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Pour a concrete slab.
Standard floor or structural slab — DPM, mesh, mix to spec, power-floated finish where required.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Cracking
Hairline cracks normal. Significant cracks indicate substandard mix or inadequate reinforcement.
Substrate movement
Inadequate sub-base settles, cracks slab. Type 1 MOT essential.
Wrong concrete grade
C20 too weak for heavy duty. Specify C35 for garages.
Uneven surface
Hand-finished can be uneven. Power-float for smooth finish.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Concrete slab per m² (100mm)C25, standard
£50–£120/m²
Higher-grade concrete per m²C35, heavy duty
£70–£150/m²
Reinforcement (A142 mesh) per m²Material only
£5–£15/m²
DPM (1200 gauge) per m²Material only
£3–£10/m²
Sub-base preparation per m²Type 1 MOT
£10–£30/m²
Garage floor slab 25m²Standard install
£1.2k–£3.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Groundworks explained
Concrete slabs serve floors, garages, sheds, and outdoor bases. Standard 100-150mm thickness. Expect to pay £40–£150 per m² for UK concrete slab fitted.
What Does the Work Involve?
Specialist excavates to subsoil. Sub-base laid (Type 1 MOT, 100-150mm). Compacted. DPM (damp-proof membrane) laid. Reinforcement mesh (A142 or A193 typical). Concrete poured (typically 100-150mm). Trowel-finished or power-floated. Cures 7-28 days for full strength.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab per m² (100mm) | 50 | 120 | C25, standard |
| Higher-grade concrete per m² | 70 | 150 | C35, heavy duty |
| Reinforcement (A142 mesh) per m² | 5 | 15 | Material only |
| DPM (1200 gauge) per m² | 3 | 10 | Material only |
| Sub-base preparation per m² | 10 | 30 | Type 1 MOT |
| Power-floated finish | +£10 | +£25 | Per m² |
| Polished concrete finish | +£20 | +£60 | Per m², premium |
| Garage floor slab 25m² | 1,200 | 3,500 | Standard install |
How Long Does It Take?
Standard 25m² slab: 2-4 days. Plus 7-day cure for foot traffic, 28-day for full load.
DIY or Professional?
Specialist groundworker preferred. DIY possible for small areas with concrete pump or barrow.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Groundworker or general builder. Specialist concrete (Cemex, Hanson, Aggregate Industries). Verify previous concrete work.
UK Regulations
Building Regs Part A. Concrete grade per design (C25 typical, C35 heavy duty).
Common Problems
- Cracking: Hairline cracks normal. Significant cracks indicate substandard mix or inadequate reinforcement.
- Substrate movement: Inadequate sub-base settles, cracks slab. Type 1 MOT essential.
- Wrong concrete grade: C20 too weak for heavy duty. Specify C35 for garages.
- Uneven surface: Hand-finished can be uneven. Power-float for smooth finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What concrete grade?
C25: standard floor/foundation. C30: better quality. C35: heavy duty (garages, industrial). C40+: structural.
Slab thickness?
Domestic: 100-150mm. Garage: 150mm minimum. Industrial: 200mm+. Match to load.
Reinforcement mesh needed?
Yes — A142 or A193 mesh in slab. Without reinforcement, slab cracks under tension.
Power-float finish?
Smoother, more even than hand-trowel. Premium for visible/utility floors. Add £10-£25/m².
How long for full cure?
7 days foot traffic. 28 days full design strength.
Will slab crack?
Hairline cracks normal as concrete cures. Significant cracks (>1mm wide) indicate problem.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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