How thick should a concrete slab foundation be?

The required thickness depends on the structure it will support. A standard residential slab is typically four to six inches thick. Garage slabs and heavy-use areas may need six inches or more. Commercial and industrial slabs can be eight inches or thicker depending on the load requirements. We follow local building codes and engineer specifications to determine the right thickness for your project.

How long does it take to pour a concrete slab?

The pouring itself usually takes one day for most residential projects. However, the total timeline includes site preparation, forming, and reinforcement which can take two to three additional days. After pouring, the concrete needs at least seven days to cure before any construction can begin on top of it. We provide a detailed timeline during the planning phase so you know exactly what to expect.

Do I need a permit for a concrete slab?

In most cases, yes. St. Lucie County and surrounding municipalities typically require permits for foundation work and structural slabs. Even smaller projects like shed pads may need a permit depending on the size and location. We handle the permitting process for you and make sure all work meets local building codes and inspection requirements.

Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Strong, level foundations built to code for homes, garages, sheds, and commercial structures.

Call (772) 218-3761

Professional concrete slab being finished and leveled at a construction site in Lakewood Park

The Foundation of Every Great Structure

Every building, garage, shed, and addition starts with a foundation. If the foundation is not right, nothing built on top of it will be either. Cracks in walls, sticking doors, uneven floors, and structural problems almost always trace back to foundation issues. That is why getting it right the first time matters more with slabs and foundations than almost any other concrete work.

In Lakewood Park and across the Treasure Coast, Florida's sandy soil and high water table create unique challenges for foundation work. The soil can shift, settle, or erode if the base is not properly prepared. Heavy rains can saturate the ground and weaken poorly built foundations. Our team understands these local conditions and builds every slab to handle them.

At Lakewood Park Concrete Works, we pour slabs and foundations for residential and commercial projects of all sizes. From a small shed pad to a full home foundation, we bring the same level of preparation, materials, and craftsmanship to every job. We follow all local building codes and work with inspectors to make sure your foundation passes on the first inspection.

Types of Slabs We Install

•Home foundations including monolithic slabs and stem wall foundations
•Garage slabs with proper thickness for vehicle loads and equipment
•Shed and workshop pads with level surfaces and proper drainage
•Addition foundations that tie into existing structures correctly
•Commercial and industrial slabs for warehouses, shops, and equipment pads

Whatever you are building, it needs a solid foundation underneath it. We make sure that foundation is done right so everything above it stays straight, level, and structurally sound for decades.

What Makes a Foundation Last

A concrete slab is more than just pouring wet concrete and letting it dry. The quality and longevity of your foundation depend on several critical factors that all happen before and during the pour. Cutting corners on any of these steps leads to problems that are expensive and difficult to fix later.

Soil Preparation and Compaction

The ground beneath your slab must be properly excavated, graded, and compacted. Loose or organic soil gets removed and replaced with compactable fill material. We use mechanical compactors to create a firm, stable base. Without proper compaction, the soil will settle over time and your slab will crack and become uneven.

Reinforcement

Steel rebar and wire mesh give concrete its tensile strength. Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, which means it can crack when forces pull it apart. Rebar holds the slab together if the ground shifts or settles. For foundations, we use rebar grids tied to specification and positioned at the correct height within the slab. This is not optional for structural work.

Proper Mix Design and Thickness

We use the right concrete mix for your application. Foundation slabs require higher-strength mixes than decorative flatwork. The thickness is determined by the loads the slab will carry and the soil conditions below. We follow engineering specifications and building codes to ensure your slab is strong enough for its intended use.

These details are what separate a foundation that lasts 50 years from one that starts cracking in five. We do not take shortcuts because fixing a failed foundation is far more expensive than building it right the first time.

Our Slab and Foundation Process

We follow a proven process for every slab and foundation project. Each step is critical to the final result. Here is what you can expect when you work with us.

Planning and Permits

We review your project plans, conduct a site evaluation, and determine the specifications for your slab. If permits are required, we handle the application and coordinate with local building departments in St. Lucie County and surrounding areas. You receive a detailed proposal with all costs before any work begins.

Excavation and Base Work

We excavate to the required depth, remove unsuitable material, and bring in compactable fill if needed. The base is graded for proper drainage and compacted to specification. We install a moisture barrier when required to prevent ground moisture from migrating through the slab.

Forming, Reinforcement, and Pour

We build forms to the exact dimensions and elevations required. Rebar is placed and tied according to the engineering plan. We coordinate the concrete delivery and pour the slab in a single continuous operation. Our crew levels, consolidates, and finishes the surface. We apply curing compound and protect the slab during the critical curing period.

After curing, we remove the forms and inspect the finished slab. If your project requires a building inspection, we coordinate with the inspector to ensure everything passes. The result is a strong, level foundation ready for whatever you are building on top of it. Need leveling for an existing slab? We handle that too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Slabs and Foundations

Need a solid foundation for your next project? We pour slabs and foundations throughout Lakewood Park and the surrounding areas. Call us today for a free on-site estimate.

Call (772) 218-3761