How to Pour a Concrete Slab for Your New Metal Structure

Metal Buildings: A Wise Choice for Your Storage Needs Considering a metal building kit or a ready-to-purchase metal building for your outdoor storage requirements? Opting for a metal building is a smart decision, particularly when you collaborate with experts like Ark Custom Builders. Our tailor-made steel structures are ideal for a variety of uses including residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial needs.

Before you begin, determine the location for your new building on your property and the type of foundation you'll need. Prefabricated steel structures offer flexibility with foundation choices, suitable for concrete, asphalt, gravel, or even level ground. If your building needs a concrete foundation, remember to include the construction of a concrete slab in your planning.

Preparing Your Site Typically, metal building suppliers, like Ark Custom Builders, don't offer groundwork or concrete services. Therefore, you should prepare your site before installation:

1. Mark the Building's Footprint: Outline the area for your building and use a line level to check the land's levelness. Online tutorials can guide you through this process. If the land is uneven, you'll need to level it.

2. Secure Necessary Permits: Check and obtain any local building permits required.

3. Ensure a Level Site: To avoid additional fees, the site should not be more than 3 inches off level. For concrete foundations, starting with a level site is crucial.

4. Locate Utility Lines: Mark any utility lines around your building area. You can call 811 for a local official to mark these lines, usually a free service.

5. Clear the Site: Remove any debris or overgrowth, ensuring at least 3 feet of clearance around the site for the installation crew.

Concrete Pad Specifications The dimensions of your concrete pad are vital. Generally, the pad should match your building's width and be 1 foot shorter than the roof's length. In Florida, however, the pad must be ¾ inch wider than the building and match the building's length exactly. For further details on concrete pad measurements, contact Ark Custom Builders at (828) 471-7771.

Deciding to Pour Concrete Yourself DIY concrete pouring requires knowledge, tools, and skill. Mistakes can lead to significant issues. If unsure, it's advisable to hire a professional. Ark Custom Builders can recommend reputable local contractors.

Pouring a Concrete Slab: Steps to Follow

1. Wear Proper Safety Gear: Use long clothing, rubber boots, gloves, and safety goggles due to concrete's irritant nature.

2. Mark and Dig the Slab Area: Prepare the location for your slab.

3. Lay Gravel Sub-Base: Compact the gravel base.

4. Set Concrete Forms: Decide on the slab thickness – 4 inches for light loads, 6 inches for heavier loads like RVs.

5. Lay Rebar for Reinforcement.

6. Mix and Pour Concrete.

7. Level and Smooth the Concrete.

8. Texture the Surface with a Broom (optional).

9. Allow the Concrete to Cure and Remove Forms.

Your Ideal Custom Metal Building from Ark Custom Builders Choosing a custom metal building from Ark Custom Builders ensures you receive a top-quality product. We offer delivery and installation across multiple states at no extra cost, and also provide metal building kits for self-installation. These kits include all necessary materials and specific anchors for your foundation type.

We also offer competitive financing and rent-to-own options.

Contact Ark Custom Builders at (828) 471-7771 today to start your metal building project. We're not just about selling buildings; we aim to provide shelter for your lifestyle. What's important to you, is important to us.