How to make formwork for concrete?
Copied to clipboard
- Groupe GEMCO
- December 26 2022
Previous article
Do you have everything in hand to start your excavation work?
The material needed to make a formwork
The materials needed to make a concrete formwork include:
- formwork boards
- props
- nails
- screws
- a saw
- a hammer
- a ruler
- a level
- a cord
- a concrete mixer
The steps to follow to make a concrete formwork
Prepare the surface
First of all, start by preparing the surface by terracing the area that will receive the concrete, marking it out with stakes and digging it down by at least 20 cm.
Place the formwork boards
Then you have to set up the formwork boards by choosing them according to your needs, cutting them to the necessary dimensions and assembling them by screwing or nailing. You will also need to check the levels using a spirit level and place stakes outside the formwork if necessary.
Pour the concrete
Once the formwork is in place, it is time to pour the concrete. You can prepare your concrete with bags of sand, cement and gravel or have ready-mixed concrete delivered. Pour the concrete into the form, prick it to air out, and let it dry.
Smooth the surface
After pouring, smooth the surface with a trowel if necessary. It is important not to touch the concrete until it is completely dry. Drying time varies depending on the amount of concrete poured and the depth of the slab.
Dismantle the formwork
Once the concrete is dry and well set, you can dismantle the formwork by gently tapping with a mallet or using formwork oil previously applied to the boards. Be careful not to damage the concrete when removing the formwork.