Thickness and reinforcement
Four inches handles foot traffic and cars. Go to five or six inches for trucks, lifts, or heavy equipment, and add rebar on 18 in centers rather than relying on mesh alone.
- • Compact the subgrade and add 4 in of gravel before the pour.
- • Cut control joints within 24 hours at 2–3× the slab thickness in feet.
- • Cure for 7 days — keeping the slab damp meaningfully raises final strength.
FAQ
How much concrete do I need for a 24x24 slab?
A 24×24 ft slab at 4 inches thick needs about 7.1 cubic yards, or roughly 7.9 yards ordered with a 10% waste allowance.
How much does a concrete slab cost?
Installed slabs typically run $6–12 per square foot in 2026 depending on thickness, reinforcement, finish, and site access.
Can I pour a slab myself?
Small pads under 100 sq ft are DIY-friendly with help. Larger pours need a crew to place and finish before the concrete sets — there's no pausing once the truck arrives.
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