In Plain English
Quick Answer
The final ground level after all earthwork is complete — the exact elevation where you want the finished surface to be.
Definition
Definition
The final elevation of the ground surface after all grading, filling, and compaction work is complete, ready to receive the final surface treatment or construction. In concrete work, finish grade refers to the level to which subgrade is prepared before slab placement. Establishing correct finish grades is critical for drainage, slab thickness, and meeting design elevations.
Context
Why It Matters in Bidding
Finish grade is the reference elevation that controls slab thickness, drainage slope, and how the building ties into surrounding flatwork, so an error here ripples into concrete overruns and standing-water callbacks. Estimators rely on accurate finish-grade assumptions to quantify cut and fill, base material, and concrete yield, since even a small grade miss multiplied across a large pad adds real cost.
Example
Example
Before pouring the warehouse slab, the concrete sub shoots the prepared subgrade against the finish-grade benchmark to confirm a uniform six-inch slab and positive drainage toward the dock.
See Also
Related Terms
FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
What is the difference between finish grade and subgrade?
Subgrade is the compacted native or fill soil layer that supports the structure above. Finish grade is the target final elevation of the ground surface or prepared base, ready to receive paving, slab, or landscaping. The subgrade is built up or trimmed until it reaches the specified finish-grade elevation.
Why is establishing correct finish grade important for concrete slabs?
Slab thickness is measured from finish grade up, so a high subgrade thins the slab and weakens it, while a low subgrade wastes concrete. Finish grade also sets the drainage slope, ensuring water sheds away from the structure rather than ponding, which protects both performance and the owner's acceptance.
Who is responsible for verifying finish grade before a pour?
Typically the grading contractor establishes finish grade, but the concrete sub and superintendent verify it against survey benchmarks before placement. Documenting the check protects against disputes over slab thickness overruns, since whoever poured on an out-of-tolerance subgrade often absorbs the cost of extra concrete or remediation.
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