Concrete flatwork is any poured surface that moves along a horizontal plane. Flatwork surfaces include patios, walkways sidewalks, foundations, driveways and any other flat surface. Concrete is the choice material for flatwork due to how it can form a perfectly flat and even surface.
Flatwork is formed with a frame and a sub base made up of either rebar or aggregate rock. The sub base will strengthen the concrete and prevent cracks from forming under pressure and age.
Sidewalks
Sidewalks are a common form of concrete flatwork. Sidewalks are poured in sections with expansion joints in between them. They typically are not made with rebar reinforcement but rather have an aggregate rock sub-base. Sidewalks are finished flat and can sometimes have a subtle finish to enhance grip and safety when the surface is
wet.
Patios
Because of the finishing coloring and sealing you can do, concrete makes a great choice of materials when constructing a patio. Concrete patios can be reinforced with either rebar or aggregate. Aggregate can be used to keep costs low and for surfaces that fall level with the soil surface, and rebar can be used for raised concrete patios that will help it keep its form.
Some patios are constructed with pavers or wood to offer a better look, but concrete can be finished with silicone molds to give various patterns. You can consult your local concrete flatwork company about what patterns they have to choose from.
There are also a wide array of sealers that can be applied to the concrete to change the color of your concrete and to further protect it from water damage. The concrete stain will seep into the surface of the concrete and coat pores rather than sitting on the surface of the concrete like paint would. Painting the surface of the concrete rather than staining it will cause the surface to lose its traction, and will let water pool on the surface.
Ramps
Although not flat, concrete flatwork also includes ramps and sloped surfaces for both ADA accessibility, driveways, and loading docks. Concrete is the best building material for ramps because it can be poured and formed to be even on an incline. Ramps are typically poured over reinforcement like rebar and lead into the foundation and other raised concrete features.
Ramps should be installed whenever there is raised concrete flatwork like sidewalks and walkways. The Americans With Disabilities Act regulates parking lots and businesses to be accessible to wheelchairs and people with walking disabilities. Concrete is a great choice for a ramp because it can be finished to offer more grip, preventing slipping on an incline.
Driveways
Driveways are made to withstand the heavy weight of automobiles and should have expansion joints to prevent cracking. It is common to see cement driveways in houses due to them being poured with the foundation of the home.
Concrete driveways are formed with a frame. Depending on the slope of the driveway may not require for rebar underlay. Concrete driveways are a cost effective driveway material, and can be sealed with various colored stains to get you the desired look.
