Small Project: When to Use Bags vs Ready-Mix Concrete

You're planning a concrete project and face the classic DIY dilemma: buy bags and mix yourself, or order a ready-mix truck? The answer isn't always obvious. Bags seem cheaper per unit, but labor adds up fast. Ready-mix looks expensive, but delivery fees hit hard on small jobs. Let's break down exactly when each option makes sense so you can make the right choice for your specific project.

Quick Answer: Use bagged concrete for projects under 1 cubic yard (54 bags of 80lb concrete)—fence posts, mailboxes, small repairs. Switch to ready-mix for projects over 1.5 cubic yards—patios, driveways, slabs. The break-even point is around 1-1.5 yards where costs are similar, but ready-mix saves 4-8 hours of mixing labor. Factor in your time value and physical capability when deciding.

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Cost Comparison: Bags vs Ready-Mix

Let's start with the raw numbers. Here's what you'll actually pay for different project sizes in 2025.

Bagged Concrete Costs

Key insight: Bagged concrete costs $270-540 per cubic yard depending on bag size and local pricing. This is 2-4× more expensive than ready-mix on a per-yard basis.

Ready-Mix Concrete Costs

Key insight: Ready-mix has high fixed costs (delivery fees) but low per-yard costs. The more you order, the better the per-yard price becomes.

Break-Even Analysis by Project Size

Here's where bags vs ready-mix costs intersect for common project sizes:

The crossover point: Around 1-1.5 cubic yards, costs are similar. Below that, bags win on price. Above that, ready-mix is clearly cheaper.

Time and Labor Considerations

Cost isn't everything—your time and physical effort matter too. Here's the reality of mixing concrete by hand or with a mixer.

Time Required: Bags vs Ready-Mix

Reality check: Hand-mixing 50+ bags is physically exhausting. Even with a mixer, you're looking at 2-6 hours of repetitive work. Ready-mix delivers in 15 minutes, and you spend your energy on spreading and finishing—not mixing.

Physical Effort Required

Mixing concrete is hard work. Here's what you're signing up for with bagged concrete:

• Lifting: Each 80lb bag must be lifted, carried, and poured into mixer/wheelbarrow
• Mixing: Constant stirring/shoveling for 5-8 minutes per bag
• Transporting: Wheelbarrowing mixed concrete to pour site (50-100+ lbs per load)
• Repetition: Repeat 20, 50, or 100+ times depending on project size

For 50 bags (common for a small patio), you're lifting and moving 4,000 lbs of material. This is a full-body workout that leaves most DIYers sore for days. If you have back issues, are over 50, or aren't in good physical shape, consider ready-mix even for smaller projects.

When to Use Bagged Concrete

Despite the extra work, bagged concrete is the smart choice for certain projects. Here's when bags make sense.

Perfect Projects for Bags

1. Fence Posts and Mailboxes

• Typical need: 2-4 bags per post
• Total project: 10-20 bags for a section of fence
• Why bags win: Too small for ready-mix minimum orders

2. Small Repairs and Patches

• Driveway cracks, step repairs, hole filling
• Typical need: 1-10 bags
• Why bags win: Can do repairs over multiple days as needed

3. DIY Learning Projects

• First-time concrete work, practice pours
• Typical need: 5-15 bags
• Why bags win: Low stakes if you make mistakes, can work at your own pace

4. Remote or Difficult Access Sites

• Backyard projects where trucks can't reach
• Typical need: Varies
• Why bags win: Can carry bags where trucks can't go

5. Multi-Day Projects

• Projects you want to complete in stages
• Typical need: 20-40 bags total, 10-15 per session
• Why bags win: Mix only what you need each day, no pressure to finish fast

Advantages of Bagged Concrete

• No minimum order: Buy exactly what you need, even just 1-2 bags
• No scheduling: Work whenever you want, no truck appointment needed
• Work at your pace: Take breaks, spread work over days/weekends
• Easy storage: Unused bags store for months if kept dry
• No delivery fees: Throw bags in your car, no $60-150 delivery charge
• Accessible locations: Carry bags anywhere, even upstairs or through gates

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When to Use Ready-Mix Concrete

Ready-mix is the professional choice for larger projects. Here's when ordering a truck makes sense despite the delivery fees.

Perfect Projects for Ready-Mix

1. Patios and Slabs

• Typical need: 1-5 cubic yards
• Why ready-mix wins: Consistent quality, saves 4-8 hours of mixing
• Example: 12×12 patio needs 1.78 yards—mixing 96 bags is impractical

2. Driveways

• Typical need: 3-10 cubic yards
• Why ready-mix wins: Only realistic option for this volume
• Example: 12×20 driveway needs 3 yards—that's 162 bags to mix

3. Garage Floors

• Typical need: 4-8 cubic yards
• Why ready-mix wins: Must pour entire floor at once for proper finish
• Example: 20×20 garage needs 5 yards—impossible to mix fast enough

4. Foundations and Footings

• Typical need: 2-10 cubic yards
• Why ready-mix wins: Structural applications require consistent strength
• Example: Foundation footings must be poured continuously, no cold joints

5. Time-Sensitive Projects

• Projects where you need to finish in one day
• Why ready-mix wins: Concrete arrives ready to pour, no mixing delays
• Example: Replacing a driveway apron before inspection deadline

Advantages of Ready-Mix

• Consistent quality: Batched precisely at plant, guaranteed PSI strength
• Time savings: Delivers in 15 minutes vs 2-8 hours of mixing
• Less physical work: Focus energy on spreading/finishing, not mixing
• Better for large pours: Can pour entire project without cold joints
• Professional results: Uniform color and texture throughout
• Custom mixes available: Can order specific PSI, additives, colors

The Gray Zone: 1-2 Cubic Yards

Between 1-2 cubic yards (54-108 bags), the decision isn't clear-cut. Both options have merit. Here's how to decide.

Decision Factors for Mid-Size Projects

Choose Bags If:

• You own or can borrow a concrete mixer
• You have 1-2 helpers to assist with mixing
• You can spread the work over 2-3 days
• Truck access is difficult or impossible
• You're physically fit and don't mind hard work
• Budget is extremely tight (save $100-200)

Choose Ready-Mix If:

• You're working alone or have limited help
• You want to finish in one day
• You're over 50 or have physical limitations
• This is a critical structural project (foundation, load-bearing slab)
• Your time is worth $25+/hour (you'll save 4-8 hours)
• You want guaranteed consistent quality

Real-World Example: 10×12 Patio (1.48 Yards)

Bagged Concrete Option:

• Need: 80 bags of 80lb concrete
• Cost: $400-640 for bags
• Time: 4-6 hours mixing with a mixer, 8-10 hours by hand
• Physical effort: Extremely high
• Result: Possible but exhausting

Ready-Mix Option:

• Need: 1.5 yards delivered
• Cost: $290-555 including delivery
• Time: 15 minutes for delivery, 2-3 hours for spreading/finishing
• Physical effort: Moderate (spreading and finishing only)
• Result: Professional quality, much easier

Verdict: For this size project, most DIYers choose ready-mix. The cost is similar or cheaper, and you save 4-8 hours of brutal mixing work. Use our concrete slab calculator to compare exact costs for your dimensions.

Quality and Consistency Considerations

Beyond cost and time, concrete quality matters—especially for structural projects.

Strength and Consistency

Ready-Mix Advantages:

• Batched by computer at plant for precise ratios
• Guaranteed PSI strength (typically 3,000-4,000 PSI)
• Consistent throughout entire pour
• Quality controlled and tested regularly
• Can order specific PSI for your application

Bagged Concrete Risks:

• Water ratio varies batch to batch (human error)
• Too much water weakens concrete by 50%+
• Too little water makes concrete unworkable
• Inconsistent mixing creates weak spots
• Difficult to achieve uniform color

Bottom line: For non-structural projects (fence posts, small repairs), bagged concrete quality is fine. For structural work (foundations, driveways, garage floors), ready-mix provides better quality assurance.

Hidden Costs and Considerations

Don't forget these additional factors that affect your total project cost.

Tool and Equipment Costs

For Bagged Concrete:

• Concrete mixer rental: $50-90/day (essential for 20+ bags)
• Wheelbarrows: $50-80 each (need 2-3 for efficiency)
• Mixing tools: $20-40 (hoes, shovels for hand mixing)
• Total: $120-210 in tool costs

For Ready-Mix:

• Wheelbarrows: $50-80 each (for spreading concrete)
• Finishing tools: $40-80 (bull float, trowels, edger)
• Total: $90-160 in tool costs

Factor these into your cost comparison. For a one-time project, mixer rental adds $50-90 to the bagged concrete option.

Waste and Overages

Bagged Concrete:

• Buy exact number needed, plus 2-3 extra bags
• Unopened bags can be returned to most stores
• Waste: Minimal if you calculate correctly

Ready-Mix:

• Must order in 0.25-0.5 yard increments
• Always order 10% extra (can't return unused concrete)
• Waste: 10-15% typical, but prevents running short

Regional and Seasonal Factors

Your location and timing affect both availability and pricing.

Urban vs Rural Areas

Urban areas:

• Multiple ready-mix suppliers (competitive pricing)
• Lower delivery fees ($60-100)
• Smaller minimum orders (1 yard common)
• Recommendation: Ready-mix is more accessible

Rural areas:

• Limited suppliers (higher prices)
• Higher delivery fees ($100-200+)
• Larger minimum orders (2-3 yards)
• Recommendation: Bags more practical for small projects

Seasonal Pricing

Final Takeaway

Use bagged concrete for projects under 1 cubic yard (54 bags of 80lb concrete)—fence posts, mailboxes, small repairs, and patches. The material cost is higher per yard, but you avoid delivery fees and minimum orders. Total cost is lower for small projects.

Switch to ready-mix for projects over 1.5 cubic yards—patios, driveways, garage floors, and foundations. Despite delivery fees, the per-yard cost is 50-70% lower than bags. More importantly, you save 4-8 hours of exhausting mixing work and get professional-quality concrete with guaranteed strength.

The gray zone is 1-1.5 cubic yards where costs are similar. Choose based on your physical capability, time availability, and truck access. If you're unsure, go with ready-mix—the time and energy savings are worth the similar cost. Use our concrete bags calculator to see exactly how many bags you need and compare with ready-mix quotes from local suppliers.

Remember: your time and physical health have value. If mixing 50+ bags means being sore for a week and sacrificing your entire weekend, spending an extra $100-200 for ready-mix is money well spent. Save bags for truly small projects where they make sense, and embrace ready-mix for anything substantial.