Concrete Slabs & Flatwork

What Is Concrete Flatwork?

Concrete flatwork refers to any horizontal concrete surface that sits close to ground level. This includes slabs for sheds, garages, workshops, equipment pads, RV parking, basketball courts, and commercial floors. Unlike decorative work like stamped concrete, flatwork focuses on strength, durability, and functionality.

Whether you need a solid base for a storage building, a level surface for parking heavy equipment, or a smooth floor for a workshop, quality flatwork installation is essential. Here in Little Elm, TX, we know how to build slabs that handle our clay soil, temperature swings, and heavy loads without cracking or settling.

Common Uses for Concrete Slabs

We install concrete slabs for a wide range of residential and commercial applications:

• Shed and storage building pads: Stable, level base that prevents settling
• Garage and workshop floors: Smooth, durable surface that handles vehicle weight
• Equipment pads: Reinforced slabs for HVAC units, generators, or machinery
• RV and boat parking: Heavy-duty slabs designed for large vehicles
• Basketball and sport courts: Level playing surfaces with proper drainage
• Commercial warehouse floors: Industrial-strength slabs for heavy loads and traffic

Each application requires specific thickness, reinforcement, and finishing techniques. A shed pad might only need 4 inches of concrete, while a heavy equipment pad could require 6 to 8 inches with extra rebar. We design and build each slab to match how you plan to use it.

Why Proper Base Preparation Is Critical

The biggest cause of slab failure is poor base preparation. If the ground underneath is not stable and compacted, the concrete will settle unevenly and crack. We start every project by excavating to the proper depth, removing soft or unstable soil, and bringing in crushed gravel or road base.

We then compact the base in layers using a mechanical compactor. This creates a solid, stable foundation that will not shift under the weight of the concrete and whatever loads you place on it. We also grade the base to ensure proper drainage, so water does not pool under the slab and cause problems later. These steps take time, but they are what separate a slab that lasts from one that fails within a few years.

Reinforcement and Finishing for Long Life

Depending on the load and use, we reinforce slabs with wire mesh or steel rebar. For lighter applications like shed pads, wire mesh is usually sufficient. For heavier uses like garage floors or equipment pads, we use rebar placed on chairs to keep it in the center of the slab. This internal reinforcement prevents cracking and helps the concrete handle weight and stress.

After pouring, we finish the surface to match your needs. A smooth trowel finish works well for indoor spaces or areas under cover. A broom finish adds texture for outdoor slabs where traction matters. We also cut control joints to manage natural expansion and contraction, which keeps cracks controlled and mostly invisible. Similar techniques are used for driveway installations to ensure long-lasting results.

Frequently Asked Questions