Treatment
Fire Retardant Treatment for Plywood
Fire Retardant Impregnation for Enhanced Safety — Certified and High-Performance
Creffields Timber & Boards is proud to offer fire-retardant treated plywood that meets stringent safety and performance requirements for commercial, exhibition, theatre, public interior and specialist joinery projects. Through a certified treatment partnership with WJ Group’s industry-leading FireWright® fire retardant system, our treated plywood delivers documented fire performance without compromising aesthetics or structural integrity.
What Is Fire Retardant Treatment?
Fire-retardant treatment is a specialised industrial process where plywood panels are impregnated with advanced fire-resistant chemicals using high-pressure autoclave technology. This deep-penetrating treatment significantly increases the resistance of plywood to flame, slows down combustion and helps reduce flame spread — enhancing safety in environments where building regulations or project specifications demand improved fire performance.
Unlike simple surface coatings, the FireWright® fire retardant system penetrates through the full thickness of the board, ensuring the treatment remains effective for the lifetime of the plywood.
How the Fire Retardant Process Works
The FireWright® treatment process, carried out at a dedicated facility by WJ Group specialists, includes the following steps:
- Moisture Check and Preparation
Timber and plywood are inspected to ensure the correct moisture content prior to treatment. - High-Pressure Autoclave Impregnation
Plywood is placed in a high-pressure autoclave where a natural, biodegradable fire retardant solution (such as BURNBLOCK®) is forced deep into the fibres of the wood under pressure. - Kiln Drying
After treatment, the panels are carefully kiln-dried to return them to a controlled, specified moisture level, typically within the range needed for construction standards. - Final Quality Check
Moisture content and treatment penetration are verified through sampling and testing to ensure every batch meets the required performance specifications.
This controlled factory process means the plywood retains a clear, unstained finish with no visible blemishes while gaining improved reaction-to-fire characteristics.
Certified Performance for Compliance and Confidence
Creffields’ fire retardant plywood is treated to recognised fire classification standards — typically achieving Euroclass B and C reactions to fire, which are widely accepted across UK and European regulated environments. Each treated panel is supplied with appropriate Declaration of Performance documentation as part of our commitment to traceability and compliance.
Working with a certified system like FireWright® ensures your plywood meets documented performance benchmarks, supporting specification in projects where safety and code compliance are critical.
Key Benefits of Fire Retardant Treated Plywood
Creffields’ fire retardant plywood delivers a range of practical advantages:
✔ Enhanced passive fire safety – significantly reduces ignition and flame spread
✔ Improved fire performance – supports compliance with building regulations
✔ Low visual impact – treatment is clear and does not affect surface appearance or finish quality
✔ Long-lasting effectiveness – treatment remains effective for the plywood’s service life
✔ Versatile applications – suitable for installations in public buildings, exhibitions, theatre sets, retail environments and more
Typical Uses of Fire Retardant Treated Plywood
Fire retardant plywood is specified in projects where reaction-to-fire performance matters. Common applications include:
- Exhibition stands and scenery construction
- Theatre and TV set builds
- Commercial interior fit-outs
- Public buildings and spaces requiring certified fire performance
- Bespoke joinery and architectural panels
Why Choose Creffields for Fire Retardant Treated Plywood?
Creffields Timber & Boards has a long history of supplying quality sheet materials to the woodworking, construction, exhibition and film industries. By offering fire retardant treated plywood using a certified, industry-trusted process, we provide a comprehensive solution that supports both safety requirements and project performance goals.
Advantages for Customers:
- Industry-certified fire-treated plywood panels
- Clear, stain-free finish ideal for finishing or veneering
- Fully traceable documentation for compliance
- Technical support and advice on fire performance and specification
Get Expert Advice and Specification Support
If you need fire retardant treated plywood for your project, Creffields Timber & Boards can help you select the right product and classification for your application. Contact our team today for technical information, performance data and availability.
Choosing the right plywood for your project is about more than strength and appearance. Fire performance is a critical factor in regulated environments. The table below highlights the key differences between fire retardant treated plywood supplied by Creffields Timber & Boards and standard untreated plywood.
Fire Retardant Treated Plywood vs Standard Untreated Plywood
| Feature | Fire Retardant Treated Plywood (Creffields) | Standard Untreated Plywood |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Performance | Treated using the certified FireWright® impregnation process to significantly reduce ignition and flame spread | No fire resistance – ignites easily when exposed to flame |
| Reaction to Fire Classification | Achieves tested Euroclass B or C performance (depending on specification) | Typically Euroclass D or worse |
| Treatment Method | Full-depth high-pressure autoclave impregnation – not a surface coating | No treatment applied |
| Longevity of Treatment | Fire retardant properties remain effective for the lifetime of the plywood | No fire protection over its service life |
| Surface Appearance | Clear, stain-free finish with no visible change to surface | Natural plywood appearance |
| Smoke Development | Reduced smoke production when exposed to fire | High smoke production |
| Structural Integrity in Fire | Maintains integrity longer under fire conditions | Rapid structural degradation |
| Compliance with Regulations | Suitable for use in regulated environments requiring certified fire performance | Often unsuitable where fire regulations apply |
| Machinability | Can be cut, drilled and fixed using standard woodworking tools | Standard machining |
| Typical Applications | Exhibitions, theatre sets, public buildings, commercial interiors, joinery | Domestic use, non-regulated applications |
| Documentation & Certification | Supplied with Declaration of Performance and fire classification data | No fire certification |
| Safety Benefit | Provides valuable extra time for evacuation and fire response | No enhanced safety benefit |
Why This Comparison Matters
Specifying fire retardant treated plywood rather than untreated plywood can be the difference between compliance and costly project delays. In environments such as exhibitions, theatres, public buildings and commercial interiors, building control officers and insurers often require documented fire performance, which untreated plywood simply cannot provide.
Creffields’ fire retardant treated plywood offers the same versatility and workability as standard plywood, with the added assurance of certified fire resistance delivered through the FireWright® treatment process.
