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Yes, you can pour concrete over an existing concrete basement floor to save time and money on fully ripping out an existing concrete slab. However, it’s not a perfect solution, so consult a pro before moving forward. You must take specific measurements, and these kinds of floors don’t have the same longevity.

A floating concrete slab is considered a footing since it distributes the weight of the structure to the soil, but not all concrete slabs are considered footings. For example, a T-shaped slab includes separate footings below the slab that support the concrete above and push the load further down into the ground. In that case, the slab would not be considered a footing.

It is not advisable to pour concrete directly on dirt. Even compacted soil—known as a subgrade—is not strong enough to maintain the form of concrete. You can, however, pour concrete over concrete as long as the overlay has proper bonding agents and the slab below is clear of damage.

The trick to getting a smooth finish when pouring concrete is to smooth the surface of the concrete with a magnesium float. This tool helps bring the finer, smoother aggregate to the surface for a cleaner finish. Don’t overdo the floating process, though, or the slab can become weaker and start to scale.