Lightweight Concrete by Legacy General Contractor
LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE — REDUCED DEAD LOAD FOR SENSITIVE STRUCTURES
Lightweight concrete uses expanded shale, clay, slate, or other lightweight aggregates to achieve significantly lower density than standard concrete while maintaining adequate strength. We install lightweight concrete for residential roof decks and patio slabs, and commercial structural fill and roof topping applications. Lightweight concrete reduces dead load on structures, provides thermal insulation, and is easier to handle in elevated applications.
Starting at $10 per sq ft
Lightweight Concrete Services
Select a service below for pricing, process details, and FAQs.
Lightweight Fill Concrete
Cellular or lightweight aggregate concrete for fill, void fill, and weight reduction. 30-120 PCF density options.
Learn MoreInsulating Concrete
Low-density cellular concrete for roof insulation, pipe insulation, and thermal applications. R-values up to R-3.5 per inch.
Learn More5 Highlights on Lightweight Concrete
Residential applications
roof deck and patio slabs where reduced weight is important for structural capacity.
Commercial applications
structural fill and roof topping where dead load must be minimized.
25-35% lighter than standard concrete
lightweight aggregate significantly reduces slab weight.
Improved thermal insulation
lightweight concrete provides better insulating properties than standard-weight concrete.
Why Choose Our Lightweight Concrete
Lightweight concrete requires different handling than standard mixes. The aggregate absorbs water differently, affecting workability and finishing.
We work with batch plants to develop lightweight mixes that meet both weight and strength requirements for your specific application.
Signs You Need Lightweight Concrete
1. Structural capacity limits
When the supporting structure can't handle the weight of standard concrete, lightweight concrete provides the solution.
2. Elevated slab construction
Roof decks, elevated patios, and upper-floor concrete benefit from reduced dead load.
3. Need thermal insulation
Lightweight concrete provides better thermal properties than standard concrete, reducing energy costs.
Our Lightweight Concrete Process
Step 1 — Mix Design
Design mix using lightweight aggregates to achieve target weight and strength. Test for proper slump and workability.
Step 2 — Placement
Place lightweight concrete using standard techniques with adjustments for aggregate characteristics.
Step 3 — Finishing
Finish surface as specified. Lightweight concrete finishes differently than standard mixes — our crews adjust technique accordingly.
Step 4 — Curing
Proper curing is especially important for lightweight concrete to achieve target strength.
Brands We Use
- Arcosa Lightweight — expanded shale and clay aggregates
- Norlite — lightweight aggregate products
FAQs About Lightweight Concrete
How much lighter is lightweight concrete?
Standard concrete weighs approximately 150 lbs per cubic foot. Lightweight concrete typically weighs 90-115 lbs per cubic foot — a 25-40% reduction depending on the aggregate used.
Is lightweight concrete weaker?
Lightweight concrete can achieve structural-grade strength (3,000-5,000 PSI) depending on mix design. However, it typically has lower strength-to-weight ratio than standard concrete at the same PSI.
Pricing
$10 - $25
per sq ft
*Varies by project scope and site conditions.
Related Services
Leave Concrete to the Pros
Because with Legacy General Services,
You Get More Than a Guarantee
When you choose Legacy General Services for your concrete project in the NW Metro, you're choosing a partner committed to quality that lasts.
Reputation
MN-registered contractor since 2023. Insured and trusted by homeowners across the NW Metro.
Transparency
No hidden fees or surprise charges. Upfront pricing on every concrete project—big or small, start to finish.
Efficiency
On-time scheduling and reliable project timelines. We show up when we say we will and finish on schedule.
Quality
Air-entrained, freeze-thaw resistant concrete built for Minnesota winters. Every pour meets or exceeds code.