Concrete Slabs & Flatwork

What is Flatwork

Flatwork is the term contractors use for any concrete poured horizontally at ground level. This includes everything from simple shed pads to large garage floors. It's called flatwork because, well, it's flat. Unlike vertical concrete work like walls or foundations, flatwork creates level surfaces for various purposes around your property.

In Crown Point, we pour flatwork slabs for all kinds of uses. Maybe you need a pad for a new storage shed. Perhaps you're building a detached garage and need a floor. Or you might want a concrete pad for your RV, boat, or outdoor equipment. Whatever the purpose, the goal is the same: create a solid, level surface that handles weight and weather without issues.

The key difference between various flatwork projects is the thickness and reinforcement required. A small shed pad might only need 4 inches of concrete, while a pad for parking heavy equipment might require 6 inches or more with additional steel reinforcement. We calculate the right specifications based on what you'll be placing on the slab.

Common Applications

Here are the most common types of concrete slabs we install for Crown Point homeowners:

• Shed pads and storage building floors
• Garage floors for detached or attached garages
• Equipment pads for generators, HVAC units, or pool equipment
• RV and boat parking pads
• Workshop and hobby building floors
• Basketball courts and sports surfaces
• Barn floors and agricultural slabs

Each application has different requirements. A basketball court needs a very smooth, level finish. An RV pad needs extra thickness and reinforcement. Generator pads might need special anchoring points. We've done it all and know what works best for each situation. The preparation and execution remain just as important whether we're pouring a small equipment pad or a large garage floor.

Installation Process

Professional slab installation starts below ground. We excavate the area to the proper depth, removing topsoil and organic material that could decompose and cause settling. Then we bring in crushed stone or gravel for the base layer. This base gets compacted thoroughly because any settling after the pour leads to cracks and uneven surfaces.

Next, we set forms to define the slab edges and establish the correct height. For most slabs, we add wire mesh or rebar reinforcement to prevent cracking. The reinforcement type and spacing depends on the slab's purpose and size. Once everything is ready, we pour the concrete, screed it level, and apply the appropriate finish.

Finishing matters too. A smooth troweled finish works well for garage floors. A broom finish provides traction for outdoor slabs. For specialized uses, we can add different textures or patterns. We also saw control joints at the right intervals to manage where cracks occur as the concrete expands and contracts. Proper curing follows, which means keeping the concrete moist and protected for several days.

Why Proper Base Matters

We can't stress this enough: the base under your concrete slab matters more than almost anything else. You can use the best concrete mix available, but if the base isn't right, you'll have problems. A proper base prevents settling, provides drainage, and helps the concrete perform as it should.

Indiana soil conditions make base preparation especially important. We have clay-heavy soil in many areas that expands when wet and shrinks when dry. This movement can cause concrete to heave and crack. A well-compacted gravel base creates a stable platform that drains water and doesn't shift with moisture changes.

When you hire Built4You Crown Point Concrete, you get contractors who understand local soil conditions and take base preparation seriously. We've seen too many DIY slabs and cheap contractor jobs fail because they skipped or rushed this crucial step. Our slabs last because we do the foundation work right, similar to how we approach driveway installation.

Frequently Asked Questions