Muottilevyt

Muottilevyt are panels used in formwork to shape concrete during casting in construction. They act as reusable molds, creating the surface and dimensions of concrete elements such as walls, slabs, beams and columns. The term covers wooden formwork sheets, often referred to as film-faced plywood, that are cleaned and reused across multiple pours.

Most muottilevyt are wood-based, with film-faced plywood being the predominant type. The panels use birch or spruce plywood with a resin- or melamine-coated film on one or both sides to provide a smooth release surface and resistance to moisture. Other wood-based variants include LVL or coated boards, though film-faced plywood remains the standard for temporary formwork. Common sizes are around 1220 by 2440 millimeters, with thicknesses typically ranging from about 9 to 30 millimeters, depending on load requirements and reuse cycles. Edges are often reinforced and protected to extend service life.

Use involves assembling the panels into a mold around reinforcing bars and supports, pouring concrete, and later removing and cleaning the panels for reuse. The surface condition, moisture exposure and physical damage determine how many cycles a panel can withstand before replacement.

Advantages include cost-effectiveness for repetitive shapes, good surface quality when film-faced, and relative ease of handling. Maintenance focuses on keeping panels dry, inspecting for delamination or splinters, and repairing or replacing damaged sections. Environmental considerations center on adhesive emissions and end-of-life disposal, with a trend toward longer reuse and certified low-emission materials.