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Cheapest timber for formwork for paving?

What is the cheapest timber I can buy that is "guaranteed" to be level for formwork?. Im hoping to get it delivered so I won't be selecting it myself.

I have an existing paved area that I want to extend by 3 pavers

on one side, and re-lay 2 rows of pavers on the other side. (Original owners didn't haunch the edges, which I will definitely be doing, and then finishing with pavelock product).

The other 2 sides are hard up against the fence and existing pavers are still decently level.

I want to use timber form work for the 2 edges I'll be working on, since I need to remove topsoil to allow enough depth for sand and compacting, and I have extremely sandy soil which will just fall back into any area I clear.

And hopefully lots easier the level the sand to exact depth so the new pavers are level with old.

I've laid paving from scratch before, and relaid sunken pavers, but no experience with formwork or purchasing timber.

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maia1

P.s. i originally wanted.to get a concrete slab, but there's no way I can afford it. I'm on a minuscule budget and I already have lots of spare matching pavers.

Im going to put a small shed on it (just enough to store garden tools), and have the extra paved area for a couple deck chairs.

When I have the finances I'll get the proper pad and a bigger shed.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @maia1. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about paving.

Typically, “formwork” refers to timber used to create the sides of a concrete slab, but since you’re not pouring concrete, it sounds like what you really need is timber to act as an edge to hold back the soil while you lay your paving. If this timber is going to remain in the ground as part of the finished area, you’d want to use H4-treated timber, like a timber sleeper, to resist rot. If it’s just temporary to hold the soil while you work, a strip of formply cut down from larger sheets would work well, as it’s perfectly straight and strong enough for this purpose. In fact, the straightness of the timber isn’t crucial for paving; a string line can give you the precise guide you need for laying the pavers. Whatever timber you choose, you’ll also need some stakes to hold the formwork in place while you level the sand and install the paving.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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