Piling tubes are a crucial component on construction sites when it comes to forming strong and consistent foundations. They are used to shape concrete columns safely and efficiently on-site.
They are typically made from spiral-wound cardboard and are designed to withstand the pressure of poured concrete while still maintaining their structural accuracy throughout the concrete curing process.
In this blog, we will explore the most commonly used piling tube sizes, explain their key strengths in the construction industry, and provide a clear breakdown of the pricing factors.
Standard Sizes of Piling Tubes Explained
Piling tubes come in a wide range of diameters, but the most commonly used sizes include 150mm, 300mm, 450mm, and 600mm. These are what we call ‘standard sizes’ as they are suitable for most applications in structural column formwork and foundation piling.
The tube length will typically range from 1 to 12 metres, with the wall thickness adjusted to match the diameter and pressure demands of your concrete pour.
However, standard sizes aren’t always a good fit in many builds, especially when there are site constraints or unique engineering specs.
That’s why at Essex Tubes, we also manufacture fully custom piling tubes, tailored to meet your specific dimensional, structural, and handling requirements. Whether it’s a non-standard diameter or an unusual length, custom tubes will allow contractors to avoid workarounds and achieve more accurate results on-site.
Choosing the proper tube size from the outset of the project will help ensure proper load distribution, cleaner finishes, and safer overall construction.
Strength Ratings & Performance Factors
Piling tubes are only intended for single use, but they are built to handle the structural demands of fresh concrete with great precision and reliability. Their strong performance comes from smart material design and engineered construction:
- Spiral-wound structure: This helps to distribute pressure evenly along the entire tube, preventing the collapse or swelling during the pour.
- Multi-ply laminated walls: Each tube is made with multiple layers of high-density cardboard. Providing strong compression resistance and crush strength.
- Moisture resistance (optional): A protective coating can be applied to the tube. Helping to ensure it maintains its shape in damp or extended pour conditions.
- Temporary structural reliability: They are designed to hold concrete in place as it cures, keeping form and alignment intact.
- Made for demanding construction sites: Each tube is produced to consistent high-quality standards, ensuring it can withstand the pressure of concrete pours without compromising its shape or strength.
Together, these features ensure that each piling tube can perform safely and consistently on-site.
How Much Do
Piling Tubes Cost?
The price of piling tubes will depend on a few key factors, including the size, wall thickness, and the number of tubes you require. We’ve created a general pricing guide below based on the most commonly ordered specifications:
Diameter | Wall Thickness | Approx. Cost (per metre) |
150mm | Standard | £8 – £12 |
300mm | Standard/Heavy | £14 – £20 |
450mm | Heavy-duty | £22 – £30 |
600mm+ | Custom | £30+ |
Here are some of the other cost factors that could add to the overall cost:
- Wall thickness and reinforcement needs
- Moisture-resistant finishes for challenging environments
- Custom lengths and diameters
- Number of tubes you need (order volume)
- Lead time and delivery location
Cardboard piling tubes are generally 40–60% more cost-effective than steel formwork and much easier to handle on-site.
Need accurate pricing for your project? Contact us for a tailored quote. Prices listed above are provided as a general guide and may vary based on your specific requirements.
The price of piling tubes will depend on a few key factors, including the size, wall thickness, and the number of tubes you require. We’ve created a general pricing guide below based on the most commonly ordered specifications:
Diameter | Wall Thickness | Approx. Cost (per metre) | Notes |
150mm | Standard | £8 – £12 | Common size for small columns |
300mm | Standard/Heavy | £14 – £20 | Suitable for a mid-size formwork |
450mm | Heavy-duty | £22 – £30 | Often used in structural builds |
600mm+ | Custom | £30+ | Typically made to project specification |
Here are some of the other cost factors that could add to the overall cost:
- Wall thickness and reinforcement needs
- Moisture-resistant finishes for challenging environments
- Custom lengths and diameters
- Number of tubes you need (order volume)
- Lead time and delivery location
Cardboard piling tubes are generally 40–60% more cost-effective than steel formwork and much easier to handle on-site.
Need accurate pricing for your project? Contact us for a tailored quote. Prices listed above are provided as a general guide and may vary based on your specific requirements.
Choosing the Right Tube for Your Project
Choosing the right piling tube specification from the outset of your project will prevent any costly delays, avoid any form failures, and improve the overall finish of your concrete work. Here’s what you need to asses before ordering them for your project:
Column Size and Depth
Larger or deeper columns will require greater internal volume and more robust wall construction to be able to handle hydrostatic pressure.
Ground Conditions
In wet or unstable grounds, tubes with moisture-resistant coatings will help prevent any swelling or collapse during longer cure times.
Concrete Pressure and Pour Rate
Fast pours or high-volume pours can exert significant force. Thicker, multi-ply walls will help to improve reliability in these cases.
Installation Access
On sites with tight or confined access, lighter manually installed tubes will reduce handling time. For larger builds, pre-cut lengths lifted by a crane might be more practical.
Project Duration
For longer set times or phased pours, reinforced or coated tubes will be much less prone to distortion or failure.
Choosing based on conditions, not just catalogue sizes, will result in safer, cleaner, and more efficient concrete formwork.
Why Choose Essex Tubes?
At Essex Tubes, we specialise in manufacturing high-quality cardboard piling tubes for construction projects across the UK.
Our tubes are produced in-house to suit any specification, whether you need a standard diameter or a fully customised size for complex foundation work. With precise spiral-wound construction and the option for moisture-resistant coatings, we ensure every tube performs reliably on-site.
We cater to projects of all sizes, offering both small and bulk order quantities. From infrastructure builds to commercial developments, our team will work closely with you to deliver the right solution for your formwork needs.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your piling tube requirements and see how our fully customisable options can support your next construction project.