How to Lay a Concrete Slab in Kenya (2026): Thickness, Mix, Steps and Cost

Oct 18, 2026

Buy More Mall Kenya

A ground-floor concrete slab is the base of most Kenyan houses, stores, chicken houses and car parks. Done well, it stays flat, dry and crack-free for decades. Done badly, it cracks, lets damp rise and ruins floor finishes.

Quick answer: Clear and level the ground, lay and compact hardcore (about 150–230 mm), blind it with sand, lay a DPM (polythene damp-proof membrane), place BRC mesh on spacers, then pour concrete about 100–150 mm thick using a 1:2:4 mix (cement:sand:ballast) for normal floors. Compact, level, finish and keep it wet for at least 7 days. BRC A98 costs KSh 24,000 and cement from KSh 770 per bag on Buy More Mall.

Materials for a Ground Slab

Simba Cement – price in Kenya — Simba Cement
**KSh 770**

K.P Silver Mombasa Cement – price in Kenya — K.P Silver Mombasa Cement
**KSh 780**

Brc A98 – price in Kenya — Brc A98
**KSh 24,000**

Binding Wire-1Kg – price in Kenya — Binding Wire-1Kg
**KSh 200**

Wheelbarrow – price in Kenya — Wheelbarrow
**KSh 3,600**

Trowel Juakali Big – price in Kenya — Trowel Juakali Big
**KSh 160**

Some photos are reference images of the product type, used under open licences. Image credits are on each product page.

Material	Use	Price
Simba Cement	Cement	KSh 770
K.P Silver Mombasa Cement	Cement	KSh 780
Brc A98	BRC mesh to control cracking	KSh 24,000
Polythene Roll 25Kg	DPM polythene roll	KSh 2,900
Pvc Paper Or Dpm	DPM sheet / PVC paper	KSh 100
Binding Wire-1Kg	Binding wire for mesh laps	KSh 200
Wheelbarrow	Moving concrete	KSh 3,600
Trowel-Big	Finishing	KSh 160

Sand, ballast and hardcore come from local quarries and suppliers.

Thickness and Mix by Use

Use	Slab thickness	Mix (cement:sand:ballast)
House floor	100–150 mm	1:2:4
Store, garage, light vehicles	150 mm	1:2:4 or 1:1.5:3
Chicken house, path	75–100 mm	1:2:4
Heavy trucks, workshops	Engineer-designed	Engineer-specified

For quantities per bag see concrete mix ratios and cement bags.

Step by Step

Set out and excavate to the slab level minus the hardcore and concrete depth.
Hardcore: lay in layers and compact well; poor compaction causes cracks later.
Blinding: a thin layer of sand or quarry dust to protect the DPM.
DPM: lay polythene with laps of about 150–300 mm, turned up at the walls.
Anti-termite treatment where needed, by a licensed applicator.
Mesh: place BRC on spacers so it sits in the slab, not on the DPM; tie laps with binding wire.
Pour: mix to a workable (not watery) consistency and pour in one continuous operation if possible.
Compact and level with a screed board and vibrator or tamping.
Finish with a float once bleed water has gone.
Cure: keep wet (sacks, polythene or ponding) for at least 7 days.

Can I Lay My Own Concrete Slab?

Small slabs (paths, chicken houses, tank bases) are realistic DIY jobs with helpers. House slabs need a fundi team, a vibrator and, for houses, approved drawings and supervision. Find contractors on the Buy More Mall Services Marketplace.

Rain: avoid pouring in heavy rain; cover fresh concrete with polythene if rain comes, as water on the surface weakens it.

How Much Does a Concrete Slab Cost?

Cost per square metre depends on thickness, mesh, hardcore depth and labour. Work out volumes (area × thickness) and use the mix table to estimate bags of cement, then add sand, ballast, hardcore, DPM, mesh and labour.

Cost ranges are rough planning estimates for 2026 and vary by county, materials and labour; get a written quote.

Worked Example: A 4 × 6 m Store Floor

A shop owner lays a 24 m² store floor 100 mm thick: 2.4 m³ of 1:2:4 concrete, BRC A98 mesh, a 1000-gauge DPM over compacted hardcore, and seven days of wet curing under sacks. The floor stays dry even in the long rains.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping hardcore compaction.
Mesh lying on the DPM (no cover = no use).
Adding extra water to make pouring easy.
Letting the slab dry out in the first week.

Not sure which one fits? Send us your details on WhatsApp or through the product page and we will help you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should a concrete floor slab be?

About 100–150 mm for house floors.

What mix is used for a floor slab?

Commonly 1:2:4 cement:sand:ballast for normal floors.

Do I need BRC mesh in a floor slab?

It is recommended to control cracking.

How long should concrete cure?

Keep it wet for at least 7 days.

Can concrete be poured in the rain?

Avoid heavy rain; protect fresh concrete with polythene.

Prices shown are regular prices on Buy More Mall. Many products are currently on offer, so open the product page to see today's price.

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