Formply receives stress grades from F11 to F27, depending on strength. The most commonly available on the market are the F14 and F17 varieties. Deciding between the two depends on the budget and structure of the building.
As the value suggests, F14 formply can withstand 14 megapascals (MPa) of pressure, whereas F17 can withstand 17 MPa. For more demanding builds, F17 is the winner for its superior ability for load-bearing.
F17 is the sheet of choice for many, but there are even stronger sheets if necessary as shown in Figure 2 below.
F14 Vs F17 Formply
In the world of formply, there are two main types: F14 and F17. Both have their own unique benefits that make them ideal for different applications. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the key differences between these two types of formply to help you choose the right one for your next project.
F14 formply is made from 14-gauge steel, making it one of the thicker options on the market. This means that it’s extremely durable and can handle heavy loads without buckling or breaking. It’s also fire resistant, which makes it a good choice for applications where safety is a concern.
However, because it’s so thick and sturdy, F14 formply can be more difficult to work with than some of the thinner options out there. F17 formply, on the other hand, is made from 17-gauge steel, making it thinner and more flexible than F14 formply. This makes it easier to work with but also means that it’s not quite as durable as its thicker counterpart.
However, F17 formply still has excellent load-bearing capabilities and is also fire resistant. So if you need a bit more flexibility in your formply choices, F17 might be the way to go.
