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Cubic Yards
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/CYDefault: $125.00/CY
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Learn more with these helpful guides and tips
Understanding concrete costs is crucial for accurate project budgeting, yet most homeowners find pricing confusing and inconsistent. Quotes from contractors can vary by 50% or more for identical projects, and hidden fees often inflate final costs well above initial estimates. This comprehensive guide breaks down every cost factor, from material and labor pricing to delivery fees and regional variations, so you can confidently budget your project and evaluate contractor quotes.
Whether you're planning a concrete driveway, patio slab, or foundation, understanding how much concrete costs per square foot or cubic yard helps you make informed decisions. The calculator above provides instant estimates based on 2025 pricing data, but knowing the factors that influence cost helps you find savings without compromising quality.
National Average Costs:
• Ready-mix concrete: $130-200 per cubic yard
• Basic slab installed: $6-8 per square foot
• Driveway installed: $8-12 per square foot
• Delivery fee: $75-150 per load
| Project Type | Material Only | Installed (DIY Labor) | Professional Install |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Slab (4") | $2.50-3.50 | $4.00-5.50 | $6.00-8.00 |
| Driveway (5") | $3.00-4.00 | $5.00-6.50 | $8.00-12.00 |
| Stamped Concrete | $4.00-6.00 | N/A (skill required) | $12.00-18.00 |
| Colored Concrete | $3.50-5.00 | $5.50-7.50 | $9.00-14.00 |
| Exposed Aggregate | $4.50-6.50 | $7.00-9.00 | $12.00-20.00 |
These prices assume 2025 national averages. Regional variations can add or subtract 20-30% based on your location. Urban areas and regions with high construction demand see the upper end of these ranges. Rural areas with abundant aggregate sources often enjoy lower pricing.
Ready-mix concrete is sold by the cubic yard, with 2025 national average prices ranging from $130-200 per cubic yard depending on mix strength and additives. Here's how pricing breaks down by mix type:
| Mix Type | PSI Rating | Price per CY | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Mix | 2,500-3,000 | $130-150 | Walkways, patios, light-duty slabs |
| Residential Mix | 3,500-4,000 | $150-170 | Driveways, garage floors, standard slabs |
| High-Strength | 4,500-5,000 | $170-190 | Heavy equipment pads, commercial floors |
| Fiber-Reinforced | 3,500-4,000 | $165-185 | Crack control, faster finishing |
| Air-Entrained | 3,000-4,000 | $145-165 | Freeze-thaw climates, outdoor projects |
One cubic yard covers 81 square feet at 4 inches thick, or 108 square feet at 3 inches thick. Most residential driveways use 4-5 inches, patios 4 inches, and walkways 3-4 inches. Use our concrete slab calculator to convert your square footage into cubic yards, then multiply by the appropriate price per yard from the table above.
Most concrete suppliers charge $75-150 for delivery, regardless of load size. Additionally, many have minimum orders of 3-5 cubic yards. Ordering less triggers a short load fee of $50-100 per yard under the minimum. For small projects under 1 cubic yard, bagged concrete from home centers costs less despite higher per-yard pricing when you factor in delivery fees.
If the truck can't reach your pour location directly, concrete pumping adds $150-350 to the bill. Pumping is required for backyard projects, second-story work, or anywhere beyond the truck's 12-15 foot chute reach. Line pumps cost $150-250 for residential projects, while boom pumps for difficult access run $300-500.
Always verify truck access before ordering to avoid surprise pumping charges. A concrete truck weighs 70,000+ pounds fully loaded and needs 12-foot clearance height, 10-foot width, and solid ground support. Overhead wires, narrow gates, and soft ground can prevent direct placement.
Saturday deliveries cost 10-25% more than weekday pours. Deliveries after 4 PM or on Sundays can add 25-50% surcharges. Some suppliers charge $1-2 per minute for wait time beyond the standard 10-15 minute window. Have your site completely ready before the truck arrives.
Professional quotes often exclude site prep, which can equal or exceed concrete costs. Excavation runs $3-8 per cubic yard of soil removed. Gravel base costs $35-50 per ton installed. For a 400 square foot driveway, expect $400-800 for excavation and $300-600 for base material.
Wire mesh adds $0.30-0.50 per square foot, while rebar grid runs $0.60-1.00 per square foot installed. Many contractors assume reinforcement in base quotes, but some quote bare concrete only. Always clarify whether quotes include mesh or rebar.
If your neighbor is also planning concrete work, coordinate pours on the same day. Splitting one large delivery saves 20-40% per homeowner compared to two separate minimum loads. The truck makes one trip, eliminating duplicate delivery fees and short load charges.
Excavation, gravel spreading, and form building typically cost $2-4 per square foot when contracted. Doing this yourself cuts 30-50% from the total project cost. Rent an excavator for $250-350 per day for large projects. The physical labor is substantial but saves thousands on typical driveways.
Broom finish costs half as much as stamped concrete while providing excellent durability and slip resistance. Exposed aggregate runs $3-5 per square foot less than stamped patterns. For driveways, decorative finishes add cost without improving function.
Save stamped concrete for highly visible patios and entries where aesthetics justify the premium. Use standard broom finish for garage floors and driveways where function matters more than appearance.
Concrete demand peaks in spring and early fall. Winter pours (when temperatures permit) often see 10-20% discounts as contractors seek work. Similarly, booking mid-week pours avoids weekend premiums. Get quotes in January-February for spring work; contractors offer better rates when filling their calendars.
Residential driveways rarely need more than 4 inches for car traffic. Going to 5 inches increases cost by 25% for minimal benefit unless you regularly park RVs or heavy trucks. Conversely, patios and walkways can often use 3.5 inches instead of 4, saving 12% without compromising durability.
Concrete costs vary significantly by region due to aggregate availability, labor costs, and competition among suppliers. Here's what to expect by major region in 2025:
Use our free Concrete Cost Calculator above to get instant, accurate cost estimates for your specific project. Compare material options, include labor costs, and get detailed breakdowns in seconds.
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