Concrete is critical to the foundation of your home, from the garage to the deck in your backyard. That said, you should choose concrete for your next home project carefully. Mainly, you should know if poured or precast concrete is better.

Our guide below will make it easy to find a solution.

Poured Concrete

Poured concrete is also commonly referred to as “site-cast” and “cast-in-place.” Each term accurately describes how poured concrete is a mixture that you pour and cure on-site.

This type of concrete is effective for covering large areas, so it’s especially helpful when you need a large concrete piece for your structure. This is typically an issue that construction projects encounter when the subject is a large building, such as a commercial property. Therefore, poured concrete is not as popular for residential projects. Still, transporting the cement before curing it ensures a more efficient delivery process.

Unfortunately, an issue that poured concrete experiences is susceptibility to elemental damage. Outside temperatures impact how successfully poured concrete cures, so bad weather can hinder the material’s overall strength. A common example of this problem is using poured concrete in cold weather, which severely impacts the concrete’s strength.

Precast Concrete

Precast concrete is different from the poured alternative because professionals carefully pour, cure, and craft it in a temperature-controlled environment before you buy it. This ensures that a warm or cold day doesn’t hinder the strength of the project.

Plus, you should know that you can buy precast concrete slabs, but that’s not the only form available. For example, you can browse manufacturers who offer solid precast footings made of concrete to support decks and other structures around your property.

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If you rely on precast concrete, you get a final product that is strong and can withstand the test of time. Also, this alternative makes the whole project more efficient. Since the precast concrete is made in an off-site facility, it arrives at your home cured and with a rebar in the center so you can place it immediately.

The Best Choice

When deciding whether poured or precast concrete is better, precast concrete is typically the best option for homeowners who want a strong foundation and a quick construction process. Poured concrete is useful in certain settings, such as for large projects, but that’s mostly a concern for commercial projects.

Now that you know more about the concrete foundation options available, decide on the best solution for your home construction project today.