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What Affects The Cost of A Formwork System?

Publish Time: 2025-04-24     Origin: Site

In the construction industry, whether it is aluminum formwork system, steel formwork system or plywood formwork system, it occupies a large part of the project budget and can directly affect the total cost. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the cost, working hours, labor requirements and other details of formwork before purchasing. Formwork systems are used very frequently during construction, and choosing different formwork materials can determine the initial capital as well as the long-term cost of the project. For project managers who need to balance quality, durability and cost, it is important to understand these contents.


What Factors Affect Formwork System Price?


Raw Material Cost

There are four choices for raw materials, plywood formwork system, steel formwork system and aluminum formwork system.

Wood Formwork System: The price of wood is cheap, but the service life of wood is limited, and the maintenance requirements in the later stage are high. The longer the project cycle, the more expensive the cost. For projects that need to use the formwork system project multiple times, the price of plywood formwork will be relatively higher.

Steel Formwork System: Steel is expensive, resulting in a higher purchase cost, but the durability and high strength of steel materials can make steel formwork reused in most projects, reducing the cost of single use, suitable for large-scale construction projects with long construction cycles.

Aluminum Formwork System: Similar to steel formwork, it has a higher initial purchase cost, is reusable and has a longer lifespan, but its load capacity is not as good as that of steel formwork. Aluminum formwork is light and easy to carry, making it suitable for medium and large construction projects with long construction periods and high repetition rates.

Aluminum Formwork System

Aluminum Formwork System

Steel Formwork System


Manufacturing Cost

Manufacturing cost includes factory cost and labor cost. Factory cost is determined by the production cycle and efficiency of the formwork system. Labor cost is determined by the formwork material. For example, choosing a formwork system that can be easily and quickly disassembled can reduce labor cost.

Formwork System U-head Fork

Formwork Prop Tripod

Formwork Steel Prop


Surface Treatment Cost

The surface treatment we provide includes galvanizing, painting or coating. Different surface treatment methods can affect the service life of the formwork system, but the prices involved are also different.

Formwork Prop

Formwork Prop

Formwork Prop


Transportation Cost

In addition, transportation costs will be involved when purchasing a formwork system. This part of the cost will change with the policy and the cost is not fixed.

Formwork Beam

Formwork Prop Tripod

Steel Prop


Maintenance And Storage

No matter what material the formwork system is made of, it needs maintenance and storage during use. The raw materials used in steel formwork and aluminum formwork are more durable and not easy to damage, which can reduce the cost of repair and replacement. In addition, storing unused formwork in a dry and ventilated environment can avoid corrosion, extend the service life of the formwork, and reduce the frequency of replacement.


Project Scale And Cycle

The scale and construction cycle of the project will affect the choice of formwork materials. Large-scale construction projects with similar designs can choose reusable and longer-lasting formwork systems, while special-shaped construction projects can choose cheaper and limited-life wooden formwork systems.


Selecting the right formwork system can strike a balance between cost, efficiency and quality, and will also affect the overall formwork system cost.


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