In the construction industry, few structural elements are as important as properly constructed formwork. It provides the mould for concrete, determines the geometry of the entire structure, and directly affects the load-bearing capacity of individual elements. If you are planning to build a house, garage, or commercial building, this guide is for you. Find out how formwork works, what stages it involves, and what is required to achieve the appropriate strength and safety of the entire structure.

What Is Formwork and What Is It Used For?

Formwork consists of temporary or permanent moulds that shape concrete as it sets. It is used when pouring foundations, slabs, walls, stairs, and many other structural elements. Without formwork, it would be impossible to shape concrete properly, as it would spread freely across the surface.

There are two main types of formwork: permanent formwork, which remains in the structure, and reusable formwork, which is removed once the concrete has set. The choice of the right system depends on the type of project, the materials available, and the investor's requirements.

The formwork store offers both individual components and complete modular systems. When selecting materials, it is important to consider their technical condition, load-bearing capacity, and compatibility with the planned structure.

Stages of Slab Formwork – What Should You Consider?

Slab construction begins with preparing a suitable supporting structure. Slab formwork must account for the weight of the roof, the slab area, the type of concrete, and the slab reinforcement. All components must be positioned at equal intervals to ensure that the load is distributed evenly.

Slab formwork can be made from timber boards, wood-based panels, or metal. The choice depends on the expected loads, slab thickness, and type of structure. After the formwork has been removed, the concrete must have reached sufficient strength before further work can proceed.

Wall Formwork – The Foundation of Structural Durability

When constructing load-bearing walls, formwork serves not only to shape the concrete but also to stabilise it. Wall formwork must be properly prepared to prevent misalignment, concrete leakage, and surface deformation.

Typical formwork panels used in these structures can be secured with metal clamps, brackets, and system props. They are particularly important when working with large surfaces, where there is little room for construction errors.

Foundation Formwork – A Solid Base for Every Building

Foundation formwork begins with preparing the excavation. The bottom is levelled and stabilised, after which the foundation formwork is installed, usually using timber or OSB panels – or, in our range, Bautekk 50 kN Tekko-type formwork panels. The next step is installing the reinforcement, which increases the structure's resistance to stress.

The formwork components must be stable and securely fastened, as they affect the durability of the entire foundation. In some cases, foundation formwork designed for single use is employed and left in the ground after the concrete is poured, particularly in challenging soil conditions.

What Does Roof Boarding Involve?

Roof boarding involves laying boards or panels on a supporting structure, usually on the roof rafters, to create a rigid roof deck. It serves a practical purpose by providing a base for finishing layers such as ceramic roof tiles, bituminous shingles, or roofing felt, while also offering protection. Full roof boarding also provides acoustic and thermal insulation, improving the building's comfort.

When Is Full Roof Boarding Recommended?

Full roof boarding is not required in every situation. It is recommended for roofs with a low pitch, in areas with high levels of precipitation, or wherever additional watertightness and protection against moisture are required.

Full roof boarding should not be omitted when planning a roof covering made of roofing felt or shingles. It provides a stable base and reduces the risk of leaks. It is also worth considering for ceramic roof tiles, particularly in areas exposed to challenging weather conditions.

Types of Construction Formwork – What Are the Differences?

Types of construction formwork differ according to their intended use, required load-bearing capacity, and the stage of construction. For vertical elements such as walls, wall formwork is available in various specifications. 50 kN systems are intended for less demanding structures, while 60 kN and ALU 60 kN systems offer greater strength while keeping component weight relatively low. For projects requiring even greater resistance to the pressure exerted by fresh concrete, 80 kN wall formwork is available. It is used in large engineering structures and multi-storey buildings.

When forming ring beams and columns, dedicated solutions are essential to achieve precise shapes and the required load-bearing parameters without the need for complex scaffolding. For horizontal surfaces, slab formwork is used and can be assembled with props and formwork beams. Slab formwork sets make work easier to organise and allow the entire supporting system to be assembled and dismantled more quickly. Tripods and prop heads are also used to stabilise the props, keep the structure vertical, and improve safety on the construction site.

Modern systems also frequently use aluminium panels, which combine high rigidity with low weight. This speeds up work and reduces the number of workers required. The right formwork set should be selected based on the project's technical specifications and the contractor's logistical capabilities.

Foundation Boarding and Its Role in Construction – Which Boards Should You Choose for Formwork?

Boarding acts as a mould into which concrete is poured. The quality of the boarding affects the appearance and durability of the surfaces in contact with the formwork. Poorly constructed boarding can lead to leaks, deformation, and uneven surfaces.

Properly selected boards, secure fastening, and tight joints help reduce the risk of errors. In many cases, formwork accessories are useful because they speed up assembly and improve the stability of the entire mould.

Stair Formwork – Precision Matters

When constructing concrete stairs, the formwork must reproduce every detail of the structure, from the height of the steps to the pitch and width of the flights. Stair formwork is one of the most demanding stages of construction, as errors are harder to correct than those involving walls or foundations.

In addition to boards, props and adequate bracing are needed to support the structure while the concrete is poured and sets. The time required for this stage depends on the complexity of the design and the conditions on the construction site.

Permanent Formwork – Less Waste, More Possibilities

An alternative to conventional moulds is permanent formwork, which remains in the structure after the concrete has set. It is usually made from plastics, polystyrene, or lightweight concrete. These solutions improve thermal insulation and reduce the amount of construction waste.

They are particularly useful where removing conventional formwork would be difficult or impossible. They can speed up construction and simplify logistics on the site.

How Long Does Slab Formwork Take?

The time required to install slab formwork depends on several factors: the area involved, the number of workers, weather conditions, and the tools available. For straightforward projects, it can take between 1 and 3 days. More complex structures may take up to a week.

Delays at this stage are usually caused by a lack of equipment or the need to adapt the structure to specific project requirements.

Formwork in Practice – Questions Worth Asking

Before starting formwork, several technical issues should be carefully considered. It is important to determine which material is best suited to the particular stage of construction: timber, composite panels, and metal components all have different properties and applications. You should also assess whether the existing ground requires additional reinforcement, particularly in unstable or moisture-prone soil conditions. The loads the structure must carry should also be analysed, as this affects the choice of the appropriate formwork system.

A well-planned process must also take into account the type of fasteners required and whether specialised accessories are needed to speed up assembly and improve stability. Carefully assessing these factors helps minimise the risk of errors and ensures that subsequent stages of construction proceed smoothly.

Roof Structure and Boarding – A Combination That Determines Durability

The underside of the rafters, insulation, and protective layers all affect the proper installation of the roof covering. Proper roof boarding is important not only for installing the roof covering but also for ensuring adequate ventilation and free airflow beneath the covering.

When installing full roof boarding, the type of membrane, the type of roof tile, and the expected loads must also be taken into account. Properly executed work ensures not only watertightness but also the durability of the entire structure.

FAQ

1. How do you choose the right type of formwork for the construction conditions?
The choice of formwork depends on the type of structure, the required load-bearing capacity, and weather conditions. Local ground conditions and the availability of formwork components in the area should also be taken into account.

2. Is full roof boarding necessary for every project?
No, not always. However, it is worth considering for roofs with a low pitch and those more exposed to weather conditions. Properly planned full roof boarding can also improve insulation and the durability of the roof covering.

3. How long does it take to install slab formwork?
For straightforward projects, it usually takes a few days, but larger structures may require more time. The schedule should account not only for the area involved but also for the specific requirements of the project and the availability of the construction crew.