Concrete Cost Per Cubic Yard
The cost of concrete per cubic yard is a critical consideration for both commercial and residential construction projects. On average, concrete is priced at approximately $125 per cubic yard, encompassing various factors such as materials, labor, and delivery. However, it’s essential to note that costs can fluctuate within a typical range of $110 to $165 per cubic yard, depending on specific project requirements and regional variations. Understanding the concrete cost per cubic yard is vital for accurate budgeting, helping project managers and homeowners alike plan and allocate resources effectively.
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Get RenderingWhat is the Cost of Concrete per Cubic Yard?
The price of concrete typically ranges from $220 to $300 per cubic yard. For substantial projects, it is customary to place concrete orders by the cubic yard. However, for smaller endeavors, it may be feasible to request concrete by the cubic foot.
Another option is to procure concrete by the truckload, with each truckload containing approximately 10 cubic yards of material (though this quantity may vary among different companies). The average cost for a truckload of concrete ranges from $2,200 to $2,880.
Costs for Premixed Concrete Bags
If you opt to pour concrete independently, you can acquire premixed concrete from your local home improvement store at a cost ranging from $9 to $54 per bag, depending on the mix type. These blends yield quick-setting concrete suitable for minor residential tasks.
Although these prices may initially appear more budget-friendly than having ready-mix concrete delivered, it’s important to consider that multiple bags are required to cover just 1 cubic yard. Calculate the number of bags necessary to cover the area you’re working on and assess whether buying in bulk from a concrete company would result in cost savings.
Here is an overview of premixed concrete bag sizes, the corresponding cubic yard coverage, and the quantity of bags needed for your project.
Bag Size | Total Cubic Yards | Bags Needed per Cubic Yard |
50 lbs. | 0.014 | 70 |
60 lbs. | 0.017 | 60 |
70 lbs. | 0.02 | 50 |
80 lbs. | 0.022 | 45 |
95 lbs. | 0.027 | 40 |
Estimating Concrete Costs
Determining the precise amount of concrete required for your project involves multiplying the square footage of the area by the desired depth of the concrete and converting the result into cubic yards.
For instance, consider an average 10-foot-by-10-foot concrete slab with a depth of 6 inches. This equates to 100 square feet with a 1/2-foot depth, resulting in a total of 50 cubic feet. Dividing this by 27 (the number of cubic feet in a cubic yard) yields 1.85 cubic yards.
To account for potential variations and ensure you have a margin of safety, it’s advisable to round up by approximately 10%. This approach ensures that you have sufficient concrete for your project.
Concrete Cost Considerations
The standard expense for delivering concrete for common projects like driveways or foundations ranges from $4,000 to $16,000, with actual costs contingent on your project’s size and desired delivery date. Beyond the concrete itself, additional expenses may include short load fees, fuel surcharges, and materials.
Unlike many DIY home improvement undertakings, the delivery of concrete is a task best entrusted to professionals, especially for larger-scale projects. While professional concrete delivery offers convenience, be prepared to incur extra costs associated with the delivery service.
Variations in Concrete Types
Various concrete mixes exhibit differences in appearance, consistency, and strength. Strength is quantified in pounds per square inch (PSI), with higher PSI mixes delivering enhanced strength at a higher cost. For weight-bearing structures like driveways or home foundations, opting for a higher PSI mix is advisable. On the other hand, more affordable, lower-PSI mixes can be suitable for projects like patios and walkways.
The following table outlines the cost of concrete per yard for common PSI measurements:
PSI Measurement | Concrete Price per Yard |
3,000 | $150 – $200 |
4,000 | $180 – $240 |
5,000 | $200 – $260 |
6,000 | $220 – $280 |
These figures reflect the cost considerations associated with different PSI measurements for your concrete project.
Concrete Mix Strength and Cost Factors
The specific type and strength of concrete essential for your project significantly influence the overall expenditure. Specialized mixes, including mortar mix, fast-setting, and high-strength concrete, are typically accessible in bagged form rather than by the yard.
Mortar mixes, weighing 60 pounds per bag, are priced between $14 and $24 each, exhibiting an increase in cost. For fast-setting and high-strength variations of concrete, the cost per 60-pound bag has escalated to a range of $12 to $30, reflecting the heightened strength and performance attributes of these mixes.
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Concrete Mix Type | Cost Range per 60-Lb. Bag |
Mortar Mix | $14 – $24 |
Fast-Setting Concrete | $12 – $30 |
High-Strength Concrete | $12 – $30 |
Preparation
Preliminary procedures, including land grading for slab work and the installation of a subbase, are frequently essential prerequisites before concrete installation, exerting a notable impact on the comprehensive project expenses. Land grading, facilitating proper drainage, incurs costs ranging from $0.47 to $2.28 per square foot. Meanwhile, the installation of the subbase, a crucial measure to minimize cracks in the final concrete structure, now commands between $20 and $40 per cubic foot of material.
Materials and Workforce
Incurring additional expenses for materials and labor beyond the fundamental requirements for standard installation can elevate overall project costs. Introducing reinforcement to concrete through rebar incorporation now ranges between $0.45 and $0.75 per linear foot of material, whereas the cost of wire mesh reinforcement has increased to between $0.30 and $0.50 per square foot.
Concrete Delivery Expenses
In conjunction with the costs of concrete material and labor, various fees are linked to the delivery of concrete.
Cost of a Cubic Yard of Delivered Concrete
The standard base cost for the delivery of concrete has risen to $150 to $250 per cubic yard. This encompasses both material expenses and the delivery service, excluding installation. The cost of having the concrete material delivered now falls between $20 and $35 per cubic yard.
Expenses on Delivery Days
Concrete delivery firms commonly impose additional fees for deliveries conducted on weekends or holidays. To sidestep supplementary charges, it is advisable to confirm with your delivery company in advance to ensure there are no extra costs associated with your preferred delivery day.
Fees for Small Loads
As each batch necessitates customized mixing, contractors incur losses with smaller loads. If your purchase is below the average capacity of a cement truck, approximately 10 cubic yards, be prepared to pay a “short load” fee, now ranging from $60 to $80 per cubic yard.
Fuel Surcharge Increments
Fuel surcharges have experienced an uptick, now ranging from $30 to $50 per load. These charges may arise when the delivery distance exceeds the standard distance.
Expense of Transporting Your Own Concrete
The option to transport your own concrete is feasible when utilizing premixed concrete bags or dry concrete ingredients that require on-site mixing. However, this approach may involve costs associated with renting a truck or trailer. Rental expenses exhibit considerable variability based on location and now typically range from $150 to $180 per day.
Supplementary Expenses in Concrete Projects
When embarking on a new concrete project, it’s crucial to account for various additional costs. Take the following factors into consideration as you establish your project budget.
Professional Concrete Installation
Opting for the services of a professional concrete installer for the pouring and spreading of your concrete can prove to be a time and energy-saving choice. However, be prepared to incur a higher overall cost, encompassing both material expenses and installation labor. Presented below are the average costs associated with common concrete installation tasks.
Type of Concrete Installation | Average Cost Range per Sq. Ft. |
Basic Slab | $5.50 – $8.75 |
Reinforced Concrete | $10.50 – $11.75 |
Concrete Patio | $5.00 – $18.00 |
Concrete Foundation | $5.50 – $15.50 |
Concrete Driveway | $7.00 – $15.50 |
Stamped Concrete | $10.50 – $17.75 |
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When preparing to pour concrete on a site with an existing older slab, budget for the removal process. The average cost for professional concrete removal now ranges from $2.50 to $7.50 per square foot.
Site Excavation
Prior to concrete pouring, it’s essential to clear and level the area. The average cost of land excavation has been elevated to a range of $60 to $240 per cubic yard. Professional land clearing, inclusive of leveling costs, now falls between $250 and $7,500 per acre, with an additional $0.60 to $2.50 per square foot. Expect increased prices for challenging-to-access areas.
Land Enhancement
A newly poured concrete slab may appear somewhat stark without complementary landscaping. Incorporating features like walkways, retaining walls, fresh sod, or flower beds enhances the overall aesthetic. Due to the diverse options available, landscaping project costs can vary significantly. The following are some commonly paired projects with concrete installation, each with elevated average costs.
Type of Landscaping Project | Average Cost Range |
Sod Installation | $1.25 – $2.50 per sq. ft. |
Walkway Installation | $12 – $24 per sq. ft. |
Planting Trees or Bushes | $40 – $4,000 |
Laying Mulch | $50 – $145 per cu. yd. |
Planting Flower Beds | $800 – $4,000 |
Retaining Wall Installation | $5,040 – $9,100 |
Gazebo Installation | $6,500 – $10,900 |
Choosing Between DIY Concrete Installation and Professional Delivery
Opting for a do-it-yourself (DIY) concrete installation might seem like a cost-saving measure, potentially cutting down on thousands in installation labor expenses if you acquire the skills to mix and handle concrete. However, pouring concrete poses challenges even for experienced DIY homeowners due to its considerable weight and the need for specialized machinery for proper mixing. While some minor projects can be tackled by blending premixed cement with water in a wheelbarrow, covering a full cubic yard would require at least 40 bags.
Moreover, concrete’s sensitivity to water content adds an extra layer of complexity. Ready-mix concrete comes with pre-measured water ratios, ensuring consistency. When opting for a DIY approach, precise measurement using recommended amounts becomes crucial.
For larger projects extending beyond a few square feet, it is advisable to opt for professional concrete delivery. Professionals bring valuable experience to the table, ensuring the creation of a well-reinforced surface. This professional approach typically yields a more consistent result compared to manually mixing concrete bags.
Cost-Saving Strategies for Concrete Installation and Delivery
While the realm of concrete installation is largely governed by strict building code requirements, leaving little room for significant structural alterations to cut costs, there are still several tactics to curtail the overall expense of a project.
Optimize Truckloads: Whenever feasible, aim for full truckloads. Consolidating two or more projects allows for the installation of enough concrete to fill one complete truckload instead of relying on multiple shorter loads, leading to substantial cost savings.
Utilize Premixed Concrete: Employing premixed concrete can be a cost-effective choice. For smaller projects, consider transporting the material personally to circumvent delivery charges.
DIY Prep Work: If feasible, undertake some preparatory tasks. DIYers equipped with the necessary tools can handle tasks such as land clearing and sod removal before concrete installation, providing an opportunity to save on expenses.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost dynamics of concrete per cubic yard is pivotal for successful planning and budgeting in construction projects, be they commercial or residential. With an average price of $125 per cubic yard, accounting for materials, labor, and delivery, it’s essential to recognize the fluctuating range of $110 to $165 influenced by project specifics and regional variations. At Estimate Florida Consulting, our commitment is to provide detailed and tailored estimates, ensuring transparency for effective decision-making. Whether contemplating the cost of different concrete types, estimating project expenses, or considering DIY options versus professional delivery, a comprehensive understanding of the factors involved empowers project managers and homeowners alike to make informed choices. As you embark on your concrete project, remember that careful consideration of costs, types, and strategic approaches will contribute to a successful and budget-conscious outcome.
FAQs for the Blog: Concrete Cost Per Cubic Yard
The average cost of concrete per cubic yard is approximately $125, with a typical range of $110 to $165. However, it’s crucial to consider specific project requirements and regional variations that may influence the final cost.
To estimate concrete quantity, multiply the square footage of the area by the desired depth in feet, then convert the result to cubic yards (divide by 27, as there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard). Adding a 10% margin for variations is advisable to ensure you have enough concrete for the project.
The cost of concrete varies based on its strength measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). For example, a 3,000 PSI mix can cost $150 to $200 per yard, while a 6,000 PSI mix may range from $220 to $280.
Yes, beyond the base cost of concrete, additional fees may include delivery charges ranging from $20 to $35 per cubic yard, fees for small loads (short load fees), fuel surcharges, and potential extra costs for deliveries on weekends or holidays.
Cost-saving strategies include optimizing truckloads by consolidating projects, using premixed concrete for smaller endeavors, and considering DIY prep work for tasks like land clearing and sod removal before concrete installation. However, it’s emphasized that larger projects may benefit from professional concrete delivery for consistent results.
Process To Get Concrete Cost Estimate Report
Here I am going to share some steps to get a concrete cost estimate report.
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