Material used to build concret forms?

Question

Material used to build concret forms?

Answer 1

Steel or wood. Both need to be sprayed with a release agent so they can be removed after the concrete cures.

Answer 2

mainly 2x 4's and plywood ...

Answer 3

Use "Plyform" plywood, a special 3/4" exterior grade plywood with one side having a wax like coating to prevent concrete from sticking. We usually make these forms up in 8' lengths with a 2x4 wall behind them. Depending on the height of your forms you may or may not need a lot of bracing.

We usually fasten the bottom plate of the wall down into a footing using a tapcon (concrete s***w) , then we brace the top part of the wall back to the ground with a diagonal brace backed up by either a steel round concrete stake or a wood stake - about every 2' if wall is over 2' tall. We also use "snap ties" to hold forms together and in alignment. You drill holes through wall forms. Lay forms face to face in pairs and drill holes through both sides of forms at same time - this keeps your snap ties lined up perfect.

There is a lot to explain but you get the basics.

The most important thing is to brace the forms correctly so the forms don't bulge,sway,etc. Keep them nice and staight.

Answer 4

Typically, made out of plywood, your local hardware supply store will sell what is  named, "Form Ply"(form plywood). This comes with one side "treated". If you are going to use it several times, spray it down (on one side only) with diesel fuel. Just use an inexpensive weed pump sprayer, they work great.