Formation
Stable ground prepared to the correct excavation level.
Prepared • formed • placed • finishedConcrete work.
Concrete work.
Specified for purpose.
Concrete bases, slabs, yards and structural groundwork prepared and poured for the loading and finish the project requires.
External slab / controlled edge / fresh finishConcrete performs best when the ground beneath it, slab depth, reinforcement, joints and falls are treated as one specification. We undertake external concreting as part of complete groundwork schemes, from excavation and formwork through to placement and the agreed surface finish.
Not every slab should be built the same.
Six parts of the specification
Strength is a system.
Sub-base
Compacted support suited to ground and loading conditions.
Thickness
Slab depth considered against use, span and edge conditions.
Reinforcement
Mesh or other reinforcement positioned where the design requires it.
Joints
Construction and movement managed rather than ignored.
Finish & cure
Surface texture, falls and early protection agreed before the pour.
Built around the load
Different uses. Different priorities.
We discuss what will sit, move or be constructed on the concrete—not just the length and width.
Garage, shed & outbuilding bases
Dimensions, finished floor level, wall construction, services and threshold details coordinated before formwork is completed.
Yards & hardstands
Loading, turning, falls, joints and drainage shape the scheme.
Paths & aprons
Practical surfaces with controlled edges and useful gradients.
Pads & equipment bases
Local construction prepared around the intended equipment or structure.
The pour is a deadline, not the beginning
Everything is checked before concrete arrives.
- Before
Formation, sub-base, formwork, reinforcement, penetrations, levels, access and weather readiness.
- During
Placement sequence, compaction, level control, falls, edges and the specified surface finish.
- After
Curing protection, access restrictions, joint completion and advice before loading the slab.
Clear expectations
Concrete is durable, but it is not dimensionally motionless.
Thoughtful joints, reinforcement, curing and ground preparation help control risk. Hairline movement, tonal variation and changes as the surface dries are part of understanding concrete honestly—not reasons to abandon good specification.
Straight answers
Concreting: frequently asked questions
What concrete work do you undertake?+
We undertake external concrete slabs, garage and outbuilding bases, yards, paths, hardstands, equipment pads and associated groundwork. We assess loading, formation, reinforcement, joints, levels and falls before agreeing the specification.
Do you prepare the base before pouring concrete?+
Yes. The quotation can include excavation, spoil removal, sub-base placement and compaction, formwork, reinforcement and service coordination as well as concrete placement and the agreed finish.
Does every concrete slab need steel reinforcement?+
Not automatically. Reinforcement requirements depend on intended loading, slab dimensions, support conditions, joints and any structural design. Where mesh is specified, correct type, laps, cover and positioning are as important as simply placing steel in the pour.
How long before a new concrete slab can be used?+
Concrete gains strength over time, and safe access depends on the mix, thickness, weather, curing and intended load. Light foot access and vehicle or structural loading are different decisions. We provide project-specific guidance after placement.
How long will the work take?+
Duration depends on area, access, excavation, weather, curing requirements and any drainage or groundwork. We outline the likely sequence when quoting and keep you informed if site conditions affect it.
Can you deal with drainage as part of the job?+
Yes. Falls, channels, gullies, permeable construction and soakaway measures can be considered as part of the overall design, subject to site conditions and suitable discharge arrangements.
Do you provide free quotations?+
Yes. Contact us with your postcode, approximate dimensions and a few photographs if available. We can then arrange a site visit where appropriate.
Free site visit & quotation
Tell us about your project.
Send your postcode and a short outline. B&H will contact you to discuss the site, suitable options and the next available visit.