Concrete & Formwork Equipment and Fixings
Concrete and formwork equipment covers the tools, accessories, chemicals, fixings, and testing equipment needed to prepare, pour, finish, and verify concrete on construction sites. CMT Group supplies a comprehensive range of concreting supplies including concreting tools, concrete accessories, formwork oil sprayers, fixings and fastenings, MAX chemicals and grouts, and concrete testing equipment, covering the full scope of concrete operations for groundwork teams, civil engineering contractors, and construction site managers across the UK.
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Every concrete pour on a construction site requires more than just cement and aggregate. The tools used to place, compact, level, and finish the concrete surface determine the quality and consistency of the finished slab or element. The formwork oil or release agent applied before the pour determines the surface finish and how cleanly the shuttering can be stripped without damaging the concrete face. The testing equipment used during and after the pour provides the evidence that the concrete has achieved its specified strength before loading. Running short of any of these concreting supplies on an active pour causes programme delay and can compromise quality. CMT Group has been supplying concreting supplies to UK construction sites for over 20 years.
- ✓ Concreting tools including floats, screeds, trowels, and finishing tools for all concrete applications
- ✓ Concrete accessories including test cube moulds, spacers, and reinforcement accessories
- ✓ MAX formwork oil sprayers for applying release agents to formwork and shuttering
- ✓ Fixings and fastenings for formwork assembly and temporary works connections
- ✓ MAX chemicals, grouts, and sealants for bonding, filling, and sealing concrete applications
- ✓ Concrete testing equipment for strength verification and quality control on site
- ✓ Bulk supply available for ongoing project requirements and trade accounts
- ✓ Next day delivery standard. VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle also available
Concreting Supplies for Construction Sites
Concreting supplies are the tools, consumables, and equipment used in every stage of a concrete operation, from the preparation of formwork through the placing, compacting, and finishing of the concrete to the testing that verifies strength gain after curing. Each stage requires specific equipment, and missing any of the necessary items can halt the pour or compromise the quality of the finished element.
Concrete finishing tools such as floats, trowels, and screeds determine the surface quality and level of the finished concrete. Formwork release oils and sprayers must be applied before each pour to prevent the concrete bonding to the shutter face and to allow clean stripping after curing. Concrete testing equipment including cube moulds and testing accessories is required under BS EN 12390 and the specification requirements of most commercial concrete contracts to provide documented evidence of concrete strength. Concrete accessories including spacers, tie wire, and reinforcement products support the accurate placement of reinforcement within the concrete section.
Concrete and Formwork Equipment by Type
Our range covers the concreting supplies needed for placing, finishing, testing, and supporting concrete operations on site.
Concrete Equipment for Every Stage of the Pour
A concrete pour involves distinct operational stages, each requiring specific equipment and consumables. Planning the concreting supplies needed at each stage and ensuring they are on site before the pour begins is the most effective way to avoid delays during what is a time-critical and continuous operation.
Once a pour has started, it must continue to completion without significant interruption. A gap in supply of finishing tools, a missing slump cone for testing, or an empty sprayer with no release agent available before the second pour are all avoidable causes of programme delay and quality issues that are best prevented by thorough pre-pour preparation and stock checks.
| Stage | Equipment required | Subcategory |
|---|---|---|
| Formwork preparation | Formwork oil sprayer, release agent, fixings | Formwork Oil Sprayers, Fixings and Fastenings |
| Reinforcement placement | Concrete spacers, tie wire, cover chairs | Concrete Accessories |
| Fresh concrete testing | Slump cone, base plate, tamping rod | Concrete Testing Equipment |
| Cube sampling | Cube moulds (100mm or 150mm), tamping rod | Concrete Testing Equipment |
| Placing and compacting | Concrete rake, dapple bar, screed | Concreting Tools |
| Surface finishing | Bull float, steel trowel, concrete float | Concreting Tools |
Concreting Supplies for UK Construction Sites
Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the UK, and the quality of a finished concrete element depends not just on the mix design but on the equipment used to place, finish, and test it. The surface finish achieved by the concreting tools, the cover maintained by the spacers, the release agent applied to the formwork, and the strength documentation produced by cube testing all contribute to the performance and compliance of the finished element.
CMT Group has been supplying concreting supplies and concrete equipment to UK construction sites for over 20 years. Our range covers the full scope of tools, accessories, chemicals, fixings, formwork sprayers, and testing equipment needed for concrete operations on site, in bulk quantities suited to project-scale purchasing. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a concrete float and a steel trowel?
A concrete float is used in the early stages of finishing a concrete slab, while the surface is still relatively wet, to level the surface, remove high spots and low spots, and embed any aggregate that is proud of the surface. Floats are typically made from magnesium or wood and produce a textured, open surface suitable for further finishing or as a final finish where a non-slip texture is required. A steel trowel is used in the later stages of finishing when the concrete has stiffened sufficiently, working the surface repeatedly to close it up and produce a smooth, dense, and hard-wearing finish. Using a steel trowel too early on concrete that is still too wet will bring excess water and fines to the surface and weaken the surface layer.
Why is concrete cube testing required on construction sites?
Concrete cube testing provides documented evidence that the concrete placed in a structure has achieved the specified compressive strength. This is required under BS EN 12390 and is a condition of most commercial construction contracts and structural engineer specifications. Cubes are cast from samples of the fresh concrete during the pour, cured under controlled conditions, and crushed at 7 and 28 days to verify strength. The 28-day cube strength is the primary compliance test for concrete grade. Without cube testing records, there is no documentary evidence that the concrete in the structure meets the design specification, which creates a significant liability for the contractor and can prevent handover or loading of the structure.
What is formwork release agent and why is it essential?
Formwork release agent, also called mould oil or shutter oil, is applied to the face of formwork or shuttering before the concrete pour to prevent the concrete bonding to the formwork surface as it cures. Without release agent, the concrete will adhere to the formwork, making striking difficult or impossible without damaging the concrete face, and causing significant surface defects in the finished element. Applying release agent evenly and in the correct quantity before every pour is one of the most important steps in formwork preparation. A MAX brand formwork oil sprayer allows even application over large formwork areas quickly and with controlled coverage, reducing waste and improving consistency compared to applying oil by hand.
What size concrete cube moulds do I need?
The standard cube mould size for concrete testing in the UK is 100mm for most applications, which is suitable for concrete with a maximum aggregate size of 20mm or less. For concrete with larger aggregate sizes, a 150mm cube mould is required to ensure the cube sample is representative of the concrete mix. BS EN 12390-1 specifies the requirements for test moulds. Always check the specification or testing regime document for the project to confirm the cube size required, as using the wrong mould size may result in test results that are not compliant with the specification or that underestimate the concrete strength due to aggregate size effects.
What concrete spacers do I need for reinforced concrete?
Concrete spacers are selected based on the required cover to reinforcement as specified in the structural drawings, the type of reinforcement (bar or mesh), and the position of the reinforcement in the element (bottom cover, side cover, or top cover). The cover requirement is specified by the structural engineer and varies by element type and exposure class under Eurocode 2. Common cover requirements range from 25mm for internal slabs to 50mm or more for external and aggressive exposure conditions. Plastic wheel spacers and cover chairs are available in sizes corresponding to standard cover requirements. Always use the correct size spacer for the specified cover: using a smaller spacer than specified reduces durability and can lead to reinforcement corrosion and structural defects over the life of the structure.
Concrete Float vs Steel Trowel: Which Finish Do You Need?
The choice between a floated and a steel-trowelled concrete finish is determined by the intended use of the surface and the specification. A floated finish is achieved with a concrete float while the surface is in the early stages of stiffening, leaving a textured, matte surface with an open texture. A floated finish provides natural slip resistance and is appropriate for external paving, ramps, and surfaces that will be exposed to foot or vehicle traffic where grip is important. It is also the correct finish for surfaces that will receive a bonded screed or tiling, as the textured surface provides a mechanical key for the overlay.
A steel-trowelled finish is achieved by working the surface with a steel trowel as the concrete stiffens, progressively closing and densifying the surface. The result is a smooth, hard, dense surface with low porosity that is highly durable and easy to clean. Steel-trowelled finishes are specified for industrial floors, warehouse floors, and internal slabs where a smooth, hard-wearing surface is required. They are not appropriate for external surfaces exposed to rain and frost, where the lack of surface texture creates a slip risk. The correct timing for trowelling is critical: too early and the surface is damaged; too late and the concrete is too stiff to work effectively.
Shop Concrete and Formwork Equipment by Type
Concrete & Formwork Equipment and Fixings
Concrete and formwork equipment covers the tools, accessories, chemicals, fixings, and testing equipment needed to prepare, pour, finish, and verify concrete on construction sites. CMT Group supplies a comprehensive range of concreting supplies including concreting tools, concrete accessories, formwork oil sprayers, fixings and fastenings, MAX chemicals and grouts, and concrete testing equipment, covering the full scope of concrete operations for groundwork teams, civil engineering contractors, and construction site managers across the UK.
Read more Read less
Every concrete pour on a construction site requires more than just cement and aggregate. The tools used to place, compact, level, and finish the concrete surface determine the quality and consistency of the finished slab or element. The formwork oil or release agent applied before the pour determines the surface finish and how cleanly the shuttering can be stripped without damaging the concrete face. The testing equipment used during and after the pour provides the evidence that the concrete has achieved its specified strength before loading. Running short of any of these concreting supplies on an active pour causes programme delay and can compromise quality. CMT Group has been supplying concreting supplies to UK construction sites for over 20 years.
- ✓ Concreting tools including floats, screeds, trowels, and finishing tools for all concrete applications
- ✓ Concrete accessories including test cube moulds, spacers, and reinforcement accessories
- ✓ MAX formwork oil sprayers for applying release agents to formwork and shuttering
- ✓ Fixings and fastenings for formwork assembly and temporary works connections
- ✓ MAX chemicals, grouts, and sealants for bonding, filling, and sealing concrete applications
- ✓ Concrete testing equipment for strength verification and quality control on site
- ✓ Bulk supply available for ongoing project requirements and trade accounts
- ✓ Next day delivery standard. VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle also available
Concreting Supplies for Construction Sites
Concreting supplies are the tools, consumables, and equipment used in every stage of a concrete operation, from the preparation of formwork through the placing, compacting, and finishing of the concrete to the testing that verifies strength gain after curing. Each stage requires specific equipment, and missing any of the necessary items can halt the pour or compromise the quality of the finished element.
Concrete finishing tools such as floats, trowels, and screeds determine the surface quality and level of the finished concrete. Formwork release oils and sprayers must be applied before each pour to prevent the concrete bonding to the shutter face and to allow clean stripping after curing. Concrete testing equipment including cube moulds and testing accessories is required under BS EN 12390 and the specification requirements of most commercial concrete contracts to provide documented evidence of concrete strength. Concrete accessories including spacers, tie wire, and reinforcement products support the accurate placement of reinforcement within the concrete section.
Concrete and Formwork Equipment by Type
Our range covers the concreting supplies needed for placing, finishing, testing, and supporting concrete operations on site.
Concrete Equipment for Every Stage of the Pour
A concrete pour involves distinct operational stages, each requiring specific equipment and consumables. Planning the concreting supplies needed at each stage and ensuring they are on site before the pour begins is the most effective way to avoid delays during what is a time-critical and continuous operation.
Once a pour has started, it must continue to completion without significant interruption. A gap in supply of finishing tools, a missing slump cone for testing, or an empty sprayer with no release agent available before the second pour are all avoidable causes of programme delay and quality issues that are best prevented by thorough pre-pour preparation and stock checks.
| Stage | Equipment required | Subcategory |
|---|---|---|
| Formwork preparation | Formwork oil sprayer, release agent, fixings | Formwork Oil Sprayers, Fixings and Fastenings |
| Reinforcement placement | Concrete spacers, tie wire, cover chairs | Concrete Accessories |
| Fresh concrete testing | Slump cone, base plate, tamping rod | Concrete Testing Equipment |
| Cube sampling | Cube moulds (100mm or 150mm), tamping rod | Concrete Testing Equipment |
| Placing and compacting | Concrete rake, dapple bar, screed | Concreting Tools |
| Surface finishing | Bull float, steel trowel, concrete float | Concreting Tools |
Concreting Supplies for UK Construction Sites
Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the UK, and the quality of a finished concrete element depends not just on the mix design but on the equipment used to place, finish, and test it. The surface finish achieved by the concreting tools, the cover maintained by the spacers, the release agent applied to the formwork, and the strength documentation produced by cube testing all contribute to the performance and compliance of the finished element.
CMT Group has been supplying concreting supplies and concrete equipment to UK construction sites for over 20 years. Our range covers the full scope of tools, accessories, chemicals, fixings, formwork sprayers, and testing equipment needed for concrete operations on site, in bulk quantities suited to project-scale purchasing. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a concrete float and a steel trowel?
A concrete float is used in the early stages of finishing a concrete slab, while the surface is still relatively wet, to level the surface, remove high spots and low spots, and embed any aggregate that is proud of the surface. Floats are typically made from magnesium or wood and produce a textured, open surface suitable for further finishing or as a final finish where a non-slip texture is required. A steel trowel is used in the later stages of finishing when the concrete has stiffened sufficiently, working the surface repeatedly to close it up and produce a smooth, dense, and hard-wearing finish. Using a steel trowel too early on concrete that is still too wet will bring excess water and fines to the surface and weaken the surface layer.
Why is concrete cube testing required on construction sites?
Concrete cube testing provides documented evidence that the concrete placed in a structure has achieved the specified compressive strength. This is required under BS EN 12390 and is a condition of most commercial construction contracts and structural engineer specifications. Cubes are cast from samples of the fresh concrete during the pour, cured under controlled conditions, and crushed at 7 and 28 days to verify strength. The 28-day cube strength is the primary compliance test for concrete grade. Without cube testing records, there is no documentary evidence that the concrete in the structure meets the design specification, which creates a significant liability for the contractor and can prevent handover or loading of the structure.
What is formwork release agent and why is it essential?
Formwork release agent, also called mould oil or shutter oil, is applied to the face of formwork or shuttering before the concrete pour to prevent the concrete bonding to the formwork surface as it cures. Without release agent, the concrete will adhere to the formwork, making striking difficult or impossible without damaging the concrete face, and causing significant surface defects in the finished element. Applying release agent evenly and in the correct quantity before every pour is one of the most important steps in formwork preparation. A MAX brand formwork oil sprayer allows even application over large formwork areas quickly and with controlled coverage, reducing waste and improving consistency compared to applying oil by hand.
What size concrete cube moulds do I need?
The standard cube mould size for concrete testing in the UK is 100mm for most applications, which is suitable for concrete with a maximum aggregate size of 20mm or less. For concrete with larger aggregate sizes, a 150mm cube mould is required to ensure the cube sample is representative of the concrete mix. BS EN 12390-1 specifies the requirements for test moulds. Always check the specification or testing regime document for the project to confirm the cube size required, as using the wrong mould size may result in test results that are not compliant with the specification or that underestimate the concrete strength due to aggregate size effects.
What concrete spacers do I need for reinforced concrete?
Concrete spacers are selected based on the required cover to reinforcement as specified in the structural drawings, the type of reinforcement (bar or mesh), and the position of the reinforcement in the element (bottom cover, side cover, or top cover). The cover requirement is specified by the structural engineer and varies by element type and exposure class under Eurocode 2. Common cover requirements range from 25mm for internal slabs to 50mm or more for external and aggressive exposure conditions. Plastic wheel spacers and cover chairs are available in sizes corresponding to standard cover requirements. Always use the correct size spacer for the specified cover: using a smaller spacer than specified reduces durability and can lead to reinforcement corrosion and structural defects over the life of the structure.
Concrete Float vs Steel Trowel: Which Finish Do You Need?
The choice between a floated and a steel-trowelled concrete finish is determined by the intended use of the surface and the specification. A floated finish is achieved with a concrete float while the surface is in the early stages of stiffening, leaving a textured, matte surface with an open texture. A floated finish provides natural slip resistance and is appropriate for external paving, ramps, and surfaces that will be exposed to foot or vehicle traffic where grip is important. It is also the correct finish for surfaces that will receive a bonded screed or tiling, as the textured surface provides a mechanical key for the overlay.
A steel-trowelled finish is achieved by working the surface with a steel trowel as the concrete stiffens, progressively closing and densifying the surface. The result is a smooth, hard, dense surface with low porosity that is highly durable and easy to clean. Steel-trowelled finishes are specified for industrial floors, warehouse floors, and internal slabs where a smooth, hard-wearing surface is required. They are not appropriate for external surfaces exposed to rain and frost, where the lack of surface texture creates a slip risk. The correct timing for trowelling is critical: too early and the surface is damaged; too late and the concrete is too stiff to work effectively.
