Concrete Pads

Small Concrete Pads for Your Home

Concrete pads are small but essential foundations for various outdoor equipment and utilities. Whether you need a level base for an air conditioning unit, a water tank foundation, or a bin pad, concrete pads provide the stability and durability needed for reliable performance. These quick, cost-effective solutions are often overlooked but prevent equipment damage, improve functionality, and extend the life of your installations.

Unlike large slabs, pads are targeted solutions for specific purposes. Properly installed concrete pads prevent settling, drainage issues, and equipment failure.

Types of Concrete Pads We Construct

We specialise in small concrete pads for various residential applications:

• Air conditioner (AC) pads: Level base for outdoor AC units. Prevents equipment rocking, improves efficiency, and protects the unit from moisture absorption and ground contact damage.
• Water tank bases: Solid foundation for rainwater tanks and storage containers. Distributes weight evenly, prevents rust-causing ground contact, and simplifies tank maintenance access.
• Bin pads: Designated hardstand areas for wheelie bins. Prevents wheel sinking, reduces pest access to soil, and contains spillage effectively.
• Hot water system pads: Dedicated base for solar hot water systems or electric hot water units. Protects equipment from ground moisture and provides a level, secure installation platform.
• Utility pads: General-purpose pads for meters, pumps, switches, and other outdoor utilities requiring a level, durable base.
• Equipment bases: Custom pads for compressors, generators, pumps, and workshop equipment. Sized to suit specific load requirements.

Standard Pad Sizes and Thicknesses

Concrete pads are customised to equipment requirements. Common sizes include:

• Small pads (0.5-2 sqm): Typical for AC units, hot water systems, and meters. Standard thickness 75-100mm accommodates single equipment items.
• Medium pads (2-5 sqm): Suitable for water tanks, larger equipment, or multiple small items. Usually 100mm thick to distribute load safely.
• Large pads (5-10+ sqm): For substantial equipment clusters or commercial installations. Thickness varies based on load analysis.

We measure your equipment during the site visit and design pads that are properly sized with extra clearance for maintenance access and safe equipment operation.

Concrete Pad Site Preparation

Proper preparation ensures pad longevity and equipment protection:

• Excavation: The site is cleared and excavated to the correct depth, removing any organic matter or unsuitable soil.
• Base layer: Compacted gravel or recycled rock provides a stable base that improves drainage and prevents settling.
• Levelling: The pad is carefully levelled, critical for equipment that requires perfectly horizontal installation (AC units, meters).
• Drainage: Slight fall (1:100 gradient) directs water away from equipment, preventing moisture accumulation.
• Reinforcement: Wire mesh or light rebar prevents cracking and ensures durability, especially for heavier loads.

Concrete Pad vs Other Options

You might wonder whether a concrete pad is necessary. Consider these factors:

• Concrete pad advantages: Level, permanent installation; protects equipment from ground moisture; prevents settling and rocking; contains spills; professional appearance; minimal maintenance.
• When pads are essential: AC units (efficiency and durability), water tanks (rust prevention), hot water systems (electrical safety), heavy equipment (load distribution).
• Ground installation issues: Equipment sinks into soft soil, rocks during operation, rusts from ground contact, collects water around base, creates muddy area.
• Cost comparison: Concrete pads are economical compared to equipment damage, early replacement, or performance loss from improper installation.

Air Conditioner Pad Specifications

AC pads require precise specifications for optimal equipment performance:

• Standard size: 1.2m × 1.5m for typical single outdoor AC units, with 150mm clearance on all sides for maintenance access.
• Thickness: 100mm standard for proper load distribution and long-term durability.
• Surface: Smooth finish (non-slip) to allow equipment vibration to dissipate safely without movement.
• Level tolerance: Critical for AC efficiency. We ensure pad level within 5mm across the entire surface.
• Drainage: Slight fall away from the unit prevents water pooling under the equipment.