Softwood fire ply is used when a standard plywood sheet is not enough to meet safety requirements. It is chosen by contractors, fit-out teams, and anyone working on projects where fire performance matters from the start. The board behaves like regular plywood during installation, but performs differently when it counts. That balance is what makes it a practical choice across many builds.
What is softwood fire plywood?
Softwood fire plywood is a structural plywood panel made from spruce or pine veneers that has been treated with fire retardant chemicals. The treatment goes through the board, so the material reacts differently when exposed to heat. It slows down flame spread and forms a protective char layer.
Softwood fire retardant plywood is available from recognised European manufacturers, including Wisa by UPM Plywood in Finland and Paged brand in Poland. These boards are produced for construction use and are backed by technical documentation required on commercial projects.
Most softwood fire ply is produced in familiar sheet sizes around 2440 x 1220mm, with common thicknesses such as 12mm, 15mm, 18mm and 24mm. FSC-certified options are available.
Some boards in this range are classified as BS EN636 Class 2, where stated. This means it can be used in humid interiors and on sites where conditions are not fully sealed yet. The bonding meets EN 314 standards, so it handles moisture better than basic plywood. Still, it needs sealing if it will face long term exposure.
In practice, standards such as EN 314 Class 3 and EN636 classifications are not just technical labels. They show that the board has strong bonding between veneers and is suitable for humid interior or protected construction conditions, without being treated as a general exterior plywood.
The surface is typically supplied sanded. It can be finished with paint, lacquer or stain, depending on the product and coating system. You may see natural features like knots. This is standard for softwood plywood.
Formaldehyde levels are low and meet E1 standards, making the board suitable for indoor use. Softwood fire retardant plywood is typically rated to Euroclass B, while still installing like a standard plywood sheet. Many boards are also CE marked, confirming they meet recognised standards.
Fire classifications such as Euroclass B, B-s1,d0 or Bfl-s1 indicate that the board makes a limited contribution to fire growth. This matters on projects where fire performance is part of the specification and will be checked during inspection.
What is softwood fire retardant plywood used for?
Softwood fire retardant plywood is used where fire safety matters, but the job still needs to stay simple on site. It fits into standard construction without slowing things down, which is why it is often specified on both small and large projects.
On site, it is commonly used for internal wall linings, partitions in offices and retail spaces, and ceiling panels in public areas. It also appears in shop fittings, display units and wall panelling, especially in corridors and escape routes where fire performance is critical.
You will often see it in floor decking and roof structures, as well as in timber frame builds, where the board becomes part of the overall system. It is also used for service risers, plant rooms and enclosed areas where both access and safety need to be considered at the same time.
In commercial work, it shows up in exhibition stands, stage builds and temporary structures, where materials still need to meet fire requirements even for short term use. It is also used in mezzanine floors, stair enclosures and lift shaft areas, where fire behaviour can directly affect how the building performs.
Beyond that, it is widely used in schools, healthcare environments and other public buildings. In some cases, it is also chosen for transport interiors, including vans and specialist vehicle conversions, where enclosed spaces require better fire control.
Benefits of softwood fire ply
Slows flame spread and improves fire behaviour
Keeps structural strength in use
Installs like standard plywood on site
Moisture resistant bonding for changing conditions
Sanded surface for a cleaner finish
Can be cut and drilled without removing fire retardant performance (on tested products by Wisa SpruceFR)
Why choose our softwood fire plywood?
Most of our customers are trade. They come back because the boards are consistent. No surprises when you start cutting. No time wasted fixing issues later. It is project-ready stock that goes straight into the build.
Price also has to make sense on a real job. Not just on paper. We keep it at a good price, with low wholesale prices across the range. If you are buying more, it gets better. Trade discounts, volume discounts and pallet deals are there when you need them. Whether it is a few sheets or pallet quantities, the numbers stay workable.
Delivery is set up around how sites actually run. Fast UK delivery is available. Next-day delivery when timing is tight. Orders can go straight to the site or to a residential address. You get order tracking and a VAT invoice provided as standard, so everything stays clear.
There is also the supply side. Boards are sourced with care, with sustainable sourcing where possible. That matters more now, especially on commercial jobs.
Technical documentation is available on request, including Declaration of Performance, fire classification data and supporting compliance information. This is important for commercial work where materials may need to be verified before installation or at handover.
At Sheet Materials Wholesale, you can purchase Softwood Fire Plywood at low wholesale prices with fast nationwide delivery for most of items within 1-3 working days across the UK. Next-day delivery is also available on most orders. Competitive rates guaranteed.
FAQ
How much does softwood fire plywood cost?
Prices usually start from around £70+ VAT. The best option is to check the latest prices on the Sheet Materials Wholesale website to see what fits your job.
Where to buy softwood fire plywood?
You can order softwood fire plywood directly from Sheet Materials Wholesale. Everything is available online, and you can choose fast UK delivery, including next day if you need it quickly on site.
How do I identify fire retardant plywood on-site versus standard plywood?
Often by colour. Many boards have a pink or red tint. Some will also have markings or paperwork supplied with them. Colour helps, but it is not something to rely on if the job needs to pass inspection. In that case, the documents are what matter.
What's the difference between factory-treated and site-applied fire retardant treatment?
Factory-treated boards are made that way from the start. The fire retardant is part of the board, and the performance is tested. Site-applied treatment is different. It sits on the surface. It can improve things, but it is not on the same level of consistency. That is why factory-treated boards are usually specified on commercial work.
Can fire retardant plywood be stored on site before installation?
It can, but it needs to be kept properly. Flat, off the ground, away from moisture. Same basic rules as any plywood, but more important here because you are relying on the board to perform. If it picks up moisture or starts to move before installation, it creates problems later.
Does painting or coating fire retardant plywood affect its fire rating?
You can finish it in the usual way. Paint, lacquer, stain. That said, once you start adding coatings, you are changing the surface. On jobs where fire performance is being checked, that can matter. If it is a compliance-led project, better to confirm the finish before applying it rather than guessing.
Does cutting fire retardant plywood affect its fire classification?
For standard cutting and drilling, it is not an issue on tested boards like Wisa SpruceFR. The treatment is not just on the surface, so you are not cutting it away. Where it gets different is routing or deep cuts. If you remove enough material to change the thickness, then you are no longer working with the tested board in those areas. In general work, that rarely matters. On spec-driven jobs, it is something to check before doing it.
Are standard fixings compatible with fire retardant plywood?
In most cases, yes. It fixes in the same way as standard plywood. Nothing unusual there. Where it changes is when the project is tied to a fire-rated system. Then the fixing pattern is usually part of the specification, not something you decide on site.
What documentation should I have on site for fire retardant plywood on a commercial contract?
The main one is the Declaration of Performance. That shows the fire classification and the standard the board is made to. On larger or more controlled sites, you may also get asked for supporting data. This usually comes up during inspection or at handover. The best option is to keep the documents on site or add them to the O&M file so you are not chasing them later.
Can softwood fire plywood be used as part of a fire-rated floor or wall assembly?
It can be used, but it does not create a fire-rated system on its own. The rating always comes from the full build-up. Structure, insulation, fixings, and installation method. Everything works together. The board is just one part of that. If the job has a specified fire rating, the full system needs to match it.
12mm Wisa SpruceFR softwood plywood is a Class B fire retardant structural sheet that is very sturdy and high quality. As well as structural use, it also is commonly seen in the use of load-bearing applications.
15mm Wisa SpruceFR softwood plywood is a Class B fire retardant structural sheet that is very sturdy and high quality. As well as structural use, it also is commonly seen in the use of load-bearing applications.
18mm Wisa SpruceFR softwood plywood is a Class B fire retardant structural sheet that is very sturdy and high quality. As well as structural use, it also is commonly seen in the use of load-bearing applications.
24mm Wisa SpruceFR softwood plywood is a Class B fire retardant structural sheet that is very sturdy and high quality. As well as structural use, it also is commonly seen in the use of load-bearing applications.
12mm Softwood Fire retardant plywood uses a treatment process to treat each layer separately, giving it a clean look andmakingit sturdy. Whereapplied, theFRTplywoodwillcharwhenonfirebutwillnotburn. Thus, itcansignificantlyreducetheprogressofafire.
18mm Softwood Fire retardant plywood uses a treatment process to treat each layer separately, giving it a clean look andmakingit sturdy. Whereapplied, theFRTplywoodwillcharwhenonfirebutwillnotburn. Thus, itcansignificantlyreducetheprogressofafire.
