Types of Concrete Shoring Systems: Which One Do You Need?

Concrete shoring systems are essential for supporting structures during construction, ensuring stability and safety before the concrete sets and gains strength. Choosing the right shoring system depends on the type of project, load requirements, and efficiency needs. In this guide, we’ll break down three major types of concrete shoring systems—slab shores, post shores, and flying forms—to help you determine which one is best suited for your project.

1. Slab Shores

What Are Slab Shores?

Slab shores are temporary support structures used to hold up freshly poured concrete slabs until they cure and can support their own weight. These systems typically consist of vertical props or scaffolding frames combined with horizontal beams and plywood decking.

Best For:

• High-rise buildings and multi-story structures

• Flat slab and beam construction

• Projects requiring adjustable support heights

Pros:

✔ Provides strong, stable support for large slabs
✔ Adjustable components allow for flexibility in height
✔ Can be reused for multiple pours

Cons:

✘ Requires careful placement and leveling
✘ Labor-intensive setup and dismantling

2. Post Shores

What Are Post Shores?

Post shores, also known as adjustable steel or aluminum posts, are individual telescopic supports used to temporarily hold up concrete slabs, beams, and decks. They are easy to adjust, making them ideal for height-specific applications.

Best For:

• Small-scale projects with limited shoring needs

• Supporting beams and slabs in residential and commercial buildings

• Projects where space is constrained

Pros:

✔ Easy to install and adjust to specific heights
✔ Lightweight and reusable
✔ Cost-effective solution for temporary support

Cons:

✘ Not ideal for large-scale projects
✘ Requires more individual components for wide-span support

3. Flying Forms

What Are Flying Forms?

Flying forms, also known as table forms, are large, prefabricated shoring systems that can be lifted and repositioned as a unit using cranes. These modular systems consist of beams, decking, and supporting frames, allowing for quick and efficient reuse across multiple floor levels.

Best For:

• Large-scale, repetitive construction projects like high-rises

• Projects requiring quick turnaround times

• Consistent floor layouts with minimal variation

Pros:

✔ Highly efficient for large projects with repetitive structures
✔ Reduces labor costs and construction time
✔ Minimizes on-site material handling

Cons:

✘ Requires cranes or hoists for repositioning
✘ Higher initial investment compared to other shoring systems

Choosing the Right Shoring System

The best shoring system for your project depends on several factors, including:

• Project Scale: Large-scale projects benefit from flying forms, while smaller projects may only require post shores.

• Load Requirements: Heavy loads require robust solutions like slab shores or flying forms.

• Efficiency Needs: If speed and efficiency are top priorities, flying forms offer the fastest turnaround.

• Budget Constraints: Post shores are the most cost-effective, while flying forms have a higher upfront cost but reduce long-term labor expenses.

Conclusion

Selecting the right concrete shoring system is crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness on the job site. Whether you need the versatility of post shores, the strength of slab shores, or the efficiency of flying forms, understanding their differences will help you make the best decision for your project.

Looking for high-quality shoring equipment? Southwest Scaffolding offers a range of shoring solutions to meet your construction needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can support your next project!