Frequently asked questions

HDPE formwork does not require painting. Concrete residue is easily removed with a pressure cleaner above 3000psi and a turbo head, or even just a cloth once it has dried. Never clean it with abrasives or power tools, as this can damage the plastic face.

HDPE formwork does not rust, corrode or degrade in full sunlight for more than fifty years, and it can be stored outside with no maintenance.

HDPE formwork springs back if it is bent out of shape during use, moving or removal, as it has a memory after manufacture.

Yes. It is very light compared with steel. It is still best to position the outer forms with a machine once they are bolted together, mainly because they have to be lifted over the 1500mm high inner, but most forms, even fully assembled, can be lifted and carried by two workers.

Yes. HDPE separates from concrete much more easily than steel and rarely needs more than a rubber mallet or pinch bar. The only exception is if the concrete is still hot from not being fully cured, which makes the HDPE expand and fit a bit tighter. Even then, a few taps once the key panel is removed and the inner comes away and lifts out easily. Many concreters simply loosen the bolts on the outer form, tap it away from the concrete and lift it out whole with a machine.

It is generally very easy to repair. We use extrusion welders to fill and redrill damaged bolt holes, and to fill and grind back any gouges, separations or cracks.

Never clean HDPE formwork with abrasives or tools, as this damages the surface and compromises the finish on the concrete.

Never use heavy tools to separate it from the concrete.

Concrete poured or pumped into HDPE formwork must have a medium level of retarder in the mix. The heat of curing concrete makes the HDPE more malleable, and the weight of concrete above the base can cause internal bulging and protrusions.

Go to Rental Products, choose the formwork you need, select your hire dates and check out. Prefer to talk it through? Call 0404 537 478 or email [email protected] and we'll book it for you.

Yes. New customers can request a free 3-day trial, one per company per site, valid for bookings placed within twelve months. Trials are based on an inner form up to 1500mm and its corresponding outer.

You can cancel or change your booking dates free of charge up to 3 days before dispatch. Just call or email us.

Yes. Book four weeks or more in advance and we'll take 5% off the whole order.

Call or email us before your hire period ends and we'll extend it, subject to availability.

Yes, with a trade account. Call 0404 537 478 or contact us with your company name and ABN to apply. Your first booking needs a deposit, which we invoice before dispatch, and the booking is confirmed once it's paid. After that, choose "Pay on trade account" at checkout and we'll invoice you.

Changes to the formwork on your order can be made free of charge up to 3 days before dispatch. Call 0404 537 478 or email [email protected].

Yes. Our HDPE formwork is also available to purchase. Contact us with the items, sizes and quantities you need, and we will send you a quote.

No. At checkout you can choose:

• Delivery and collection: free within 25 km of our Queensland depot, then $2 per km of one-way distance, charged once and covering both delivery and pick-up.
• Delivery only: we deliver and you return the formwork to our depot. Free within 25 km, then $1 per km.
• Pick up from our depot: free.

For sites more than 100 km away, freight is quoted separately and confirmed with you before dispatch. You can still book online.

We arrange delivery and pick-up times to suit your site. Let us know your preferred time when you book.

No. HDPE is UV-stable and won't rust or corrode, so the formwork can be stored outside on site in any weather.

No. Cleaning is included in the hire price. We clean all returned formwork in-house.

Let us know when you return the forms. Most damage can be repaired in our factory. Charges may apply for forms that are lost or significantly damaged.