Building a solid garage base requires careful planning and the right building materials. At Base Concrete, we’ve been trusted concrete suppliers across Hertfordshire and North London since 2002, helping with both domestic and commercial construction projects. This guide will help you understand what makes the perfect foundation for your garage.
Why Garage Base Construction Matters
The garage base must handle vehicle weight, resist wear from daily use, and prevent moisture ingress. Choosing the wrong concrete grade could lead to cracking, sinking or early failure – problems that are expensive to fix later.
C20 Concrete: The Ideal Choice for Garage Bases
For standard domestic garage bases housing cars or light vehicles, grade C20 concrete is typically recommended. C20 concrete strength offers 20 Newtons after 28 days of curing – providing suitable compressive strength for everyday use while remaining cost-effective.
C20 concrete mix ratio typically uses 1:2:4 (cement:sand) and is readily available as ready mix concrete. Using ready mix ensures consistency and saves considerable time compared to mixing on site.
Getting the Thickness Right for Your Garage Base
For a standard garage base using C20 concrete (also known as Gen3 concrete), you’ll need:
- At least 100mm thickness for internal floor slabs
- A 150mm layer of compacted hardcore underneath as a sub-base
- A damp proof membrane between the hardcore and concrete
These measurements work well for regular cars and light vans. For a car park or space storing heavier vehicles, you might need a thicker slab or higher concrete grade.
Concrete Supply Options for Your Project
At Base Concrete, we understand that every construction project has different requirements. We offer several delivery options:
- Mini-mix lorries for tight spaces and smaller jobs
- Standard 8-metre lorries for larger pours with good access
- Volumetric trucks that mix concrete on site, allowing you to use exactly what you need
Our concrete calculator helps determine precisely how much material you’ll need, avoiding waste and unnecessary costs for your project.
Types of Concrete for Different Applications
While C20 concrete is ideal for most garage bases, we supply various types of concrete for different applications:
- C10/Gen1: For blinding layers
- C20/Gen3: Perfect for garage bases and internal floor slabs
- C25/PAV1: For external driveways with more exposure to weather
- C30/PAV2: For commercial and domestic applications requiring higher strength
Each concrete grade offers different parts cement to aggregate ratios, designed for specific uses.
Preventing Cracks in Your Garage Base
Even the best concrete can develop cracks if not properly prepared. Here are some essential steps:
- Ensure your sub-base is properly compacted
- Install a quality damp proof membrane
- Consider adding reinforcement (steel mesh or fibres)
- Create control joints every 3-4 metres
- Choose an appropriate surface finish
Surface Finish Options for Garage Floors
The finish of your garage floor matters for both practical use and appearance:
- A brushed or textured finish provides good slip resistance, important when the floor might get wet
- Power-floated finishes look smoother but can be slippery unless sealed with an anti-slip treatment
- For a more decorative finish, consider having the surface stamped or coloured
As noted by the CITB’s Practical Guide to Concrete, the right surface finish is crucial for both safety and durability in garage applications.
Building Regulations for Garage Structures
Detached garages under 30m² usually don’t need building regulations approval, but it’s always worth checking with your local authority. Larger structures will likely need to comply with regulations regarding structure and moisture resistance.
Floor Screeding for a Perfect Finish
For a super-smooth finish on your garage floor, floor screeding is an excellent option. This thin layer is applied over the main concrete base to create a perfectly level surface. Base Concrete provides both the garage base and the screed finish as part of our comprehensive service.
Ready to Start Your Garage Project?
At Base Concrete, we pride ourselves on helpful staff who can guide you through choosing the right concrete grade. We always aim to leave your site clean and tidy after concrete supply – something not always found in our industry.
Our family-run business has been delivering quality concrete across Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Welwyn, Stevenage and North London since 2002. We’re happy to discuss your project requirements and provide a competitive quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much concrete do I need for my garage base?
To calculate this, multiply the length x width x depth (in metres) of your planned garage base. Our concrete calculator can help with these calculations if you’re unsure.
Do I need reinforcement in my garage base?
For a standard domestic garage, light reinforcement like steel mesh or fibres is recommended to prevent cracking. This becomes more important for commercial and domestic projects involving heavier vehicles.
How long does concrete take to set and cure?
Concrete typically sets enough to walk on within 24-48 hours but continues to gain strength for up to 28 days (when C20 concrete reaches its full 20 Newtons after 28 days). Avoid driving vehicles onto a new garage base for at least 7 days.
Can you pour concrete in cold or wet weather?
While possible, concrete pouring in very cold (below 5°C) or wet conditions requires special precautions. The concrete may take longer to set, and rain can damage the surface finish. We can advise on the best timing for your construction project.
With over 20 years of experience providing quality concrete across Hertfordshire and North London, Base Concrete is your trusted partner for garage base projects of all sizes. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and get expert advice on choosing the right concrete grade for your garage base.