Concrete slab or original Stelcon slab?

Many people who own a sat-nav refer to it as ‘the TomTom’. Often, however, that sat-nav is actually a completely different brand. The same applies to concrete slabs. People often talk about ‘Stelcon concrete slabs’, but these are actually unbranded concrete slabs. Original Stelcon concrete slabs are manufactured by just one factory in the Netherlands. They are easily recognisable by the steel corner strip engraved with ‘Stelcon’, or, in the case of slabs without a steel corner strip, on the side of the slab. We refer to all slabs not produced by this factory as (unbranded) concrete slabs or industrial slabs.

An original Stelcon slab scores highly for dimensional stability and concrete quality. Furthermore, these slabs retain their value very well. Of course, this comes at a price: they are easily 10–20% more expensive than unbranded concrete slabs (depending on the type).

With or without steel corner beads

Concrete slabs and Stelcon slabs are available with or without steel corner beads. The advantage of choosing a steel corner bead is that you can lay the slabs against each other with virtually no gap. Slabs without steel corner strips often have a bevelled edge, which creates a sort of gap when you lay the slabs against each other. This can be a nuisance with, for example, roll containers fitted with small swivel castors. 

For a farmyard, for example, we actually always recommend slabs without steel corner strips. This is because those corner strips cost money, and if the slabs are corroded by, for example, maize juice, they come loose from the slab, lift up and thus cause problems.

Laying concrete slabs

If you want to lay concrete slabs properly, it is important to have a good sub-base. The best results are achieved with a level sand bed, preferably made of coarse sand. In addition, it is best to lay concrete slabs with a joint of about 5 mm between them: this gives the slabs enough space to settle into the sand bed, and also means they are less likely to be damaged during laying. Some slabs have small ridges on the sides, but you can also use spacers (made of hardboard, for example).

Composition and finish of concrete slabs

There are different types of concrete slabs for every application. The main difference lies in the composition and finish of the slabs. Depending on what you are using the concrete slabs for, you can, for example, choose between plain concrete, reinforced concrete or structurally reinforced concrete. Plain concrete is self-explanatory. Reinforced concrete slabs are fitted as standard with light reinforcement that serves a purpose only shortly after the slab is produced. After that, the concrete quality of the slab is so high that the reinforcement no longer serves a purpose. Then there are also structural concrete slabs. These slabs contain so much reinforcement that, even after the concrete has cured, it contributes to the strength of the slab. In practice, these types of slabs are only used in the most extreme situations.

The finish also varies: for example, there are smooth or brushed concrete slabs, or those with a chequered pattern. Smooth concrete slabs can create hazardous situations in certain weather conditions (such as in the rain) and are therefore better suited for indoor use. Fine or coarse-textured concrete slabs provide better grip. Concrete slabs with a chequered pattern also provide better grip, but are easy to clean as the slab has a smooth finish.

Looking to buy concrete slabs?

You can do so with us. We stock concrete slabs in lengths and widths ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 metres. You can view our range here. For any questions or further information, please feel free to call us on 0318-742144 or email us at info@fvr-trading.nl.