Key takeaways
- Four inches is common for patios and walks
- Driveways often use four to six inches
- Heavy equipment and shops need more thickness and steel
- The base under the slab matters as much as the concrete
Thickness is the first thing to decide, because it drives the cost, the strength and how the slab behaves.
Patios and walks
Four inches is a common choice for foot traffic and furniture. It is enough when the base is solid and the joints are planned.
Driveways
Passenger vehicles are fine on four inches in many cases, and five or six inches gives extra strength for heavier trucks and trailers.
Shops, barns and equipment
Heavy loads call for thicker slabs, reinforcement and a stronger base. The design should come from the weight, not a rule of thumb.
Do not skip the base
A thick slab on poor soil can still crack. A compacted gravel base spreads the load and helps water drain.
Related
Questions about your own project? Call or text 720-295-9670, or use the estimate form below.