What is Shuttering?
In the world of concrete construction, getting the right support during the curing process is essential. That’s where shuttering comes in. It’s one of the key components that ensures concrete structures are both strong and safe. If you’re a construction professional or project planner, understanding shuttering is crucial for the success of your project. It helps shape the concrete while it’s setting, making sure everything stays in place until it reaches its full strength.
So, what exactly is shuttering? In simple terms, shuttering refers to the temporary moulds used to contain wet concrete while it sets and hardens. Think of it as the framework that keeps everything in shape during the crucial early stages of the curing process. Shuttering is mainly used for vertical elements like walls and columns, ensuring they maintain their structure while the concrete gains strength.
Shuttering and Formwork, is there a difference?
Now, it’s easy to confuse shuttering with formwork, and that’s understandable! While they are similar, formwork is a broader term that includes all the temporary moulds and supports used in a concrete structure, whether horizontal, vertical, or inclined. Shuttering, however, focuses specifically on the vertical moulds. So, if you’re building a wall or column, shuttering is your go-to solution for keeping that concrete in line.
The purpose of shuttering is simple yet vital. It ensures that the concrete stays in the right shape and doesn’t spill out or sag while it’s still setting. Without it, you’d end up with a mess rather than a solid structure. Once the concrete hardens enough, the shuttering is carefully removed, and you’re left with a beautifully shaped, durable concrete element.
Why shuttering work in construction is essential
Here’s why shuttering and formwork are critical to the construction process:
1. Accurate shaping and dimensions – Shuttering provides a controlled mould to pour concrete into, ensuring it retains the intended shape and measurements. This is essential for structural alignment, load distribution and aesthetic finishes.
2. Support during curing – Wet concrete needs support until it reaches sufficient strength. Shuttering safely holds the weight of fresh concrete, preventing bulging or collapse during curing.
3. Worker safety – Properly installed shuttering systems help create a safer construction site by reducing the risk of concrete spills or structural failures during the pour.
4. Smoother finishes – High-quality shuttering formwork results in cleaner, smoother surfaces, which can reduce the need for additional rendering or finishing work.
5. Load management – Shuttering evenly distributes the load of the poured concrete. This is especially important in large-scale civil works such as bridges, towers or infrastructure projects.
6. Faster construction – Modern shuttering systems allow for faster setup and removal, helping teams stay on schedule and reduce labour costs.
Common types of shuttering used in building construction
When it comes to selecting shuttering for a construction project, the type you choose will depend on various factors such as size, shape, and project requirements. Below are the common types of shuttering used in building construction:
| Shuttering Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Timber Shuttering | Traditional, easy to work with on smaller jobs. Can be customised to any shape. Not suitable for large-scale or long-term projects due to durability limitations. |
| Steel Shuttering | Strong, durable, and ideal for repetitive use. Suitable for heavy loads and infrastructure projects. Provides smooth concrete finishes. Higher upfront cost, but long-term savings. |
| Plastic Shuttering | Lightweight and easy to handle. Reusable, making it a sustainable option. Best for smaller or medium-weight structures. Resistant to water and chemicals. |
| Aluminium Shuttering | Similar to steel but lighter in weight. Great for jobs that require efficiency and mobility. Offers clean, accurate finishes. |
Key factors to consider when choosing shuttering
When it comes to choosing the right shuttering for your project, it’s essential to consider a few key factors that will impact the overall success of your job. First, think about the scale of your project. Larger construction sites typically require stronger materials like steel or aluminium to handle the demands. Next, load-bearing capacity is crucial. You need to make sure the formwork is up to the task of supporting the weight of your concrete pours. If you’re working on ongoing projects, reusability can be a game-changer, offering long-term value and cost savings.
Another important factor is ease of installation. Systems that are quick to assemble and disassemble can save both time and labour costs. Finally, if the finish quality matters for the aesthetics of your structure, you’ll want to select shuttering that leaves a smooth, clean surface for that perfect final look.
Start your build with the right foundation
At the heart of every solid concrete structure is well-planned shuttering. It’s what holds everything together while the concrete cures, ensuring strength, shape, and safety from day one. While often used interchangeably with formwork, shuttering plays a distinct role in shaping vertical elements like walls and columns.
Whether you’re working on a residential build, a commercial development, or large-scale infrastructure, the right shuttering system makes all the difference.
Need shuttering equipment for your next project?
Since 2002, SPI Equip has been a major supplier of formwork across Australia, providing reliable shuttering systems to the construction industry. We partner with builders, concreters, and formworkers to offer tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of your projects, all while staying on time and within budget.
Whether you’re looking for lightweight plastic formwork or strong, durable steel systems, we’ve got you covered. From your first consultation through to delivery and after-sales support, you can count on us for consistent, high-quality service all over the country.
Reach out to SPI Equip today for expert advice and the perfect formwork solutions to suit your needs.