Form panels.

While all the talk recently has been over steel prices, steep increases have also been experienced with plywood. Because of the slower economy over the past few years, a number of plywood manufacturers have cut back production, says Mike Gilleran, general manager for McCausey Lumber. This curtailing has meant closing mills despite the fact that new home building is still strong and interest rates are low.

At the same time, makers of oriented strand board have also cut back, says Gilleran. This has led to a further tightening of the plywood market in the past 6 months as OSB users switch to plywood. As a result, plywood prices have climbed considerably, in some cases doubling. Environmental factors, like wild fires, have also influenced plywood supplies. Increasing supplies to meet the consistent demand isn't a matter of flipping a switch. The ramping up process is too slow to forestall continuing increases in the prices contractors are forced to pay.

This situation makes selecting the right plywood for a job all the more important. In the past year, CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION has provided its readers with two guides for choosing the right plywood. A January 2003 article, "Plywood Understood," presented the basics of plywood types, classes, and grades. In February 2004, we covered the confusing array of overlaid plywood forming panels, as well as form release agents, in an article entitled "The Many Faces of Overlaid Plywood Form Panels."

But plywood isn't the only choice when it comes to form faces. Plastic or synthetic panels are now available, as are steel and aluminum forms and each offers advantages, including a long service life and easy maintainability.

Options for contactors are available, but knowing what to pick is a matter of practice and experience. If you want to learn more about the products listed below, circle the corresponding numbers on the reader service card.

Reduce grain telegraphing

The Eagle HDO concrete panel forms give optimal finish with a minimum of grain telegraphing. Made from Douglas fir veneers, these forms are ideal for jobs that require 10 or more pours. They are manufactured with abrasion- and moisture-resistant surfaces, extending the life of the form. The high-density overlay, developed by Dynea, a world leader in overlay technology, provides a uniform surface that promotes uniform hydration and chemical resistance. The APA-stamped panels are available in a variety of widths, lengths, and thicknesses. Advanced Veneer Processing technology can be used for greater flexibility in matching panel size to the end use. Eagle Plywood Specialties, 800-547-5991, www.eagleplywoodspecialties.com. Circle 25.

Engineered for maximum reuse

The Pourform HDO concrete-forming panels are designed to provide exceptional strength, rigidity, and dimensional stability to ensure reliable repeat performance and a high-quality finish. These concrete-forming panels are made from Douglas fir, which has been carefully selected for its tight grain. This makes the panels exceptionally hard and resistant to moisture and abrasion. The high-density overlay protects the wood substrate from alkalis and water. It also makes it easier to strip the panels from the concrete surfaces while minimizing concrete buildup and physical wear. The panels result in an architectural finish without the transfer of veneer texture to the concrete. Ainsworth Lumber Co., 604-661-3200, www.ainsworth.ca. Circle 26.

Douglas fir form faces

The Ultra-Pour concrete form plywood comes in high- and medium-density overlay and BB plyform varieties. All are made from APA "B" grade Douglas fir faces and come oil-and edge-sealed. The plywood has composed cross bands for tight core gap tolerances, which are more stringent than industry specifications. The MDO and HDO varieties offer a smooth, uniform finish, with minimal grain transfer. Panels are available in 2 x 8-foot, and 4 x 8-foot panels. Plum Creek Timber Co. 800-858-5347, www.plumcreek.com. Circle 27.

Polypropylene composite forms

Alkus plastic form panels are made with a five-layer construction, consisting of plastic outer layers with inner layers of metal or fibers surrounding a foamed plastic core. The panels have the necessary rigidity to support loads imposed by concrete pours and can be nailed, screwed, and sawed like plywood. Any damage to the surface veneer is easily repaired, and adjacent panels can now be welded to provide a completely smooth surface. The forms have a longer service life than plywood, with no swelling or shrinkage. These fully recyclable form panels are used in Meva formwork. Alkus Gmbh, www.alkus.li, 423-233-2260. Circle 28.

Phenolic surface film panels

For the higher-end projects that demand an as-cast concrete surface, there is McFinn PSF forming plywood. The panels are manufactured from Finnforest plywood with multiple layers of hardwood birch veneers overlaid with high-density phenolic surface film. The panels display high strength, excellent warp resistance and rigidity, and are able to withstand rough handling, wear and tear, humidity, and bruising. They are available in various thicknesses. McCausey Lumber Co., 800-365-9663, www.mccauseylumber.com. Circle 29.

Tight thickness tolerance

Multipour HDO forming panels incorporate a proprietary overlay system with sanded, dense hardwood face veneers, setting a high standard for concrete finishes, costs, and the number of reuses. These APA-rated panels have a fine, tight grain to minimize grain show-through, and no surface patches. The thickness tolerance ensures less joint offset, greatly reducing panel shimming and joint grinding. The overlay system provides a smooth, alkaline-resistant forming surface. A styrene acrylic edge sealer greatly reduces moisture seeping. With reasonable care, contractors can expect up to 50 reuses in gang forms, more for basements and foundations. Olympic Panel Products, 800-782-9378, www.simpson-plywood.com. Circle 30.

Two-wood panels

BETOFILM concrete form plywood, produced in Finland, uses birch-faced veneers with phenolic surface film and alternating inner plies of spruce and birch. The panels use 9-ply construction in both 5/8- and 3/4-inch thickness. They are compatible with all quality release agents, though since the panel surfaces are non-absorptive, less release agent is required. The panels, which are strong, light, and easy to machine, are weather-resistant, oil-proof, and unaffected by the alkalinity of concrete. Plywood & Door Mfg. Corp., 908-687-7890, www.pdusa.com. Circle 31.