Is a Light Duty Concrete Slab Right for Me?

While we customize every concrete slab based on your needs, we do have standard specifications that make a great starting point for your foundation design.

We have two types of shop foundations. A light duty slab and a heavy duty slab. In this article we’ll explore the light duty shop foundation.

Which Structures Can Use a Light Duty Slab?

Our light duty foundation is best for lightweight tubular structures. It can also be a great option when you’re installing a pergola on a patio, or for a storage shed. 

It is designed to be cost effective and durable for small or lightweight structures. It can easily support the weight of a zero turn mower, or a car.

Our light duty slab is not designed to support large, red iron shops with heavy equipment. For that you’ll want our heavy duty slab.

Slab Thickness and Reinforcement

We pour our light duty slab with 3000 psi concrete, four inches thick. Around the perimeter it has a thickened edge, typically 12 inches wide and 8 inches deep. This thickened edge helps to strengthen the perimeter of the slab. The thickened edge is reinforced with two #5 rebar (metal rods).

The main area of the slab is reinforced with #3 rebar, spaced every 18 inches.

Slab Design Details

Since most light duty slabs are for buildings, we also offer a tin ledge or a brick ledge around the perimeter. This inset allows the finished wall of your building to be flush with the outside of the slab, giving it a professional look.

You can see a drawing of our light duty slab here.

Light Duty Slab Customization

Our concrete work is highly customizable. We use the above specifications as a starting point, and then customize the design to your needs.

For instance, if you’re building a lightweight tubular building, but plan to install a car lift, we can add a footing underneath the lift area to ensure it has a stable base. We can also adjust the type of concrete or thickness of the concrete to accommodate heavy equipment.

Our skilled team will help you design the perfect slab for your needs. To get started, give us a call or request a free quote.