Find the Best Formwork Contractors Near You

Formwork is used in construction during the process of creating a mould into which concrete is poured and moulded into different shapes and forms. It’s a traditional process of shaping concrete which was used for hundreds and thousands of years. It shapes and supports the concrete until it hardens and gains sufficient strength to support itself. Traditionally, formwork contractors use timber in creating formwork. However, due to today’s modern advancements, formwork suppliers can now supply different materials such as steel, aluminium, and plastic. In some cases, formwork contractors use a combination of materials to ensure that the formwork is stable, which leads to a firm and strong product.

Formwork systems are designed to be durable and capable of withstanding all the loads and pressures during the concrete pouring process. The accuracy and quality of formwork directly affect the aesthetics, alignment, and structural integrity of concrete structures. Additionally, well-designed formwork can be reused, which makes construction processes more sustainable and cost-effective.

The use of formwork has provided many advantages that cannot be replaced with other technologies. Formwork assembled by professional formwork contractors provides several benefits to a project. Formwork provides proper access and working platforms that guarantee the safety of workers in the construction site.

In addition, formwork made of robust materials such as steel can also enhance the structural safety of the structure. This is done by providing custom solutions against all overlaying loads which produce safe structures. You can always find the materials needed for these kinds of forms from reliable formwork suppliers and companies.

There are different types of formwork; each type depends on the materials being used and the scale of the project. Some of the commonly used types of formworks include the following:

• Timber Formwork: Made from a combination of timber and plywood. In some cases, moisture-resistant particleboards are used instead of plywood. While these materials tend to be cheap and easy to produce, it takes a lot of time and effort assembling this type of formwork, especially for larger projects.
• Plastic Formwork: This type of formwork is made from reusable plastic. Plastic formwork has an interlocking and modular system that allows formwork contractors to build different but simple concrete structures. Plastic formwork panels are lightweight but durable, making them suitable for mass housing schemes.
• Engineered Formwork: Commonly used by formwork contractors working in building massive infrastructures. Engineered formwork is designed to be assembled with ease and efficiency, making the construction fast. In addition, engineered formwork is made of steel or aluminium, making it more sustainable and robust compared to timber.

You can ask a formwork construction company in your area about the best type of formwork to use for your next project. You can check iseekplant’s list of formwork companies in your area to find a suitable supplier.

A formwork carpenter is responsible for the creation or assembly of the moulds. Formwork carpenters are skilled and knowledgeable workers that can assemble formworks of different materials. This being said, there are several qualifications to meet if you’re planning on working as a formwork carpenter. These qualifications include being physically fit as they are required to carry materials such as steel, wood and plastic. In addition, a formwork carpenter must also be able to work at heights.

The work can be messy and physically demanding. Depending on the materials supplied by the formwork supplier, workers carry heavy forms made of timber, steel or plastic. These forms are assembled and sprayed with oil to keep the concrete from sticking. Next comes the process of securing the formwork with iron rods and inserting steel reinforcement to enhance the concrete’s strength. Once the concrete hardens, formwork carpenters strip the forms, clean them and prepare them for the next project.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of professional formwork contractors operating in all capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also have formwork suppliers in all major towns and cities from Townsville to Toowoomba and the Gold Coast down to Newcastle, Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong.

Looking for the best formwork services? The easiest way to find formwork companies near you is by using iseekplant’s get a quote tool. Simply tell us where you need a formwork contractor, and we’ll get you the best quotes available! Alternatively, you can also contact us on 1300 691 912 or email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au to submit your quote request.

A formwork contractor specialises in creating and dismantling moulds for pouring concrete, essential in constructing buildings, bridges, and other structures. These professionals ensure the structural integrity and precise shape of concrete formations. They design the formwork to withstand the pressures of wet concrete and adhere to the project's specifications.

Formwork contractors collaborate closely with engineers and architects to align the formwork with structural requirements and aesthetic aspects of construction projects. Their expertise is crucial in projects that require complex concrete shapes and high durability standards.

While formwork and carpentry both involve working with wood and similar materials, formwork is a specialised field focused specifically on creating temporary or permanent moulds for concrete within construction projects. Carpenters may work on a wider range of woodworking tasks, including building furniture, installing wooden fixtures and constructing the framework of houses.

Formwork requires precise calculations and an understanding of material properties to ensure safety and accuracy in concrete structures. Carpenters can transition into formwork with additional training, highlighting the skill overlap between these professions. However, the primary focus and skills of formwork are distinct and specialised compared to general carpentry.

Formwork and scaffolding serve different purposes in the construction industry. Formwork is used to shape and support wet concrete until it hardens, while scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support workers and materials during the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures.

Although both are temporary structures designed to assist in construction, their functions are fundamentally different. Formwork is critical for concrete installations, whereas scaffolding is crucial for providing access and safety for construction workers at heights. Understanding the distinction is important for ensuring proper use and safety on construction sites.

Estimating concrete formwork involves calculating the total area of the surfaces that will be encased in concrete and then determining the material requirements based on these measurements. The cost of materials, labour, and equipment needed for installation and removal of the formwork must be considered.

Additionally, factors such as project duration, complexity of the design, and the type of formwork material (wood, metal, etc.) affect the overall cost. Accurate estimation requires detailed project plans and might also include considerations for potential waste and the reuse of materials. Contractors often use software or detailed manual calculations to ensure accurate estimates and cost efficiency.

Formwork contractor charges vary depending on the type of structure, materials used, and project complexity. Simple residential slab formwork is generally more affordable, while suspended slabs, walls, columns, or complex commercial projects attract higher rates due to increased labour, engineering requirements, and specialist systems.

In Australia, formwork is commonly priced per square metre or by hourly labour rates, with overall costs influenced by access, design complexity, and project scale.

Typical Formwork Contractor Costs

Per square metre (m²):

• Residential slab formwork: $28–$35/m²
• Commercial or suspended slabs: $50–$58/m²
• Timber formwork: $50–$100/m²
• Steel formwork: $60–$120/m²
• Aluminium formwork: $80–$150/m²

Labour rates:

• General labour: from $20+/hour
• Formwork carpenter: $40–$120+/hour

Larger projects may achieve lower rates per square metre, while complex shapes, tight access, or high-rise work can significantly increase costs. Accurate pricing requires detailed drawings and site conditions.

Formwork services cover the planning, supply and installation of temporary moulds used to shape concrete structures. Contractors provide a range of services to suit different project types, from small residential jobs to large commercial and civil works.

Common Formwork Services

• Design & Engineering: • Formwork planning and detailing to meet structural requirements • Load calculations and safety checks • Custom solutions for unique shapes or architectural finishes

• Supply & Installation: • Timber, steel, aluminium, plastic or modular formwork systems • Erection of formwork for slabs, walls, columns, beams, and stairs • Props, braces and accessories for support

• On-Site Supervision: • Experienced formworkers to install and adjust formwork • Quality checks and alignment verification • Coordination with concreters and site trades

• Striking & Removal: • Safe removal of formwork after concrete curing • Cleaning, stacking and return of reusable components

• Hire & Delivery: • Short- or long-term formwork hire • Delivery and collection logistics

Specialist Services (Where Needed)

• Custom or curved formwork for architectural concrete
• High-rise or complex access solutions
• Temporary works design and certification

These services ensure concrete elements are formed accurately, safely and efficiently for every stage of construction.

Formwork rates typically include the labour, materials, and equipment required to safely construct and remove the temporary moulds that shape concrete. Inclusions can vary depending on the contractor, project type, and pricing method (per square metre or hourly), so it’s important to confirm details upfront.

What’s Commonly Included in Formwork Rates

• Labour: Skilled formworkers and carpenters to erect, adjust, and strip formwork
• Formwork materials: Timber, steel, aluminium, or modular systems
• Props, braces and supports: Including acrow props and shoring where required
• Installation & alignment: Setting out, levelling, and securing formwork
• Stripping & removal: Safe dismantling after concrete has cured
• Basic consumables: Release agents, fixings, and ties

Items such as engineering design, certification, craneage, complex access, extended hire periods, or rework due to design changes may be charged separately. Clarifying inclusions ensures accurate pricing and avoids unexpected costs.

Formwork installation time depends on the size, complexity, and type of structure being built. Simple residential formwork can be installed quickly, while larger commercial or civil projects require more planning, labour, and specialised systems.

For straightforward slab or footing formwork, installation is often completed within 1–2 days. More complex works—such as suspended slabs, multi-storey buildings, walls, or columns—can take several days to a few weeks, depending on access, design detail, and sequencing with other trades.

Typical Formwork Installation Timeframes

• Residential slabs & footings: 1–2 days
• Walls & columns: 2–5 days
• Suspended slabs: 1–2 weeks
• Large commercial or civil works: Several weeks

Factors such as site access, weather, and engineering requirements can also affect installation time.