Concrete Slabs in Cambridge, MA
Foundation for Your Projects
Concrete slabs installed by us at Cambridge Urban Concrete offer a durable, even base for both interior and exterior structures as well as spaces. Our concrete slab contractors create engineered installations that will be used in finishing a basement, adding a shed, or building an outdoor space; they are long-lasting.
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What is a Concrete Slab?
Concrete slabs are a flat, horizontal (horizontal) concrete surface produced by placing the concrete in preformed molds (forms). Concrete slabs can be used for a multitude of applications, including as foundations for structures or for creating an area for function in outdoor living spaces. Based on the application (use), the soil conditions, and the loads (requirements) for each slab we install, our engineers carefully engineer it.
Our installation of each slab includes excavation to the correct elevation; preparation of a solid (compacted) base; placement of reinforcing materials (reinforcement); and pouring the concrete to exacting specifications. The reliable performance of a slab over time is directly related to how well the slab has been drained, how thick the slab was poured, and how well the slab was cured.
Concrete Slab Design for Cambridge Properties
Based on your project requirements, we will create a customized concrete slab design for you:
Flat Standard Slabs: Most common slab design with a constant thickness throughout. Typically used for all types of residential projects, such as sheds, patios, and garage floors.
Thickened-Edge Slab Design: Thickness is increased around the edge of the slab for additional structural support, specifically for heavier structures or large equipment and for buildings.
Monolithic Slab Design: A single slab that includes both the foundation and floor, formed from one pour. This type of slab is commonly used for garage additions and smaller structures.
Floating Slab Design: Allows the slab to move independently of the structure’s foundation (allowing for expansion and contraction). Due to Cambridge’s freeze-thaw cycle, this type of slab works extremely well.
We will assess your site conditions and project goals to provide you with the best slab design option for your specific needs.
Concrete Slab Applications
Garage Flooring Solutions
Turn dirty or failing garage floors into safe & functional garage flooring solutions using our concrete slabs that are specifically designed for vehicle use. The following features are included with all of our garage floor slabs:
- Typically, a minimum 4-inch thick slab and up to 6 inches thick, depending on the size of the vehicle
- Steel reinforcement is used to help prevent cracks caused by vehicle loads
- Sloped properly to drain towards the garage door opening(s)
- A smooth troweled surface to allow for easy cleaning and maintenance
- Optional sealed surface for oil stain resistance
Hot Tub Concrete Slabs
Our concrete slabs are designed to support the weight of the hot tub and withstand the effects of water and the elements. When we design a concrete slab for a hot tub, we consider:
- Total weight of the hot tub, including water and people (can be 3000+ lbs)
- Access for plumbing and electrical connections
- Drainage for the area surrounding the hot tub
- Thickened design to support the heavy weight of the hot tub (typically 6 inches)
Residential Concrete Slabs
If you are building a new home or expanding your current home, we have the experience to provide a solid foundation for your residential construction project. We will work with:
- Architects and Engineers to ensure the design meets the requirements
- Local Building Inspectors to ensure code compliance
- Other trades to ensure seamless integration during the rough-in process
- Your Project Schedule to keep the construction project moving forward
All of our foundation slabs will include proper reinforcement, moisture barrier, and perimeter insulation where necessary.
Basement Flooring Solutions
By installing a new concrete slab floor in your basement, you can turn an unusable space into a valuable addition to your home. Our basement slab floors will provide:
- Level Surfaces for the installation of finished flooring products
- Moisture Barrier to help prevent groundwater from entering the basement
- Smooth Finish Ready for Painting or Coating
- Integration with drainage systems and sump pumps
We can install a new concrete slab in an existing basement or as part of new construction.
Backyard Concrete Slab Solutions
Our backyard concrete slabs provide a versatile solution for creating multi-use outdoor living spaces, such as:
- Outdoor Dining and Entertainment Areas
- Fire Pit Surrounds and Seating Zones
- Basketball Courts and Recreational Surfaces
- Base for Pergolas, Gazebo’s and Shade Structures
- Platform Foundation for Outdoor Furniture
Our backyard slabs will be designed to drain properly and with finishing options that fit seamlessly into your landscaping.
Concrete Slabs for Cambridge's Climate
Cambridge’s extreme seasonal weather patterns require specific design elements to be taken into consideration during the design phase of a project:
Freeze-Thaw Resistance: In our designs, we utilize air-entrained concrete mixtures designed to withstand the potential damage caused by repeated freeze-thaw conditions during the winter months.
Drainage: Proper site grading is critical in preventing standing water, which can freeze and create expansive forces that may lead to heaving or cracking of the structure as a result of ice formation.
Depth of Base Material Below Frost Line: The base material should be excavated to a sufficient depth below the frost line (typically 4′ below grade in Massachusetts) to prevent frost heaving on the bottom of the foundation application.
Expansion Joint Placement: Expansion joints are strategically placed in order to allow for the structural member to expand and contract seasonally without causing damage to the structure.
Because we have significant experience with projects located in this area, we know what to expect and can provide effective engineering solutions based upon those experiences.
Concrete Slab Thickness and Reinforcement
The thickness of the concrete slab will be based on how it is to be used.
Light Duty (Storage Sheds, Walkways) = 4 inches
Medium Duty (Patios, Standard Garages) = 4-5 inches
Heavy Duty (Large Vehicles, Equipment) = 6 inches +
Structural (Building Foundations) = Engineering Specifications
Reinforcement in each slab type is included to meet the load requirements—welded wire mesh for all types of residential slabs, and rebar grids are added to support heavier loads or longer spans.
Ready to Start Your Concrete Slab Project?
Contact Cambridge Urban Concrete today for a free consultation and detailed estimate. We’ll evaluate your site, discuss your project goals, and recommend the right concrete slab design for your needs. From backyard projects to building foundations, we deliver quality installations throughout Cambridge, MA.