Concrete Slabs & Flatwork
Solid, level concrete surfaces for sheds, garages, workshops, and any structure that needs a strong foundation.
What Is Concrete Flatwork
Flatwork refers to any horizontal concrete surface. This includes slabs for sheds, garages, RV parking, basketball courts, equipment pads, and more. The term covers everything from small 8x10 storage shed floors to large commercial slabs. What they all have in common is the need for a perfectly level surface that can support heavy loads without cracking or settling.
At ClearView El Monte Concrete, we specialize in residential and commercial concrete work throughout the El Monte area. Whether you need a slab for a new structure or want to replace an old, damaged one, we handle every aspect of the job. The key to long- lasting flatwork is getting the foundation right from the start.
Why Proper Base Preparation Matters
A concrete slab is only as good as what sits underneath it. Here in El Monte, soil conditions vary from property to property. Some areas have stable soil, while others have clay that expands and contracts with moisture. We assess your site before starting work and prepare the base accordingly. Here is what goes into proper preparation:
- Site evaluation: We check soil type, drainage, and grade to identify potential problems.
- Excavation: We dig down to stable soil and remove any organic material that could decompose.
- Gravel base: A compacted layer of crushed gravel provides drainage and prevents settling.
- Vapor barrier: Plastic sheeting stops moisture from wicking up into the concrete.
- Reinforcement: Rebar or wire mesh adds tensile strength to prevent cracking.
Common Slab Applications
We pour concrete slabs for all kinds of projects. Storage sheds and workshops need a level floor that keeps moisture out. Garage slabs need extra thickness to handle vehicle weight. RV parking pads must support thousands of pounds concentrated on a few small tires. Equipment pads for air conditioners, generators, or pool equipment need precise leveling and proper drainage.
Each application has specific requirements. A shed floor might be 4 inches thick, while a garage slab needs 6 inches. Heavy equipment might require 8 inches or more. We calculate the right thickness based on what the slab will support. Using the wrong thickness is one of the most common mistakes we see, and it leads to premature cracking and failure.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Slabs
Slabs for buildings that will be enclosed, like garages or workshops, have different needs than exposed outdoor slabs. Indoor slabs can have a smoother finish since they will not get wet. We still slope them slightly toward the door for drainage, but the slope is minimal. Outdoor slabs need more texture to prevent slipping and require more aggressive slope to handle rain runoff.
For exposed slabs like patios or RV pads, we also need to think about how the concrete will look. A garage floor just needs to be functional, but an outdoor pad is visible and affects your property's appearance. We can add color, texture, or a broom finish to make it look intentional rather than industrial.