How much does concrete cost?

The figures above represent the national low- and high-end average cost of concrete projects of different sizes and scope. 

Multiple factors go into concrete prices, including the size of the area you want to cover and the concrete thickness. Where you live can also impact the final installation cost.

Whether you plan to install, repair or remodel a driveway, patio, retaining wall or any other type of concrete structure or surface, keep reading to learn more about prices — and how to get cost estimates from local pros near you.

• Slab cost per square foot
• Concrete cost per yard
• Concrete cost factors
• Hiring tips
• Find a concrete contractor near you
• FAQs

While concrete is typically measured in cubic yards, installing it costs between $5.50-$9.00 per square foot. 

Assuming you’re paying $7.25 per square foot for a concrete slab, here are approximate costs for installation:

Source: Thumbtack data

The price of concrete per yard ranges from $140-$170 per cubic yard, according to the Concrete Network.

When concrete is poured to create a slab, depth is also a factor, in addition to the square footage. To calculate the cost in cubic yards, you’ll have to:

1. First, multiply the length by the width (the total square footage) by the depth in feet. 
2. Then, divide that number by 27, the total number of cubic feet in a cubic yard. 
3. Add about 5% to 10% to the cubic yard in case of spilling and waste.

Multiple factors go into calculating the cost of installing concrete. From size and thickness to stamping and reinforcement, here are some factors to consider when planning your project:

Concrete delivery cost.

If you’re ordering concrete to be delivered to your home, ask about delivery fees and what can impact those fees. Will accessibility drive fees up or down? 

Grading.

If the ground is not level for your concrete, you may need to add in or remove a significant amount of soil to ensure the slab is level when it’s complete. Grading could require additional labor, equipment and fees for digging and hauling material.

Base.

Some projects will require a base of gravel or crushed stone layered below the slab to strengthen it and add reinforcement against cracking. Laying a base could add additional fees for material, labor and delivery.

Thickness.

While the standard thickness of a concrete slab is 4 inches, your project might require greater depth for a stronger slab, like for a building foundation. A greater thickness will likely raise the cost.

Stamped concrete.

If you’re planning on a specialized finish, like stamped concrete, this will likely cost you extra as more hand-applied work will be required to finish the surface.

For example, let's say you're thinking about stamping the concrete patio you plan to install in your yard. According to some experts, this could actually double your patio installation costs. But the costs may be worth the benefits if you desire a patio that looks like brick, stone, wood or even tile. Also, if you're thinking about installing a stamped concrete driveway, be prepared for prices to increase by $12 to $18 per square foot.

Additives.

Additives (or admixtures) can help strengthen the concrete, maintain its quality, reduce moisture and reduce production costs, according to the Portland Cement Association. 

Reinforcement.

Some type of reinforcement — like steel reinforcing bars (rebar) or wire mesh — is sometimes recommended because it can strengthen a concrete slab and prevent cracking. It could also add to the final cost of your project. Chat with your contractor to determine if your project requires reinforcement.

Precast vs. cast in place.

Many residential and commercial projects — buildings, parking garages, roof tiles, concrete pavers, fire pits and more — utilize precast concrete and cast-in-place (CIP) concrete. Precast concrete is cast into a specific mold or shape and then sent to the job site, whereas CIP concrete is poured and molded at the job site.

The cost to install CIP concrete is typically less than precast concrete, but the National Precast Concrete Association states that the total cost of ownership is actually lower for precast concrete.

Concrete removal cost.

Are you replacing a concrete driveway, patio or other structures? If so, you might need to calculate the price of removing and hauling away the old slabs (if they're no longer usable for your new project). On average, customers pay $500 to $1,800 in removal costs.

Here are a few steps you should take before hiring a contractor:

Step 1: Read reviews.

Go online to find contractors in your area, and look for their customer reviews and testimonials. Read what other customers had to say about the contractor’s services. Were the prices fair? Was the work done correctly and on time? Keep track of which pros have consistently favorable reviews.

Step 2: Ask questions.

When you’re analyzing and comparing concrete contractors, write a list of questions to ask each one, such as:

• Ask about their experience 
• Find out the estimated time frame and what hours they can work.
• Inquire if there are any additional costs, like delivery fees. 
• If you’re looking for custom work, like stamped concrete, find out if that's a service they provide. 

You should also find out if there are ways you can save money on your project. For example, ask about the materials the contractor recommends to save money without sacrificing quality. 

Step 3: Give details.

Be prepared to tell the contractor the dimensions of the area you want to cover and details about the project. A concrete sidewalk is a very different job than a pool deck, so the more information you give, the more accurate your initial estimate. 

Step 4: Check licenses and credentials.

Before hiring anyone, research the licensing requirements in your state. In some states, you’ll want to make sure the pro has a concrete contracting license.

Step 5: Get free estimates.

When you reach out to a pro, ask if they will provide a free estimate. It can be helpful to get estimates from two or three contractors before you choose one. That way, you’ll be able to compare the project cost and ensure you’re getting the best price.

Every concrete project is different depending on the amount of labor you need, the state of your soil and your design choices — there is no one-size-fits-all price. If you need help planning your project and estimating prices, reach out to several local concrete contractors on Thumbtack today.