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There’s no difference between a “slab foundation” and a “slab-on-grade foundation,” and contractors and homeowners use the terms synonymously. “Slab foundation” is just a shortened version of “slab-on-grade.” In both cases, the homebuilder will pour the concrete foundation into a mold they build directly on the ground. As such, these foundations require no expensive excavation.

Concrete dries faster in the heat than in the cold, but when concrete cures too fast, it can cause weak concrete. It’s best to pour concrete when temperatures are between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, watering it five to 10 times per day for seven days (unless you pour concrete in the winter). Slower cure times, such as when pouring concrete in cold weather, can cause strong concrete, but you need to monitor the temperature drop and moisture levels. Avoid pouring concrete when temperatures are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The average cost of concrete for stairs or slabs is between $110 and $150 per cubic yard, or between roughly $4 and $5.50 per cubic foot for materials. Installation, form building, form materials, and preparation will increase the cost to between $150 and $200 or more per cubic yard. 

Yes—as long as the area has been properly prepped. Different self-leveling brands and compounds have their own specific instructions for preparation; some may require that you add primer or grind the surface. Without proper preparation of the surface, the compound will not be able to fully bond to the concrete and fill the cure as a separate layer, which makes it prone to chipping.