Reinforced Concrete Rafts in Taunton SW — Raft Foundations for Weak Ground

RC rafts are chosen where the ground is weak or variable, where the building loads are light enough to be spread, and where piling is not justified. They suit residential extensions, light commercial structures, and sites with made ground or soft soils.

Typical raft projects include residential extensions on weak ground, light commercial structures, and sites with made ground where a raft spreads the load more effectively than strip foundations.

A reinforced concrete raft is a single slab that covers the whole building footprint, spreading the load so evenly that the ground does not need to be strong at any single point. The raft is reinforced top and bottom to handle the bending forces, and the edge is often thickened to form a toe. Rafts are used where the ground is weak or variable, where the loads are relatively light, and where a deep foundation is not justified.

We assess the ground and the loads, then design the raft — thickness, reinforcement and edge detail. Our team prepares the formation, fixes the steel, sets the formwork, and places and finishes the concrete. We coordinate with building control throughout.

RC raft cost depends on the area, the thickness, the reinforcement, and the volume of concrete. The ground conditions and the edge detail also affect cost. We provide a fixed quote within 48 hours of the site visit.

We provide a fixed, written quote within 48 hours of the site visit. You will know exactly what the job costs before any equipment arrives on your property.

Taurus Piling & Foundations Ltd is an owner-operated piling and foundation contractor based in Taunton, serving Somerset, London and the wider South West. We are fully insured and CHAS accredited, with an in-house structural piling design team — so your project moves without waiting on a third party. Every project is overseen personally by the director. Free quotes are provided within 48 hours, and every job is backed by a satisfaction guarantee.

When is a raft better than piles?

A raft is better where the ground is weak but the loads are light enough to be spread across the whole footprint, and where piling is not justified. Where the weak ground is deep, or the loads are heavy, piles are usually the better choice. We assess the ground and recommend the right option.