Fire rated plywood is typically required in construction projects where building regulations demand enhanced fire resistance. Common situations include internal linings in public buildings, escape routes such as stairwells and fire exit pathways, commercial interiors, particularly in retail or hospitality and areas where fireproof plywood is specified to meet Part B of UK Building Regulations for fire safety. Always check local building codes and fire safety requirements before specifying fire resistant plywood.

At Armstrong Supplies, all of our fireproof plywood is fully compliant with UK and EU building regulations. You can identify fire retardant plywood by looking for the following: stamps or labels indicating flame retardant treatment class (e.g. Euroclass B or Class 0 rating), manufacturer markings showing it’s been tested to ASTM fire performance or BS EN standards, product information that includes flame spread index, smoke development numbers, and approved treatment type. When in doubt, request a certificate of conformity or technical datasheet from your supplier.

Yes, you can cut and drill fire rated plywood using standard woodworking tools. Always use sharp blades and drills to avoid chipping or splintering the fireproof surface, wear PPE as dust from fireproof plywood can be more irritating than untreated wood - cutting and drilling does not affect the fire retardant treatment, as most sheets are pressure-impregnated and treated throughout the core.

Yes - FR plywood can be used structurally, provided it meets the load-bearing requirements for the intended application. Most fire resistant plywood sheets are graded for structural use (look for BS EN 636 or similar structural grade markings).