Concrete Slabs & Flatwork

What is Concrete Flatwork?

Flatwork is the industry term for any horizontal concrete surface. This includes slabs for buildings, garage floors, shed foundations, warehouse floors, and commercial spaces. While it might sound simple, proper flatwork requires precision, experience, and attention to detail. A poorly installed slab can lead to cracking, settling, drainage problems, and costly repairs down the road.

In Portland, we deal with soil conditions that can shift and settle, plus freeze-thaw cycles that put stress on concrete. That's why we don't cut corners on site preparation or materials. When you need a concrete slab that stays level and strong for decades, proper installation from the start is everything.

Where We Install Concrete Slabs

We handle all types of slab and flatwork projects:

• •Garage Floors: Level, durable surfaces for vehicles, tools, and equipment
• •Shed Foundations: Stable bases for storage buildings and outbuildings
• •Workshop Floors: Heavy-duty slabs that handle machinery and equipment
• •Commercial Floors: Warehouse, retail, and industrial concrete surfaces
• •Equipment Pads: Solid platforms for HVAC units, generators, and machinery
• •Basketball Courts: Level playing surfaces with proper drainage

Each application has different requirements for thickness, reinforcement, and finish. A garage floor needs different specifications than an equipment pad. We size everything correctly based on what the slab needs to support. For residential projects, we also handle driveways and patios with the same attention to detail.

How We Build Concrete Slabs

A quality slab starts below ground. We excavate to the proper depth and prepare a stable subbase. For most slabs, this means 4-6 inches of compacted gravel that provides drainage and prevents settling. The compaction step is critical. Loose base material will eventually settle, taking your concrete with it.

Next, we install any necessary reinforcement. This might be rebar for heavy loads or wire mesh for standard slabs. We also add a vapor barrier if the slab will be inside a building to prevent moisture from seeping up through the concrete. These details matter for long-term performance.

We pour concrete to the specified thickness, typically 4-6 inches for most applications. The concrete is leveled with laser-guided screeds for precision, then finished to your desired texture. Some slabs get a smooth trowel finish, others get a broom finish for traction. We also install control joints to manage cracking and ensure proper drainage slope where needed.

If you're planning concrete work in Portland, remember that proper curing is the final step. We protect the fresh concrete and give it time to reach full strength before it's used. This patience prevents surface damage and ensures you get the full lifespan from your investment.

Finish Options for Your Slab

The finish you choose depends on how the slab will be used. Garage floors often get a broom finish for traction. Warehouse floors might be power troweled to a smooth, dense surface. Commercial spaces sometimes get polished concrete for a sleek, modern look. We can also apply colored or decorative finishes if appearance matters for your project.

Concrete Slab Questions