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.

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View Comments

11 Comments

luski | Oct 19, 2012 10:15pm | #1
insulated monlithic slab
Why do you need crushed rock under the perimiter of the shallow footing? I am building on sandy soil
GBA Editor

Martin Holladay | Oct 20, 2012 06:49am | #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.
hudson_valley_gregg | Apr 03, 2019 09:15am | #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.

student_of_craft | Nov 07, 2024 12:54pm | #11
Have you used any of these alternatives yourself?

tyler_2 | Aug 30, 2020 11:55am | #4
I'm unable to click to enlarge the images in this article. Anyone else?

Expert Member

Michael Maines | Aug 31, 2020 08:21am | #5
Tyler, if you right-click do you get an option for "open image in new tab"? That works for me.

tyler_2 | Aug 31, 2020 08:48am | #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.

Expert Member

Michael Maines | Aug 31, 2020 09:12am | #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?

tyler_2 | Aug 31, 2020 09:18am | #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. :-)

BMAArch | Feb 06, 2021 02:10pm | #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...