Square Stakes: square-section steel form stake with nail holes and a pointed end

Stakes & pins

Square Stakes

Square Stakes are driven square-section stakes for temporary formwork and site positioning. The square profile prevents board rotation in soft or loose ground.

At a glance

Square Stakes at a glance.

Definition

A square-section form stake

A driven square-section stake for temporary concrete form retention.

Application

Driven beside boards

The square section sits beside the board while the point enters the ground, preventing rotation.

Product form

Section, length and finish

Square section 5/8 x 5/8 or 3/4 x 3/4 inch; lengths from 12 to 56 inches; solid or holed, pointed or spade end; plain or coated finish.

Also known as

Square Stakes are sold as square nail stakes or square steel stakes in the US and as formwork stakes in Australia and New Zealand.

United States
square nail stakesquare concrete stakesquare steel stake
Australia & NZ
formwork stake

Trade names for the whole range

Choosing between

Round, flat, square or rebar stake.

All four hold a form board in line beside a pour. The section profile decides how the stake sits against the board and holds in the ground.

  • Round Stakes

    Choose it for general board retention, with a round section that drives cleanly beside timber or plywood boards.

  • Flat Stakes / “C” Mouth Stakes

    Choose it when you want a flat face bearing against the board and a section that resists turning in the ground.

  • Square Stakes This page

    Choose it when you want a square section with flat sides to set against the board.

  • Rebar Stakes

    Choose it when you want the ribbed surface of reinforcing bar gripping the ground.

Common applications

Where it is used.

Application

Anti-rotation form retention

The square section prevents board spin in soft or unstable ground conditions.

Application

Slab and footing preparation

Holds temporary edge forms firmly at slab and footing perimeters.

Application

Form-line positioning

Resists lateral movement and maintains form geometry during setup and concrete placement.

Questions answered

Common questions.

What are square stakes called in different regions?
Square Stakes are sold as square nail stakes or square steel stakes in the US and as formwork stakes in Australia and New Zealand. The square cross-section design resists rotation when driven into soil.
What are the dimensions of square stakes?
Square Stakes are available in two sizes: 5/8 inch and 3/4 inch (16 or 18 mm). Lengths range from 12 to 56 inches (300 to 1400 mm). Steel grade is Grade 60 and above with adequate strength. Finishes are plain or coated.
Concrete systems

Anti-rotation form stake

The square profile resists rotation in soft soil at slab, footing and flatwork edges. Round, Flat / C-mouth and Rebar Stakes provide alternative profiles for different ground and board conditions.

Explore concrete systems

Square Stakes specifications

Square Stakes configuration

ParameterUS / PrimaryMetric / Additional
Size5/8, 3/4 in16, 18 mm
Length12-56 in300-1400 mm
FinishPlain, coatedPlain, coated

Concrete & Construction

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