2,500 PSI Concrete vs. Higher PSI Concrete

The use of the slab will determine the strength of your concrete. However, 2,500 psi is the most often specified for low performing slabs. For example, a Home Depot that has a lot of foot traffic and fork lift traffic and abuse from dropping lumber and other items usually specifies a concrete strength of 4,000-6,000 psi along with other high performance specifications. In most areas the cost of concrete from 2,500 psi to say 3,500 psi is neglible maybe $1-$4 per cu yard. There is a caveat though with specifying the higher psi concrete; the code states that any concrete over 2,500 psi shall have cylinder tests taken and the test results submitted to the building official. We recommend leaving the concrete strength at 2,500 psi on the plans and calculations and going ahead and pouring a 3,000 or 3,500, this avoids the additional cost of the testing. However, if the use of your building needs a higher strength we will specify the appropriate strength. Commom places for higher strength concrete is diesel mechanic shops, rack storages and any high fork lift traffic.