The Number One Question I Get
Alright so this might be the most common question we hear on job sites - "how thick does this need to be?" And honestly the answer depends on what's going on top of it.
Here's the general rule of thumb we go by:
Walkways and Sidewalks - 4 Inches
For foot traffic only, 4 inches on a good compacted base is plenty. We pour a LOT of sidewalks around Gulf Gate and Palmer Ranch neighborhoods and 4 inches with fiber mesh has been our go-to for years.
Patios - 4 to 5 Inches
Patios get a little more because you might have heavy furniture, a grill, maybe a hot tub someday. We usually pour patios at 4.5 to 5 inches. If you're putting a hot tub on there we're going thicker and adding rebar.
Driveways - 5 to 6 Inches
Your average car or SUV, 5 inches with wire mesh or fiber is fine. But if you've got a truck, boat trailer, or RV? Go 6 inches minimum with rebar on 18-inch centers. I've seen too many driveways over on Fruitville crack because someone poured 4 inches and then parked their F-350 dually on it every day.
Commercial and Heavy Vehicles - 6+ Inches
Loading docks, commercial parking, anything with regular truck traffic - we're talking 6 to 8 inches with heavy rebar. Had a job last year off Cattlemen Rd where the customer was running delivery trucks across the apron all day. We poured that thing 8 inches thick with #5 rebar and it's holding up great.
Florida Is a Different Animal Though
Thickness is only half the equation down here. Our sandy soil is actually pretty forgiving for drainage but if your base isn't prepped right, it doesn't matter how thick the concrete is. We compact the base, make sure water drains AWAY from the slab, and use proper control joints so when the concrete does shrink (and it will - that's just what concrete does) it cracks where we want it to.
Got questions about your specific project? Shoot us a text or call at (941) 374-8674. We're always happy to come take a look and give you a straight answer.