Concrete flatwork includes horizontal concrete surfaces such as floors, stairs, patios, sidewalks, and driveways. It requires basic tools and skills, while vertical structures require engineering and reinforcement. Contractors excavate the ground, use molds, and pour concrete to create flatwork. DIY projects are possible, but larger projects require experienced contractors. Concrete can be textured or patterned for a unique look. Maintenance includes repairing cracks and coating surfaces with cement.
Flatwork includes all concrete work located along a horizontal plane. This includes interior designs such as concrete floors or stairs, as well as exterior features such as patios, sidewalks and driveways. Concrete flatwork does not refer to vertical structures such as walls or bridges. These two types of concrete work are usually divided like this due to the difference in skills and techniques required to successfully complete each type. While level work is relatively simple and requires basic tools, other concrete work is usually much more complex and may require substantial engineering and reinforcement.
To create a concrete pavement, contractors start by excavating the ground in the area where the concrete will be poured. Some projects may require a gravel or sand base for support, while others may be poured directly onto the ground. Wood or composite forms are used to create a mold for wet concrete. Rebar or wire mesh may be placed in the mold to help support and reinforce the structure, although this is not always required on foundation work. Finally, the concrete mix is poured into the mold and allowed to harden, or harden, to a solid finish.
Concrete works may also include repair or maintenance work to repair existing concrete surfaces. Over time, concrete walkways or floors can develop chips or cracks, which are not only unsightly but also pose a threat to the integrity of the structure. For minor cracks, contractors inject the crack or void with a special cement mastic, or fill it with a simple patching compound. Major repairs may require the concrete to be broken down and replaced with new reinforced flatwork. Damaged surfaces can also be coated with a thin top coat of cement to refine the surface.
Simple flat-work projects are often suited to DIY (Do-It-Yourself) homeowners. For example, a small concrete patio or walkway is an easy project for even novice installers and requires only basic tools and supplies. Large-scale projects such as sidewalks or driveways often require the skill and equipment that only an experienced contractor can provide.
Despite its name, concrete flooring doesn’t have to have a flat, boring finish. Many modern applications are highly textured, with special patterns and colors used to give the concrete a nice look. For example, stamps or molds can be used to give concrete patios the look of traditional brick or stone. Special trowel work can also add swirls or other designs to a paved texture. To create a smooth, simple look, a wooden trowel or trowel is used to remove excess concrete and flatten the surface as it dries.
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