Installing a new concrete patio or driveway is a labor-intensive project that also requires several pre-planning steps. Determining the appropriate concrete thickness before delivery and pouring any ready-mix concrete is essential to the success of the finished driveway or patio. If you miscalculate concrete thickness and pour too little ready-mix concrete, your driveway or patio may not be able to withstand the weight and pressure placed on it. An error in the other direction where the concrete is too thick could make for an unattractive driveway or patio in addition to spending more money on concrete delivery than necessary.
The weight of items you intend to place on the driveway or patio, the condition of the soil that lies beneath the concrete, and whether a finished patio will sit above or below the ground are some of the most important factors to consider when determining appropriate concrete thickness. At Arnold Ready-Mix, we recommend that homeowners follow the five steps below to determine the correct ratio of concrete thickness.
How Much Weight Will the Finished Driveway or Patio Hold?
With the typical vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds, you really can’t afford to miscalculate concrete thickness when having ready-mix concrete delivered for a driveway. You have more leeway with patios because the weight of items placed on patios can vary significantly from one homeowner to the next. If you plan to place a hot tub on the patio, for example, you need to ensure the concrete underneath the hot tub is thick enough to withstand its weight. On the other hand, concrete thickness is less of a factor if you only intend to for the patio to add aesthetic value to your home.
Determine the Condition of Soil To Find Correct Concrete Thickness
The stability of underlying soil is a big consideration when determining concrete thickness since unstable soil requires greater reinforcement. If you feel uncertain that the soil is stable enough to support the ready-mix concrete after it dries and hardens, we recommend that you contact our experts for assistance with determining soil stability. If you proceed with the project and the soil underneath is unstable, it may not be able to withstand the weather conditions in Missouri for long.
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Add a Gravel Base Underneath
Placing a gravel base underneath the ready-mix concrete creates a barrier between the soil and the driveway or patio. The benefit of doing so is that the gravel base increases the strength of the finished concrete and allows it to hold more weight. A typical method for determining the amount of gravel base is to add the same amount as each concrete slab. For example, add four inches of gravel base if you intend for the concrete slab to also measure four inches. Completing this step properly is important to determine how deep you will need to dig a hole for your new driveway or patio.
How to Determine the Depth of Dirt Holes
Depending on the weight of items you plan to place on your driveway or patio, we recommend aiming for a depth of four to eight inches. The heavier the items, the deeper you should dig a hole in the ground to pour the ready-mix concrete. For above-ground patios, plan to dig a deeper hole regardless of the weight of items placed on it as this will provide maximum support.
Contact Arnold Read-Mix For Expert Advice On Concrete Thickness
For additional questions about determining concrete thickness or to request a concrete quote, please contact Arnold Ready Mix in Imperial, Missouri at 636-464-1888. We have three concrete mixing plants in Jefferson County, MO and we've delivered concrete for close to 60 years. We have the knowledge and skills to help you pour a beautiful and long-lasting ready-mix concrete driveway or patio.
Before you go:
How to Seal a Concrete Driveway or Patio