A clean, stable place to park your RV—built for Treasure Valley soil and seasons
Meridian homeowners love having an RV ready for weekends at Lucky Peak, McCall, or out toward Owyhee—but storing a heavy vehicle on asphalt or bare gravel can lead to ruts, soft spots, mud, and cracking over time. A properly built concrete RV pad solves those issues by spreading load evenly, improving drainage, and giving you a surface that stays level year after year.
Boise Clean Cut Concrete has served Boise and the greater Treasure Valley since 2004, and we’ve seen the difference between “a slab” and an RV pad built with the right base, thickness, reinforcement, and joints for real Idaho conditions.
Quick answer: How thick should an RV pad be?
Most RV pads land in the 4–6 inch range depending on RV weight, soil quality, and base preparation. For heavier Class A rigs, 6 inches with reinforcement is a common recommendation for better performance under sustained load.
What matters as much as thickness
Concrete durability comes from the full system—subgrade prep, compacted base, drainage/slope, reinforcement, and control joints. A thicker slab on a weak base can still crack or settle.
Why RV pads fail (and how to prevent it)
RV pads take a different kind of abuse than a typical patio. The load is heavier, more concentrated at tires and stabilizers, and often sits in one spot for long periods. In Meridian, the most common failure points we see come down to:
Soft subgrade or poorly compacted base: leads to settling, rocking corners, and cracks that widen over time.
Water management issues: ponding or runoff undermines edges and can contribute to freeze-thaw problems.
Insufficient joints: concrete shrinks as it cures; control joints help “tell” it where to crack so random cracking is less likely.
Wrong reinforcement approach: reinforcement helps hold cracks tight and improve load performance, but it does not replace base prep.
Step-by-step: What a well-built concrete RV pad includes
1) Site evaluation and layout
We start by confirming the intended RV size, entry path, turning radius, and where the pad should sit relative to your driveway and gate. Then we plan slope and drainage so water moves away from structures and doesn’t pond on the slab.
2) Excavation and subgrade preparation
Organic material and soft soils are removed. The subgrade is shaped and compacted so the slab has consistent support. This is one of the biggest predictors of long-term performance—especially under heavy, static loads.
3) Compacted base (the “hidden” strength)
A properly compacted aggregate base helps distribute weight, improves drainage, and reduces differential settlement. In the Treasure Valley, base quality matters as much as the concrete itself for RV pads.
4) Forming, reinforcement, and joints
Forms are set for clean edges and consistent thickness. Reinforcement (often rebar or wire mesh) can improve performance and help keep cracks tight. Control joints are planned so normal shrinkage cracking is better managed rather than random.
5) Pouring, finishing, and traction
The slab is poured, consolidated, and finished to a surface that’s easy to clean while still offering traction. Many RV pads use a broom finish for grip, especially during wet or icy conditions.
6) Curing (where strength is earned)
Concrete doesn’t “dry”—it cures. Proper curing helps reduce surface dusting, improves strength, and supports long-term durability. Many RV-pad timelines recommend waiting at least 7–10 days before parking a heavy RV, with full cure commonly around 28 days depending on conditions.
Did you know? Quick RV pad facts homeowners appreciate
Concrete is strongest in compression
That’s why it handles vehicle weight well—especially when the base and thickness match the load.
Control joints don’t “prevent” cracks
They help cracks occur in cleaner, planned locations—better for appearance and long-term management.
Drainage is a durability feature
A slight slope and smart runoff routing can reduce edge erosion and winter ice buildup.
RV pad options at a glance (comparison table)
Not sure whether you should do a standard pad, a thicker pad, or tie into an existing driveway? Here’s a practical comparison.
| Option | Best for | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4″ reinforced RV pad | Light-to-mid RVs, good soil, strong base | Cost-effective, clean storage surface | May not be ideal for very heavy rigs or weak subgrade |
| 6″ reinforced RV pad | Heavier Class A, frequent storage, variable soils | Improved load performance and durability margin | Still needs correct base/compaction and joints |
| RV pad + driveway integration | Tight access, side-yard storage, clean maneuvering | Smooth approach, cohesive look, less rutting | Requires careful grading/drainage planning |
Local Meridian angle: permits, drainage, and winter performance
Meridian neighborhoods often have HOA rules, and the City/ACHD right-of-way area can add requirements for driveway approaches and drainage. Even when a simple backyard slab may not require extensive approvals, RV pads can trigger review based on location, setbacks, and impervious surface coverage. It’s smart to confirm requirements before forming and pouring, especially if the pad connects to the street-facing driveway or changes runoff patterns.
Also, the Treasure Valley experiences freezing temperatures each winter. That makes drainage and base stability more than “nice-to-have”—they’re core to performance. Water that ponds at slab edges or flows under the base can contribute to movement and cracking over seasons.
Meridian homeowner tip
If you plan to add future upgrades (gate widening, a new driveway section, RV hookups, a retaining wall, or a patio extension), mention it early. Planning conduit/utility paths and final grades before concrete goes in can prevent expensive sawcutting later.
Related services (helpful links)
Concrete RV Pads & Driveways
Need a pad that integrates cleanly with your driveway approach and access path?
Decorative Concrete Options
Want the pad to match your patio or hardscape with a more finished look?
Patios & Outdoor Living
If you’re improving the backyard, it’s often efficient to plan patio and RV storage together.
Get a clear recommendation for your RV pad (size, thickness, and base)
Every property is different—soil conditions, access route, RV weight, and drainage all change the ideal build. We’ll help you choose a pad design that looks clean, performs well, and fits your plans for the space.
Prefer to start with details? Use our estimate page: Get an estimate
FAQ: Concrete RV pads in Meridian
How thick should a concrete RV pad be in Meridian?
Many RV pads are built in the 4–6 inch range. Heavier rigs (especially Class A motorhomes) often benefit from a 6-inch slab with reinforcement and a properly compacted base.
How long before I can park my RV on new concrete?
Many contractors recommend waiting at least 7–10 days before parking a heavy RV, and recognize that concrete may take around 28 days to reach full design strength depending on temperature and curing conditions.
Do I need a permit for a concrete RV pad in Meridian, ID?
Sometimes. Permit needs can depend on size, setbacks, whether it ties into the driveway/approach, and local zoning/HOA rules. If you’re unsure, it’s best to check before work begins—our team can help you navigate the typical questions.
Is reinforcement required for RV pads?
Reinforcement is common for RV pads because of heavier loads and long-term parking. It can improve performance and help keep cracks tight, but it works best when paired with proper base prep, good joint layout, and correct thickness.
Can you add pavers or decorative borders around an RV pad?
Yes. Many Meridian homeowners like a clean, finished edge that ties into patios, walkways, or a side-yard hardscape design. Borders can also help define the space and reduce gravel migration if your pad transitions to other surfaces.
Glossary (helpful terms)
Subgrade
The native soil beneath your pad. If it’s soft or uneven, slabs can settle and crack.
Compacted base
A layer of aggregate installed and compacted under concrete to improve support and drainage.
Control joint
A planned groove/cut that helps manage where concrete cracks as it shrinks during curing.
Rebar
Steel reinforcement placed in concrete to improve performance and help keep cracks tight.
Curing
The process of maintaining moisture and conditions so concrete gains strength and durability.