How Much Does It Cost To Pour A Concrete Slab?

Concrete Slab Cost

A typical concrete slab costs $4 to $8 per square foot with most homeowners spending between $5.35 to $6.17 per square foot, or $113 to $126 per cubic yard for both materials and installation. Your final cost will depend on the slabs size, thickness, and if you any special reinforcement such as wire mesh or rebar.

Table Of Contents

1. Concrete Slab Cost
2. Concrete Slab Prices By Size
• Installation Cost
3. Cost of Concrete
• Cost Per Square Foot
• Cost Per Cubic Yard
4. Average Cost To Pour Concrete
• Patio
• Shed
• Garage
• Driveway
5. Concrete Slab Foundation Cost
6. Concrete Slab Cost Calculator
7. Types Of Concrete Slabs
8. Pros and Cons of Concrete Slabs
9. Staining, Stamping, and Fine Finishes
10. Concrete Slab Repair Costs
11. Frequently Asked Questions
12. Concrete Contractors Near Me

Concrete Slab Prices By Size

A typical concrete slab will cost between $113 and $126 per cubic yard (27 cubic feet) or $5.35 to $6.17 per square foot on average. Four to eight inch thick concrete slabs are mainly used for driveways, patios, sidewalks, and garage floors.

A 6" thick concrete slab is much more structurally sound than a 4" slab and may only cost $100 more in concrete depending on your slab size. At an average cost of $6.17 per square foot for a 6" slab, here are the average prices by size:

Costs To Install Concrete Slab

Concrete slab installation costs a minimum of $5.35 per square foot for a 4" thickness, and as high as $10.55 per sq. ft. for a 6" slab with thicker edges, styrofoam beneath the slab, and wire mesh. Adding radiant heat, extra dirt work, or grading to the sub-base costs extra.

If you want to add additional reinforcement due to poor soil conditions, or if you're worried about big cracks, put some structural reinforcing metal in the concrete foundation with either wire mesh or rebar. Also, if your going to go with 4" thick slab, reinforcing metal is highly recommended to make your slab structurally sound.

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Cost of Concrete

The average cost of concrete ranges from $2.83 to $3.57 per square foot depending on the thickness of the slab poured. The quality of the concrete will depend on how much water vs. cement is mixed in with the aggregate and how clean the water and aggregate are.

Concrete Slab Cost Per Square Foot

On average, to pour a concrete slab costs $5.35 to $6.17 per square foot for both labor and materials. Your total price depends on the thickness of the slab, and if you chose to reinforce your slab with wire mesh or rebar.

Concrete Cost Per Cubic Yard

Concrete costs from $113 to $126 per cubic yard. Many contractors will quote based on the cost per cubic yard rather than by square foot. A cubic yard of concrete will cover 100 square feet x 3 inches deep or 27 cubic feet.

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Average Cost To Pour Concrete

To pour a typical 10x10 concrete slab will cost $670 to $930, a 12x12 slab for a patio will cost $796 to $1,476, a 20x24 driveway slab runs between $1,440 and $3,360, and a 24x24 slab for a garage will cost $3,058 to $5,944.

Labor Cost For Concrete Slab

The cost of labor to pour concrete is $45 per hour. There can also be a delivery fee of $60. To have concrete poured and finished, it will cost $2.52 to $2.60 per square foot for the labor, and $2.83 to $3.57 per square foot for the concrete itself. Concrete slabs are poured either off or on the job site. Smaller slabs, such as the hot tub base can easily be poured offsite and then delivered to your home. Larger slabs, such as a driveway, are poured onsite.

Cost To Pour Concrete Patio Slab

A concrete patio is generally 4” thick and costs $5.53–$10.25 per square foot to install. For a typical 12x12 patio slab costs ranges from $796 to $1,476. Always reinforce slabs that are 4” thick with rebar for strength. Your final cost may be affected by many design factors. ^[9]

• A simple square or rectangular patio will be the most economical.
• Curves, although attractive, cost more due to the mold that needs to be constructed.
• Walkways can add a nice aspect to a yard, especially if you have different kinds of flower beds.
• Site prep – The ground needs to be level, and any rocks or branches will need removing.

Cost Of Concrete Slab For Shed

The cost of a 10x10 concrete slab for a shed ranges from $670 to $930 while a 20x20 slab runs around $2,690. The recommended thickness of your shed's slab is 4” deep. The following prices include materials and professional installation for a 4” deep slab:

Concrete Slab For Garage Cost

A typical 24x24 garage slab costs between $3,057 and $5,944 with prices ranging from $5.31 to $8.31 per square foot for a 4” reinforced slab of concrete, and $6.83 to $10.32 per square foot for a 6” slab of reinforced concrete.^[11][12]

Concrete Slab Driveway Cost

A basic concrete slab driveway costs $4 to $8 per square foot, with more advanced designs, patterns and colors ranging from $8 to $18 per square foot. You can dress up your driveway slab with engraving, a textured finish, exposed aggregate, a stencil design, or it can be scored and stained.

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Concrete Slab Foundation Cost

Most homeowners spend between $5.40 to $6.40 per square foot for a 4” thick foundation, and $6.40 to $8.20 per square foot for a 6” reinforced slab on grade. A 1,600 square foot reinforced concrete slab foundation costs $11,680 on average.

The cost includes “fine grading, slab base, forms, vapor barrier, wire mesh, 3,000 PSI concrete, finishing, and curing. For thickened edge slabs, add the area of the thickened edge. Use 500 square feet as the minimum job size.” ^[4]

Concrete Foundation Types

The three main types of concrete foundations are T-shaped, slab on grade, and frost protected.

• T-Shaped – Slab with footing below the frost line that’s poured after the walls are constructed.
• Slab on Grade – Slab poured over internal reinforcement of rebar and wire mesh.
• Frost Protected – Slab poured over polystyrene insulation, with additional polystyrene insulation outside the foundation wall

Concrete Slab On Grade

Slab on grade refers to a concrete slab that's used as a foundation for a structure. The slab is created from a mold built into the ground that’s reinforced with rebar and wire mesh. The frame is constructed from wood, and the concrete and aggregate are poured into the mold to harden.

The three types of concrete slab on grade are: ^[3]

• Slab on the ground – slab with concrete beams around the perimeter
• Stiffened raft slab – slab with concrete beams set in a grid throughout the slab
• Waffle raft slab – above ground slab poured over polystyrene “void forms.”

Concrete Slab Thickness

Most residential concrete slabs are between 4” and 6” inches thick with the minimum recommended being at least 4”. This thickness is recommended for walkways, driveways, patios, and garages. Commercial driveways can be 6” to 8” inches thick to bear up under traffic from heavier delivery vehicles. Check local building codes to find out how thick your concrete slab needs to be.

Another factor impacting the thickness of the slab is the type of soil that is underneath. In prepping for the concrete, the soil must be tamped down well and covered with a layer of gravel or sand. A licensed concrete contractor will know how much gravel to lay and how to properly prep the soil.

Grades of Concrete

Concrete grades are based on the strength of the concrete after 28 days. Different grades of concrete are required for different uses. A residential grade is different from commercial grade, especially where a several story building is concerned.

Numbers followed by the letter M indicates the different grades. The letter M refers to Mix, and the number relates to ratio amounts of cement, sand, and loose aggregate all mixed with water.

*Everything over M25 is considered a design mix, and lab tests are necessary to determine those ratios. Ratios above M25 are used for extensive construction projects requiring high strength. ^[5]

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Concrete Slab Cost Calculator

The average cost of concrete is $3.50–$5.50 per square foot for a 6” slab. The price can go up based on further requirements for the job. Factors that can influence prices are grading, base, forms, thickness, finishing, and concrete mix characteristics.

Wire Mesh For Concrete Slabs

If you need to add additional reinforcement to your slab, an excellent choice for smaller slabs is adding wire mesh. The typical cost of concrete installation includes the use of fiber mesh in your slab, but if you need wire mesh instead, add $0.35 cents per square foot.

Rebar For Concrete Slabs

To ensure your slab or foundation structurally sound, its highly recommended to add steel rebar, especially if you go with a 4” thickness. This thickness is particularly helpful if you have poor soil conditions, or want to prevent big cracks.

Additional Costs

• Reduce the thickness of your slab from 6” to 4” and save $0.50 cents per sq. ft.
• A vapor barrier underneath the slab will add $0.50 cents per sq. ft.
• If your slab is in a hard-to-reach area and the concrete truck can’t reach it, you’ll need the services of a pump truck, adding approx. $900 to the cost estimate.
• Some slabs will require thicker edges, costing an additional $1–$2 per sq. ft. ^[7]

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Types Of Concrete Slabs

• Modern Concrete – this is your typical concrete mixed and used every day.
• High-Strength Concrete – has a strength over 6,000 psi (pounds square inch)
• High-Performance Concrete – performs well in inclement weather
• Ultra-High-Performance Concrete – needs no rebar and has a strength of 29,000 psi
• Stamped Concrete – Concrete can be “stamped” with a decorative mold to make it look like stone, brick, and more. Stamped concrete usually needs a sealer to keep its decorative component.
• Self-Consolidating Concrete – eliminates the need for vibrations (the cement mixer) and is mainly used in restricted and hard-to-reach areas.
• Glass Concrete – using recycled glass as the aggregate creates a visually appealing concrete.
• Asphalt Concrete – is a very fast-hardening concrete that is used mainly in building roads and airports.
• Permeable Concrete – allows water to pass through and is used in areas around storm drains.

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Pros and Cons of Concrete Slab Foundation

Pros

• Less expensive than wooden floor joists and wood construction.
• Fast – a floor can be poured in a day or less.
• With no crawl space under the house to allow hot/cold air through the floors, utility bills are lower.
• No problems with mold, mildew, rodents, or insects.

Cons

• The lack of a crawl space means all furnace parts and ductwork must be installed above the floor.
• Plumbing is under the slab, and leaks are not always noticeable until you receive a very high water bill.
• Concrete slabs can crack due to variations in moisture and the weather.

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Staining, Stamping, and Fine Finishes

Concrete has lent itself to a new art form in the practice of staining, stamping, and applying fine finishes to it. Stamping the concrete on your driveway can give your house a whole new look, upping the curb appeal.

• Staining Concrete – Concrete can be stained or painted many different colors, adding to the visual impact of your home and yard. Concrete staining costs $3.70–$7.70 per square foot.
• Stamped Concrete – While staining or painting concrete can be done after it hardens, stamping must be done before the concrete sets. Instead of looking like a large, gray surface, you can mimic the look of cobblestones, tiles, stones, or even brick. The cost of stamping concrete is $11.20–$13.40 per square foot.
• Smooth Finishes – Concrete can be polished and receive different kinds of finishes. An epoxy floor coating can be applied for $4.50 per square foot.
• Concrete Sealer – After you install your concrete driveway or patio, or any concrete surface that will be exposed to the elements, it needs to be sealed. The sealer will protect it from stains, oils, de-icing salt, and the water damage that occurs with freeze/thaw cycles. Sealers cost $4.50 per square foot and pros charge about $86 per hour for application labor.

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Concrete Slab Repair Costs

Concrete can crack and ruin the look of a patio or driveway. Depending on the size of the crack, it costs from $500 to $2,500 to repair one. Sometimes drainage will cause problems, and that moisture can be directed away from the concrete slab. Correcting drainage problems can cost $1,100 to $5,500. ^[16]

Concrete Slab Crack Repair

• Concrete expands and contracts with the temperature. In hot weather, it can expand, and if it meets with an unmovable object, it will crack.
• The growth of tree roots underneath the concrete slab can cause cracks as they grow larger, pushing the dirt up under the concrete.
• The settling of soil as time goes on can cause cracks.
• Water can get under the slab and cause some erosion. Anything shifting under the concrete slab can cause cracking.
• Excessive weight on the concrete slab can crack it. Know how much weight a concrete slab can safely bear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is concrete?

Concrete costs from $113 to $126 per cubic yard or between $2.83 to $3.57 per square foot depending on the thickness of the slab poured. It will cost an additional $2.52 to $2.60 per square foot for the labor.

How much does a concrete slab cost for a house?

A 6” reinforced concrete slab for a 1,500 square foot home will cost around $12,870. This price includes grading, slab base, rebar, finishing, and curing. ^[17]

How much does a 12x12 concrete slab cost?

The average cost to pour a 12x12 concrete slab that is 4” thick is between $888 and $1,584, with professional labor and materials included. ^[18]

Cost of 30x30 Concrete Slab

The average cost to pour a basic 30x30 concrete slab that is 6” thick is between $5,553 and $7,380 depending on the quality of concrete used, and the type of steel reinforcement used.

Cost of 30x40 Concrete Slab

The average cost to pour a 30x40 concrete slab that is 6” thick with metal rebar reinforcements is between $8,196 and $12,384. This cost is based on a general purpose use such as a garage, whereas a foundation for a structure may cost more.

Cost of 40x60 Concrete Slab

The average cost to pour a 40x60 concrete slab that is 6” thick with metal rebar reinforcements is between $16,392 and $24,768.

How Much Does A Cement Slab Cost?

A cement slab costs the same as a concrete slab at an average of $3.50 to $6 per square foot. ^[8]

How much does labor cost to pour a concrete slab?

The average cost of labor to pour concrete is $45 per hour or around $2.52 to $2.60 per square foot. There can also be a delivery fee of about $60.

How thick should a concrete slab be?

The thickness of your slab depends on its purpose. A structurally sound patio or walkway should be 4” thick with a wire mesh reinforcement, while a good driveway is typically 6” thick with steel rebar added for strength.

What is the minimum thickness of a concrete slab?

If you’re going to be walking or driving on it, the minimum recommended thickness for a concrete slab is 4” of reinforced concrete with either wire mesh or rebar.

How much does a 1,000 square foot foundation cost?

Pouring a 1,000 square foot foundation costs between $5,000 and $8,000 on average.

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