Forms must be designed and built with sufficient stiffness and accuracy so the size, shape, position, and finish of the cast concrete are attained within the required tolerances.

The quality of the formwork itself has a direct impact on safety, accidents, and failures. Correctly designed formwork will ensure that the concrete maintains the desired size and shape by having the proper dimensions and being rigid enough to hold its shape under the stresses of the concrete.

The quality of the resulting concrete is dictated by the quality of formwork materials and workmanship. Many concrete-related problems such as discoloration, stains, and dusting are attributed to concrete formwork. Also, some deformed concrete surfaces are due to deformed formwork systems caused by repetitive reuse and inadequate support of formwork. Also, joints that are insufficiently tight will leak cement paste. 

The surface of the concrete will thus be disfigured by fins of the cement paste, and honeycombing may result adjacent to the leaking joints. The final shape of the formwork in contact with the concrete should be so arranged and jointed as to produce a concrete surface of good appearance. Wires, nails, screws, and form surface flaws must not be allowed to Formwork Requirements.