[ReeseMG]

Through some trade contacts, I am able to acquire a 12'x12'x2' slab of granite, newly quarried and never used, simply for the cost of moving it ($1800). It was originally cut to serve as an industrial surface plate.

I am considering using it as a terrace / patio.

I have been planning this project, and had planned to use a retaining wall with backfill and pavers. The back yard has a slope, so the 2' depth would be largely buried near the house and almost fully exposed at the far end.

How would the granite slab fair as a patio?

What sort of footings or base material would be necessary to compensate for frost heave and/or the slab simply sinking into the topsoil?

Or would the 25 tons of granite do just fine on its own?

Thanks for any help or advice you can give.

[dan deutekom]

I think this would look really cool. I would think that if I was doing this I would sink some Sono tube down to below the frost line and pour some concrete pillars to support this slab. I don't really know how many because that would take a bit of thought. Then I would prepare a base as for regular lockstone with the finish height at the same level as the pillars. After that the fun part would come. Lifting that slab into place.

[agla]

How the heck do you think you are going to set a 16 ton slab 2' thick?

[4seasons]

Crane would set it. I would definitely use it. overdig your base on the sides also, and do as Dan said.