SKYDECK Re-engineered: Meeting Modern Construction Demands

SKYDECK has remained a leading slab formwork system since its launch in the late 1990s, thanks to its lightweight, modular design and quick, crane-free assembly.

From the start, it boosted productivity and improved safety on site, offering fewer components and faster striking time, making it an easy choice for sub-contractors looking to speed up their slab cycles. Today, thousands of square metres are actively owned or rented by sub-contractors across the UK.

One of SKYDECK’s standout features is its impressive load capacity, when used with an SLT beam, a single prop can support up to 3.45m², offering one of the largest coverage areas available in the decking market.

Time, cost, and space constraints are the top three pressures contractors face. Programmes are tighter than ever, so the speed and efficiency of the decking system directly affects project outcomes. Labour costs are high, therefore reducing man-hours is critical. At the same time, construction sites are becoming more compact, particularly as we continue to build upwards rather than outwards, so systems need to be practical within tight footprints and adaptable to varying slab geometries.

SKYDECK is well-suited to these modern-day challenges. It’s lightweight enough to be manually handled, which is especially valuable on sites with crane restrictions or periods of high wind. Our corner table solution, once assembled, can be cycled up the structure as a single unit, minimising repetitive work and saving valuable time.

While SKYDECK has remained one of the most trusted slab formwork systems for over three decades, construction methods and regulations have continued to evolve. There are new safety measures, improved training standards, and sustainable practices that once set high-profile and standard projects apart are becoming non-negotiable as the UK construction industry works toward its net-zero target.

“SKYDECK Re-engineered” is our response to evolving industry demands and expectations around productivity, safety and efficiency. We worked closely with our customers to gather honest feedback and set our engineering team the challenge to establish a new benchmark for our SKYDECK design solutions. Our goal was to retain the features our customers value most, while introducing enhancements that improve clarity and optimise on-site performance.

Sustainability is central to how we design, deliver, and evolve our systems. That's why our parent company, based in Germany, is striving to achieve a 20% reduction in the carbon footprint of our product portfolio, including SKYDECK, by 2040.

In the UK, we’ve introduced a number of key improvements to SKYDECK, all aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving usability on site. Kit lists for standard slab layouts have been optimised by reducing components such as MRK frames at the perimeter or around columns, helping to reduce material on site, rental costs and overall system weight by up to 8% without compromising its performance, provided assembly on site follows our User Instructions guidelines.

The challenge we set for our designers led to refined technical drawings, delivering greater consistency and clarity across our SKYDECK solutions. To avoid overwhelming site teams with a high level of detail at once, we simplified our drawings to show only the plan layout in monochrome. Additional details are available separately via a QR code or on request — so teams can access the right level of information exactly when they need it.

Other changes to our technical designs mean our dropheads and propheads can now be used flexibly depending on site needs. Considerations for choosing the ideal component depend on whether early striking is a priority or if the concrete slabs are post-tensioned, so the final design is ultimately guided by our customers’ specific requirements.

 Looking ahead, we're also exploring new ways to cover larger surface areas with fewer components to reduce slab-forming time even further—updates on this will follow soon.

Training plays a crucial role, it can be the difference between safe, efficient installation and making costly or dangerous mistakes on site. Whether someone is new to the system or adapting to recent developments, we always recommend taking our training courses, either as an introduction or a refresher. These courses are specifically designed to demonstrate best practice, show safe and efficient system handling techniques, and prevent risks.

Our SKYDECK training modules, which combine theory and invaluable practical exercises, cover all the latest developments, from design improvements to new components. At present, we’re the only brand offering accredited formwork training, and as the only formwork provider included in CITB’s employee network funding, companies can benefit from up to 70% off course costs, a significant saving given the depth and quality of the training.

With accreditation from recognised bodies like AIM, we help both new and experienced operatives gain formal certification and give them the confidence to install formwork like SKYDECK on any job site. On successful completion of our slab, wall, and climbing courses, participants receive qualifications that are added to or endorsed on their CSCS cards, giving them clear, verified proof of competence on site.

In addition to accredited system training, buying directly from a brand has distinct advantages. Contractors are first to know about the latest developments, like those we’ve recently introduced and others still in progress. Products from a reputable brand guarantee high quality, long-lasting performance, and lower liability risks.

Unfortunately, it’s common to see slab and wall formwork systems replicated using substandard materials and low tolerances, which can compromise load-bearing capacity, safety, and durability.  Systems from authentic brands come with warranties, thorough testing, and ongoing after-sales support, key differentiators for long-term reliability.

PERI is more than a temporary works provider. We offer full end-to-end support, from technical consultations and custom designs to on-site supervision. Our experts are available to troubleshoot issues and guide operatives on correct handling and installation, helping contractors get the most from their systems while staying compliant with safety standards.

Furthermore, our network of depots across the UK ensures high stock availability, shorter lead times and quick deliveries for projects of any size.

Customers also have the flexibility to rent or buy systems like SKYDECK, with the option to easily top up if requirements change mid-project through their local sales engineer or customer service team.