Pouring the concrete all in one go makes a slab foundation an attractive option for DIY projects like a tool shed or pool house. The term monolithic slab foundation might sound like it’s something out of the stone age, but “monolithic” simply means single-poured. However, the edges – or footings – of a slab foundation are thicker than the center and extend below the frost line to allow for extra strength and stability around the perimeter, as this is typically where the load-bearing walls of a home will rest. It is usually at least four inches thick in its center, although it can sometimes be up to six inches thick. Only homes built on a poured-concrete slab can appear so low to the ground and have a no-barrier (i.e., one or no step) entry ( Plan #196-1206).Ī slab foundation is a large, thick slab of concrete thats used as the substructural base of a home, which is the lowest load-bearing part of a building and extends below ground level. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath rustic Ranch style home is designed with a concrete slab as the standard foundation. Because of this, we will cover both the pros and cons of a slab foundation so that you can decide whether this kind of foundation is right for you. Something important to keep in mind is that foundations are forever. Here, we’ll discuss the most common type of foundation: the slab. No matter which type you choose, the foundation of the home has three main responsibilities:Īct as a barrier to vapor (from soil and water). For residential construction, there are three main types of foundations: Thinking about building your dream home, retirement or empty nester home, or starter home – if you’re just beginning life on your own, perhaps with a young family? One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is what kind of foundation you should build the house on.Ī home’s foundation is the main load-bearing portion of the structure, and its footings need to extend below ground to a point deeper than the regional frost line.
Here’s How to Decide if Your New House Should Be on a Slab