Concrete Slabs & Flatwork
Level, durable concrete surfaces for sheds, garages, workshops, and commercial spaces.
When you need a solid, flat concrete surface for a shed, garage, workshop, or commercial building, you need professional flatwork that's built right from the ground up. A good concrete slab provides a stable base that won't settle, crack, or heave over time. Whether you're building a new structure or replacing an old slab, proper installation makes all the difference in how long your concrete lasts.
We pour quality concrete slabs and flatwork throughout Gilroy. Our team understands the local soil conditions and knows how to prepare sites properly to prevent the settling and cracking issues that plague poorly installed slabs. We handle everything from small shed pads to large commercial floors.
Common Slab Applications
Concrete slabs serve many purposes around your property. Here are the most common applications we handle for Gilroy homes and businesses.
- •Garage Floors: A level, strong slab supports vehicles, tools, and equipment while resisting oil stains and tire marks.
- •Shed Foundations: Proper slab foundations keep sheds level and prevent wood rot from ground contact.
- •Workshop Floors: Thick, reinforced slabs handle heavy equipment and provide a clean working surface.
- •Equipment Pads: AC units, generators, and pool equipment need stable, level bases that keep machinery off the ground.
- •Basketball Courts: Smooth, level slabs create perfect surfaces for outdoor sports and recreation.
- •Commercial Floors: Retail spaces, warehouses, and industrial buildings all need durable concrete floors that handle daily use.
What Makes a Quality Slab
Not all concrete slabs are created equal. Several factors determine whether your slab will last for decades or develop problems within a few years. Here's what we do to ensure quality results.
Proper Site Preparation
We start by excavating to the correct depth and removing all organic material that could decompose and cause settling. The subgrade must be stable and properly compacted. In areas with poor soil, we may recommend additional base depth or soil stabilization. This is especially important in Gilroy where clay soils can expand and contract with moisture changes.
Adequate Base Material
A 4 to 6 inch layer of compacted gravel provides drainage and stable support under the slab. We compact the base thoroughly to prevent settling. Skipping or skimping on base preparation is the number one cause of slab problems. We never cut corners on this critical step.
Proper Thickness and Reinforcement
Most residential slabs should be at least 4 inches thick. Garage floors and areas with heavy loads need 6 inches or more. We add wire mesh or rebar reinforcement to control cracking and add structural strength. The specific reinforcement depends on the slab's purpose and the loads it will carry. Similar to our foundation work, proper reinforcement is critical for longevity.
Control Joints
We cut or form control joints in the slab to direct any cracking to predetermined locations where it won't be visible or problematic. Without control joints, concrete cracks randomly wherever stress concentrates. Proper joint placement prevents unsightly cracks and maintains structural integrity.
Our Slab Installation Process
We follow a systematic process that ensures your slab will perform well for decades. After site preparation and base installation, we set forms to define the slab edges and ensure proper thickness. We check that everything is level and square before pouring.
On pour day, we place the concrete carefully, working it into all areas of the form. We level and smooth the surface, using laser levels to ensure accuracy. For garage floors and other areas where drainage matters, we create a slight slope toward doors or drains.
After finishing, we cut control joints and apply curing compound to prevent rapid moisture loss. Proper curing is essential for achieving full strength and preventing surface cracks. We also offer services like concrete patios if you need additional flatwork around your property.
Get Your Slab Project Started
Ready to pour a new slab for your garage, shed, or other project? We provide free estimates that include all prep work, materials, and finishing. Call us today to discuss your needs and get an accurate quote for your concrete slab project.