Absolute Steel barndominiums and kit homes are designed to be anchored to a concrete footing or slab. While technically, our buildings can be installed on bare earth, because someone will be living in the barndominium or kit home local building codes will apply. Those building codes will require a concrete footing or slab.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR COLD WEATHER AREAS: The concrete applications described below do not account for frost line requirements. If you live in an area that has very cold winters and a frost line, your concrete footings will need to be deeper than what is illustrated here. Your local building authorities can provide information on frost line requirements in your area.
Concrete Slab Mounting
NOTE: ALWAYS check with your local building department for concrete requirements. We can supply engineered plans if you need. The information below is for general reference only and may not relate to your specific location.
Slab Sizing
Your slab is to be the same width as your building, and 2″ longer. For example, if you have purchased a 20′ wide by 40′ long building, your slab should be 20′ wide by 40′ 2″ long.
Slab Thickness
Your floor should be a minimum of 4″ thick. The concrete’s strength should be a minimum of 2500 psi, with fiber mesh reinforcement added at the batch plant OR #3 rebar on 24” centers.
If you are planning to park large, heavy vehicles inside (such as trucks or larger RVs), you should consider making the slab 6″ thick, and using 4000-psi concrete. You may not need this for a kit home, but often times a barndominium may be used to store vehicles and heavy equipment.
Be sure to saw-cut expansion joints in the slab, within an appropriate time after the pour, or troweled-in expansion joints done during the concrete finishing steps.
For the sake of estimation, we can tell you that in our local area (Phoenix, AZ), the cost for a 4″ slab runs about $4.50 per square foot. Prices in your area may be different.
Footing Requirements
At the same time as your slab is poured, you will also need to pour perimeter footings, as illustrated below. This is called a monolithic pour or monolithic slab.
Perimeter footings should be 12″ wide, and 12″ deep. (Deeper in the event you are contending with a frost line) You can include the 4″ slab thickness in the 12″ total depth; in other words, the footing would extend 8″ below the slab. As shown in the detail drawings, your footings will also need continuous runs of #4 rebar along the top and bottom.
In our local area, footings of this type would cost approximately $16.50 per lineal (running) foot.
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FAQs
The concrete's strength should be a minimum of 2500 psi, with fiber mesh reinforcement added at the batch plant OR #3 rebar on 24” centers. If you are planning to park large, heavy vehicles inside (such as trucks or larger RVs), you should consider making the slab 6″ thick, and using 4000-psi concrete.
How thick does a concrete slab need to be for a barndominium? ›
For barndominiums up to 1,500 sq. ft., most recommendations fall between a 4” and 6″ thick slab. This accommodates moderate traffic and furnishings adequately without excessive concrete use. The steel perimeter beams of barndominium kits require less internal slab support than wood framing.
What kind of foundation do you need for a barndominium? ›
The choice of foundation largely depends on the Barndominium Floor Plans, the soil conditions of the building site, and local building codes. The two primary types of foundations used for steel frame barndominiums are slab foundations and pier (or footer) foundations.
Do barndominiums have to have concrete floors? ›
**Consider the Use of Each Room:** Different areas of a barndominium might have different flooring needs. For example, durable and easy-to-clean floors like concrete or tile might be more suitable for workshop areas, while living spaces might benefit from the warmth of wood or carpet.
How much does a 40x60 concrete slab cost? ›
Like with anything else in construction, the cost of a 40×60 concrete slab will depend on your location and the current price of materials. If you search online for prices, you'll find a wide range of estimates: $3,600-$7,200. $8,500 to $12,000.
What is the best slab for a barndominium? ›
Slab Thickness
If you are planning to park large, heavy vehicles inside (such as trucks or larger RVs), you should consider making the slab 6″ thick, and using 4000-psi concrete. You may not need this for a kit home, but often times a barndominium may be used to store vehicles and heavy equipment.
How much weight can a 6 inch concrete slab hold? ›
Generally, a 6-inch concrete slab can hold about 150 pounds per square foot of evenly distributed weight.
What is the most expensive part of building a barndominium? ›
Steel framing, popular in barndominium construction for its durability and resistance to pests, can be more expensive than traditional wood framing. Framing costs can range from $20 to $50 per square foot, making it one of the most significant portions of the construction budget.
Do you need a vapor barrier on a barndominium? ›
As many barndominiums are constructed from metal, a vapor barrier tape will help prevent potentially damaging condensation from entering the structure. Reducing the energy costs to heat the home. Many barndominiums often have vaulted or cathedral ceilings, meaning the ceilings are not parallel to the floor.
What does a barndominium kit include? ›
Our standard steel frame kits include everything you need to build your home. Err … barn. That means all main framing, secondary framing (for all steel), exterior metal siding, metal roofing, trim, closures, fasteners and stamped building plans.
The short answer is Yes!, they absolutely can. Don't be super shocked if it happens because it is common. But understanding why concrete floors crack, how common this issue is, and whether it can be prevented offers a more nuanced perspective on this durable flooring choice that everyone loves.
Why not build houses with concrete? ›
One con that comes with concrete homes is that only some people have the tools and know-how to make them. Many building companies want to build concrete homes, but they often don't have the resources to implement construction. It mostly depends on the area you're in.
Are barndominiums prone to mold? ›
Barndominiums offer a blend of rustic aesthetics and modern living that appeals to many homeowners. However, like any other type of construction, they are susceptible to mold growth if not properly designed, constructed, and maintained.
How much does a 30x30 concrete slab cost? ›
On average, the cost per square foot of a concrete slab can range from $4 to $8. Therefore, for a 30x30 slab, the total cost could be between $3,600 to $7,200. However, this cost estimate does not include any additional expenses that may be incurred for things like excavation, grading, or site preparation.
How much does a 30x40 concrete slab cost? ›
The average cost is $4 to $8 per square foot. The median price is about $6 per square foot. Based on these averages, you may pay $4,800 to $9,600 with a median estimate of $7,200.
Should I use a 4 or 6 inch concrete slab? ›
In most cases, you'll want your patio to be 4 inches thick, although you should add reinforcement and increase the thickness up to around 8 inches if you want it to support heavier loads and resist cracking more readily. Although thicker slabs will cost more, you'll start seeing diminishing returns at around 6 inches.
Is a 2 inch concrete slab enough? ›
While it may be suitable for light-duty applications like footpaths or patios, a driveway requires a thicker concrete slab to withstand the weight and impact of vehicles. A 2-inch concrete driveway may be prone to cracking, sinking, and structural issues due to insufficient strength and load-bearing capacity.
How much weight will a 4-inch slab hold? ›
Generally, a 4-inch surface can hold up to 4,000 pounds per square foot when adequately reinforced. Unreinforced, it can only hold 40 pounds per square foot. Steel bars or wire mesh can be placed in the concrete before it is poured to reinforce the pad.
How thick does a slab need to be for a metal building? ›
Your concrete foundation for a metal building will be a minimum of 4″ thick. However, if you're planning to use your metal building to store heavy vehicles and equipment, we will recommend a 6″ slab.
