Concrete slabs and pads
We know every slab project is a little different. You might need a shed pad, hot tub pad, garage floor, workshop slab, or utility pad. Each of these has different weight and access requirements, from a light-duty shed pad to a garage floor built to support a vehicle, which is why thickness and base preparation matter more here than on a typical walkway.
Slab thickness, reinforcement, and cure time
How thick should it be? A standard 4-inch slab works for sheds, patios, and walkways. Garage floors, driveways, and anything that will support a vehicle should be poured at 5-6 inches with proper reinforcement.
Do I need reinforcement? Wire mesh or rebar helps control cracking as the slab settles and goes through Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles, especially for garage and workshop slabs that carry heavier loads.
How is the base prepared? A compacted gravel base, typically 4-6 inches, keeps the slab from shifting with frost heave and gives it proper drainage underneath.
How long before I can use it? Concrete is generally safe for foot traffic after 24-48 hours, but it should cure for about a week before parking equipment or vehicles on it, and reaches full strength around 28 days.