Concrete Slabs & Flatwork
Strong, level concrete slabs for sheds, garages, equipment pads, and any project that needs a solid foundation.
What Is Concrete Flatwork?
Flatwork is the term we use for any horizontal concrete surface like slabs, floors, or pads. These are the workhorses of concrete construction. They do not have decorative patterns or fancy finishes. Instead, they provide a flat, solid base for buildings, equipment, or storage.
In Tustin, homeowners use concrete slabs for all kinds of projects. Maybe you need a pad for your new shed, a workshop floor, an RV parking area, or a base for an outdoor kitchen. Businesses need slabs for equipment, loading zones, or building expansions. In every case, the goal is the same: a level, durable surface that carries weight without settling or cracking.
While flatwork might seem simple compared to decorative concrete, it still requires proper technique. The difference between a slab that lasts 5 years and one that lasts 50 comes down to site prep, base material, concrete thickness, and finishing methods.
Common Types of Concrete Slabs We Pour
We install concrete slabs for a wide range of residential and commercial applications:
- Shed and storage building pads: Level bases for prefab sheds, storage buildings, or workshop structures
- Garage floors: Smooth, sealed floors that resist oil stains and handle vehicle weight
- Equipment pads: Heavy-duty slabs for HVAC units, generators, hot tubs, or machinery
- RV and boat parking: Large reinforced slabs designed for heavy vehicle storage
- Basketball and sport courts: Precision-leveled slabs for outdoor recreation
- Commercial floors: Interior and exterior slabs for warehouses, retail spaces, or industrial facilities
- Outdoor kitchen and BBQ islands: Custom slabs that support built-in grills and counters
Each application has different requirements for thickness, reinforcement, and finish. We design and build the slab to match how you will use it, ensuring it performs well for decades.
How We Build a Quality Slab
A concrete slab is only as good as what is underneath it. We start every project by evaluating the soil and drainage at your site. Soft or organic soil gets removed and replaced with compacted fill. Poor drainage gets addressed with grading or drain systems.
Next, we excavate to the proper depth and install a gravel base, typically 4-6 inches of compacted crushed rock. This base prevents settling, provides drainage, and creates a stable platform for the concrete. For areas with heavy loads or poor soil, we may recommend additional base depth or soil stabilization.
We set up forms to define the slab edges and ensure correct height and slope. Then we add steel reinforcement (rebar or wire mesh) to prevent cracking and increase load capacity. Slab thickness depends on use: 4 inches for light-duty applications like shed pads, 5-6 inches for garages and heavy equipment, and 6-8 inches for commercial or industrial uses.
After pouring and leveling the concrete, we finish the surface to your specifications. Most slabs get a smooth trowel finish or light broom finish for traction. We cut control joints to direct where cracks form if they happen, and we seal the surface if requested to protect against stains and moisture.
Why Proper Installation Matters
We see plenty of failed concrete slabs around Tustin. They crack within a year, settle unevenly, or develop drainage problems. Almost always, the issue traces back to poor base preparation or skipping important steps to save time.
When you hire us, you get a team that does it right the first time. We do not cut corners on base prep, concrete thickness, or reinforcement. Our slabs stay level and solid for decades because we follow proven construction methods and use quality materials.
We also coordinate with other concrete work you might need. If you are building a new garage, we can pour the foundation and floor slab. If you want a workshop with a driveway leading to it, we handle both so everything flows together properly.