Contractors usually charge between $4 to $15 per square foot for most concrete projects, depending on the complexity, thickness, design, and local labor rates. For small jobs, you might also see flat fees starting around $1,000 to $3,000.
Concrete might look simple once it’s poured and dried, but the cost behind it? That’s where things can get unexpectedly complicated.
You might expect one set price, but the reality is far more layered—labor, materials, grading, finish, equipment, and even the weather can shift your final quote. And if you’re dealing with decorative finishes or structural slabs, those numbers can jump fast. That’s why homeowners and builders often find themselves confused about what’s fair, what’s high, and where the value actually lies.
This guide breaks down everything that affects concrete pricing—from basic slabs to stamped patios and foundation pours—so you can go into any project with eyes wide open and money wisely spent.
How much do contractors typically charge per square foot for concrete?
Concrete pricing by the square foot generally ranges between $4 and $15, but the actual figure depends on several factors that can either raise or lower the total.
Basic concrete with a broom finish sits on the lower end of the scale. A typical 4-inch thick slab for a driveway, patio, or sidewalk might cost around $6 to $8 per square foot, including labor and materials.
If you’re adding decorative elements like stamping, coloring, or staining, the price can rise to $10 to $15 per square foot or more. Complex patterns, multi-tone finishes, and sealants significantly increase labor and material costs.
When working with small projects, contractors may switch to flat-rate pricing instead of square footage. These jobs, such as small walkways or repair patches, often start around $1,000 to $1,500 minimum, even if the area is small. That’s because setup, cleanup, and transportation still take the same time.
What affects the price of a concrete job?
Several layers contribute to the final cost. A basic job and a decorative one can differ by thousands, even when the size stays the same.
Thickness and PSI rating
Concrete for residential slabs is usually 4 to 6 inches thick. The thicker the slab, the more material is required. Higher PSI (pounds per square inch) ratings are also more expensive due to added strength requirements. A 3,000 PSI mix is standard for driveways, but garages or commercial loads may require 4,000 to 5,000 PSI mixes.
Site preparation
If the ground needs grading, excavation, or gravel added for drainage, expect costs to rise by $1 to $3 per square foot. Soil conditions heavily influence this part of the job.
Formwork and reinforcement
Framing the edges and adding reinforcement like rebar or wire mesh increases both time and material costs. Rebar for driveways or foundations can cost an additional $0.50 to $1.60 per square foot.
Finish type
Simple broom finishes cost less. Stamped or stained concrete, exposed aggregate, or polished concrete raise prices due to complexity and materials needed. Stamped concrete alone can cost an extra $4 to $8 per square foot on top of the base slab.
Access and equipment
Hard-to-reach areas or tight backyards may require pumps or extra labor. This can raise your price by $500 to $1,500 on average. If contractors can’t drive their mixer close to the site, they’ll charge for the workaround.
Climate and timing
In hotter or colder regions, crews may need to use additives or modify work schedules, which may bump up the price. Pouring in extreme temperatures adds risk, and some contractors charge seasonal premiums.
How much does it cost to pour a concrete driveway?
Concrete driveways usually cost between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on size, layout, and finish. The national average for a two-car driveway (about 600 square feet) is approximately $4,500 to $6,000.
If you’re going for basic gray concrete with a light broom finish, the cost might hover around $7 per square foot. Add decorative finishes like borders, saw cuts, or patterns, and you’re pushing $10 to $14 per square foot or more.
Driveways also require grading, base gravel, edge forms, and sometimes drainage solutions. These can quickly add hundreds to the total.
What do stamped or stained concrete projects cost?
Decorative concrete projects are generally priced 40% to 70% higher than plain slabs. You’ll typically see:
- Stamped concrete: $10 to $15 per sq ft
- Stained concrete (acid or water-based): $7 to $12 per sq ft
- Polished concrete: $5 to $10 per sq ft depending on gloss level
- Exposed aggregate finishes: $8 to $12 per sq ft
These methods require additional labor for design, color layering, sealing, and sometimes custom molds. For instance, a multi-color stamped patio with a border and sealer can reach $20 per sq ft in some regions.
How much does it cost to pour a concrete foundation?
Pouring a concrete foundation is a more technical job, often starting at $8,000 for a small structure and climbing above $30,000 for a full basement foundation.
Monolithic slab foundations usually run around $6 to $12 per square foot, while stem wall or crawl space foundations range between $8 to $14 per square foot due to more formwork and rebar.
Basement foundations are typically the most expensive, averaging $15 to $25 per square foot depending on waterproofing, depth, and complexity. Adding insulation, radon barriers, or sump pumps can add thousands.
Do contractors charge extra for small concrete jobs?
Yes, they usually do.
For very small jobs—like a stoop, step repair, or tiny patio—contractors often apply a minimum service fee that ranges between $1,000 and $2,500, regardless of the job’s size.
Even if the actual square footage only justifies $500 worth of concrete, setup, travel, cleanup, and crew scheduling still require the same effort. That’s why flat pricing makes sense for them on smaller jobs.
You might get better rates bundling small jobs together or scheduling your work when a crew already has another job in your area.
Are labor and material costs included in concrete estimates?
Most quotes from concrete contractors are all-inclusive, meaning they cover labor, materials (cement, sand, gravel, rebar), equipment, and cleanup.
Still, it’s smart to confirm what’s included. Some contractors separate out demolition of old concrete, grading, or specific finishes. Others might list it as a flat rate but charge extras for things like site prep or permits.
Concrete mix itself usually runs about $125 to $150 per cubic yard. A 10’x10′ slab that’s 4 inches thick would need about 1.2 to 1.3 cubic yards, so raw materials alone might be $200 before adding any labor or finish work.
How can you estimate the total cost of a concrete project?
To estimate a project, start with the total square footage, multiply it by an average cost (say $8 to $10 per sq ft for a typical slab), and then factor in any extras like:
- Reinforcement or mesh
- Decorative finishes
- Excavation or soil prep
- Pumping equipment
- Permit fees
So, a 400-square-foot patio with basic finish at $8 per square foot would cost around $3,200. If you opt for stamped concrete, that same patio could run $5,200 or more.
Many contractors will provide free estimates, but it’s smart to get 2–3 quotes for better accuracy and fairness.
What’s the best way to save money on concrete work?
You can reduce costs on concrete projects without cutting corners on quality by:
- Keeping designs simple – Avoid complex shapes or custom colors
- Pouring during contractor “off seasons” – Late fall or winter when schedules are lighter
- Bundling jobs – Pouring multiple areas at once reduces mobilization costs
- Prepping the site yourself – If you can handle excavation or removing old material, that saves hundreds
- Using a local contractor – Reduces travel fees and setup time
Always check that your contractor is licensed, insured, and has recent experience with your type of project. Saving money isn’t worth it if poor craftsmanship leads to costly repairs later.
Contractors often charge more than you expect—but here’s why it’s justified
Concrete might seem like a simple mix of gravel and cement, but the skill, timing, and planning it demands are anything but basic.
It takes a trained team to get it right: the slope, the curing time, the rebar placement, the edge work, the finish—everything needs to sync. When things go wrong, they’re not easy or cheap to fix. That’s why experienced contractors charge rates that match the precision they bring.
So while it may seem high on paper, that price often protects you from future failures, uneven settling, cracking, or worse.
When you break down the layers, concrete pricing makes a lot more sense than it looks on the surface
Planning ahead, understanding the full scope, and asking the right questions can keep your project on budget and done right. Whether you’re pouring a driveway, adding a patio, or starting a foundation, knowing what drives the price puts you in control of your investment.