Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Weight Capacity of a Patio Slab

My patio is a 3.5-4 inch thick slab of concrete and I am planning to build an outdoor kitchen on part of the patio. Some of the plans I have seen for outdoor kitchens (in standard outdoor kitchen books, like those sold at Home Depot) show up to 24 inches of concrete under the border of the kitchen, which I assume is due to the weight (lots of concrete blocks and bricks). That would be easy enough if I were pouring a new patio, but I am planning on putting this on my existing (and rather new) patio slab. My concern is whether pilling up all this weigh on one part of the patio will cause cracks or other foundational issues for my patio.

Thanks,
Jason

Just what are you planning to put on the patio?

You should not have a problem unless you are doing something dramatic. A driveway may be 4" thick and supports 4000 to 10000 pound vehicles at only four points.

Dick

You've convinced me, nothing to worry about! ;)

Thanks!

Jason

While the concrete may not become crushed as a result of the added weight, it could actually tilt. This all depends upon the quality of the stone or sand base under the slab, and the size of the section of patio you're building the structure on. If the concrete slab was jointed in say, 4 sections, and the joints worked (cracked), then in essence you have 4 seperate slabs. If a tremendous weight was put on the edge of one of these "mini slabs" it could cause that slab to tilt. I know it sounds funny, but I've seen it happen.

Pecos

Check out www.imabouttobebannedforadvertising.com. They have a kit that is alot lighter than traditional kitchens using block. It is high strength aluminum and you can finish it in stone veneer. I am considering one myself. I have been researching for about a year. Stone veneer only weighs around 16 lbs a square foot compared with 155 lbs cubic foot of stone. But the best part is it is real stone, just thin and looks great. Just google thin stone veneer. Also, the kits they sell can even be installed on decks so 3-4 inches of concrete should be more than enough. My cousin bought one of their kits and lives in Texas and was very happy with it.