514-742-7568 What type of wood for formwork?

What type of wood for formwork?

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  • Groupe GEMCO
  • December 26 2022

The choice of wood for a formwork is essential to ensure the quality of the concrete structure.

Types of wood commonly used for formwork in Quebec

white pine

It is an affordable and easy to find wood. Although not the most durable, it is often used for short-term formwork projects.

spruce

It is a strong and inexpensive wood, well suited for long-term formwork projects. It is also easy to work with.

Fir

It is similar to spruce in strength and cost. It can be an interesting alternative if you cannot find quality spruce.

plywood

It is a composite material made from sheets of wood glued together. It is more durable than the timbers mentioned above and works well for reusable formwork projects.

engineered wood

It is a composite material made from wood fibers and synthetic resins. It is more expensive than other options, but it is very durable and moisture resistant.

Treatment of wood for formwork

When using wood to make a formwork, it is important to protect it from humidity and insects which can deteriorate it quickly.

To do this, it is recommended to treat the wood with a specific product that will extend its life. This treatment can be done by soaking or by applying a product to the surface of the wood.

The choice of treatment product will depend on the type of wood used and the conditions of use of the formwork. For example, for formwork that will be used outdoors or in contact with the ground, it is recommended to use an autoclave treatment that will protect the wood against bad weather and insects.

By treating the wood used for the formwork, we ensure that it will be durable and resistant, which will allow the formwork to be reused several times without having to replace it with each use.

Need a formwork expert? Contact us!