Concrete is a foundational part of just about any construction project, big or small. Whether you’re pouring a new patio, building a commercial foundation, or just patching up your driveway, understanding the costs involved is key to keeping your project on track and on budget.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to understanding concrete prices per yard. We’ll break down the factors that influence the price of concrete, how to calculate how much you’ll need, and some tips for saving money.
Keep in mind that concrete prices fluctuate depending on location, material availability, and other market conditions, so it’s always a good idea to get up-to-date quotes from local suppliers before starting your project. If you’re wondering, “just how much per yard for concrete?” keep reading.
Concrete Pricing Basics and Averages
So, how much can you expect to shell out for a yard of concrete? Here’s a breakdown to give you a general idea.
Average Cost Per Cubic Yard
Across the nation, the average cost for concrete hovers around $125 per cubic yard. But remember, that’s just an average. You’ll typically see prices ranging from $110 to $165 per cubic yard.
Looking at 2024 prices, you can expect to pay:
- Basic Concrete: $110-$150 per yard
- Standard Concrete: $130-$200 per yard
- High-Strength Concrete: $200-$250 per yard
Factors Influencing Price Variations
Keep in mind that a number of factors can influence the final price you pay. These include things like the size of your project, the specific concrete mix you need, delivery fees, the condition of your worksite, and labor costs.
Regional material costs and the current demand for concrete in your area can also play a significant role in the price you’ll ultimately pay.
Key Factors Affecting Concrete Costs
The price of concrete isn’t a flat rate. Several things can make the price per yard go up or down.
Project Size and Volume
With concrete, bigger projects often mean a lower price per yard. That’s because it’s more cost-effective to fill a truck completely (usually 8 to 10 cubic yards). If you order less than that, you’ll probably have to pay a “short load fee.”
The short load surcharge is around $40 per cubic yard, on average. You might also have to pay a minimum order fee, so it really pays to order as much as you can use!
Concrete Mix Design and Strength (PSI)
The strength of concrete is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch. The higher the PSI, the stronger (and more expensive) the concrete will be.
- Basic Mix (2,500-3,000 PSI): $110-$140 per yard
- Standard Mix (3,000-4,000 PSI): $130-$170 per yard
- High-Strength (4,000-5,000 PSI): $170-$220 per yard
There are also specialized mixes that can affect the cost, like fiber-reinforced, decorative, and lightweight concrete.
- Fiber-Reinforced (3,500-4,500 PSI): $150-$200 per yard
- Decorative (3,000-4,000 PSI): $180-$300 per yard
- Lightweight (2,500-3,500 PSI): $200-$280 per yard
Delivery Fees and Distance
How far the concrete has to travel to get to your job site can also make a big difference in the price. The average delivery surcharge is about $9.60 per mile.
Also, if you need the concrete delivered on a weekend or holiday, expect to pay extra.
Additional Cost Considerations: Reinforcement and Finishing
The price of the concrete itself is just one factor in the total cost of your project. You’ll also need to factor in reinforcement and finishing.
Reinforcement Costs
If you want to increase the strength and durability of your concrete, you can use rebar or wire mesh to reinforce it.
- Rebar typically costs $0.30 to $0.50 per linear foot.
- Wire mesh ranges from $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot.
Another option is to use fiber additives, which typically cost $10 to $20 per yard.
Finishing Options
The type of finish you choose will also affect the overall cost.
- Stamped patterns: $8 to $12 per square foot
- Polished concrete: $3 to $8 per square foot
- Colored concrete: $5 to $15 per square foot
A basic broom finish is usually the most economical choice.
Thickness Considerations
The thickness of the concrete also influences the amount of material needed and, therefore, the cost.
- Sidewalks: typically 4 inches thick
- Driveways: typically 5 to 6 inches thick
- Foundations: typically 8 to 12 inches thick
Keep in mind that each additional inch of thickness will add roughly 20% to the material cost.
How much does concrete cost in different areas?
The price of concrete depends on where you live. Material costs, demand, and even the weather influence the final price.
Here’s what you can generally expect to pay per yard:
- Northeast: $140-$190
- Midwest: $120-$160
- South: $110-$150
- West: $150-$220
Keep in mind that concrete is almost always more expensive in urban areas. Expect to pay a 15-25% premium if you live in a major city.
If you live in a cold climate, you might also pay more. Concrete needs special protection from freezing and thawing, which adds to the cost.
Calculating concrete needs and estimating costs
So, you’ve got a project in mind. How do you figure out how much concrete you need, and how much it’s going to set you back?
Calculating Concrete Volume
Here’s the formula for calculating the volume of concrete you’ll need, expressed in cubic yards:
Volume (cubic yards) = Length (feet) x Width (feet) x Thickness (inches) / 324
For example, if you’re pouring a 20′ x 30′ slab that’s 6″ thick, you’ll need approximately 12.25 yards of concrete.
Estimating Project Costs
Here’s a general idea of what you might expect to pay for some common concrete projects. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual costs may vary.
- 20′ x 20′ concrete slab (4″ thick): $600-$1,000
- 20′ x 20′ concrete slab (6″ thick): $900-$1,500
To get a more accurate estimate, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple local concrete suppliers.
DIY vs. Professional Concrete Installation
Whether you should tackle a concrete project yourself or hire a professional depends on the size and complexity of the job. Here’s what to consider:
DIY Concrete Installation
If you’re thinking of pouring a small walkway or patio, you may be able to do it yourself. You’ll need to buy pre-mixed concrete bags, a wheelbarrow, a shovel, and the tools to spread and smooth the concrete. Be sure to factor in the costs of renting any equipment you don’t already own.
Professional Concrete Installation
For larger or more complex projects, it’s best to hire a professional concrete contractor. They’ll make sure the concrete is properly mixed, poured, and finished. Professional pouring and finishing typically costs $5.50 to $9.00 per square foot.
How to save money on concrete
The cost of concrete can really add up, but here are a few ways to keep expenses down:
- Order during the off-season. Concrete companies tend to be less busy in the fall and winter, so you might be able to negotiate a better price.
- Buddy up with neighbors. If your neighbors are also planning concrete projects, consider combining your orders to qualify for bulk discounts.
- Keep it standard. Specialty concrete mixes cost more, so stick with standard mixes whenever possible.
- Prep the site. Make sure the area is fully prepped before the concrete arrives. Delays can lead to extra charges.
- Go local. Choose a concrete supplier close to your location to reduce transportation costs.
- Plan carefully. Avoid overtime charges by planning your pour carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 20×20 concrete slab cost?
The cost of a 20×20 concrete slab can vary quite a bit. Expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $3,200, depending on the thickness of the slab (4 inches vs. 6 inches) and the finishing options you choose (like stamping or staining). Labor costs will also influence the final price.
Is it cheaper to pour your own concrete?
It depends. For small projects, DIY can definitely save you money on labor. However, larger projects require expertise and specialized equipment. If you mess up a large pour, the cost of redoing it can easily outweigh the initial savings.
How long does poured concrete last?
With proper installation and maintenance, a concrete slab can last 30+ years. Concrete foundations can endure for 50+ years, and structural concrete elements can even reach 100+ years.
Can you pour concrete in winter?
Yes, you can pour concrete in winter, but you need to take extra precautions. Avoid pouring when temperatures are below 25°F, and use additives to speed up the curing process and prevent freezing.
How soon can you walk on new concrete?
You can usually walk on new concrete after 24-48 hours. However, keep in mind that full curing takes longer (typically 28 days), so avoid heavy traffic or placing heavy objects on the surface during this time.
In Closing
As you’ve seen, the cost of concrete per yard depends on many factors, including the size of your project, the mix design you need, delivery costs, your location, whether you need reinforcement, and the type of finishing you want.
Careful planning and getting quotes from several suppliers is essential for accurate budgeting and cost-effectiveness.
While it can be tempting to cut corners, remember that investing in high-quality concrete can save you money in the long run by minimizing the need for repairs and ensuring the durability of your project.