Concrete Price Considerations - Cost of Concrete

If you're ordering concrete directly from a ready mix supplier, the pricing will be by yard. But if you're working with a contractor, their costs will be by square footage.

How much is a yard of concrete?

Concrete prices differ by region, with a nationwide average of $156.96 per cubic yard in Q2 2023 and a range of $140 to $170 per cubic yard. When estimating the cost of concrete for a home improvement project, it is important to factor in additional items like the ready mix delivery fee and labor costs.

Get quotes from concrete contractors near me.

Concrete cost per square foot

Expect to pay between $5.50 and $9.00 per square foot to have a plain concrete slab poured. To get an even better idea of how much your project will cost, get quotes from local contractors that can come see the site.

Use our concrete calculator to calculate how many yards you'll need for slab and footing pours.
View the nine basic steps involved in pouring concrete.
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Components of a Concrete Price Analysis:

Estimating concrete prices is not an easy exercise, as many factors are involved in pricing concrete. Some of these factors include the following: grading, subbase preparation, concrete forms and finishing, reinforcement, and the local cost of concrete.

Cost: $156.96 per cubic yard*

Concrete makes up the majority of the cost of a concrete project. Prices vary by region, to get a more accurate estimate contact your local Ready-Mix supplier.

*National Average in Q2 2023 (source: Concrete Financial Insights Index)

Grading

Cost will vary depending on the amount of dirt you need to move. Hourly rates apply for a tractor and operator.

Subbase

Cost for gravel or sand delivered to the job site.
Read about subgrades and subbases here.

Concrete Forms and Finishing

Labor is the biggest cost for concrete forms. Setting up concrete forms and finishing concrete is backbreaking work.
More about concrete forming supplies.

Reinforcement

Reinforcement is required because all concrete cracks, so if you want your cracks to remain small, you'll need reinforcement. Wire mesh, re-bar, plastic mesh, and fiber in the mix are all commonly used materials.
More about concrete reinforcement.

What is my price for concrete?

You can get a rough estimate for your project using the above figures. Remember this cost estimate is for "plain" concrete. Decorative options such as stamping (see stamped concrete cost), staining (see stained concrete cost), and special finishes will add significantly to the cost of the project.

For plain concrete, you can expect your price to fall somewhere between $5.50 and $9.00 square foot depending on the project size and complexity.

Decorative Concrete Cost

Decorative concrete is a good option for homeowners that want a high-end look without the high-end price tag. Concrete is a versatile material that can be used for floors, countertops, patios, driveways and more. Techniques such as stamping, staining and polishing, can transform concrete to look like flagstone, marble or other expensive materials at a fraction of the cost.

Cost for outdoor concrete:

• Stamped Concrete Cost
  $8 - $12 per square foot
• Cost of a Concrete Patio
  $6 - $10 per square foot
• Cost of a Concrete Driveway
  $8 - $12 per square foot
• Walkway Cost
  $6 - $12 per square foot

Cost for indoor concrete:

• Stained Concrete Price
  $4 - $10 per square foot
• Polished Concrete Cost
  $3 - $12 per square foot
• Concrete Floor Cost
  $2 - $12 per square foot
• Concrete Countertops Cost
  $65 - $135 per square foot

When compared with the cost of other materials decorative concrete is a mid-range option. Outdoors, asphalt, plain concrete and gravel are more affordable, while natural stone and pavers are more expensive. Indoors, laminates and ceramic tiles will cost less, while granite, marble and hardwood will cost more. Decorative concrete is great if you can afford to spend some extra money but don’t want to break the bank.

When determining the cost of a decorative concrete project, materials and labor are two main factors. The typical materials used are concrete mix, forming supplies, texturing and coloring products, sealers, etc. Labor will vary depending on your project - its size, whether you have new or existing concrete, how detailed the decorative work will be and more. Get bids from multiple contractors to make sure you are getting a fair deal.

This decorative concrete patio looks like slate, but cost half as much. Salzano Custom Concrete in Centreville, V.A

Factors that influence the cost of decorative concrete:

• The number of colors used
• The number of stamping textures used
• The detail of the design (i.e. complicated patterns are expensive)
• Special details such as embeds (common in countertops)
• Specialty form or mold work (i.e. curves and unique shapes cost more)
• Level of polishing

Tip

Get a quote from a professional, they can often do the project at or below your cost due to economies of scale and access to the proper equipment. Find local concrete contractors here to request a quote.

Pricing History:

Here is a record of the pricing changes for concrete. Data is a national average from the NRMCA.

• 2022: $137 per yard
• 2020: $125 per yard
• 2019: $121 per yard
• 2018: $113 per yard
• 2016: $108 per yard
• 2014: $98 per yard
• 2013: $93 per yard
• 2008: $75 per yard

One Final Note:

In considering price, think first about getting the quality and service you want. Concrete done correctly will last for years-so saving a dollar or two per square foot will not be money saved in the long run if the job is not right.

Related Information:

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