Concrete Slabs & Flatwork

What Is Concrete Flatwork

Concrete flatwork refers to any horizontal concrete surface. This includes slabs for sheds, garage floors, workshop foundations, equipment pads, basketball courts, and more. Basically, if you need a solid, level concrete surface for any purpose, that's flatwork.

A well-poured concrete slab gives you a stable, long-lasting foundation for whatever you're building. Whether you're adding a storage shed to your backyard, converting your garage into a workshop, or need a pad for your RV or boat, proper concrete work is essential. The slab needs to be level, properly reinforced, and built to handle the weight and use it will see.

We pour concrete slabs for residential and commercial properties throughout San Clemente. From small utility pads to large shop floors, we have the equipment and experience to handle projects of any size. Learn more about all our professional concrete services.

Key Factors in Slab Construction

Not all concrete slabs are created equal. The thickness, reinforcement, and base preparation vary depending on what the slab needs to support. A small shed floor has different requirements than a garage that will hold vehicles and heavy equipment. We design each slab for its specific purpose.

Here's what we consider for every flatwork project:

• Intended use and load requirements to determine proper thickness
• Soil conditions that affect base preparation and potential settling
• Drainage planning to prevent water pooling or running toward structures
• Reinforcement needs using rebar or wire mesh for strength
• Control joint placement to manage natural concrete movement

Standard residential slabs are typically 4-6 inches thick with wire mesh reinforcement. Garages and areas that will support vehicles usually require 6 inches or more with rebar reinforcement. We follow local building codes and engineering best practices to ensure your slab performs well for decades.

Common Applications

We pour concrete slabs for many different uses. Shed foundations are one of the most popular projects. A proper concrete base keeps your shed level, prevents rot from ground contact, and provides a clean, dry floor. Garage floors need to handle vehicle weight and potential oil or chemical spills, so we use specific concrete mixes and sealers for these applications.

Equipment pads are another common request. If you have an HVAC unit, generator, pool pump, or other equipment that needs a stable base, a concrete pad is the right solution. We size and reinforce these pads based on the equipment specifications and local code requirements.

Some homeowners want concrete slabs for recreational purposes like basketball courts or as the base for above-ground pools. Others need concrete floors for workshops, studios, or converted spaces. Whatever your project, we can design and install the right concrete slab. We also handle driveway installations and foundation work for larger projects.

The Installation Process

Proper slab installation starts with site evaluation and preparation. We check the soil conditions, determine the proper base depth, and mark out your slab location precisely. Excavation follows, removing soil to the required depth and ensuring the area is level and properly graded.

Next comes base installation, typically crushed rock or gravel that gets thoroughly compacted. This base layer prevents settling and provides drainage so water doesn't accumulate under your slab. We install forms to the exact dimensions of your slab and check them carefully for level and square.

After placing reinforcement, we pour the concrete, working quickly to place and finish it properly before it starts to set. The finishing process creates the right surface texture for your needs. Finally, proper curing ensures your slab reaches full strength. Most slabs can handle light foot traffic after 24-48 hours but should cure for at least a week before heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions