Durable, level concrete surfaces for sheds, garages, equipment pads, and more.
Concrete slabs and flatwork are the foundation for just about everything you build on your property. Whether you need a pad for a shed, a floor for a garage, a base for equipment, or a level surface for storage, concrete gives you a stable, long-lasting platform. When it's done right, a concrete slab will outlast most of what you put on top of it.
Flatwork is the general term for any flat, horizontal concrete surface. It includes driveways, patios, walkways, slabs, and floors. Basically, if it's concrete and you walk, drive, or build on it, it's flatwork. Slabs specifically refer to thicker concrete pads designed to support structures, equipment, or heavy loads.
The key difference between a simple patio and a structural slab is thickness, reinforcement, and base preparation. A patio might be 4 inches thick with light reinforcement. A slab for a garage or workshop might be 6 inches or more with heavier rebar and a more robust base. We design each slab based on what you're putting on it.
No matter the size or purpose, all flatwork depends on proper grading, compaction, and drainage. If the ground isn't prepped correctly, the slab will settle, crack, or hold water. We take the time to do the prep work right so your slab performs for decades.
Concrete slabs serve a wide range of purposes around your home and property:
Each use case has different requirements for thickness, reinforcement, and finish. We'll assess what you're planning and recommend the right specs for your project. If you're also considering a new driveway or other concrete work, we can often pour everything at once to save time and money.
Installing a concrete slab that lasts requires attention to every step. Here's what we do:
First, we mark out the area and excavate to the proper depth. Depending on the slab's purpose, we typically dig down 8 to 12 inches to allow room for the base and concrete. We remove any organic material, roots, or debris that could cause settling.
Next, we build a compacted gravel base, usually 4 to 6 inches thick. This base provides drainage and prevents the slab from sinking. We use a plate compactor to ensure the base is solid and level. If the soil is soft or expansive clay, we may add extra base material or use geotextile fabric for stability.
We set up forms to define the slab's edges and add a slight slope for drainage if needed. Then we place rebar or wire mesh reinforcement inside the forms. The reinforcement helps the slab handle tension and prevents large cracks from forming.
We pour the concrete, screed it level, and finish the surface. For garage floors and equipment pads, we typically use a smooth troweled finish. For outdoor slabs, a broom finish adds traction. After finishing, we cut control joints and let the concrete cure properly before you use it.
The most common cause of slab failure is poor base preparation. If the ground underneath isn't stable and well-drained, the slab will settle unevenly. That leads to cracks, tilting, and structural problems.
In Pomona, our soil varies from sandy to heavy clay. Clay soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry, which puts stress on concrete. That's why we always use a thick gravel base and proper compaction. The gravel doesn't absorb water, so it stays stable year-round.
We also make sure water drains away from the slab. Standing water undermines the base and causes erosion. By grading the area and adding slope where needed, we keep your slab dry and supported. This attention to detail is what separates a slab that lasts from one that fails in a few years. If you need help with an existing failing slab, check out our concrete repair services.
Tell us what you're building and we'll design a slab that meets your needs. Free quotes and professional advice.
Call (909) 868-1669