Concrete is a versatile and strong material, but it can also be a challenge to work with. That’s because concrete is made up of small pieces that must be carefully combined together to create a strong structure. However, if you don’t properly cure the concrete before you remove the forms, the structure will not hold together and your project will likely fail.
Types of concrete
If you are using ready-mixed concrete, the curing time will be dictated by the type of cement you are using. Portland cement cures in about 28 days, whereas masonry cement takes about 40 days to cure. If you are using a mix, the time will be longer depending on the proportions of each ingredient.
How long should concrete cure before removing forms?
Forms must be removed from concrete a minimum of seven days after the concrete has cured. This allows the concrete to reach its final hardness and strength.
Conclusion
There is no one answer to this question, as it depends on a number of factors including the type of concrete and preparation methods used. Typically, however, you should allow at least two weeks for concrete to cure before removing forms. This will ensure that the concrete has had enough time to set and form proper bonds between the particles, which will make the removal process much easier.