior surface quality—making them the preferred choice for contractors and builders seeking maximum efficiency and performance.
Understanding Overlaid Plywood
Concrete forming plywood is manufactured using a high-strength fir panel substrate overlaid with a resin-treated paper surface, creating a smooth, durable, and reusable working surface. These overlays vary in resin composition, thickness, and chemical resistance, depending on specific forming requirements.
- MDO (Medium-Density Overlay) Panels: Provide a smooth, water-resistant surface, ideal for general concrete applications where a clean release and moderate reusability are required.
- HDO (High-Density Overlay) Panels: Feature a highly durable resin overlay, offering superior strength, extended panel life, and enhanced alkali resistance, making them ideal for high-use gang forms and architectural finishes.
- HAO (High-Alkalinity Overlay) Panels: Engineered to withstand aggressive concrete mixes with high pH levels, ensuring extended durability in challenging environments.
- Specialty Panels (e.g., Pourform pH Plus®, Evergreen Plus®): Developed with advanced hybrid overlay technology to offer optimal reusability, alkali resistance, and smooth surface finishes for high-end applications.
Choosing the right forming panel is key to cost efficiency, reusability, and surface quality. Whether minimizing blemishes, enhancing grain transfer, or extending panel lifespan, our team can recommend the ideal solution for your project.
Partial list of Formply panels available:
- 7-Ply 11/16″ 4′ x 8′ Hi-Flow MDO Overlay: Ideal for general pouring applications. Available with a hardwood substrate upon special order for higher-end finishes.
- 5-Ply 11/16″ 4′ x 8′ High-Mask MDO Overlay: Cost-effective panel for general applications, offering balanced performance.
- Pourform pH Plus® 7-Ply Alkaline-Resistant Overlay: Hardwood-faced substrate for enhanced resistance to high-pH concrete mixes, extending panel life and delivering an architectural concrete finish.
- HDO (High-Density Overlay) Panels: Built for gang forms, with moderate alkali & abrasion resistance. Available in 100/30, 100/100, 120/30, 120/120 (face/back) in 4′ x 8′, 4′ x 9′, & 4′ x 10′ sizes.
- HAO (High-Alkalinity Hybrid Overlay) Panels: Improved alkali resistance over MDO, also available with a hardwood-faced substrate for a smoother concrete finish.
- Pourform Evergreen® and Evergreen Plus® Panels: Hybrid alkali-resistant panels with flexible overlay technology for longer panel life and superior concrete finish quality.
- Additional formply panels available upon request.
Panel Dimensions: 4’ x 8’, 4’ x 9’, and 4’ x 10’ (special order).
Panel Thicknesses: Ranging from 3/8†to 1-1/8†(special order).
Additional Forming Materials:
- SPF Framing Lumber: Available in 2″ x 4″ to 2″ x 12″, and 4″ x 4″ sizes.
- Cant Strip: Available in ¾â€ and 1-1/2†sizes.
- Custom Keyways, Reglets & Cant Strip: Manufactured upon request to meet specific project needs.
Formwork Maintenance & Best Practices:
- Cleaning & Storage: After each use, remove all concrete residue and store panels in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent moisture damage and warping.
- Edge Sealing: Protect against water penetration and delamination by ensuring all panel edges are sealed before use.
- Use of Release Agents: Apply the correct form release oil to ensure cleaner concrete separation and extended plywood life. This prevents concrete adhesion and reduces surface defects.
- Fastening Recommendations: Use the appropriate nails or screws at recommended spacing to minimize surface damage and maintain panel integrity. Avoid overdriving fasteners, which can compromise the overlay surface and reduce reusability.
- Consult Hanford Lumber: Best practices vary by panel type and project. Contact us for expert guidance on panel care, storage, and maximizing product lifespan.
For any further sizing and or grades not listed please reach out to our sales desk for a special order inquiry.
