Monolithic Concrete Slab

Monolithic concrete slab is the most cost effective method for constructing cement floors or concrete garage floor. When pouring concrete slab, if done simultaneously with the footing as depicted by detail 14 below, the term commonly used is Monolithic slab. Due to time saved in labor, this method of constructing cement slab is the most preferred method.

Whether you're doing diy concrete slab or you're working with a contractor, you will still save a lot of money and time with monolithic slab.

Details 12 and 14 are similar that either one can be used for cement floors for houses or concrete garage floor.

Detail 12 requires the footings and foundations to be poured separately prior to the slab. In reality, there will be 3 different pours.

Depending on the complexity of the layout, footing can take 1 to 2 days to form and pour. For foundations it may take up to 5 days depending on the complexity of the layout and the experience of the crew.

If foundation forms are rented, there will be extra day or two to strip the forms, clean them and return. These will result in 7 work days minimum. Additionally, if concrete pumping is required, there will be 3 different trips required @$200+/- per trip, minimum $600+/- By contrast, the monolithic pour will take 2 days max to form and pour all the slabs, footings, and foundations. This will cut the work by 5 days.

For 3 laborers at $10 per hour, the extra 5 days will cost $1,200. Adding the form rental, which can be $600+ depending on size of the project, plus extra two trips of concrete pump - the additional cost can be well above $2,000.

The biggest disadvantage of monolithic pour is it requires a lot more concrete. For 20 ft x 20 ft garage, it will require extra 1 to 2 cubic yards of concrete at $70/cy for additional $140.00. Since the cost of concrete in the US varies widely, this amount of concrete waste can be as much as double or more depending on where you are.

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