Things to Consider When Laying a Concrete Slab

A concrete slab is an essential part of many different structures in Australia, including sheds, garages, houses and driveways. There are a number of things to consider when laying a concrete slab, including cost.

Pricing quotes that start with “from $40/m2” are indicative and vary by location, demand and market conditions. Other factors that influence costs include:

1. Strength

The integrity of a residential or commercial building relies on the strength of the slab on which it is laid. This is why it is critical to ensure that the concrete slab is constructed to a high standard.

Proper preparation of the site is essential, with the soil being compacted and a layer of granular material added to increase its stability. A damp-proof membrane is also placed beneath the concrete to prevent moisture from rising through the concrete and causing damage. It also helps to reduce the risk of subsidence in sloping sites.

Steel reinforcement bars (also known as rebar) are placed throughout the concrete slab to provide strength. This is done in accordance with an engineer’s design. Control joints are also included to minimise the impact of cracking as the concrete cures.

2. Durability

Concrete slabs are strong and durable, designed to withstand the weight of the building on them. They also have a high level of flexibility that allows them to flex with the building they’re supporting. A good concrete contractor will be able to design a slab that is both strong and flexible.

The earliest stage in a concrete shed slab project is careful site preparation to ensure the ideal soil conditions are established. This includes removing rocks and debris to minimise the potential for settling or shifting over time.

In cold climates, slab-on-ground construction requires the underside to be insulated to avoid warmth escaping from the ground. Void formers, which consist of expanded foam boxes or a series of reused detergent bottles filled with water, are used to achieve this.

3. Flexibility

A concrete slab is a versatile building material that can be used for a variety of purposes. It can be used as a base for buildings, sheds, driveways and other structures. It can also be used to construct walls and roofs.

The thickness of a concrete slab is determined by its intended use, soil conditions and expected loads. A concreter will typically recommend a specific slab thickness for each project.

Slabs are also an excellent way to add thermal mass to a home. They are especially good for allowing winter sunlight to invest warmth into the house.

A damp-proof membrane is often placed under a concrete slab to create a barrier against moisture. It should be integrated with the edge beams and external walls to ensure that all areas are protected.

4. Aesthetics

Concrete slabs can be finished with a wide range of materials to create a unique look. Options include tiled, coloured concrete and burnished concrete (which is finely steel trowelled to a gloss finish without any trowelling marks).

A well-designed concrete slab can offer environmental benefits. For example, it can act as thermal mass and provide passive comfort by absorbing heat during the day and discharging it into the night. This works particularly well in cool climates with a large daily temperature range.

A concrete slab also provides a stable foundation for your shed. If your site is on a slope, we can install controlled fill and a damp-proof membrane to prevent movement that could damage the concrete and building. We can also install concrete piers through the fill and into natural ground where applicable to reduce the risk of subsidence.

5. Cost

A good quality concrete slab is a crucial part of any residential home or building. It provides the foundations for the walls and can withstand a lot of weight. A weak slab can cause the structure to tilt or sink, which can be difficult and expensive to rectify.

Generally, the thicker the slab is, the more it will cost. However, the exact price of a concrete shed slab will vary depending on the thickness required, size and location.

Also, the timing of laying and curing of the concrete can affect the final cost. It is best to lay the concrete in the morning to allow it to set and cure at its optimum rate. It is also important to spray the concrete with water twice a day for the first week. This will help strengthen the concrete and improve its surface finish.

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