Concrete Slabs

Concrete slabs are the foundation of countless residential and commercial projects on Long Island, providing a flat, stable, and incredibly durable surface for everything from garage floors and workshop spaces to outdoor storage areas and building foundations. At Brothers Paving & Masonry, we specialize in concrete slab installation across Nassau and Suffolk County, delivering precision-engineered slabs that meet your project's specific structural and performance requirements. Whether you need a simple utility slab or a reinforced foundation slab, our team has the expertise and equipment to get the job done right.

A concrete slab is only as good as the ground it sits on, and that is where our process begins. Every slab installation starts with a comprehensive site evaluation. We assess soil conditions, drainage patterns, load requirements, and any relevant building codes or permit requirements for your municipality. Long Island's geology varies significantly from one area to another. Coastal communities often have loose, sandy soil that requires additional base preparation, while inland areas may have denser clay soils that drain more slowly. We tailor our approach to the specific conditions on your property.

Excavation follows the site evaluation. We dig to the required depth, which varies based on the slab's intended use and local code requirements. For most residential slabs, we excavate eight to twelve inches below the finished grade to accommodate the aggregate base and concrete thickness. Proper excavation also establishes the grading and pitch necessary to direct water away from structures and toward appropriate drainage points. On Long Island, where many homes contend with high water tables and seasonal flooding, getting the drainage right is essential.

The aggregate base is the next critical layer. We install four to six inches of compacted crushed stone, using mechanical compactors to achieve the density required for long-term stability. This base layer serves two purposes: it provides structural support for the concrete slab, and it acts as a drainage layer that prevents water from accumulating beneath the surface. In areas with poor soil conditions, we may install a geotextile separation fabric to keep fine soil particles from migrating into the aggregate and compromising its drainage capacity.

Forming is where precision matters most. Our crew sets lumber or steel forms to exact elevations, ensuring the finished slab will be level, properly pitched, and consistent in thickness. For larger slabs, we use laser levels and string lines to maintain accuracy across the entire area. Reinforcement is installed within the forms, typically welded wire mesh for standard-duty slabs or rebar grids for slabs that will carry heavier loads. The type and spacing of reinforcement are determined by the slab's intended use and any engineering specifications provided.

We coordinate concrete delivery from reputable Long Island ready-mix plants to ensure we receive the correct mix design for your project. Standard residential slabs use a minimum 4,000 PSI air-entrained mix that provides excellent strength and durability in our climate. For specialized applications, we can specify higher-strength mixes, fiber-reinforced concrete, or other customized formulations. Our crew places, consolidates, and screeds the concrete efficiently to prevent cold joints and ensure a uniform slab.

Finishing depends on the slab's intended purpose. Garage floors and workshop spaces typically receive a steel-trowel finish for smoothness, while outdoor utility slabs get a broom finish for traction. We install control joints at calculated intervals based on slab thickness and dimensions to manage shrinkage cracking. Expansion joints are placed where the slab meets existing structures to allow independent movement and prevent damage.

After finishing, we apply a curing compound to maintain proper moisture levels during the critical first days of hydration. This step is essential for achieving the full design strength of the concrete. We monitor weather conditions and take additional precautions during hot, cold, or windy days that can affect the curing process. Once the slab has cured sufficiently, we strip the forms, backfill the edges, and leave the site clean and ready for the next phase of your project.

Long Island building codes often specify minimum slab thickness, reinforcement requirements, and vapor barrier installation for certain applications. Our team is familiar with the requirements across Nassau and Suffolk County municipalities and ensures every slab we pour meets or exceeds code standards. We also handle permit applications when required, taking that burden off your shoulders.

Brothers Paving has built a reputation on Long Island for concrete work that is done right the first time. Our slabs are engineered for the specific demands of each project, built with quality materials, and finished to the highest standards. Whether you are adding a garage, building a shed, or laying the groundwork for a larger construction project, we deliver a concrete slab you can depend on. Contact us for a free estimate.