The components of lightweight panel formwork systems are engineered to give robust, easy to handle solutions capable of dealing with both regular and irregular formwork areas. Minimising the number of different components allows mobility and quick installation of the formwork. The individual components often have multiple uses. Lightweight formwork systems used for slab construction usually consist of a series of interconnected falsework bays, independent props or system scaffolds, supporting decking panels. They can include primary beams spanning between props and supporting a number of panels. After use, the formwork system is disassembled into individual components, moved manually and reassembled in the new location.

Good quality surface finishes are possible when appropriate site controls are used. Special measures may have to be taken because of the large number of joints between panels.