Find the Best Slab Formwork Suppliers Near You

Slab formwork is a temporary mould used to hold wet concrete until it sets, forming the slab or floor of a building. It's essential for creating horizontal concrete structures like floors and ceilings. In construction, workers assemble formwork panels according to the slab's dimensions and support them until the concrete cures and gains sufficient strength.

Slab formwork is also used when suspended slabs are not directly supported by the ground. This type of formwork supports the concrete's weight during the curing process and the positioning of the concrete slab on permanent supports. The vertical stringers that support the horizontal joists on the slab formwork are supported by a base known as 'sills'. Sills are commonly made from wood or metal. The horizontal joists create a flat surface where plywood, steel sheets, fibreglass, aluminium or timber is used as a base for the concrete to be poured onto.

Most slab formworks are reusable, and when concrete has been set, they can be removed through stripping. Reusable formworks are known as panel forms, and non-usable formworks are called stationary forms. Thus, suspended slab formwork will involve formwork panels, joists, stringers and other supporting materials. All of these are used to help the concrete to be poured and set above the ground.

Furthermore, slab formwork is known for being versatile. This type of formwork can build horizontal and curved surfaces and even diagonal and vertical concrete structures. It is modular and customisable, which is why it's the perfect formwork for architects who want to create various concrete designs and shapes.

When it comes to construction that involves concrete, you know that you will need formwork to hold everything in place while it hardens. For this reason, you should learn how to calculate formwork so that you can order sufficient materials and stick to your project's budget.

To help you out, one of the basic ways of measuring your formwork is by area. This is the area that will be directly in contact with the concrete. It should be in square metres or square millimetres for the best accuracy. Measuring the area is done by multiplying the perimeter by the height of your structure. Remember also that each side of the concrete should have its own formwork calculation.

For slab formwork, measuring will also require calculating the area. So, if you are laying a concrete driveway or other base or flat surface, make sure to calculate the formwork area. How can this be done? Here are some things you should consider:

• If you have square and rectangular forms, to know how much formwork you'll need, you'll have to multiply the length with the width.
• For those with circular forms, the formula will be multiplying the square of the radius by pi.
• On the one hand, if you have irregular shapes, you can calculate the complex shapes by breaking them into simpler rectangles and squares. After doing this, you can then add all of the total surface areas.

Here are the steps you should follow to calculate the formwork: 1. Calculate the Concrete Perimeter To get the perimeter, all you have to do is add the lengths of the four sides, and then add an extra 0.20 m for the overlapping of joints.

Formula: P = a + b + c + d + 0.20

2. Calculate the Concrete Surface Area If you want to calculate the surface area of the slab shuttering, you should multiply the perimeter by the column's height.

Formula: A = P x height

3. Multiply by Your Preferred Number of Columns For example, you are building 10 columns. So, to get the total area of all of the concrete columns, below is the formula you should use.

Formula: Total Area = A x number of columns

4. Calculate the Concrete Slab Surface Area You should calculate the surface area of the concrete slab you will be using.

Formula: Concrete Slab Area = length x width

5. Calculate How Much Concrete Slab is Needed To get the amount of slab required, you'll need to divide the total concrete surface area by the surface area of one concrete slab.

Formula: Concrete Slab needed = Total area / Concrete Slab Area

If you want only the most trustworthy slab formwork companies, you can rely on us at iseekplant. With our nationwide network of slab formwork companies, you'll find the right match for your construction project. We have suppliers across the country in all the capital cities like Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer slab formwork in all major towns and cities from Townsville down to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Ballarat and Bendigo.

Choosing an effective slab formwork contractor is a no-brainer with iseekplant. Just do a search on our marketplace or use our Get a Quote tool and we'll do all the hard work for you. Just tell us what you need, and we'll have suitable suppliers contacting you within hours with their best rates. Get in touch with us now by calling 1300 691 912 or emailing projects@iseekplant.com.au.

In Australia, various slab formwork systems are available, including traditional timber, versatile steel, and lightweight aluminium. Each type offers unique benefits: timber is adaptable and cost-effective, steel is durable and reusable and aluminium is easy to install and move around. The choice depends on the project's specific requirements and budget.

The cost of hiring slab formwork varies based on the material type (timber, steel or aluminium), size and hire duration. Timber formwork tends to be the most cost-effective, while steel and aluminium are more expensive but offer additional benefits like durability and ease of use. Depending on these factors, prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

In Australia, using slab formwork is governed by strict safety regulations to prevent accidents. These include ensuring the formwork can support the weight of wet concrete, providing safe access for workers and regular inspections. It's crucial to comply with the Australian Standards for formwork (AS 3610-1995) and follow workplace health and safety guidelines.

This table provides a snapshot of the regulatory environment across Australia regarding slab formwork safety:

These regulations highlight the importance of adhering to national standards and specific state or territory regulations to ensure the safety and integrity of formwork operations.

Yes, slab formwork can be used for complex architectural designs. Modern formwork systems, especially custom-made ones, are adaptable to various shapes and sizes. This flexibility allows for intricate and unique architectural features in concrete slabs, making them suitable for innovative and complex construction projects.

Yes, slab formwork can often be reused multiple times, particularly when made from durable materials like steel, aluminium, or high-quality plastic. Timber formwork can also be reused, but its lifespan is shorter and depends on careful handling.

Reusability considerations

• Material: Steel and aluminium systems offer the most reuses; timber is less durable.
• Condition: Formwork should be inspected for damage, warping, or wear before each reuse.
• Maintenance: Cleaning and proper storage after use helps extend lifespan.

Reusing slab formwork reduces material costs, minimises waste, and improves project efficiency, especially on projects with multiple or repetitive slab pours.

Slab formwork can generally be removed once the concrete has gained sufficient strength to support its own weight and any imposed loads. This time varies depending on concrete type, thickness, temperature, and curing conditions.

Typical removal times

• Light-duty formwork (e.g., residential slabs): 24–48 hours for vertical supports; up to 7 days for props under the slab.
• Heavy-duty or structural slabs: 7–14 days for main props, depending on load and slab thickness.
• Curing factors: Warmer temperatures accelerate strength gain; colder conditions may require longer support.

Always follow engineering specifications and supplier guidelines to ensure safety and prevent structural damage.