Concrete Slabs & Flatwork

What Is Concrete Flatwork?

Flatwork refers to any horizontal concrete surface poured at ground level. This includes garage floors, shed pads, equipment pads, basketball courts, dog runs, and other flat concrete applications. While the term sounds simple, quality flatwork requires the same attention to detail as any other concrete project.

Here in Fontana, we pour concrete slabs for all kinds of residential uses. Maybe you need a solid base for a storage shed, a level floor for a new garage, or a pad for an RV or boat. Whatever your needs, proper slab construction ensures a flat, stable surface that will serve you well for decades.

Common Slab Applications

Concrete slabs solve many practical problems around your property. Here are the most common flatwork projects we complete for Fontana homeowners:

• Garage floors for new construction or detached garages
• Storage shed pads providing a level, dry foundation
• RV and boat parking pads that handle heavy loads
• Air conditioner and equipment pads for HVAC units and pool equipment
• Basketball and sport courts for family recreation
• Dog runs and kennel floors with proper drainage
• Workshop and workspace floors for hobby areas
• Trash and recycling bin pads keeping containers stable and accessible

Our Slab Installation Process

A concrete slab might look straightforward, but the quality of the finished product depends entirely on preparation and technique. We follow proven methods that deliver slabs that stay level and crack-free.

Site Evaluation and Preparation

We start by evaluating your site conditions. Is the ground level, or does it need grading? What about drainage? We need to direct water away from the slab to prevent undermining and settling. After we mark the area, we excavate to the proper depth, typically 6 to 8 inches depending on the slab's intended use and soil conditions.

Base and Reinforcement

A stable base is critical for any slab. We add a layer of compacted gravel that provides both support and drainage. For slabs that will support vehicles or heavy equipment, we increase the base thickness and ensure thorough compaction. We also install reinforcement such as rebar or wire mesh to add tensile strength and control cracking.

Pouring and Finishing

We pour concrete at the proper thickness for your application, typically 4 inches for light use and 6 inches for vehicle traffic or heavy loads. Our crew levels and smooths the surface, creating a flat plane with proper slope for drainage if needed. The finishing process creates the surface texture, from smooth trowel finish for garages to broom finish for outdoor pads that need traction.

Choosing the Right Thickness and Strength

Not all slabs need the same specifications. A small equipment pad requires different construction than a garage floor that will support vehicles. We help you determine the right thickness, concrete strength, and reinforcement based on your intended use.

Standard residential slabs range from 4 to 6 inches thick. Light-duty applications like storage sheds can use 4-inch slabs, while areas supporting vehicles or heavy equipment need 6 inches or more. The concrete mix design also matters, with stronger mixes specified for high-traffic or heavy-load applications.

If you are planning multiple concrete projects, we can coordinate them for efficiency and cost savings. Many homeowners combine a new driveway with equipment pads or extend a patio slab to include a grill area or fire pit pad.

Frequently Asked Questions