Footing + wall
The footing establishes support and a base location; the wall carries that layout upward and becomes part of the building geometry.
Concrete basics explained in the context of a real construction project.
Use this guide to understand the terms that appear in foundation, slab and residential concrete discussions, then continue to the related service pages for more detail.
How the pieces connect
Concrete terms make more sense when you follow the construction sequence.
The same element can affect support, dimensions, elevations and the next phase of work.
Forms + reinforcement
Forms establish the concrete shape while specified reinforcement and embedded items are positioned before placement.
Slab + elevations
A slab connects prepared support below to doors, walls, floor transitions and the intended use of the finished space.
Curing + handoff
Concrete continues developing after placement, so later construction should be coordinated with the project requirements and concrete condition.
Footings
Widened concrete elements below walls or supports. Footings distribute loads into supporting soil and establish the base geometry for the foundation system.
Related information →
Foundation Walls
Poured vertical concrete elements that support the structure above and define foundation geometry, openings and elevation changes.
Related information →Slabs
Horizontal concrete elements used for garage, basement, building and other residential applications. Slab planning begins with the site and base below the finished surface.
Related information →Formwork
Temporary construction used to shape and support fresh concrete. Forms establish wall faces, slab edges, openings, corners and other project geometry.
Related information →
Reinforcement
Specified reinforcing steel or other reinforcement placed within the concrete according to the project design.
Related information →Placement
The process of delivering and placing concrete into prepared forms or slab areas. Access, forms, site readiness and weather all affect the work.
Related information →Finishing
Surface work performed after slab placement to produce the project-appropriate finish and edge treatment.
Related information →
Curing
The period after placement when moisture and temperature conditions support concrete hydration and continued development.
Related information →Project conversation
Have a concrete project question?
Tell us what you are building, where the project is located and what stage it is in. Those basics help start a useful scope conversation.