Concrete Slab Contractor in Durham, NC

Concrete slab costs vary based on square footage, thickness, reinforcement, and site access. For most residential slabs in the Durham area, you can expect a range between $6 and $12 per square foot for a standard 4-inch slab with basic mesh reinforcement. Larger slabs for metal buildings, thicker slabs for heavy equipment, or slabs requiring significant site prep cost more. Smaller pads like HVAC bases often cost more per square foot because of fixed setup costs. We provide detailed written estimates after a site review so you know exactly what your project involves.

We pour concrete slabs of nearly any size, from small concrete slabs like 3 by 3 HVAC pads and 4 by 4 generator pads to 30 by 40 metal building foundations and larger structural slabs. Most of our slab work falls between 100 square feet and 2,000 square feet. During the site visit, we discuss the exact dimensions needed for what you plan to put on top and confirm any local requirements or spec sheet dimensions.

Concrete slab thickness depends on what will sit on it. A shed pad or HVAC unit pad typically runs 4 inches. Slabs supporting metal buildings, workshops, or heavier structures usually need 5 to 6 inches with additional reinforcement. Slabs holding heavy equipment, vehicles, or storage go 6 inches or more. During the estimate, we ask about the load and recommend the right thickness for your specific project.

A standard residential concrete slab pour usually takes one to two days of active work. Day one covers site prep, forming, and reinforcement setup. Day two is the pour and finishing. Curing before you can set a structure on the slab typically takes 5 to 7 days for lighter loads and 28 days for full curing strength. Larger slabs or those requiring significant site prep take longer, and we give you a real timeline during the estimate stage.

Yes. Shed pads and storage building slabs are one of our most common slab projects. We handle the site prep, forming, base compaction, and pour, and we size the slab to your exact shed dimensions with the right slope for drainage and thickness for the structure weight. If you have the shed spec sheet or dimensions ready, we can quote quickly and coordinate with your delivery date.

Yes. HVAC unit pads, generator pads, and equipment bases are a regular part of our work. These pads need to be level, properly sized for the equipment, and typically 4 inches thick with reinforcement to handle vibration and weight. We coordinate directly with your HVAC contractor on timing so the pad is cured and ready when the equipment arrives.

Yes. Metal building slabs, pole barn floors, and small commercial building foundations are a regular part of our work. These slabs typically need 5 to 6 inches of concrete with proper reinforcement and anchor bolts or embedded connectors for the building frame. We work directly from the building supplier's spec sheet to make sure the slab matches the structural requirements and the anchor layout.

Most concrete slabs benefit from some level of reinforcement to handle load, temperature changes, and settling. Wire mesh works well for small residential pads and shed slabs. Rebar goes into slabs supporting heavier loads, metal buildings, or structures with significant weight. Fiber-reinforced concrete can be an option for certain projects. During the estimate, we look at the intended use and recommend the right reinforcement for your specific slab.

Concrete slabs crack or shift for a handful of common reasons. Poor base preparation is the biggest cause. If the subgrade is not compacted properly, the slab moves and cracks under load. Other causes include the wrong slab thickness for the intended use, missing or insufficient reinforcement, drainage issues that erode the base under the slab, and freeze-thaw cycles that expand and contract the concrete. Small hairline surface cracks are normal, but structural cracking usually points to one of these underlying issues.

Yes. Anchor bolts, embedded connectors, and hardware plates are a normal part of most metal building and structural slab pours. We set the anchors according to your building supplier's spec sheet or the structural drawings, position them accurately before the pour, and cast them into the concrete so they cure in place. Getting the anchor layout right on the front end saves major headaches when the building goes up.

Yes. Coordinating slab work with other trades is a big part of what we do. That includes builders, HVAC contractors, metal building suppliers, and shed delivery schedules. We ask about your overall project timeline during the estimate stage and plan the pour so the slab is cured and ready when the next crew or delivery arrives. Timing prevents the delays that come from a slab that is not ready or a structure that arrives before the concrete is set.

Yes. Slab replacement is a common project when an existing pad has cracked, sunk, heaved, or is otherwise failing. We break up the existing slab, haul away the debris, prep the base properly, and pour a fresh slab sized for the intended load. In most cases, replacement is a smarter long-term investment than repeat repairs on a failing slab.

Foot traffic on a new slab is usually fine after 24 to 48 hours. Light structures like sheds can typically be set on the slab after 5 to 7 days of curing. Metal buildings, heavier structures, and equipment with real weight should wait 14 to 28 days for the concrete to reach full curing strength. We share specific curing timelines during the final walkthrough so you know exactly when different types of loads are safe.

Yes. ADR Construction serves homeowners, builders, and contractors across the Triangle for concrete slab installation and pad work. Our primary service area covers Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, and Apex. If you are located within the greater Triangle region and want a concrete slab poured for a shed, HVAC pad, metal building, or any other structure, reach out and we can confirm coverage during the initial consultation.

Yes. We back our concrete slab installations with a warranty that covers any crack larger than one-quarter inch. Concrete naturally develops fine surface hairline cracks as it cures, which is considered normal. Structural cracking that goes beyond that hairline threshold is something we take full responsibility for. If it happens within the warranty period, we come back and repair it, no arguments and no surprise charges.