GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted
Green Basics

Slab Foundations

UPDATED 11/15/2012 Slab-on-Grade Foundations Work Everywhere

ABOUT SLABS

Concrete slabs are usually less expensive than full-basement foundations and crawl spaces. Slabs require less site work, can be installed in less time, and require less concrete. As long as they are detailed properly, they can be used successfully in even the coldest parts of the United States.

Slab foundations can be the finished floor

Because of the high mass of concrete, slabs can absorb and hold radiant energy in a passive solar design, and they’re ideal for radiant-floor heating systems. Concrete can be acid-etched or dyed to become a very attractive finish floor; in some cases, such floors may cost less than other flooring options.

There are, however, a few drawbacks. Concrete slabs are not the best choice for sloping sites. Plumbing and other in-slab utilities must be carefully planned. Wiring and ductwork are more difficult to install, and alterations after the fact are challenging and usually expensive.

GBA Prime

This article is only available to GBA Prime Members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to this article as well as GBA’s complete library of premium articles and construction details.

Start Free Trial

10 Comments

  1. luski | | #1

    insulated monlithic slab
    Why do you need crushed rock under the perimiter of the shallow footing? I am building on sandy soil

  2. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #2

    Response to Jay Danielowski
    Jay,
    The vulnerability of any shallow foundation is susceptibility to frost heaving. If you are building in Hawaii, of course, you may have no frost worries.

    A layer of crushed stone under a shallow slab ensures good drainage. If the material under a slab is well drained and dry, it won't be susceptible to frost heaving.

    If you think that your climate and your soil conditions are such that you can omit the layer of crushed stone, you should probably talk to an engineer to confirm your hunch.

  3. hudson_valley_gregg | | #3

    Many of us are aware that Portland-cement concrete slabs are a raging climate-related dumpster fire constantly being fed by more fossils: There's nothing "green" about Portland-cement concrete slabs except for the bent of the people who believe it's responsible to lay them.

    What are some slab systems that forgo Portland-cement concrete? Stone slabs seem serviceable. Earthen "floors" seem serviceable. Lower-temp-fired cement is available. Looking forward to the robust conversation to ensue.

  4. tyler_2 | | #4

    I'm unable to click to enlarge the images in this article. Anyone else?

    1. Expert Member
      Michael Maines | | #5

      Tyler, if you right-click do you get an option for "open image in new tab"? That works for me.

      1. tyler_2 | | #6

        Yeah, but then I get:
        `Forbidden

        You don't have permission to access /sites/default/files/images/1-01001.png on this server.`

        Though I'm logged in.

        1. Expert Member
          Michael Maines | | #7

          I get that message if I click, "open link in new tab." If I click "open IMAGE in new tab" it works. Not for you?

          1. tyler_2 | | #8

            Sure enough, `view image` works. Firefox doesn't have the open image in new tab option. I guess I'm not the first person to have this problem. :-)

        2. BMAArch | | #9

          Had the same problem, right under the heading there is spot where you can select between overview and details, select details and then you can see the images and also open in a new window...

    2. exergeezer | | #10

      me too

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

Related

  • Green Basics

    Rigid Foam Insulation

    Versatile and Effective, Rigid Foam Can Be Used in Walls, Roofs, and Foundations UPDATED 8/9/2012

  • Green Basics

    Foundation Drains

    Footing Drains Keep the Basement Dry from the Outside

  • Green Basics

    Pier Foundations

    Piers Can Support Anything From a Deck to a House UPDATED 11/27/2012

  • Green Basics

    Basements

    Full Basements Should Be Insulated and Protected From Water

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |