Residential Concrete Services in Cincinnati
and Northern Kentucky
The Types and Benefits of Concrete Flatwork
Understanding Concrete Flatwork
You probably have examples of concrete flatwork throughout your property, but if you don’t completely understand what flatwork is, you’re not alone. Concrete flatwork is any concrete surface that is poured on a horizontal plane. Here’s what you need to know about concrete flatwork and slabs from Viking Concrete.
How Is Concrete Flatwork Built?
Concrete flatwork may be used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The term includes concrete pads that are poured for a range of applications, including:
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Basements
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Driveways
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Sidewalks
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Patios
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Garage floors
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Any other horizontal concrete surfaces
Flatwork is durable, versatile, and requires little maintenance. The construction process starts with excavating and leveling the subgrade surface, which will be a foundation for the concrete. The subgrade is compacted to improve stability and protect the flatwork from cracking, popping, or settling in the future.
The area is then framed in wood. The frame serves as a mold to hold the ready-mix concrete, and the mold helps to control the uniformity and depth of the completed flatwork.
After pouring, the surface is smoothed and leveled. Finishing techniques like texturing and staining may be applied at this point. Once the concrete has cured, the wood frame is removed, and the new flatwork is ready to use.
Common Types of Flatwork
The Viking Concrete team installs flatwork for residential, industrial, and commercial customers throughout the Cincinnati area. Each specific application requires special techniques and considerations to be successful.
Sidewalks
Sidewalks help unify the look of a neighborhood and provide safe walkways for pedestrians in urban, suburban, and even rural environments. Concrete is the material of choice for sidewalks because it is durable and can withstand heavy use.
Sidewalks are poured in sections with expansion joints to help prevent cracks and popping. They are given a flat finish to improve the grip and safety during wet or icy conditions.
Patios
Cincinnatians love having friends and family members over for backyard barbecues and special occasions. Outdoor living is easier when you have a beautiful and safe patio for entertaining, dining, and relaxing.
When needed, we can reinforce concrete flatwork with fiber or aggregate. Stamped and decorative concrete is ideal for creating a unique patio that complements your home and landscape.
Driveways
The driveway probably takes the heaviest loads and most consistent use of all the surfaces on your property. Concrete is strong and durable enough to withstand the heavy traffic. Flatwork for driveways can be poured with or without framing, depending on the design and the slope requirements.
Colored stains and other decorative elements can be used to enhance the visual aesthetics of a driveway and upgrade the look of your home.
Dumpster Pads
A dumpster pad may not be the most glamorous use of flatwork, but it is an important one. Concrete dumpster pads are reinforced with rebar to ensure they are strong enough to hold the weight of a commercial dumpster. Pads must be designed to provide proper drainage, prevent water accumulation, and create access for easy cleaning.
Start Enjoying the Benefits of Concrete Flatwork Today
Concrete flatwork is a cost-effective way to improve your property and provide necessary elements, like dumpster pads and sidewalks, in an attractive yet low-maintenance way. Call Viking Concrete today to learn more about our concrete flatwork services in Cincinnati.