Wooden shuttering – plywood sheets, planks, battens and round timber ballis – is the older, flexible form of formwork still widely used in Lahore. Wood can be cut on site to fit curves, steps, chajjas, staircases and odd corners where steel plates do not fit. Its weakness is wear: ply swells, warps and loses its face after repeated pours.
Types and specifications
| Item | What it is | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttering plywood | Sheets of layered ply, sometimes film-faced | Slab soffits, beam sides, walls |
| Timber planks (phatte) | Sawn boards | Beam sides, edges, small slabs |
| Battens | Smaller timber sections | Stiffening ply, joining panels |
| Ballis | Round timber poles used as props | Supporting slab and beam formwork |
| Wedges and nails | Small accessories | Levelling and fixing |
Sheet sizes, thicknesses and balli lengths vary by supplier; ask for them in writing.
What each is used for
- Ply forms large flat surfaces; film-faced ply gives a smoother finish and lasts longer.
- Planks and battens form edges and beam sides and hold sheets in line.
- Ballis prop the formwork. They must be straight, sound and stand on firm bearing.
- Wood overall suits staircases, curved balconies, sunshades and repair work.
Quality checks on delivery
- Count sheets, planks, battens and ballis against the slip.
- Check ply faces for delamination, swelling, holes and patched areas that will show on the concrete.
- Check for warping – lay a sheet flat; twisted sheets cause uneven slabs.
- Check ballis – straight, no deep cracks, no rot or termite damage at the ends.
- Check planks for splits and loose knots at load points.
- Photograph and note damage on the delivery slip before signing.
How much you need
No reliable published rule of thumb exists for wooden shuttering quantities. It depends on slab area, beam layout, storey height and support spacing. Ask the supplier or shuttering contractor to prepare an item list from your drawings, and have your structural engineer confirm support spacing, especially under beams.
Bulk-renting tips
- Delivery and unloading – ballis are long; check that the truck can reach your street and where they will be stacked.
- Storage – keep ply flat, covered from rain and off the ground; wet ply swells and loses strength.
- Oil before use – release agent helps striking and protects the face.
- Cutting – suppliers usually charge for sheets you cut. Agree beforehand which pieces may be cut.
- Termites – do not leave wooden shuttering lying on soil for long; inspect ballis for termite activity.
- Invoices – keep the slip and note every extra item added later.
- Payment staging – deposit and first period on delivery, balance after the joint count at return.
What affects the price
- Quantity of sheets, planks and ballis.
- Rental period and extension charges.
- Condition and type of ply (film-faced versus plain).
- Charges for cut or damaged pieces.
- Transport and labour, if included.
- Security deposit.
Rates are not published consistently; compare written quotes on the same item list.
FAQs
Is wooden shuttering cheaper than steel? Sometimes on rent, but worn wood leaves rougher concrete that needs more plaster, and cut pieces may be charged. Compare total cost, not just rent.
Can I mix wood and steel? Yes. Many sites use steel plates for main slab areas and wood for edges, chajjas and stairs.
Are ballis safe as props? Sound, straight ballis on firm bearing are widely used. Cracked, rotten or bent ballis are not. Your engineer should approve the support layout.
What if ply gets wet before the pour? Wet, swollen ply can sag and leave marks. Keep it covered and replace badly swollen sheets before steel fixing.
Who pays for broken pieces? Usually the renter, from the deposit. Agree rates for damage and cutting in writing.
Can I buy wooden shuttering instead of renting? Yes. Some builders buy ply and ballis for repeated use across projects. For a single house, renting is usually simpler unless you plan more work soon.
Sources
- No published rates, quantities or standards are cited on this page; it reflects general site practice. Follow your structural engineer's instructions for supports and striking times.