How thick should parking lot concrete be?

Thicker isn’t always better in the world of concrete. Too much concrete may result in improper drying and unnecessary material expenses. Too little, and you may deal with cracking as the ground shifts. Read on to learn how thick parking lot concrete should be. 

Average thickness for parking lot concrete

On average, parking lot concrete is between 6 and 12 inches thick. On rare occasions, a parking lot might only need 4″ concrete. This is reserved for seasonal locations or parking lots that don’t get a ton of traffic. High traffic parking lots need more thickness to accommodate for projected wear. 

Concrete vs. asphalt: What’s the best material for parking lots? 

Concrete parking lots are slightly more expensive than asphalt parking lots, but they cost less in the long run. A concrete parking lot can last 30 years or more with routine care. Asphalt parking lots require maintenance every few years, and they tend to crack more quickly than concrete. 

Asphalt can warp in the hot sun or crack in the freezing cold. Concrete is more durable against extreme temperature changes, and it’s not susceptible to potholes. The added upfront cost of concrete is low compared to the long-term expenses of asphalt parking lot maintenance. 

How to maintain your concrete parking lot

Some concrete parking lots only require annual cleaning for maintenance. Others need sealing, crack repair, routine inspections, and a higher cleaning frequency. 

The goal of any maintenance plan is to watch out for problems and address them quickly. Repair cracks, counteract foundation settling, and keep the concrete as clean as possible. Be aware of salt damage in the winter months as vehicles bring in salt from the roads. 

JK Industries offers parking lot and parking garage maintenance in Oklahoma. If you’d like a custom parking lot maintenance plan, contact us to schedule a consultation.