Concrete Slabs & Flatwork

What Is Concrete Flatwork and When Do You Need It

Flatwork is the term we use for any horizontal concrete surface. This includes garage floors, shed pads, equipment pads for air conditioners or generators, basement floors, barn floors, and even large workshop or storage areas. Basically, if you need a flat, strong surface to support weight and withstand daily use, that is flatwork.

In Lowell, we pour slabs for all kinds of projects. Homeowners need them for detached garages, storage sheds, and backyard workshops. Businesses use them for equipment pads, loading areas, and warehouse floors. No matter what you are building on top of the slab, it needs to be level, properly reinforced, and built to handle the load without cracking or settling. That is where we come in.

How We Pour Slabs That Stay Level

A slab is only as good as what sits underneath it. If the ground is not prepared correctly, your slab will settle, crack, or heave no matter how thick the concrete is. We start every slab project by removing soft soil, grass, roots, and debris. Then we bring in compacted gravel to create a stable base that drains water away and supports the weight of the concrete and whatever you put on top of it.

Our Slab Installation Process

• Site evaluation and measurement for proper sizing
• Excavation to required depth (usually 8 to 12 inches total)
• Gravel base installation compacted in layers
• Vapor barrier placement to prevent moisture intrusion
• Wire mesh or rebar reinforcement for strength
• Form installation to create level edges
• Concrete pour with proper thickness (4 to 6 inches typical)
• Screeding and floating for smooth, level finish
• Control joints cut to manage cracking
• Proper curing for maximum strength

Common Uses for Concrete Slabs

Garage floors are one of our most common slab projects. Whether you are building a new detached garage or replacing a cracked old floor, we pour slabs that handle vehicle weight, tools, and daily use. We can add a broom finish for traction or seal the surface to resist oil stains and make cleanup easier.

Shed pads are another popular request. Instead of setting your shed on dirt or blocks that shift over time, a concrete pad gives you a permanent, level base that keeps your shed dry and prevents floor rot. Equipment pads for HVAC units, generators, or hot tubs are smaller but just as important. These pads need to be perfectly level and strong enough to support heavy equipment without sinking or tilting.

We also handle larger commercial flatwork like warehouse floors, workshop slabs, and loading areas. If you need a foundation for a building, we can coordinate with your contractor to pour slabs that meet structural requirements and local building codes.

Choosing the Right Thickness and Reinforcement

Not all slabs need to be the same thickness. A small shed pad can be 4 inches thick, but a garage floor should be at least 5 to 6 inches to handle vehicle weight. Heavy equipment pads may need 6 to 8 inches or more depending on the load. We will calculate the right thickness for your project based on what you plan to use it for.

Reinforcement is just as important as thickness. Wire mesh or rebar helps distribute weight and prevents large cracks from forming. For high-load applications, we use thicker rebar on a tighter grid. For lighter use, standard wire mesh is usually enough. We will recommend the right reinforcement for your needs and budget.

Concrete Slab Questions Answered