Flatwork is the catch-all term for any horizontal concrete surface — garage floors, shed pads, basketball courts, RV pads, equipment pads, aprons, and utility slabs. If it's flat and made of concrete, it's flatwork. It may not be the most glamorous part of a property, but it's often the most functional, and getting it right matters.
At Plainfield Concrete Co., we pour flatwork for homeowners and businesses across the Plainfield area. Every slab we build starts with proper excavation and a compacted gravel base, uses the right thickness and reinforcement for its intended load, and is finished to drain correctly. These aren't details most people think about, but they're the difference between a slab that lasts 30 years and one that cracks in 3.
Common Flatwork Projects
- Garage floors — New construction or replacement of an existing floor that's cracking, spalling, or settling. We typically pour garage floors at 4 to 6 inches thick depending on usage.
- Shed pads — A level, stable foundation for storage sheds, workshops, and outbuildings. Keeps the structure off the dirt and prevents moisture damage.
- Basketball courts — Properly sloped for drainage and thick enough to handle years of play. We can pour half-courts and full courts to standard dimensions.
- RV and boat pads — Extra-thick slabs designed for the weight of recreational vehicles, trailers, and boats. These typically require 6-inch pours with rebar reinforcement.
- Utility pads — HVAC equipment pads, generator pads, hot tub bases, and trash enclosure slabs. Sized to manufacturer specifications.
- Barn and workshop floors — Heavy-duty slabs for agricultural and commercial use.
Our Flatwork Process
Site Visit & Quote
We measure the area, discuss what the slab will support, and provide a written estimate. We'll recommend the right thickness and reinforcement for your specific use case.
Excavation & Base
We excavate to the required depth, compact the subsoil, and lay a gravel base — typically 4 to 6 inches of CA-6 limestone. Proper compaction here prevents settling later.
Forming & Reinforcement
Forms are set to the exact dimensions and grade. Wire mesh or rebar is placed depending on the load requirements. Heavier-use slabs like RV pads get rebar on closer spacing.
Pour, Finish & Cure
Concrete is poured, screeded level, and finished. Most flatwork gets a standard broom finish for traction. Control joints are cut to manage cracking. Curing compound is applied to ensure proper strength gain.
Flatwork Pricing
Concrete flatwork in the Plainfield area generally costs $6 to $10 per square foot for a standard broom-finish pour. Pricing depends on:
- Slab thickness — 4-inch pours are standard for light use; 6-inch for heavy loads.
- Reinforcement — Wire mesh is included in most pours. Rebar adds $1 to $2 per square foot.
- Site access — Concrete trucks need access to the pour site. Difficult access (tight gates, steep grades) can increase labor costs.
- Existing removal — Tearing out old concrete adds $2 to $4 per square foot.
A typical 20x20 shed pad (400 sq ft) runs roughly $2,400 to $4,000 depending on thickness and site conditions. Wondering whether your slab needs rebar or wire mesh? Our guide on whether you need rebar for concrete covers the factors that apply to any slab pour.
Need a Concrete Slab?
Garage floors, shed pads, courts, equipment pads — we pour it all. Free estimates.