How Much is Concrete Per Yard? - Ergeon

Concrete is the backbone of countless construction and home improvement projects, offering durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. From creating walkways and patios to building sturdy driveways and concrete slabs, this material is a top choice for homeowners and professionals alike. But before diving into your next concrete project, understanding the cost is essential to ensure it fits within your budget.

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The national average cost of a cubic yard of concrete ranges between $110 and $180. This includes the material but excludes delivery fees and labor costs. Prices can fluctuate based on factors like local demand, aggregate availability, and market conditions.

The cost of a cubic yard of concrete is influenced by several factors, including the type of concrete, delivery fees, and labor costs. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast tackling smaller projects or working with concrete contractors on a larger-scale job, having a clear picture of concrete prices and the total cost involved is key.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about concrete pricing, from average costs and delivery fees to tips for cost-effective installations.

What is a Cubic Yard of Concrete?

A cubic yard of concrete is a standard measurement representing a volume of 27 cubic feet, roughly the size of a washing machine. This measurement is commonly used because it aligns with how concrete is mixed, delivered, and poured in large quantities, making it ideal for both smaller projects like patios and larger ones like concrete driveways.

How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Concrete Cover?

The coverage of a cubic yard depends on the thickness of the concrete slab you're pouring. For example:

• A cubic yard of concrete will cover 81 square feet if poured 4 inches thick.
• At 6 inches thick, it will cover approximately 54 square feet.

Understanding these dimensions is crucial for determining how much concrete you'll need for your project. For irregularly shaped areas or projects requiring different thicknesses, a concrete calculator can simplify this process by providing an accurate cost estimate based on your specific dimensions. To put concrete volume into perspective:

• It would take roughly 13-14 wheelbarrows to transport one cubic yard of concrete.
• In terms of bags of concrete, you’d need about 40 to 50 bags of 80-pound pre-mixed concrete to match one cubic yard.

Knowing this helps you decide whether to mix and pour the concrete yourself for smaller projects or order concrete from a concrete delivery company for larger-scale tasks.

Factors That Affect the Cost of a Yard of Concrete

The price of a cubic yard of concrete isn’t fixed—it varies depending on several key factors. Understanding these variables can help you make informed decisions and optimize your budget for your concrete project. Let’s take a closer look at what drives the cost.

1. Type of Concrete

Concrete comes in various types, each designed for specific purposes. The choice of concrete affects the price:

• Ready-Mix Concrete: Delivered pre-mixed and ready to pour, it’s convenient for larger projects but may involve higher delivery fees.
• Pre-Mixed Bags of Concrete: Ideal for smaller projects or DIY tasks, though they can be more expensive per cubic yard when scaled up.
• Specialty Concrete: High-strength or decorative mixes cost more due to additives or unique properties like enhanced durability or aesthetic finishes.

2. Additives and Mix Design

Additives like fiber reinforcement, coloring agents, or accelerators can increase costs. These enhancements improve concrete durability, aesthetics, or curing time, making them worthwhile for specific applications like concrete driveways or patios.

3. Aggregate and Subbase Preparation

Aggregate (gravel and sand) is a key ingredient in concrete. The type and quality of aggregate can influence the price. Additionally, preparing a proper subbase to support the concrete slab may involve extra costs for materials and labor.

4. Project Size and Complexity

Larger projects, such as a concrete driveway or a foundation slab, often benefit from bulk discounts on concrete, but they also require more labor and materials like rebar, wire mesh, and concrete forms. On the other hand, smaller projects may incur a short load fee if the amount of concrete ordered doesn’t meet the minimum requirement for delivery.

5. Transportation and Delivery Costs

Concrete delivery companies typically charge delivery fees based on the distance from the mixing plant to the job site Homeowners can expect to pay an additional $40 to $100 per truckload for transportation within a typical range. For smaller projects that don’t require a full truckload, concrete delivery companies often charge a short load fee of $20 to $60 per cubic yard to offset operational costs. Remote job sites, complex driveways, or locations requiring special equipment may incur extra charges.

6. Labor Costs

Hiring concrete contractors adds professional labor costs to the total. In general, if you hire concrete contractors for your project, installation costs can range from $4 to $10 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the job. For high-end finishes like stamped or stained concrete, expect costs to reach $15 to $25 per square foot. These costs depend on the complexity of the installation, including:

• Site preparation, such as land clearing and leveling.
• Laying out and securing rebar or wire mesh.
• Pouring and finishing the concrete.

If you are taking up a DIY project you may also need to rent equipment like a concrete mixer (around $50 to $100 per day) and purchase tools, adding to the project cost.

7. Site Preparation Costs

If your site requires clearing vegetation, debris, or old structures, expect to pay $500–$2,500 depending on the size and complexity.

8. Additional Fees and Costs

Additional expenses can creep into your budget, including:

• Delivery fees for hard-to-access sites.
• High-end finishes, such as stamped or stained concrete.
• Additives or coatings for extra durability or weather resistance.
• Depending on local regulations, you may need permits, which typically cost $50–$200.
• Ordering an additional 5–10% of concrete to account for spillage or variations in pour volume is a standard practice, increasing the overall cost.

Estimating the Total Cost of Your Concrete Project

Accurately estimating the total cost of your concrete project is crucial for staying within budget. Whether you're tackling a DIY project or working with concrete contractors, having a detailed cost estimate helps avoid surprises and ensures your project runs smoothly.

1. Start with a Concrete Calculator

A concrete calculator is a simple tool that takes your project’s dimensions and calculates the amount of concrete required. Here’s how to use one:

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1. Measure the Area: Determine the length, width, and thickness of your concrete slab in feet. For irregular areas, break the project into smaller rectangles and calculate each section separately.
2. Input the Dimensions: Enter the measurements into the calculator to get the number of cubic yards needed.
3. Include a Margin: Add 5-10% to your total to account for spills, errors, or adjustments during the pour.

For example, a 10x10-foot patio 4 inches thick would require about 1.23 cubic yards of concrete.

2. Factor in Additional Costs

When estimating your total concrete cost, don’t forget to account for these additional expenses:

• Delivery Fees: Add transportation costs based on the distance to your job site and potential short-load fees for smaller projects.
• Reinforcements: Include costs for rebar or wire mesh, which enhance the durability of your concrete.
• Concrete Forms: Budget for wood or metal forms to hold the concrete in place during the pour.

3. Labor Costs for Professional Installation

If you hire a contractor, labor costs should be included in your estimate. Use these guidelines:

• Square Footage Rates: Multiply the square footage of your project by the contractor’s rate (usually $4–$10 per square foot).
• Complexity Adjustments: Add extra for intricate designs, such as stamped patterns or decorative finishes.

For example, a 300-square-foot concrete patio installed by professionals might cost between $1,200 and $3,000, depending on the finish and thickness.

4. Account for Smaller Expenses

Small but significant expenses can add up, such as:

• Additives: Consider extra costs for additives like accelerators or waterproofing agents.
• Tools and Equipment Rentals: For DIY projects, include rental fees for concrete mixers, wheelbarrows, and finishing tools.
• Site Preparation: Land clearing, subbase preparation, and grading can add hundreds to your project cost.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Concrete Installation

Concrete projects can be costly, but with careful planning and smart decisions, you can keep expenses under control without sacrificing quality. Here are some actionable tips to make your concrete installation more cost-effective.

1. Order the Right Amount of Concrete

Accurate calculations are crucial for avoiding waste and unnecessary costs. Use a concrete calculator to estimate the exact amount of concrete needed for your project. Include a small margin (5–10%) for errors but avoid over-ordering, which can lead to excess material.

2. Combine Smaller Projects

If you have multiple small projects, such as a patio and a walkway, combine them into a single concrete order. This helps you meet the minimum requirement for a full truckload and avoids short load fees.

3. Choose the Right Concrete Type

Match the type of concrete to your project to avoid overspending on unnecessary features. You can use ready-mix concrete for larger projects like driveways and slabs. If you are undertaking a smaller DIY project, opt for bags of concrete. Avoid using specialty mixes unless your project demands enhanced durability or decorative finishes.

4. Consider DIY for Smaller Projects

For smaller projects like walkways or small patios, doing the work yourself can save money on labor costs. You can purchase pre-mixed bags of concrete from a home improvement store. Rent essential tools, like a mixer or finishing tools, instead of buying them outright. But when doing DIY, ensure proper preparation and follow best practices to achieve professional results.

5. Schedule Smartly

Timing your project strategically can also reduce costs.., Avoid peak construction seasons when demand for concrete is higher, which can drive up prices. Coordinate with concrete delivery companies for bulk orders or shared delivery schedules.

6. Use Cost-Effective Materials

Reinforcement materials and forms can add up quickly. Here are some ways you can save money:

• Using wire mesh instead of rebar for less demanding projects.
• Opting for reusable or less expensive concrete forms.
• Leveraging recycled aggregate, which is often more affordable than new materials.

7. Minimize Delivery Costs

You can reduce transportation expenses by choosing a local concrete delivery company to minimize travel distance. Also, pick a nearby supplier to avoid high delivery fees and potential surcharges for remote locations.

8. Plan for Efficient Installation

Delays during installation can lead to wasted materials and additional costs. To avoid this ensure the job site is prepared before the concrete truck arrives. Have your team or tools ready to pour and finish the concrete promptly.

9. Explore Affordable Finishes

Decorative finishes like stamped or stained concrete can be expensive. If not required, consider going for simpler finishing techniques, such as broom finishes, for a cost-effective yet attractive look. You can also do DIY staining or sealing to save on professional finishing costs.

Conclusion

Concrete is a versatile and essential material for countless home improvement and construction projects, but its costs can quickly add up without proper planning. By understanding the factors that affect concrete prices, such as the type of concrete, delivery fees, and labor costs, you can create a detailed cost estimate that aligns with your budget.

Using tools like a concrete calculator, combining smaller projects, and choosing cost-effective materials are just a few strategies to save money without compromising quality. Whether you're installing a concrete patio, driveway, or slab, careful planning and attention to detail can ensure your project is both durable and affordable.

For homeowners taking the DIY route, proper preparation and accurate measurements are key to avoiding waste and achieving professional results. For larger or more complex jobs, working with reputable concrete contractors and delivery companies can simplify the process and help ensure a smooth installation.

Ultimately, the key to a successful concrete project lies in balancing cost, quality, and durability. With the insights provided in this guide, we hope you’re well-equipped to make informed decisions and confidently bring your project to life. If you need help with your concrete project, contact Ergeon today! Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way—from site preparation and cost estimation to the final installation. 

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