Concrete Slabs & Flatwork

What Is Concrete Flatwork

Flatwork refers to any horizontal concrete installation. This includes slabs for garages, workshops, sheds, barns, and storage areas. It also covers barn floors, equipment pads, basketball courts, and similar surfaces. The term separates these installations from vertical work like walls or foundations.

Quality flatwork creates a level, stable surface that handles the weight and use you need. A garage slab supports vehicles and storage. A workshop floor withstands tools, equipment, and foot traffic. An equipment pad provides a solid base for HVAC units, generators, or farm equipment. When installed correctly with proper base prep and adequate thickness, concrete flatwork lasts for decades with minimal maintenance.

Why Proper Installation Matters

A concrete slab might look simple, but there is a lot that goes into creating one that performs correctly. The ground underneath must be stable and properly compacted. The slab needs to be thick enough for its intended use. Reinforcement helps prevent cracking. Proper finishing creates the right surface texture. And correct curing gives the concrete its full strength.

At DoneWell Opelika Concrete, we have poured countless slabs throughout Opelika and the surrounding area. We know what works in our local soil conditions. We understand how to manage drainage. And we use proven techniques that result in flat, level, long-lasting concrete surfaces you can count on.

Types of Slabs We Install

We handle all types of concrete flatwork projects. Here are the most common:

• Garage slabs: Designed to support vehicles and heavy storage, with proper thickness and reinforcement.
• Workshop floors: Level surfaces that resist oil, chemicals, and impact from dropped tools.
• Shed and barn slabs: Stable foundations for outbuildings and agricultural structures.
• Equipment pads: Heavy-duty slabs for HVAC units, generators, pool equipment, or machinery.
• Storage area floors: Durable surfaces for covered or uncovered storage spaces.
• RV pads: Extra-thick slabs designed to handle the weight of recreational vehicles.
• Basketball courts: Smooth, level surfaces perfect for sports and recreation.

What Makes Our Slabs Better

The difference between a good slab and one that fails early comes down to preparation and technique. We start every project with a site evaluation. We look at existing drainage, check soil conditions, and note any potential issues. For larger slabs or areas with poor drainage, we might recommend a thickened edge or perimeter footing for extra support.

We excavate to the correct depth and grade for proper drainage. We compact the subgrade and add a gravel base that prevents settling. We use the right concrete thickness for your application. Residential garages typically need 4 inches. Heavy equipment or commercial use requires 5 to 6 inches or more. We install rebar or wire mesh reinforcement to control cracking. And we finish the surface to match your needs, whether that is a smooth trowel finish, a broom finish for traction, or a rough texture for workshops.

Built to Last in Alabama Weather

Concrete slabs in Alabama face challenges from clay soil that shifts with moisture changes and weather extremes from summer heat to winter freezes. Poor installations crack, settle unevenly, or develop drainage problems that undermine the slab over time.

Our experience installing slabs throughout Opelika, Auburn, Phenix City, and surrounding communities has taught us what works. We use techniques proven to handle local conditions. We schedule pours for optimal weather. And we stand behind our work. If you need to repair or replace an existing slab, our restoration services can often fix problems without starting from scratch.

Common Questions About Concrete Slabs & Flatwork