Man’s and Technology’s Advancement

But, hey, hundreds of years have probably passed since the time of the wise man and the foolish man. And in those years, man has gone from ‘wise’ to ‘wiser’ to ‘little high school children who do Integral Calculus like it was simple Arithmetic.’ And because of man’s vast improvement, he has been able to find a way to build houses on strong foundations without compromising design or beauty. How did he do it? Simple, by building concrete slabs.

Steps in Making Concrete Slabs

But how do you make concrete slabs? Well, here’s a step by step explanation.

But before that, though, let me emphasize that it would be better to let a professional handle this. The house’s foundation is a very important thing. If it’s not strong, the house will not hold. And even if you did save some money by not hiring a professional engineer, if you mess up and your whole house crumbles down a few years later, the money you saved will become inconsequential compared to your loss – be it money or, worse, a loved-one’s life.

• Imagine the base of your house and mark the corners of your house with stakes. For this, it would be better to have a surveyor do this, or you might not make straight lines with perfect 90 degree angles.
• Dig up the soil so that you can lay the foundation. Or better yet, call an excavator and have him dig up the soil for you. Also, you could call up the electrician and the plumber, so that they can do the things necessary to accommodate these essential connections.
• If the soil that was excavated was not of good quality, you may have to buy new soil that’s best for foundations from a quarrying company.
• Connect the stakes by making a mold using wooden planks.
• Pour the concrete into your mold and wait for it to dry.
• Once done, the mold will be removed and you will finally have the foundation of your home completed.

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Like some other slabs made from other metals or rocks, steel slabs are also considered as ‘raw materials.’ You see, in the literal sense of the word, steel is not mined. Steel does not lie dormant behind cracks and crevices of the earth’s rich mountains. No. Steel is made. It is made from iron and carbon,and it is these two materials that are mined. So, as raw materials, steel slabs are rarely ever the final product.

In fact, the people who usually avail of these steel slabs are the ones who have their own steel making companies. Unfortunately for most people, it is not safe at all to handle steel slabs if you do not have your own steel mill.

However, it should be noted that steel slabs are not to be confused with steel blooms or still billets, though they are all raw materials. You see, steel slabs are the ones which are converted into flat products such as steel plates and steel strips. Steel blooms or billets, n the other hand,are used for steel bars, such as that used in the construction of the frameworks of some megastructures. The steel slabs are usually run through complex machinery that exposes the slabs to intense heat (greater than 1000C) in a furnace for more than three hours. Once done, the steel slabs become more malleable and therefore easier to handle and to manipulate into the shapes and forms that the owners want them to be.

Where are Steel Slabs Used?

As stated in the previous paragraph, steel slabs are used to make steel plates and steel strips. Steel plates are usually converted into the pipelines which carry our oils and gases and steam. Steel strips, which are smaller and a lot thinner than the steel plates, are also used for making pipelines, albeit, they are mostly used for the smaller ones.

Other companies use the steel slabs to create machinery parts or automobile parts. There are also some other companies, particularly those involved in military matters, who use these steel slabs to create parts of their weapons and their ships and tanks.

How Much Do Steel Slabs Cost?

The cost of the slabs actually depends on the company. Some price it for $180 – $190 per ton, but be prepared to pay an additional $40 to convert these slabs into strips or plates.

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What is Cement?

Cement is a material that binds other materials together. It starts out in a soft semi-liquid state which is then poured over a mold where it will be left to harden by itself. Cement is a great material for construction because it’s relatively easy to mold into your desired form. For example, if you want some cement slabs, all you’ve got to do is pour some concrete over a square or rectangle shaped mold and wait for it to harden. However, it would still be more advisable to let a professional handle the work because they have special equipment for it unless, of course, you have your own chunky cement mixer in your backyard.

Cement chunks are usually three to four centimeters thick. But ultimately, it will be you who will decide on what the size of your cement slab will be.

Cement is also a prime ingredient for other important materials such as concrete and mortar. This makes it an indispensable material in construction projects.

What are Cement Slabs for?

Cement slabs are usually used solely for foundation. Cement slabs make for good foundations because they’re strong and durable. Some people even use large cement slabs for the foundations of their whole homes. However, there are some people who can manage to notice the potential of cement for decoration and design. Some people use barbed wires and other materials as molds for their cement, turning them into slabs that are irregularly shaped. These irregularly shaped slabs are then used as a foundation for gardens so that the soil will not erode. But that’s not the only thing that these irregularly shaped slabs are for. These slabs can also be perfect mediums for landscaping.

Cement is commonly used for sidewalks, walkways, patios, and driveways. And, despite its drab grayish color, it can still look beautiful. Actually, cemented walkways really suit the appearance of most suburban homes. It’s not too flashy, and it’s relatively simple, making it an ideal building material for the more practical people.

Cement slabs usually cost 14 dollars per square foot, a reasonable price for something so useful.

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What are Wood Slabs?

Wood slabs are, obviously, pieces of wood cut from a big tree (e.g. a maple tree) to form planks or ‘slabs’ that can be used for several purposes, one of which is for flooring. Yes, wood slabs are extremely popular materials for the flooring of a house. However, some people are highly against the thought of using wood for a house because it poses a risk for fire and corrodes faster than some of the other construction materials that are available on the market today. Also, wooden floors are relatively hard to maintain. Unlike marble floors which could do for weeks with just a little bit of sweeping, wooden floors actually have to be waxed and polished to make them look good and to keep them in top shape, not to mention the fact that you have to be extra careful around wood since it’s highly porous and stains a lot (even water can cause stains in the case of wood!).

But seriously, even though using wood poses a lot of disadvantages in terms of safety and durability, you have to admit that wood looks gorgeous. And this elegant warmth of wood is more than enough to make all the effort we put into maintenance well worth it. Wood is classy and timeless and looks great on any home. Besides, there are ways to get around the disadvantages. Wood can be reinforced with concrete so that it will be able to hold all the weight without getting damaged. And with constant vigilance, you can still be able to preserve your floors just as some of the oldest houses in the country have.

But back to the description of wood slabs, wood slabs are usually 3/4” thick, but you can have them cut to your own liking if you contact the company. The most commonly used materials for wood slabs include red oak, white oak, ash, yew, and maple. Cherry wood may also be used, but they’re relatively rare and quite expensive because of their advanced age.

The Cost of Wood Slabs

Wood slabs, despite their disadvantages, are priced rather expensively. Wood is now more of a luxury than a necessity because there is now such a thing as illegal logging. They may cost you $20 a piece, but it really depends more on the wood used.

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What are Concrete Slabs?

Concrete slabs are used for the foundations of houses and other buildings. For skyscrapers, they are reinforced by the steel framework, but for simple houses, they’re enough to serve as a foundation. Thick slabs that are about 10 to 50 centimeters thick are usually used for the flooring of buildings and also for the roof or the ceiling. Thinner slabs can be used for the pavement of walkways and driveways.

There are three types of concrete slabs, and these are corrugated, ribbed slab, and waffle slab.

What Makes Concrete Slabs so Awesome?

What makes concrete slabs so great is because they are so durable. Concrete is made of cement mixed with water and other aggregate materials such as gravel, sand, limestone, and other chemicals that are bonded together in such a way that creates one of the best building materials in the world. Not only that, concrete is also hailed as the most popular building material due to its durability, workability and affordability.

Indeed, concrete is priced at a reasonable rate for all the advantages that it gives. For the standard concrete slab that is used for patios, walkways, and driveways, the cost would just be about $3 per square foot.

Other Advantages of Concrete Slabs

A great thing about concrete slabs is that they are great thermal conductors. While this may not be so great in the cooler areas, this is actually pretty useful for places that are too warm or places that have shifting temperatures throughout the day. You see, concrete has a high thermal mass. This does pose a disadvantage because it delays the heating of a house using an electric heater during cold days. However, when the climate’s just fine and the sun is up, the concrete will absorb the heat of the day and release it at night when it’s cooler.

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But statues and shrines aren’t the only things that marble can be used for. You can also use marble as flooring for your own home, in much the same way that churches and various commercial establishments. What’s great about marble is that it is not only elegant, but it’s also flexible. It’s dynamic and easy to work with for professionals who have specialized equipment. If you’re a business owner, you can have your company’s logo engraved in marble at your company building’s foyer to give the building a higher sense of prestige and pride.

Cost of Marble Slabs

Marble slabs are usually cut from big chunks of marble direct from various quarries all over the world. They’re usually cut at 3/4” to 1-1/4” thick per slice. Marble tiles are generally cheaper than marble slabs, but the marble slabs will allow you greater control over the design of your flooring. Also, slabs are better to use if you want a flooring that looks singular and not divided into several little sections. Tiles are sometimes just too associated with bathrooms or comfort rooms to be suitable for flooring in foyers or corridors. These marble slabs can cost you about twenty to twenty five per square foot by a 2 by 4 foot marble sheet.

Types of Marble Finishes

The basic types of finishes for marble include polished marble and honed marble. Polished marble reflects a lot of light and is shiny and preferred by some people for flooring and for other furniture. Honed marble, on the other hand, is sanded. This gives it a slightly rough texture and causes it to reflect less light. Honed marble, unlike polished marble, is not as smooth, so it will be a lot safer to use for pool sides or bathrooms where they’ll probably always be wet.

Maintenance for Marble

One thing that you have to know about marble is its maintenance requirements. Now, don’t be afraid, I’m not here to tell you some bad news. On the contrary, this section of the article is going to tell you about one of the advantages of using marble. You see, marble is relatively easy to clean, just dampen a rug and glide it over the surface and voila, you’re done! Most of the time, you won’t even have to mop it. You only have to sweep the surface to remove the dust particles that have probably settled on it.

Remember though that marble is not as durable as granite. So, don’t drop heavy objects on it abruptly or it might crack.

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Patio stones also blend well in any kind of environment. You won’t need to pattern decorations around the stone or choose complementary colors because stones look great with all types and colors of accessories.

If you are on a tight budget, you may want to go to your local supply or hardware store to check out patio stones for sale. Here are some of the stones you can consider to use to design your patio.

Limestone looks great not only in the patio but in any part of your house. Majority of limestones available in the market today have a warm, earth-tone color with swirls or speckled grain. There are many finishes and textures available, so you can choose the design you like.

Granite comes in a variety of color, and usually has swirls or spattered grains. A problem with using granite is that they could be slippery, so you’ll need to be careful when walking on a granite patio.

Marble is also available in a variety of textures, colors and finishes. A great thing about using marble is that they grow more beautiful in time. However, the downside is that marble is perhaps the most expensive natural stone in the market today.

Slate was used in the past mostly on chalkboards, billiard tables and roof tiles only. However, it is fast becoming a popular choice for commercial and residential applications, and is considered widely as the perfect material for patios because they are not slippery. It is available in different colors as well.

Travertine is basically marble with holes. Because of the holes, it was not used before for home decorations. However, when these holes are filled up with grout, travertine gives off a very unique, edgy look that is now becoming a trend.

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What are Granite Slabs?

But what exactly is granite? Granite is an igneous rock that is highly durable and highly dense. It is this durability that makes it popular among builders. It has a grainy texture and has varying colors, ranging from a dull gray to a peachy pink. To use as construction materials, people cut slabs out of the granite blocks. They are usually cut into 3/4 or 1-1/4 sheets.

Once they’re quarried, they are then sent to the processing plants in different parts of Europe where they are transformed into the four major types of granite finishes. These four types of finishes are:

• polished Surface – The polished surface, as the name implies, is the shiniest type of finish. In fact, most people call it the ‘shiny’ finish rather than ‘polished.’ This type of finish is best for decorative uses only. If you insist on using it as flooring, make sure that there’s not too much traffic in the place you choose.
• Honed Surface – Honed surfaces are flat and smooth and are also called ‘matte.’ However, unlike the polished finish, the honed finish can withstand high traffic so it can be used in sidewalks and bath rooms.
• Flamed Surface – The flamed surface is flat and textured and can also be used for outdoor structures such as benches and sidewalks.
• Brushed Surface – The brushed surface is coarsely textured and reflects the least amount of light. It can also be used for sidewalks, benches, and other outdoor structures.

What You Need to Know

granite slabs are popular materials for kitchen countertops because of their durability. They do not get scratched easily, so if you accidentally strike it with your knife, you won’t have to worry much. However, you have to keep in mind that granite is a relatively porous rock. This means that stains from various ingredients would be hard to remove. But fear not because there is a way to get around this problem. You only have to seal the surface using a ‘sealer,’ preferably water based.

Some people say that using granite slabs are actually quite impractical because you can always use granite tiles instead. However, you should note that granite slabs allow for more options in terms of design because you can have them cut to your own preference.

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Granite Slabs

granite slabs are simply slabs made out of granite, whether it’s natural or synthetic. People who use granite slabs are generally no-nonsense people who have a penchant for simple elegance. You see, granite slabs give off an elegant vibe that makes them great materials for flooring. Not just that, granite slabs are also very durable and long-lasting.

Marble Slabs

Anything that’s made of pure marble is beautiful, thereby inviting awe from almost everyone. So, if you see a person whose home or company has marble flooring, expect that that person is rich and is out to impress. The person might also have a thing for extravagant beauty. Let’s face it. Anyone who is perfectly willing to spend a considerable amount of money on marble slabs must place beauty and aesthetics at a high value. But that’s not to say that the only thing that’s good about marble is its impressiveness and its beauty. On the contrary, marble slabs are also very hard and therefore very durable. They do not crack easily, even after countless earthquakes.

Concrete Slabs

People who use concrete slabs for their homes or their companies are generally practical people who place little emphasis on outside appearances. But that’s not to say that concrete slabs do not look beautiful. Actually, if applied properly, concrete slabs can be made to look elegant and austere in a sleek industrial manner. What’s so great about concrete slabs is that they’re great materials for foundations.

Wood Slabs

When anyone sees wooden slabs, the first thing that would probably come to their mind is ‘nature.’ Wooden slabs are rarely seen in the flooring of skyscrapers or any other big buildings, but they’re relatively common in the domestic setting (i.e. the home). Wooden slabs generally speak of a love for the simple things in life. However, wooden slabs are also quite hard to maintain, so whoever chooses them over the other materials probably has a lot of patience.

So, whenever you enter an establishment, look down and analyze the floor the way a psychiatrist might, or you could simply admire the slabs for what they are – beautiful.

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If we may add, flagstones are also good components that could add up to one house’s class. Flagstones (or simply flags), are usually decorative flat stones that we use for paving slabs. Other than that, we also use it in making fences, roofing, memorials and headstones. It is also referred to as Pennsylvania Bluestone, and was named after the place where it was said to have originated.

Flagstone is basically a sedimentary rock, split in layers. Thin layers of flagstone make it ideal for use in walkways, patios, walkways, steps, fences, houses and fireplaces among others. Colours are added up to enhance the beauty.

“Natural” as it is, flagstones don’t come it cheap. It is in fact considered as expensive, although it truly gives us the satisfaction of seeing our place embedded with flagstones. Flagstone price varies though. But just how much are flagstones? The answer is: reasonable enough.

We can actually find flagstones on sale even in the comfort of our very home — via the net.

Referred to as a natural stone, it comes from rock minerals like the limestone and sandstone. Flagstones don’t need maintenance. It is also durable. All that one has to do is to ask for procedures on flagstones cleaning.

Considering that flagstones are maintenance-free and durable at that, many businesses are using flags to enhance their business place — after all, the conducive ambience of a business area attracts more people to do business with them. Hotels, for one, make use of flagstones to enhance the mood of their lodging place.

The more natural they make out of their hotel, the more appealing they are among guests, who finds it real “cool” to stay in a city hotel where greenery and nature are among its features. Hotels use flagstone to make a stylish look in their steps, patios, walkways and even the pool area.

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