Flatwork is any concrete surface that sits horizontal — poured, formed, finished, and left to carry load, weather, and time. Most flatwork failures trace to the same root causes: poured too thin, no rebar, poor base prep. Every Outback pour fixes all three before the truck arrives.
"Not sure exactly what category your project falls into? That's fine — describe it at the free estimate and we'll scope it, spec it, and price it correctly."
Most concrete contractors pour to minimum code — because that's what gets bid and what most clients ask for. Minimum code is how you get flatwork that starts cracking in five years. ArmorSlab™ flatwork is built above minimum at every step.
We walk the site, assess soil conditions, drainage slope requirements, load demands, and any existing concrete to be removed. The scope and spec come from what the project actually needs — not what's easiest to quote.
Failed or replacement flatwork is mechanically removed and hauled off. On new pour projects — equipment pads, additions — we work with the existing grade and drainage to set up the pour correctly.
Mechanically compacted aggregate base at the proper depth for the slab type. Stable base, correct drainage slope. This is the step most contractors minimize because it's invisible once concrete is poured — and the most important step for long-term performance.
#4 steel rebar on approved plastic chairs, correctly elevated so it sits in the structural center of the pour. Rebar on the ground adds almost no value. Properly positioned rebar is the difference between a reinforced slab and a slab that just has rebar in it.
High-strength, air-entrained exterior concrete with fiber reinforcement throughout the mix. The fibers reduce micro-cracking during curing and improve the slab's surface impact resistance — a meaningful upgrade that most flatwork contractors don't include.
Poured at the correct thickness for the application, finished to the specified texture, and cut with control joints at proper spacing to direct unavoidable concrete movement to planned locations. Broom finish standard; exposed aggregate, brushed, or troweled smooth on request.
Before any concrete is poured, we photograph the compacted base, rebar layout and chair elevation, depth verification, form setup, and drainage slope. The record confirms the work was done correctly and is the documented foundation of the 10-Year Structural Warranty on qualifying pours.
Most flatwork contractors offer nothing after the job is complete. Qualifying ArmorSlab™ flatwork installations are backed by a 10-Year Structural Warranty covering structural failure from defective installation or workmanship.
All concrete cracks. Control joints are cut specifically to direct that movement to planned locations — cracks at control joints are expected and normal behavior, not a warranty issue. The 10-Year Structural Warranty covers qualifying structural failure caused by defective workmanship. We walk through this at every estimate so there are no surprises.
Once your new flatwork has fully cured — typically 28 days for full concrete strength — it can be coated with the ArmorCore™ system to add color, protection, and a finished surface. Garage aprons, patio slabs, walkways, and equipment pads all coat well. Many clients plan both from the start — ask about it at your free estimate.
See the ArmorCore™ Coating System →
