In construction projects, formwork costs typically account for 10%–20% of the total concrete structure cost, while labor and time costs related to formwork directly impact the overall project schedule. Choosing the right formwork system is therefore a critical cost-control decision.

     Currently, three mainstream formwork materials dominate the market: timber, steel, and aluminum. Each has its pros and cons, suited for different project types. This article provides a comprehensive comparison across five dimensions:material properties, cost structure, construction efficiency, service life, and environmental performance.

     1. Material Properties Comparison

     2. Construction Efficiency Comparison

     3. Scenario-Based Recommendations

     4. Why Are More Contractors Switching to Aluminum?

     Although aluminum formwork has a higher upfront cost than timber, it outperforms all other options across almost every metric over the full life cycle. Especially given rising global labor costs, stricter environmental regulations, and increasing schedule pressure, aluminum formwork has become the first choice for large residential projects, high-turnover projects, and export-oriented projects.

      Archipower’s full-industry-chain advantage further enhances the economics of aluminum formwork:

· In-house melting and extrusion – raw material cost control

· Annual output of 2 million m² – economies of scale

· Free detailed design team to optimize panel layout and reduce non-standard waste

· Old panel refurbishment and material replacement services – lower long-term costs

       If you are choosing a formwork system for your next project, contact Archipower for a customized cost analysis report.