Why You Should Consider Buying Used Film-Faced Plywood

Overview of Film-Faced Plywood

What is film-faced plywood? It is a type of industrial plywood made from multiple thin layers of wood bonded together with phenol glue, then coated on both sides with a water-resistant melamine film or Dynea film. Thanks to this coating, the surface of the board is smooth, easy to dismantle, and offers excellent concrete release capabilities, making it popular in construction, particularly in formwork applications.

Common applications of film-faced plywood include: formwork for floors, columns, concrete slabs, temporary flooring, partitions, scaffold platforms, and even in residential uses such as workbenches, temporary floors, and warehouse dividers.

However, due to the relatively high cost of new boards, many users are turning to a more economical alternative: used film-faced plywood that has been utilized once or several times before.

Current Usage of Used Film-Faced Plywood on the Market

In reality, used film-faced plywood is often collected after the completion of concrete work in a construction project. If properly stored, these boards may have only been used a few times, with intact surface film and undamaged structure, and can be reused multiple times. Many suppliers even sort, clean, and resell them at prices ranging from only 30% to 50% of new boards, significantly reducing material costs for small to medium-sized contractors.

Why You Should Consider Buying Used Film-Faced Plywood

1. Save on Initial Material Investment

Why you should consider buying used film-faced plywood – the first reason is cost-efficiency. Compared to new boards, used film-faced plywood is 40% to 70% cheaper depending on the remaining quality. For large-scale projects, using secondhand plywood can save tens or even hundreds of millions of VND, while still ensuring progress and construction quality.

This is especially crucial for short-term projects or one-time formwork needs such as residential houses, temporary floors, and columns, or for projects requiring quick capital turnover and reduced initial investment without sacrificing structural safety.

2. Still Durable for Multiple Uses

Even though the boards are used, if carefully selected with intact surfaces and undamaged cores, they can still be reused many times. Type 1 used film-faced plywood can be reused 3–5 times for formwork or concrete pouring. If used for platforms, partitions, or scaffold floors, it can even be reused dozens of times. The key is choosing high-quality boards and storing them properly after use.

3. Ideal for Projects That Do Not Require High Aesthetic Standards

In many cases, all you need is a board that is strong, load-bearing, and non-deforming during construction—not necessarily aesthetically perfect. For example, in building warehouses, storage spaces, or small-scale home projects, using used film-faced plywood is completely suitable and does not affect the structural integrity of the project. Using new plywood in these situations can sometimes be unnecessarily wasteful.

4. Reduce Environmental Impact by Reusing Materials

Reusing previously used film-faced plywood is also an environmentally friendly solution. Instead of discarding usable boards, you are helping to reduce industrial waste, conserve wood resources, and extend the product’s lifecycle. This aligns with the modern trend of sustainable and responsible construction practices.

5. Readily Available and Customizable in Quantity

Used film-faced plywood is widely available at recycled material suppliers, construction material warehouses, or directly from large projects after formwork dismantling. Depending on your needs, you can choose the appropriate quantity, thickness, and type. Some suppliers even offer sorting services and pre-cut boards to your required size, saving construction time.

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Important Notes When Buying Used Film-Faced Plywood

1. Thoroughly Inspect the Surface and Core Structure

Before purchasing, inspect whether the plywood surface has peeled or cracked. Prioritize boards with an intact film layer, no bumps or warping, and cores that are not swollen or rotten. If possible, request the seller to cut a small piece to check the internal glue bond and layer integrity.

2. Prioritize Type 1 Boards with Minimal Prior Use

Used film-faced plywood is typically categorized by grade:

• Type 1: used 1–2 times, surface still good
• Type 2: used 3–5 times, with light scratches
• Type 3: heavily worn surface, poor reusability

Depending on your application, choose the appropriate grade. For concrete formwork, choose Type 1 to ensure a smooth concrete finish and easy removal.

3. Avoid Extremely Cheap, Overused Boards

Some suppliers offer extremely cheap film-faced plywood, but in reality, the boards have been reused too many times and no longer provide structural strength. While you may save upfront, it can cause construction issues, even safety hazards due to formwork collapse. Therefore, choose reputable sellers with quality inspection policies before delivery.

4. Check Thickness and Dimensions Carefully

Used plywood typically ranges from 12mm to 18mm in thickness. However, after multiple uses, some thickness may be worn down. Measure the actual thickness or ask the supplier to report it, ensuring it matches your design requirements. Also, used boards may have chipped edges or altered dimensions, so confirm measurements before acceptance.

5. Proper Storage to Prolong Lifespan

After purchasing used film-faced plywood, store it in a dry, ventilated area away from rain or direct sunlight. After each use, clean the surface, dry thoroughly, and stack neatly for future use. Proper storage greatly extends its usability and reduces the need to buy new materials.

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Conclusion

Why you should consider buying used film-faced plywood – because it is a smart choice that helps customers save costs, optimize performance, and maintain quality without compromising essential construction requirements. As long as you know how to select the right boards, inspect them carefully, and use them for the right purpose, used film-faced plywood can fully meet technical requirements in construction. Furthermore, reusing materials contributes to environmental conservation and extends the life cycle of industrial wood products at a time when natural resources are becoming increasingly scarce.

If you are looking for quality, reasonably priced used film-faced plywood that is properly sorted and inspected, reach out to reputable suppliers in the market for expert advice and dedicated support. This will ensure your project achieves the best results with the most optimized costs.