Formatubes in Victoria, New South Wales & Queensland
Australia’s most well-known product name, The Tubeworks, can happily say it’s a nationally preferred supplier of Formatube with over 14 diameters ranging from the small 150mm ID to the large 1200mm ID Formatube. Formatube is a cardboard tube specifically designed for builders to pour concrete columns above or below ground but also used to create a void in the ground from collapsible soil.
Formatubes
Formatube is a cost-effective method and easy-to-use product that is designed to stand upright, requiring minimal bracing when used as concrete formwork.
The outer surface of a Formatube is impregnated with a plastic coating for water resistance, whilst the inside is coated with an oil lining to prevent concrete from sticking to the Formatube, leaving a spiral finish, straight-lined concrete column. Formatube is available in a range of internal diameters to suit different concrete column and pier requirements. Standard sizes generally range from 150mm ID through to 1200mm ID, with common diameters including:
152mm, 204mm
305mm, 356mm
406mm 457mm
508mm 559mm
610mm 660mm
711mm 750mm
812mm 914mm
990mm 1200mm.
Most smaller and mid-range diameters are available in 3m and/or 4m lengths, while larger diameters are typically supplied in 4m lengths, with 1200mm commonly supplied in 2.4m lengths.
The Tubeworks designed a new way of creating a better finish on the inside of the Formatube, which we call a Plastitube.
Plastitubes
A Plastitube is where we insert a plastic lining into the inside of the Formatube to remove all spiral marks, leaving a nice Class 1/2 finish rather than the standard Class 2/3 finish a Formatube achieves. Plastitube isn’t a stock size, so please allow our team some time to cut the plastic and insert it into your column, as each diameter has a different cut and number of sheets.
If you require your Formatube to be trimmed down with a plastic liner already inserted, you must ensure you tape up the plastic back to the Formatube to avoid concrete flowing between the liner and the tube wall.
PINK & Odd shaped Columns
Pink column formwork tubes are designed to make concrete column pours faster, cleaner and more consistent on site, with options available for circular, square, rectangular, oval and custom-shaped profiles. They can be supplied in a wide range of standard diameters and dimensions, from smaller columns through to large-format commercial and civil applications, with different strength grades available to suit the height of the pour and project requirements. Custom sizes can also be manufactured where a project needs a specific diameter, shape or non-standard dimension, including larger column sizes on request. A range of finish options is available, from standard spiral finishes through to smoother lined finishes and textured architectural effects, giving builders, concreters and designers flexibility across structural, decorative and architectural concrete work.
Steel Columns
The Tubeworks is proud to announce that it is now in the market as a supplier of steel columns for the construction industry. Made from galvanised steel, our steel columns won’t rust if left outside, with diameters available from 152mm to 1524mm. The Tubeworks’ steel columns can be used both above and below ground, with stripping possible using a grinder.
The strength of these columns can be determined based on gauge, as we have 0.6mm, 0.8mm, 1mm, and 1.2mm available. With stock available in our Melbourne plant, our steel columns can also be made to your building plans, with the largest length so far being 12 metres. Our quick turnaround makes us highly competitive, with delivery happening Australia-wide.
EPH Void Former
The Tubeworks EPH Void Former is a cardboard honeycomb panel used to separate slabs and ground beams from reactive expansive soils. Designed to break down with the absorption of moisture, the EPH will create a void under the slab or beam. The Void Former is made from 400-micron cardboard with a honeycomb cellular core between face sheets, and being made from cardboard, it can be cut with ease. Ranging in different sizes, The Tubeworks holds most sizes in stock.
Large Cardboard Tubes for Concrete:
Diameter and Specification Guide
When your project calls for round concrete columns, bridge piers, structural piles, or in-ground formwork, choosing the right large cardboard tube for concrete can help achieve a cleaner, more efficient pour. The Tubeworks supplies Formatube from its Thomastown facility to builders, concreters, commercial projects, civil works, and infrastructure sites throughout Victoria and beyond. Contact The Tubeworks today to discuss your Formatube requirements.
Large-Diameter Formatube: Sizes, Lengths, and Finish Classes
The Tubeworks supplies Formatube in over 14 internal diameters, ranging from small-diameter tubes through to large 1200 mm ID Formatube.
Common internal diameters include:
152 mm, 204 mm, 305 mm, 356 mm, 406 mm, 457 mm, 508 mm, 559 mm, 610 mm, 660 mm, 711 mm, 750 mm, 812 mm, 914 mm, 990 mm and 1200 mm.
Most smaller and mid-range diameters are available in 3 m and/or 4 m lengths, while larger diameters are typically supplied in 4 m lengths. The 1200 mm diameter option is commonly supplied in 2.4 m lengths and may require additional lead time depending on availability.
Standard Formatube achieves a Class 2/3 finish. For projects requiring a smoother finish, The Tubeworks also offers Plastitube, where a plastic liner is inserted into the Formatube to help reduce spiral marks and achieve a Class 1/2 finish.
Custom-Length Formatube Orders
Formatube can be custom cut to suit project requirements. For longer columns, The Tubeworks can also join or manufacture Formatube to specific lengths, with longer lengths available on request.
Custom-cut orders can be arranged through the Thomastown facility, allowing builders to specify required heights and reduce trimming on site.
Pour Support Guidance for Large Cardboard Tubes for Concrete
Large-diameter Formatube must be installed, supported and braced correctly before concrete is placed. Taller pours and larger diameters may require additional bracing to help prevent movement and maintain a plumb column during the pour.
For structural columns, bridge piers, piles, or in-ground applications, always follow the engineer’s drawings, project specifications, and site requirements before pouring concrete.
For in-ground applications in Melbourne’s reactive clay soils, bearing depth and footing requirements should be confirmed by a structural engineer before work begins.
Plastitube Liner Trimming Tips
When a Plastitube liner is used and the tube is trimmed on site, the plastic liner should be taped back to the Formatube after trimming. This helps prevent concrete from flowing between the liner and the tube wall during the pour.
This is especially important where a smoother finish is required and the liner must remain correctly positioned inside the tube.
What Is the Largest Diameter Cardboard Form Tube Available?
The Tubeworks supplies Formatube in over 14 diameters, with the largest commonly listed size reaching 1200 mm ID.
Large-diameter Formatube may require additional planning or lead time, so it is best to contact the Thomastown team early for large civil, commercial, or infrastructure projects.
Custom Cuts and Melbourne Pickup
Builders across Melbourne’s northern suburbs, including Epping, Bundoora, Preston, Campbellfield and surrounding areas, can arrange collection of Formatube directly from The Tubeworks’ Thomastown facility.
Custom-cut orders can also be arranged to suit project-specific requirements, helping builders reduce on-site cutting and improve installation efficiency.
Ready to Order Large-Diameter FormaTube?
Call The Tubeworks on 03 9457 5545 today to discuss large cardboard tubes for concrete, confirm current stock, or arrange a custom-cut Formatube order from the Thomastown facility.