Flat slabs are appropriate for most floor situations and also for irregular column layouts, curved floor shapes, ramps etc. The benefits of choosing flat slabs include a minimum depth solution, speed of construction, flexibility in the plan layout (both in terms of the shape and column layout), a flat soffit (clean finishes and freedom of layout of services) and scope and space for the use of flying forms.

The flexibility of flat slab construction can lead to high economy and yet allow the architect great freedom of form.

Examples are; solid flat slab, solid flat slab with drop panel, solid flat slab with column head, coffered flat slab, coffered flat slab with solid panels, banded coffered flat slab.