Research and Learn about Decorative Concrete
Building with Concrete: What is Concrete Made of; Concrete Mix Designs; Decorative Mix Design; Hot Weather Concreting; Cold Weather Concreting; Concrete Admixtures; Ordering Concrete; Building Concrete Slabs; Preventing Concrete Cracks; Green Building With Concrete; Polyaspartic Coatings; Surface Preparation; Curing Concrete; Concrete Demolition; Vapor Barriers
Concrete Applications: Concrete Overlays; Concrete Footings; Poured Retaining Walls; Snow Melt Systems; Concrete Floors: Owner's Manual; Making Concrete Slip Resistant; Rock Salt Finish
Maintaining Concrete: Cleaning Concrete; Fixing Concrete
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How To Build High Quality Slabs on Grade

Concrete slab construction presents many variables that must be considered before a concrete pour begins. Because of concrete's setting time, a slab pour requires efficient planning so that all of the elements required to place a good slab are done in time and done correctly. Some of the issues to consider include proper subgrade preparation for concrete slabs, calculating proper water-to-cement ratio in the concrete mix, placing control joints, allowing proper curing time, and much more. Below are some useful links to help you evaluate all of the elements associated with pouring high quality concrete slabs.

Why Build a High Quality Slab on Grade

Make Sure the Subgrade is Compact

Use a Low Water-to-Cement Ratio– How to Calculate Water to Cement Ratio's

Properly Curing Concrete Slabs

The Three Types of Foundations

A case for allowing the time in the schedule to water cure

Special considerations for driveways, walkways, and patios

Be active in deciding where control joints will be placed

The Foundation Construction Process

Preventing Concrete Cracks

Other Resources: