Concrete slabs & foundations in Temple, TX
House foundations, garage and shop slabs, shed pads and additions — engineered prep for Bell County clay soil.
Quick answer: what does a concrete slab cost in Temple, TX?
A basic reinforced slab in Texas commonly runs about $5.93 to $12.77 per square foot installed, so a 1,200 sq ft shop or garage slab is roughly $6,900 to $16,300. On Temple's expansive clay, pad prep, select fill, thickened edges and engineered foundation designs are the biggest swing factors. A contractor prices it after seeing the site and plans.
Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Prices and code notes are general guidance; your contractor confirms them on site.
Slabs we pour
- Slab-on-grade house foundations built to the plans
- Garage, workshop and storage-building slabs
- Shed pads, AC pads and equipment pads
- Room-addition slabs tied into existing foundations
- Grade beams, footings and thickened edges
On expansive clay, foundations for homes are typically designed by an engineer, often as a post-tensioned or heavily reinforced slab. Your contractor builds to those plans and coordinates inspections.
What affects slab cost
Engineering
House foundations follow engineered plans; simple pads usually don't need them.
Pad prep
Building up and compacting a select-fill pad is a big part of the cost on clay.
Thickness and beams
Thicker slabs and deeper grade beams add concrete and steel.
Plumbing and conduit
Under-slab plumbing and electrical must be in and inspected before the pour.
Vapor barrier
A barrier under interior slabs limits moisture coming through the floor.
Site access
Pump trucks may be needed when trucks can't reach the forms.
Concrete Slab & Foundation FAQ
How thick should a garage or shop slab be?
Many residential garage slabs are 4 inches, while shops that park heavy trucks, trailers or equipment are often 5 to 6 inches with thickened edges. Your loads and the building plans set the right number.
Do I need an engineer for a slab?
House foundations on Temple clay normally use an engineered design. Small sheds and pads usually don't, but larger buildings or loads may need one.
How soon can I build on a new slab?
Framing can often start within a few days, but concrete keeps curing for about 28 days. The contractor will advise based on the slab and weather.
How much does a concrete slab cost in Texas?
One Texas estimate puts a 1,200 sq ft slab, including excavation, gravel base, vapor barrier, rebar, forms, a 4-inch pour and broom finish, at about $6,900 to $16,300, or $5.93 to $12.77 per square foot. Engineered house foundations, thicker slabs, deep grade beams and select fill on clay cost more.
Cost and code figures come from ProMatcher, HomeGuide, CostKit and the City of Temple. See the full Temple concrete cost guide.
Get a free concrete slab & foundation quote
Tell us what you're planning. Your request goes to a local concrete crew that works in Temple and Bell County, and they'll follow up to schedule a look at the site and give you a written price.
- One contractor, not a bidding war of five callers
- Site visit before a final price
- No cost or obligation for the quote