What is contraplacado para cofragem and which grade does Portuguese construction specify?
Contraplacado para cofragem is Portuguese for formwork plywood — the film-faced plywood panel used to shape poured concrete. Portuguese construction typically specifies 18 mm thickness in 2500 x 1250 mm EU format, with EN 636-2 (melamine adhesive, Class 2) for residential and commercial projects and EN 636-3 (phenolic adhesive, Class 3) for infrastructure and marine environments.
Are Vinawood panels compliant with Portugal's RGEU and EN standards?
Yes. All Vinawood formwork plywood carries CE marking under EN 13986 and is manufactured to EN 636 requirements, which aligns with Portugal's Regulamento Geral das Edificações Urbanas (RGEU) for structural timber products. A Declaration of Performance (DoP) is supplied with every shipment to support building-permit documentation.
Which ports are best for shipping to Portugal?
Leixões (Porto) and Lisbon are the primary discharge options, with transit times of 28-35 days from Vietnam via Singapore or Port Klang. For southern Portugal, Algeciras in Spain is often more economical — 25-32 days transit plus onward trucking to Faro, Évora, or Lisbon.
What reuse cycles can I expect from Vinawood formwork panels?
Reuse cycles depend on grade and handling. Eco Form Plus delivers up to 8 reuses, Form Basic up to 10, Form Extra up to 15, and Pro Form up to 20 under controlled site conditions. Applying a fresh mould-release agent before each pour, using plastic scrapers for stripping, and storing panels flat under cover are the key practices for achieving maximum cycles.
