Ordering shuttering for a slab means getting four things in the right quantity: the deck (plates or plywood), the vertical supports (props or cuplock), the primary bearers (chali / MS channel) and, if you're using cuplock, ledgers. This guide gives you rule-of-thumb quantities and two worked examples so you can order confidently.
The Four Components
- Deck: MS plates or film-faced plywood — forms the underside of the slab
- Vertical support: adjustable steel props, or cuplock towers for heavy or high slabs
- Primary bearers (chali / MS channel): run across the props to spread the load and carry the deck
- Secondary bearers / runners: smaller members or the plate frames themselves, spanning between chali
Rule of Thumb — per 100 sq ft of Slab
| Item | Approx. quantity per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Adjustable props | 7–9 (at ~1.0–1.2 m spacing) |
| Chali / MS channel (8 ft) | 5–7 |
| MS plates (3 ft × 2 ft) or ply sheets | Enough to cover 100 sq ft + ~10% overlap |
| U-head jacks (if using cuplock) | 1 per support point |
These assume a normal residential slab of 100–150 mm thickness. Thicker slabs, cantilevers and transfer slabs need tighter prop spacing and a proper design.
Prop Spacing Rules
- Standard residential slab: props at 1.0–1.2 m centres both ways
- Never extend a prop or jack beyond 2/3 of its thread — buckling risk
- Props must sit on a firm, level surface — use a sole plate on soft ground or on a lower slab
- Keep the lower-floor props (re-props) in place until the slab below has gained enough strength
Worked Example — 10 ft × 12 ft Room Slab (120 sq ft)
- Props: ~9–11
- Chali (8 ft): ~7–8
- MS plates (3 ft × 2 ft): ~22–24, or equivalent plywood
- Rental period: about 1 month until de-shuttering
Worked Example — Full Floor Slab, 1,000 sq ft
- Props: ~75–90, or cuplock towers for a faster, more uniform layout
- Chali (8 ft): ~55–65
- MS plates: enough for 1,000 sq ft + overlap, or film-faced plywood for an exposed soffit
- If using cuplock: add ledgers and U-head jacks per the tower grid
For a slab this size, get a proper material list — the difference between a props layout and a cuplock layout changes the order significantly.
Don't Forget
- Edge shuttering (beam sides, slab edge) — measured separately in running feet
- Release oil for the plates or ply before every pour
- A few spare pieces for damage and awkward corners
Get an Exact Material List
Send us your slab dimensions, thickness and floor level and we'll return a full itemised list — deck, props, chali and ledgers — with quantities and a delivery date, free of charge. Call +91 98291 68830 or use the material calculator.