Concrete Slabs & Flatwork

What Are Concrete Slabs and Flatwork

Concrete flatwork includes any horizontal concrete surface that provides a level, durable base for buildings or activities. This covers garage floors, shed foundations, workshop slabs, equipment pads, basketball courts, dog runs, and general-purpose slabs for storage or work areas.

These slabs need to be flat, level, and strong enough for their intended use. A shed foundation has different requirements than a garage floor that will support vehicles. We design and build each slab based on what you'll be using it for. That means choosing the right thickness, adding proper reinforcement, and preparing the base to prevent settlement.

Common Applications

Garage and Workshop Floors

Your garage floor takes a beating from vehicles, tools, and equipment. We pour garage slabs at least 4 inches thick, typically 5 or 6 inches for areas where you'll park heavy vehicles. We add wire mesh or rebar for reinforcement and finish the surface smooth enough for easy cleaning but textured enough for traction.

Shed and Storage Building Foundations

A level slab keeps your shed from racking and doors from sticking. We pour shed foundations slightly larger than the building footprint to provide a clean edge and keep the structure above ground moisture. Proper grading around the slab prevents water from pooling against your building.

Equipment Pads and Utility Slabs

Air conditioning units, generators, and water heaters need stable, level platforms. We build equipment pads to manufacturer specifications, ensuring proper drainage and access. For properties needing comprehensive concrete solutions, we also handle driveway installations and other major flatwork projects.

How We Build Quality Slabs

• Site evaluation: We look at soil conditions, drainage, existing utilities, and access for equipment. These factors affect how we approach the job.
• Proper excavation: We excavate to the right depth, removing soft or organic soil that could settle. In Carson's clay soils, this step is critical.
• Base preparation: We add and compact a gravel base layer. This provides drainage under the slab and creates a stable platform that won't settle.
• Correct thickness: Slab thickness depends on use. Light-duty slabs are 4 inches. Heavy-duty areas go 5 to 6 inches or more.
• Reinforcement: We add steel reinforcement (wire mesh or rebar) to control cracking and increase load capacity.
• Quality concrete: We use the right concrete mix for your application, not whatever is cheapest.
• Proper finishing: The surface finish depends on use. Garage floors get a smooth trowel finish. Outdoor slabs get broom texture for traction.
• Adequate curing: We protect the fresh concrete and allow proper curing time before heavy use.

Why Base Preparation Matters

The base under your concrete slab is just as important as the concrete itself. Many slab failures happen because of poor base preparation, not because of problems with the concrete. When the soil under a slab isn't properly compacted, it settles unevenly. This creates voids under the slab. Eventually the concrete cracks or sinks into those voids.

Carson's expansive clay soils can cause movement if not properly addressed. We take extra care with base prep in our area. This might mean removing more soil than you'd expect and replacing it with compacted gravel base. It adds a bit to the upfront cost but prevents expensive repairs down the road. For complete foundation solutions including deeper structural work, check out our foundation and footing services.

Planning Your Slab Project

Before we start, think about how you'll use the slab. Will vehicles drive or park on it? Do you need utility connections like electrical conduit or plumbing stubouts? How about drainage? These decisions need to be made before we pour because making changes later is expensive.

We walk you through these questions during our consultation. We can suggest solutions you might not have considered. We also handle any required permits and make sure the work meets local building codes. Ready to add a functional concrete slab to your property? Contact GoldGate Carson Concrete Masters for a free consultation and estimate.

Slab and Flatwork FAQs