Solid Foundations and Flatwork That Holds

Concrete installation for pads, walkways, and foundations built to last in St George, Utah.

When you're adding a garage, accessory dwelling unit, or outdoor feature in St George, the concrete underneath needs to be poured with the right mix, reinforced to prevent cracking, and finished to slope water away from structures. Poor drainage, shallow subbase preparation, or concrete that cures too quickly under direct sun can all lead to surface spalling, uneven settling, or cracks that widen each season as temperatures shift and the ground contracts or expands.

Kartchco Construction installs concrete flatwork and foundations for residential and commercial properties across St George, including garage pads, walkways, patio slabs, and foundation footings. Installation begins with excavating and grading the site to ensure proper drainage, compacting a gravel base to prevent shifting, and setting forms that define edges and thickness. Rebar or wire mesh is placed to reinforce the slab, and the concrete is poured, leveled, and finished with a broom, trowel, or stamp texture depending on the application and desired surface.

If you're planning a concrete project in St George and need an assessment of site conditions and timelines, contact us to discuss your layout and intended use.

What goes into pouring and finishing concrete

Your concrete installation in St George starts with excavation and grading to remove organic material and create a stable base that won't compress unevenly over time. A layer of compacted gravel is spread and leveled before forms are set to define the slab's perimeter, and reinforcement is positioned to tie the concrete together as it cures.

Once the concrete is poured and finished, you'll notice a surface that feels solid underfoot, drains water away from adjacent structures, and shows minimal cracking or surface blemishes. Control joints are cut or formed at regular intervals to guide any future cracking along predictable lines rather than allowing random fractures to develop across the slab.

Curing times vary based on weather and slab thickness, but most flatwork is ready for light foot traffic within a few days and full vehicle loads within a week. Foundations and structural pads require longer curing periods before framing or additional construction can begin, and hot or windy conditions may require misting or covering the surface to prevent premature drying.

Typical questions before pouring concrete

Homeowners and builders in St George often ask about thickness requirements, soil conditions, and how to prevent common problems such as cracking or surface damage, so the following answers address the details that affect how concrete is poured and how long it lasts.

How thick does a garage slab need to be?
Most garage slabs are poured at least four inches thick, with six inches recommended if the space will hold heavy vehicles or equipment. Thicker slabs distribute weight more evenly and are less likely to crack under load.
What causes concrete to crack after it's poured?
Cracking can result from inadequate subbase compaction, missing or improperly spaced control joints, or rapid drying during hot weather. Using the correct water-to-cement ratio and allowing the slab to cure slowly also reduces the risk of surface cracks.
How do you prevent water from pooling on a concrete patio?
The slab is finished with a slight slope, typically one-quarter inch per foot, to direct water away from the house or other structures. Proper grading during site preparation ensures water flows off the slab rather than collecting in low spots.
When can you drive on new concrete?
Light vehicles can usually drive on a cured slab after about seven days, but full strength develops over several weeks. Heavy loads or equipment should be kept off the surface until the concrete has reached full cure to avoid cracking or surface damage.
What soil conditions in St George affect concrete installation?
Clay-heavy soils or areas with poor drainage may require additional base depth or moisture control to prevent the subgrade from shifting or expanding. A soil test can identify any conditions that need to be addressed before pouring to avoid uneven settling later.

If you're ready to move forward with a concrete project in St George, Kartchco Construction can assess your site and provide a timeline and cost estimate based on the scope and soil conditions.