Formply F17 vs Standard Plywood: What Suits Your Project?

Starting a home renovation, new build, or DIY upgrade? The building materials you choose can make or break your new project.

Plywood is one of the most versatile building materials out there. But not all plywood sheets are the same. There are several variants of it as per strength grading. E.g. Formply F17 and standard plywood.

So, the question arises, formply vs plywood, which one should you use for your project?

At Ply Supply, we know how confusing this choice can be. That’s why we’re breaking it down for you in simple terms. We supply both Formply F17 and Standard plywood across Perth and beyond. So, we know the strengths & weaknesses of each.

Let’s share our expert insights with you.

What is Formply F17?

Formply F17 is a type of structural plywood designed to withstand heavy-duty construction. Its main purpose is for concrete formwork where strength and durability are required. That’s why it’s referred to as concrete formwork plywood.

• Strength rating: The “F17” refers to its structural strength rating under Australian standards. This strength makes it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
• Coating: Unlike standard sheets, Formply comes with a smooth phenolic resin coating to make it waterproof and avoid sticking with concrete, when used in formwork.
• Durability: Formply has a longer lifespan than standard plywood when exposed to tough conditions. It resists water, swelling, and general wear.
• Reusability: With proper care, Formply F17 reusability is impressive. It can be used multiple times in formwork, reducing long-term costs.

Builders in Perth prefer F17 Formply for high-stress jobs like bridges, multi-storey buildings, and industrial formwork. We stock premium-grade F17 Formply Perth. Because we know that cutting corners with quality is never worth it.

Also Read: What is Formply? Plywood for Concrete Formwork

What is Standard Plywood?

Standard plywood is the all-rounder of the plywood family. It’s a versatile, multi-layered wood panel comes in different grades, thicknesses, and finishes and used in countless applications.

• Types: Standard plywood comes in many grades. You can use structural plywood for load-bearing use and non-structural plywood for decorative and light applications.
• Applications: You’ll find standard plywood in furniture, cabinetry, flooring, wall linings, shelving, and smaller DIY projects. It’s not as heavy-duty as Formply, but it shines in versatility.
• Affordability: It is more affordable than Formply. That’s why, it is the go-to choice for homeowners, DIYers, and furniture makers.
• Versatility: Unlike the coated surface of formply, standard plywood can be purchased raw, veneered, or laminated. Hence, it gives you design flexibility.

Here at Ply Supply, we stock high-quality standard plywood sheets that have been carefully sourced and checked for reliability.

Also Read: Types & Uses of Plywood: A Guide for Homeowners & Builders

Formply F17 vs Standard Plywood: Key Differences

Now let’s compare them head-to-head. So, you can easily choose which one can serve your project the best.

1. Strength & Durability

Formply F17 is Stronger & designed for heavy-duty use. It is perfect for construction and industrial applications.

While strength of standard plywood varies depending on grade. Structural plywood offers good strength, but it doesn’t match the formply strength rating.

2. Water & Weather Resistance

Water-resistant coating of Formply F17 makes it highly durable in wet or harsh environments. So, you can use it for outdoor applications.

On the other hand, standard plywood is not always water-resistant. You need to choose marine-grade plywood for outdoor or damp areas.

3. Surface Finish & Coating

Formply F17 has smooth coated surface that resists sticking and makes it easier to reuse.

While standard plywood comes in raw or finished forms. You can use it for furniture and cabinetry but not for concrete formwork.

4. Load-Bearing Capacity

Formply F17 has F17 strength rating, as shown by the name. So, it can handle significant loads and is perfect for formwork and structural projects.

Standard plywood is only adequate for light to medium projects. It is not designed for repeated heavy loading.

5. Cost Comparison

F17 plywood price is much higher than standard plywood. But given its high performance uses, it is quite justified.

Standard plywood is more affordable, if you need it for small projects and decorative work.

Which One is Best for Your Project?

Well, it all depends on the type of project you’re working on. E.g.

Construction & Formwork

If you’re asking “Which plywood is best for construction?”, the answer is Formply F17. Its strength and concrete formwork plywood performance make it the go-to choice for builders and contractors.

Furniture & Cabinetry

For indoor furniture, wall panels, or cabinetry, standard plywood is the smarter pick. It’s easier to cut, finish, and style. But keep the environment of furniture in mind too. For outdoor or moisture prone areas, go with Formply F17 or weatherproof structural plywood.

At Ply Supply, we make it simple. Just choose the plywood that matches your project, and we’ll make sure you get the best value.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Plywood

Many homeowners and even contractors make mistakes when buying plywood. These small errors can translate into big blunders & huge losses later.

Let’s discuss the common mistakes to avoid.

At Ply Supply, we’ve done all the quality checks for you. Every sheet we sell meets Australian standards, so you get performance and peace of mind.

Final Verdict: Formply F17 or Standard Plywood?

The right choice depends on your project.

Pick Formply F17 if you need strength, formply durability, water resistance, and reusability in construction or outdoor applications. And choose standard plywood if you need affordable, versatile sheets for furniture, cabinetry, and general DIY projects.

Need Best Quality Plywood Perth for Your Next Project?

Choose Ply Supply for Your Plywood Needs

Here at Ply Supply, we supply only the highest quality products. Be it furniture plywood, interior flooring, or outdoor composite decking. We stock both Formply F17 and Standard plywood so you can get exactly what you need.

Our services include:

• Quality control and product testing, so you don’t have to.
• Sourcing from trusted manufacturers with a proven track record.
• Different strength grades for builders, renovator, or DIY enthusiasts.

A brighter, fresher home or workspace starts with the right materials. So, the right plywood can make your project stronger, longer-lasting, and better looking.

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