Stringline for Concrete Formwork: A Simple Setting-Out Guide

Stringline gives formwork crews a physical straight reference. It is simple, visible and easy to reset — provided the points at either end are correct.

Use it for alignment

Stringline is useful for shutter lines, slab edges and other straight setting-out references. Establish the control points first, then use the line to make that geometry visible along the run.

Choose colour by background

Concrete, timber, soil and hardcore all present different backgrounds. Grettz offers high-visibility stringline colours so you can choose the contrast that is easiest to follow on the actual site.

Look after the reference

Do not assume a line that has been kicked, snagged or left under changing site conditions is still exactly where it started. Recheck the end points and tension whenever the setup has been disturbed.

Stringline versus laser

A stringline is a physical straight edge reference. A rotary laser and receiver can transfer a level datum across a larger working area. Formwork can require both, because straight alignment and level are not the same measurement.

The bottom line

Use stringline to make established geometry visible. Use the appropriate survey or laser reference to establish heights and datums, and verify both when the site setup changes.

Read next

For level transfer, see Rotary Lasers for Foundations and Line Laser vs Rotary Laser.