It has become a habit that whenever I walk into a building, I instinctively scan the floor, just as my eyes are drawn to fancy lights and sleek interiors. Like a built-in radar, I glide down to feel a rogue bump or spot the faint sheen of a polished salt-and-pepper finish. Contrary to popular belief, floors are not just surfaces where people walk; they are the first impression that starts a conversation.
However, concrete flatwork is often viewed as a quick pour for a swift turnover. “Come on, it’s just a floor,” someone might say. Not quite—it’s far more intricate. Flatwork is a specialty construction process that requires expertise. From simple residential projects to complex industrial floor slabs, the placing and finishing process must meet specific standards and project specifications because floors are the bedrock on which a building stands.
Consider this: the cost of floor construction typically makes up only 10 to 20 percent of the total project cost. This fraction may seem small, but skimping on floor quality can result in costs doubling or tripling due to repairs and maintenance. When floors crack badly, warp, or settle unevenly, it’s not just a minor inconvenience—it poses safety risks and leads to operational downtime that no business can afford to ignore. This is especially true for warehousing floors, which support daily operations involving heavy static and dynamic loads from material handling equipment (MHE), such as forklifts, mid- to high-racking systems holding heavy inventory, and constant foot traffic. Investing in a well-constructed floor is crucial to withstand the daily wear and tear of heavy use.
Concrete flatwork is multifaceted, requiring skilled finishers with the experience to remove guesswork from the processes of spreading, consolidating, screeding, restraightening, and troweling. Equally important is the use of the right tools and equipment, such as power trowels and laser screeds. The expertise of the team and the quality of the equipment are just two of many qualifications a specialty contractor must meet. Selecting the right contractor is as logical as choosing a dentist for a toothache instead of a general practitioner.
We have been working with one of the major Home Depot chains in the Philippines for five years, constructing new floors and repairing old ones with the goal of reaching the 100-store milestone this year. Our team’s specialty in flatwork ensures that these surfaces stand the test of time and maintain their structural integrity for years to come. This expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of ACI 302 guidelines for best practices in floor construction—something a general contractor cannot provide.
SO, WHAT MAKES A GOOD FLOOR?
A good floor is the result of:
- A good subbase
- Good quality concrete
- A good specialty contractor
First, the soil-support system underpins the concrete floor. It provides stability and meets load-bearing requirements. A reliable subbase is well-compacted, verified through Field Density Tests (FDT), leveled, and made of properly graded materials. Next, a well-designed and batched concrete mix is essential. Each mix is unique and tailored to meet the specific requirements of a project. For instance, if a floor needs to be polished, the concrete should have a minimum strength of 4000 psi. Poor-quality concrete can easily be spotted by an experienced finisher, which is why the expertise of a skilled specialty contractor is indispensable. A good contractor has the knowledge and experience to plan and execute flatwork with precision and care, considering site conditions, selecting quality materials, and following industry standards to ensure a quality finish.
