Slab Formwork and Props in South Africa: Free Quotes from Local Suppliers

Slab formwork is the temporary mould that holds wet concrete in shape until it hardens, and props carry the weight of a raised slab while it cures. Edge shutters, plywood decking and steel props are usually hired by the week or month. ConcreteSlab.co.za is a free quote service. You fill in one form and we pass your request to independent hire companies and formwork contractors in your area, who quote you directly. We do not hire out or erect formwork ourselves. There is no fee and no obligation.

What formwork and props do

Formwork gives concrete its shape. For a ground-bearing slab it is simply edge shutters, which are straight boards or steel sections that hold the sides and set the level. For a suspended slab it is much bigger. It has decking, bearers, and steel props carrying the full weight of wet concrete and the steel.

Formwork must be strong, tight and level. If it moves or leaks during the pour, the slab is out of shape and weak. Formwork for raised slabs should follow an engineer's or experienced contractor's design, because the load on it is large.

Types of formwork and what they suit

The right system depends on the slab and how often you will reuse it.

• Edge shutters: timber or steel strips for floors, driveways and paths.
• Plywood decking: a flat soffit for suspended and roof slabs, on timber bearers.
• Adjustable steel props: telescopic props set to height under the decking.
• Beam and column boxes: shuttering for beams and columns.
• Rib-and-block slabs: props support the ribs until the topping is cured.

Hire companies often supply props with spreader plates or timber sole boards for soft ground.

Safety, striking and curing time

Raised slabs fail most often when props are removed too early. Striking means removing the formwork once the concrete has gained enough strength. The time depends on the concrete strength, the span, the weather and the design. Cold Highveld mornings slow strength gain, and warm coastal weather speeds it up.

• Do not rush: follow the engineer's striking times, not the calendar.
• Check props: bent, rusted or damaged props should be returned.
• Brace them: props need bracing so the whole frame cannot move sideways.
• Back-propping: keep some props under a slab while the next floor is poured.

What affects your quote

People often search for the formwork hire price or the cost of steel props, but we never give prices here. Suppliers will look at:

• The area and height of the slab, and the number of props needed.
• How long you need the equipment, and any early return.
• Delivery, collection and cleaning of the formwork on return.
• Whether you want hire only or a crew to erect and strike it.
• Damaged or missing items at return.

Slab size, storey height and pour date help suppliers quote accurately.

Comparing formwork and props quotes

Concrete products are priced on the detail, so compare like with like. When quotes arrive, check:

• Exact product: the strength class, size, grade or reference number, and that it meets the relevant SANS standard.
• Quantity and minimums: the unit (m³, m², sheets, bags or panels), any minimum order and part-load charges.
• Delivery: the delivery fee, the truck size, offloading and whether the site can take the truck.
• VAT and validity: whether VAT is included, how long the price holds and the lead time.

What to include in your request

• Give the slab length, width and thickness.
• State the storey height under the slab.
• Say how long you need the equipment.
• Mention if you want a crew to erect and strike it.
• Give your town and the planned pour date.

Frequently asked questions

Formwork and Props by province

• Formwork and Props Gauteng
• Formwork and Props Mpumalanga
• Formwork and Props North West
• Formwork and Props Limpopo
• Formwork and Props Northern Cape
• Formwork and Props Free State
• Formwork and Props KwaZulu-Natal
• Formwork and Props Eastern Cape
• Formwork and Props Western Cape

Formwork and Props by city and town

• Formwork and Props in Johannesburg
• Formwork and Props in Pretoria
• Formwork and Props in Centurion
• Formwork and Props in Midrand
• Formwork and Props in Sandton
• Formwork and Props in Randburg
• Formwork and Props in Roodepoort
• Formwork and Props in Krugersdorp
• Formwork and Props in Randfontein
• Formwork and Props in Germiston
• Formwork and Props in Boksburg
• Formwork and Props in Benoni
• Formwork and Props in Kempton Park
• Formwork and Props in Alberton
• Formwork and Props in Vanderbijlpark
• Formwork and Props in Vereeniging
• Formwork and Props in eMalahleni (Witbank)
• Formwork and Props in Middelburg
• Formwork and Props in Secunda
• Formwork and Props in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
• Formwork and Props in Rustenburg
• Formwork and Props in Brits
• Formwork and Props in Klerksdorp
• Formwork and Props in Potchefstroom
• Formwork and Props in Polokwane
• Formwork and Props in Tzaneen
• Formwork and Props in Lephalale
• Formwork and Props in Kimberley
• Formwork and Props in Kathu
• Formwork and Props in Upington
• Formwork and Props in Bloemfontein
• Formwork and Props in Welkom
• Formwork and Props in Sasolburg
• Formwork and Props in Durban
• Formwork and Props in Pinetown
• Formwork and Props in Pietermaritzburg
• Formwork and Props in Richards Bay
• Formwork and Props in Newcastle
• Formwork and Props in Ladysmith
• Formwork and Props in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
• Formwork and Props in East London
• Formwork and Props in Kariega (Uitenhage)
• Formwork and Props in Cape Town
• Formwork and Props in Bellville
• Formwork and Props in Paarl
• Formwork and Props in Stellenbosch
• Formwork and Props in George
• Formwork and Props in Worcester

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