Questions
Frequently asked questions
How thick should my concrete slab be?
Four inches is standard for shed pads and light foot traffic. For a garage, workshop, or anywhere you park vehicles, we usually go five to six inches with reinforcement. The right thickness depends on the loads, so we match it to how you will use the slab.
Do I need rebar or wire mesh in my slab?
Both control cracking, but they do different jobs. Wire mesh helps hold shrinkage cracks tight on lighter slabs, while rebar adds real structural strength for heavier loads like garages and shops. For many slabs we use one or the other, and for heavy-duty pours we use rebar on chairs so the steel sits in the middle of the slab.
Why does the base matter so much?
The base is what actually holds the slab up. A compacted gravel base gives uniform support and lets water drain away instead of pooling under the concrete and freezing. Pour a slab straight on loose or uneven dirt and it will settle and crack, no matter how good the concrete is.
Will my slab crack in Ohio winters?
All concrete can crack, but the goal is to control where and keep cracks tight. We use an air-entrained mix that handles freeze-thaw, cut control joints so the slab cracks along the lines instead of randomly, and prep the base so water drains away. Done right, cracking is minor and cosmetic rather than structural.
Do you pour footings for garages and outbuildings?
Yes. When a structure needs to bear on the ground, we form and pour footings at the depth the design calls for, then tie the slab or walls to them. Footings spread the load and keep the structure from settling.
How long before I can use my new slab?
You can usually walk on it within a day or so, but concrete keeps gaining strength for weeks. We will tell you when it is ready for foot traffic and when it can take vehicles or heavy loads, which is typically longer for thicker slabs.
