Create concrete bases for decks, piers, signs, light poles, and mailboxes. These tubes are made of specially-formulated cardboard that’s lightweight, yet holds its shape when you pour the concrete, withstands heavy pressure to prevent blowouts, and resists wet weather and soil for 24 hours. Using a utility knife or saw, cut them to the right length before pouring the concrete, and recycle the scraps. These tubes are biodegradable, so you can leave them around your footings. Or, if you want to cut them away, apply a mold-release lubricant to the inside of the tubes before pouring the concrete. To make sure the concrete is dry, wait at least 48 hours before removing the tubes. They meet OSHA 1910.1200, which means they won’t release more than trace amounts of hazardous chemicals and won’t pose a physical hazard or health risk to employees.

To help prevent these tubes from tipping over or lifting out of the ground, and to add extra load-bearing capacity, use footing forms. If tubes extend more than two feet out of the ground, additional support such as wooden frames or side braces may be needed to keep them vertical. Do not let them extend more than three feet out of the ground.