​Welcome to Waco Concrete – Your Trusted Partner for High-Quality Concrete Slabs

At Waco Concrete, we specialize in providing durable, expertly crafted concrete slabs that serve as the foundation for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Whether you’re building a new home, adding a patio, or creating a solid base for heavy equipment, our team ensures each slab is built to last.

What Are Concrete Slabs?

A concrete slab is a flat, horizontal surface made from poured concrete, typically reinforced with steel rebar or wire mesh to increase strength and prevent cracking. Slabs can be used in a variety of applications, including foundations, driveways, patios, sidewalks, and flooring in buildings. They provide a stable, level surface that distributes loads evenly and resists shifting over time.
Common Uses for Concrete Slabs

• Home Foundations: Slab-on-grade foundations are commonly used in residential construction to provide a solid, level base for homes.
• Driveways and Sidewalks: Concrete slabs create durable, low-maintenance surfaces that withstand vehicle and foot traffic.
• Patios and Outdoor Spaces: Slabs provide a smooth and weather-resistant surface for outdoor living areas.
• Garage and Workshop Floors: Heavy-duty concrete slabs are ideal for supporting the weight of vehicles and machinery.
• Commercial and Industrial Flooring: Large-scale concrete slabs are used to create sturdy floors in warehouses and factories.

​How Are Concrete Slabs Placed?

The process of placing a concrete slab involves several critical steps to ensure a durable and long-lasting result:

1. Site Preparation: The area is cleared, leveled, and compacted to create a stable base. In some cases, a layer of gravel or crushed stone is added to improve drainage.
2. Formwork Installation: Wooden or metal forms are placed around the perimeter to define the shape and dimensions of the slab.
3. Reinforcement Placement: Steel rebar or wire mesh is positioned within the forms to strengthen the slab and prevent cracking.
4. Concrete Pouring: The concrete mix is poured into the prepared area and spread evenly using rakes and screeds.
5. Leveling and Finishing: The surface is leveled, smoothed, and finished to the desired texture, whether broomed for traction or troweled for a smooth finish.
6. Curing and Drying: The slab is left to cure and harden over several days, allowing the concrete to gain strength gradually.

With expert craftsmanship and attention to detail, Waco Concrete ensures that every slab we pour meets the highest standards of quality and durability.

​How much does a concrete slab cost per square foot?

What is the best thickness for a concrete slab?

The cost of a concrete slab typically ranges between $4 to $8 per square foot, depending on several factors. Basic slabs with minimal preparation and standard finishes usually fall on the lower end of the range, while thicker slabs, reinforced with rebar or wire mesh, or those with decorative finishes can cost more.
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Key factors that affect the price include:

• Thickness of the Slab: Thicker slabs (such as those for foundations or heavy-duty applications) require more materials and labor.
• Site Preparation: Additional grading, excavation, or gravel base installation can increase the overall cost.
• Reinforcement: Using rebar or wire mesh adds strength but also increases the price.
• Finishing Options: Basic broom finishes are more affordable, while stamped or stained concrete adds to the cost.

For a more precise estimate, we recommend scheduling an on-site assessment to evaluate your specific project requirements.

The ideal thickness for a concrete slab depends on its intended use and the type of load it will support. Here’s a general guide:

• Residential Driveways and Patios: A 4-inch slab is typically sufficient for most driveways, patios, and walkways. If the slab will support heavier vehicles or equipment, increasing the thickness to 5 or 6 inches is recommended.
• Garage Floors and Workshops: A 6-inch slab is ideal for garage floors or workshops where vehicles, machinery, or heavy equipment will be stored. For commercial garages or heavier loads, 8 inches may be necessary.
• House Foundations (Slab-on-Grade): Standard slab-on-grade foundations for residential homes are usually 4 to 6 inches thick, with thicker edges (typically 12 to 24 inches) to provide additional support around the perimeter.
• Industrial and Commercial Applications: Slabs used for warehouses or areas with heavy traffic and equipment often require thicknesses between 6 and 8 inches, or even more for specialized applications.

To ensure durability and prevent cracking, proper reinforcement with rebar or wire mesh is recommended, regardless of thickness. If you're unsure about the right thickness for your project, Waco Concrete can assess your needs and provide expert recommendations.

How long does it take for a concrete slab to cure?

How soon can you walk or drive on a concrete slab?

Concrete slabs typically take 28 days to reach full strength, but the curing process happens in stages:
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• Initial Set: Within the first 24 to 48 hours, the slab hardens enough to support light foot traffic, but it’s still fragile and should be protected from heavy loads.
• Partial Strength: After about 7 days, the slab reaches approximately 50-60% of its final strength. Light vehicles may be allowed on the surface, but it’s best to wait longer for heavy use.
• Full Cure: By 28 days, the slab reaches its maximum strength, making it ready for regular use and heavy loads.

Proper curing is essential to prevent cracking and ensure durability. During this period, it’s important to keep the slab moist by using curing compounds, water, or plastic sheeting, especially in hot or dry conditions. Waco Concrete ensures that all slabs are properly cured to achieve maximum strength and longevity.

The time it takes before walking or driving on a newly poured concrete slab depends on the curing stage:
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• Walking: You can typically walk on a concrete slab after 24 to 48 hours. At this point, the surface is hard enough to support foot traffic, but it’s best to avoid dragging heavy objects or applying too much pressure during this stage.
• Light Vehicles: For driveways and garage floors, it’s best to wait at least 7 days before allowing light vehicles to drive or park on the surface. By this time, the concrete has gained about 50-60% of its final strength.
• Heavy Vehicles and Loads: For heavy vehicles, equipment, or high-load areas, it’s best to wait the full 28-day curing period before allowing regular traffic or weight on the slab.

Waco Concrete takes extra care to ensure that your slab cures properly, minimizing the risk of cracks and ensuring long-lasting durability.