What does concrete cost?

Concrete costs can be broken down into 4 areas: Mud, Labor, Finish, & Demo

I hate blogs that don’t answer my question up front, so the price form and pour concrete is $2,000/Cu Yd … probably.

MUD: The average cost of a yard of concrete in the U.S. is between $115 and $150 (PLUS delivery $50-$800, PLUS pump $900-$1,500, PLUS short load fees $100-$1,000, PLUS no. 2 rebar $500-$1,000). Prices vary depending on the PSI or strength of your mud. Since we live in the PNW we pay more for mud than the national average. A cubic yard of concrete covers 81 square feet at 4 inches thick. The cost of mud for a 4" slab costs between $1.40 and $1.80 per square foot. Keep in mind this price does not include clean rock base. There is a direct correlation between the thickness of the rock base and the life of the concrete. Topic for another time.

LABOR: This is the greatest variable out of the 4 categories, clearly. Skill and experience is so important with concrete because it is a natural product THAT WILL CRACK. No matter what, left to cure forever all concrete will crack, it’s just a matter of time. It’s important to not go with the cheapest bid for concrete because you only get one shot at it. Concrete is just mud delivered to your site, it takes an experienced craftsman to mold that mud into something beautiful. A good concrete contractor has adequate crew. If you’re pouring a driveway and 2 guys show up … that’s a red flag. A good concrete contractor has the right tool. If the crew doesn’t show up with a used and abused 2”x4”x10’ as well as an extra long level and plenty of knee pads, extension poles, brooms, and trowels … that’s a red flag. Also, drainage and slope on a concrete pour is extremely important. The last thing you want in the PNW is a concrete pad that pools in the rain. Expect to pay between $5-$15 a square foot depending on the finish.

FINISH: Broom, smooth, exposed aggregate, top cast, sandblast, colored, stamped, the options are endless. Some finishes require more skill than others. When coloring concrete pay extra and add the color to the mix, that way when the top layer wears, your color will remain consistent. Broom is the cheapest at $7.50 square foot because your pour it, then hit it with a horse hair broom and you’re done. Colored stamp is the most expensive at up to $30 a square foot for a more elaborate stamp with color because it requires multiple visits to get it right plus extra labor to lay the stamp.

DEMO: Straight forward here; demo will be anywhere from $2-$5 a square foot depending on depth, care and attention to concrete removal. 4” old driveway concrete close to the street is the cheapest, while thick staircases attached to the foundation below a glass window is more expensive.