Concrete Slabs & Flatwork

What Is Concrete Flatwork

Flatwork refers to any horizontal concrete surface that sits at or near ground level. This includes garage floors, shed pads, workshop slabs, basketball courts, equipment pads, and commercial floors. Basically, if you need a flat, level concrete surface that is not a driveway, patio, or walkway, that is flatwork.

These projects might not be as visible as your front driveway, but they are just as important. A poorly installed slab leads to problems. Garages with uneven floors make working difficult. Shed pads that settle cause doors to stick and structures to rack. Equipment pads that crack can damage expensive machinery.

We install concrete slabs and flatwork throughout Bellflower and surrounding areas for both residential and commercial clients. Whether you need a simple storage shed pad or a large commercial floor, we bring the same attention to detail and quality workmanship.

Common Flatwork Applications

Here are the most common types of concrete slabs and flatwork we install for homeowners and businesses in Bellflower.

• •Garage Floors: Level surfaces for parking, storage, and workspace. Proper garage floors include slope for drainage, adequate thickness for vehicle weight, and smooth finishes that are easy to clean.
• •Storage Shed Pads: Flat bases for prefab sheds or custom built storage buildings. The slab keeps your shed level, prevents floor rot, and stops rodents from burrowing underneath.
• •Workshop Floors: Heavy-duty slabs for home workshops and hobby spaces. These need extra thickness to support heavy equipment and tools without cracking or breaking.
• •Equipment Pads: Stable platforms for air conditioning units, generators, hot tubs, storage tanks, and other equipment. Proper pads distribute weight and provide level mounting surfaces.
• •RV Pads: Wide parking areas strong enough for recreational vehicles and trailers. RV pads need extra thickness and reinforcement to handle concentrated wheel loads.
• •Basketball and Sport Courts: Level playing surfaces with proper dimensions and finishes. We can add color and line marking for basketball, pickleball, or other sports.
• •Commercial Floors: Warehouse floors, retail spaces, and industrial work areas. Commercial projects require permits, specific load ratings, and code compliance.

Slab Thickness and Strength

Not all slabs need the same thickness. The right thickness depends on what you are supporting and what kind of loads the slab will handle. Here is how we determine proper thickness for different applications.

Light Duty Slabs

Small storage sheds, dog runs, and light equipment pads typically need 4 inches of concrete. This works for foot traffic and light loads. We still use proper base preparation and wire mesh reinforcement to prevent cracking.

Standard Residential Slabs

Garage floors, workshops, and standard sheds need 4 to 5 inches of concrete with rebar reinforcement. This handles regular vehicle traffic and workshop equipment. Most residential flatwork falls into this category.

Heavy Duty Slabs

RV parking, heavy equipment storage, and commercial spaces often require 6 inches or more. We use rebar grids and may specify higher strength concrete mixes. The goal is preventing cracking and deflection under heavy loads.

Specialized Applications

Some projects have unique requirements. Hot tub pads need to support thousands of pounds of water weight. Industrial floors might need chemical resistance. We engineer each slab for its specific use rather than using one-size-fits-all approaches.

Grading and Drainage Considerations

Even flat slabs need proper drainage. Water that pools on concrete or sits underneath causes problems. Here is how we handle drainage for different flatwork applications.

Garage Floors

Garage floors should slope slightly toward the door so water runs out. We typically create a slope of about 1/8 inch per foot. This is enough for drainage but not enough to notice when parking or working. Some garages also need floor drains for washing vehicles or managing snow melt.

Outdoor Slabs

Sheds, equipment pads, and other outdoor slabs need to shed water away from structures and toward proper drainage. We grade the surrounding ground to direct water away from the slab. The slab itself sits slightly above grade to prevent water from running onto it.

Below-Grade Slabs

Basements and sunken garage floors require more complex drainage systems. We install gravel beds, vapor barriers, and sometimes perimeter drains to manage groundwater. These slabs need careful attention to prevent moisture problems and cracking.

Finish Options for Slabs

The surface finish affects how your slab looks and functions. Different applications call for different finishes. Here are the most common options we provide.

Smooth Trowel Finish

Smooth finishes work well for garage floors and indoor spaces. They are easy to sweep and clean. However, smooth concrete can be slippery when wet, so this finish works best for covered or indoor locations.

Broom Finish

This adds light texture for slip resistance. Broom finishes work for outdoor slabs, ramps, and areas where traction matters. The texture prevents slipping in wet conditions while remaining comfortable for walking.

Exposed Aggregate

For decorative applications, exposed aggregate creates visual interest and excellent traction. This works well for recreational areas like sport courts or outdoor workshop spaces.

Sealed or Coated

We can apply sealers, epoxy coatings, or other protective finishes. These enhance appearance, make cleaning easier, and protect concrete from stains and wear. Epoxy floors are popular for garages and workshops because they resist oil, chemicals, and impact damage.

Common Questions About Concrete Slabs