What is a Pods and Steel Supplier?

A Pods and Steel Supplier provides the critical under-slab materials needed to construct a concrete slab, including polystyrene waffle pods, reinforcing steel mesh, starter bars, and other structural elements. These materials form the base for the slab and are essential for load-bearing, insulation, and strength.


The supply of pods and steel typically occurs after earthworks are complete and just before formwork and concrete pour.

What does a Pods and Steel Supplier do?

Your supplier will complete works according to your agreed scope of supply.


Typically, they will:

  • Supply polystyrene pods or rafts sized to match your slab engineering
  • Deliver reinforcing steel mesh, starter bars, corner bars, and tie wire
  • Provide bar chairs, spacers, and supporting accessories for proper slab reinforcement
  • Deliver to site in coordination with your concreter’s schedule
  • Offer shop drawings or reinforcement layouts if requested


Some may also supply termite barriers or vapour barriers as part of the package.

Tip: Check Slab Details Before Ordering Steel and Pods

Make sure your slab engineering are final before ordering — even small changes in slab size or edge beams can change the amount of steel or pods you need.


And if site access is tight, confirm whether smaller truck deliveries are needed!

What to look for in a Pods and Steel Supplier

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Compliance with Australian Standards for steel reinforcement (AS/NZS 4671)
  • Correct pod sizes (standard waffle pods or custom dimensions)
  • Clear inclusions: starter bars, tie wire, bar chairs, slab mesh
  • Ability to schedule flexible deliveries (pods and steel may come separately)
  • Supplier experience working with residential slab contractors


It’s a bonus if they coordinate directly with your concreter to match delivery timing.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Pods and Steel Suppliers, you’ll need:

  • Engineering slab design and reinforcement schedule
  • Site address and slab set-out details
  • Site access information (truck restrictions, delivery times)
  • Quantity estimates (or ask supplier to quote from engineering plans)
  • Target start date for slab construction

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are pods mandatory for all slabs?

    No — waffle pod slabs are common for residential builds on stable soils. Your engineer specifies whether pods, rafts, or traditional raft slabs are needed.

  • Can the concreter supply pods and steel instead?

    Sometimes — but buying direct from a supplier can give you better cost control and confirmation of material quality.

  • Do pods come pre-cut?

    No — pods are usually delivered full size and trimmed on-site during slab set-out.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.