To avoid the high price of cylindrical cardboard concrete forms, I made my own out of sheets of scrap corrugated-metal roofing. As shown in the drawing below, I used self-tapping screws to affix the overlapping ends to one another at the seam. This is essential to making the form strong and resisting the outward thrust of the concrete.
After 24 hours, while the concrete is still green, you can unscrew the seam and pull the form away from your concrete column. I’ve used the same form for several pours, and I have poured concrete columns up to 4 ft. tall using this method. Around here, a 12-ft. length of 2-ft.-dia. Sonotube runs over $120. But I’m out only the cost of a box of self-tapping screws and scrap tin using this tip. An added bonus is the nice fluted-column effect the corrugated tin provides the finished product.
Miles Eddins, Tuscaloosa, AL
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #217
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Reliable Crimp Connectors
8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape
Handy Heat Gun
View Comments
Why is an idea that is so obvious also so rare?
How do the customers like the looks of the concrete piers?