How Much Does It Cost to Lay 1000 Sq Ft of Concrete? (Full Price Breakdown & What to Expect)
Laying 1,000 square feet of concrete can cost anywhere between $4,500 and $12,000 in most areas, depending on the thickness, labor, reinforcement, finish, and local material prices. On average, you’re likely to spend around $6 to $8 per square foot for a basic installation, which puts the mid-range cost close to $7,000.
Concrete pricing is never a one-size-fits-all deal. From the kind of finish you choose to whether the site needs excavation or rebar reinforcement, every little decision adds a few dollars—or a few hundred—to your final bill. And that’s where most people get caught off guard.
If you’re planning to pour a 1000 sq ft slab, understanding each cost factor upfront can save you from surprise charges, delays, or disappointing results.
Let’s walk through exactly what goes into that price, so you know what you’re really paying for—and what’s worth the extra investment.
What is the average cost to pour 1000 square feet of concrete?
The typical cost to pour 1000 sq ft of concrete is around $6,000 to $8,000, assuming a standard 4-inch slab and no custom finish.
This estimate includes:
- Concrete material: $125–$150 per cubic yard (you’ll need about 12.3 cubic yards for 1000 sq ft at 4 inches thick)
- Labor: $2.50 to $4.00 per square foot
- Basic finish: Smooth trowel or broom finish included
- Forms and prep: Grading, base material, and setup
If your slab needs extra thickness, a decorative finish, rebar reinforcement, or concrete pumping due to site conditions, the total can climb above $10,000.
How much concrete do you need for 1000 sq ft?
For a 4-inch thick slab, you’ll need roughly 12.3 cubic yards of concrete.
Here’s how it’s calculated:
- 1000 sq ft × (4 inches ÷ 12) = 333.3 cubic feet
- 333.3 ÷ 27 = 12.3 cubic yards
If you’re going for 6 inches thick, you’ll need 18.5 cubic yards, increasing your material cost significantly—especially since ready-mix concrete is priced per cubic yard.
How much does concrete cost per yard?
As of 2024, concrete costs $125 to $150 per cubic yard, depending on your region and the mix type.
Ready-mix concrete prices can vary based on distance from the plant, additives, weather-resistance properties, and minimum delivery fees (usually 4–6 yards minimum). Smaller jobs or those in hard-to-reach areas often incur short-load fees or weekend surcharges, which can push the price up.
If you’re ordering 12–13 yards, you’re likely to pay $1,500–$2,000 for the concrete alone.
What are the main cost factors involved?
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay to lay 1,000 sq ft of concrete, and some can add thousands of dollars if you’re not prepared.
1. Slab thickness
A 4-inch slab is standard for patios, sidewalks, and garage floors. But if you’re pouring a driveway or supporting heavy loads, you might need 5–6 inches, which increases the concrete volume and cost.
2. Labor costs
Concrete labor usually runs $2.50–$4.00 per sq ft, depending on job complexity, your location, and how many workers are needed.
Labor includes excavation, forming, pouring, finishing, and cleanup. In high-demand areas, labor alone can account for 50% or more of the total project cost.
3. Sub-base preparation
Gravel or crushed stone is typically laid under the slab to improve drainage and reduce cracking. The cost to grade and prepare the site with a sub-base usually ranges from $1.00–$1.50 per sq ft.
If excavation is needed to remove old concrete, tree roots, or uneven soil, expect to pay more.
4. Reinforcement materials
Adding steel rebar or wire mesh increases strength, especially for driveways or heavy-load areas.
- Rebar costs around $0.75–$1.50 per sq ft installed
- Wire mesh is a bit cheaper, around $0.40–$0.80 per sq ft
Fiber mesh mixed into the concrete adds minor reinforcement and costs about $0.10–$0.25 per sq ft extra.
5. Concrete finish
A basic broom or smooth finish is included in most base quotes.
But decorative options like:
- Stamped concrete: $10–$20 per sq ft
- Stained concrete: $4–$10 per sq ft
- Polished concrete: $3–$12 per sq ft
These can double or triple your per-square-foot cost, depending on the design and complexity.
6. Access and equipment
If the pour site is hard to reach or concrete has to be pumped, you’ll likely be charged a pumping fee of $700–$1,000.
Wheelbarrowing concrete adds labor hours, and poor access might require additional machinery—raising both time and cost.
Is it cheaper to pour your own concrete?
DIY might seem cheaper upfront, but it rarely saves money on a large slab like 1,000 sq ft.
Here’s why:
- You’ll still need to rent equipment like a mixer, forms, power screeds, and finishers.
- Mistakes in slope, curing, or leveling can ruin the slab—and concrete isn’t something you can patch easily.
- Concrete sets fast. Unless you have help and experience, you risk poor results.
DIY might cost around $3,500–$4,500 for materials, tools, and delivery, but the risk and physical effort are significant.
Hiring professionals usually guarantees better longevity, drainage, and surface quality—plus they’re insured.
How much does it cost to add rebar or wire mesh?
Adding reinforcement increases strength and crack resistance. Rebar adds about $1.00 per square foot, while wire mesh is around $0.60 per square foot.
For a 1000 sq ft slab:
- Rebar: $1,000 – $1,500
- Wire mesh: $500 – $800
Though optional for patios or sheds, it’s highly recommended for driveways or anything bearing vehicle weight.
What if you want a decorative concrete finish?
Decorative finishes raise the price substantially. A stamped pattern or stain might bring the total to $10,000 to $20,000 for 1000 sq ft.
Some popular upgrades include:
- Stamped concrete: Resembles stone, wood, or tile. Runs $12–$18/sq ft on average.
- Acid staining: Creates a marbled, variegated effect. Adds $2–$6/sq ft.
- Polishing: Gives a glossy, modern look. Often used indoors. $4–$8/sq ft.
These finishes require specialized tools and labor, which explains the premium.
Can local material prices affect your total cost?
Yes—material prices fluctuate based on local supply, fuel costs, and demand.
In urban areas or places with limited suppliers, concrete per yard can cost over $160. In more rural or competitive regions, it might stay closer to $110.
Delivery distance also matters. If your job site is far from the nearest plant, expect per-load delivery charges or fuel surcharges.
What about permits and inspection fees?
Permits are often overlooked, but they’re mandatory in most places for new slabs, especially driveways, foundations, and attached structures.
Permit fees range from $50 to $300, depending on your city or county. You might also need soil inspections or site surveys, particularly for structural slabs.
Skipping this step can lead to costly violations or needing to re-do the slab later.
How long does it take to pour and cure 1000 sq ft of concrete?
The actual pour takes one day, assuming prep is done and the weather cooperates.
But curing is another story.
Concrete takes 24–48 hours to set, and up to 28 days to fully cure. During that time, it gains strength and hardens completely.
You can walk on it after 48 hours, but heavy vehicles or framing should wait at least 7–10 days.
Are there ways to reduce costs without compromising quality?
Absolutely. Here are a few approaches that can bring the total cost down while keeping your slab durable:
- Stick to a 4-inch thickness unless heavier loads are expected
- Choose a basic finish instead of stamped or stained
- Get multiple quotes from local contractors (and check their reviews)
- Schedule in off-peak seasons when demand is lower (late fall or early spring)
- Handle some prep work yourself, like clearing the site or grading
Saving a dollar per square foot can knock $1,000 off your total. But avoid cutting corners on base preparation or reinforcement—that’s where slabs fail over time.
Protect Your Budget with Better Concrete Planning
Planning the pour is just as important as the pour itself. Most homeowners can expect to spend $6,000 to $8,000 for a clean, durable 1000 square foot slab. Anything above $10,000 usually includes decorative finishes, site difficulty, or structural reinforcement.
Understand what you’re paying for. Don’t go with the cheapest quote—go with the contractor who explains the why behind their pricing, and gives you control over the small choices that affect long-term value.
Because the cost of getting it wrong? It’s not just in dollars—it’s in cracks, sinking corners, and do-overs you didn’t budget for. So ask questions, compare wisely, and choose the mix that meets your needs—not just your wallet.