Pouring a yard of concrete costs anywhere from $135 to $180 per cubic yard on average, depending on location, mix strength, delivery fees, and other job-related factors. But that’s just the start. Once you add labor, grading, reinforcement, and finishing, the final price per cubic yard often lands between $300 and $400—sometimes more for complex pours.
Expect to pay around $350 per yard for a typical small-to-medium concrete project when you factor in all expenses. Prices can climb higher if your job needs pumping, high-strength mix, or is located in a hard-to-reach area.
Concrete isn’t just a material—it’s the foundation, literally and figuratively, of patios, driveways, slabs, and sidewalks. But budgeting for it can be a headache if you don’t know what drives the cost. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a DIY slab or hiring a contractor for a bigger project, understanding how pricing works can save you hundreds—and spare you from surprise charges later on.
How much does concrete cost per cubic yard?
The base price of ready-mix concrete usually starts between $135 and $180 per cubic yard.
This number reflects the raw material cost only. Ready-mix concrete includes cement, water, aggregates (like gravel or sand), and admixtures. Prices vary depending on:
- Region (urban centers tend to be higher)
- Time of year (winter pours are pricier)
- Volume ordered (smaller orders cost more per yard)
- Mix strength (higher PSI = higher cost)
- Access difficulty (hills, narrow paths, etc.)
On average across the U.S., $150 per yard is a fair estimate for the base concrete mix.
Some suppliers apply a short-load fee for orders under 5–6 yards, which can range from $40 to $100+ depending on the company. That means a single-yard pour could jump from $150 to over $250 before you’ve even placed it.
What factors increase the cost of pouring concrete?
Concrete pricing isn’t just about the mix. A wide range of elements drive up the price per yard once installation starts.
Labor alone can add $45 to $70 per yard, while reinforcement, subgrade prep, finishing, and site access can increase costs significantly.
Here’s where the price climbs:
- Labor and equipment: Pouring, leveling, screeding, and finishing all require skilled labor.
- Reinforcement materials: Rebar or wire mesh can add $0.15–$0.30 per sq. ft.
- Formwork: Setting up and removing forms often adds $1.00–$2.50 per linear foot
- Grading and base prep: Site prep can add $0.50–$1.50 per sq. ft.
- Pumping fees: If the truck can’t reach the pour site, expect $300–$800 for concrete pumping
- Additives: Water reducers, accelerators, or colorants can add $5–$15 per yard
Once all those are bundled in, the installed cost often ranges from $300 to $400 per cubic yard. This is what most homeowners end up paying when hiring out the work.
Does concrete strength affect the price?
Yes—concrete strength, measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), directly impacts the cost per yard.
Standard residential concrete is typically 3,000 to 3,500 PSI, but certain applications (like driveways or garage floors) may require 4,000 PSI or more. Higher PSI mixes cost more due to increased cement content and additives.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- 3,000 PSI: $135–$150 per yard
- 3,500 PSI: $145–$160 per yard
- 4,000 PSI: $155–$170 per yard
- 5,000 PSI: $165–$180+ per yard
The stronger the concrete, the higher the price—both in terms of materials and labor, since denser mixes may be harder to finish.
How much area does a yard of concrete cover?
One cubic yard of concrete equals 27 cubic feet. How much surface it covers depends on thickness.
Here’s a quick reference:
- 4 inches thick: ~81 sq. ft.
- 6 inches thick: ~54 sq. ft.
- 8 inches thick: ~40 sq. ft.
If you’re pouring a patio or small slab, a single yard might do the job. But for driveways, garages, or footings, expect to need several yards.
Knowing how much coverage you’ll get helps you avoid over-ordering or coming up short.
What’s the cost difference between DIY and hiring a contractor?
DIY concrete pours can save money—but they come with risks. For a 1-yard pour, the DIY material cost may be $150–$200 including rental tools and reinforcement. Hiring a pro pushes the total to $350–$450 or more, depending on the scope.
That said, pouring concrete takes experience. Mistakes are hard to fix once the mix starts curing. Slabs can crack if not properly reinforced or leveled. Water ratios, troweling technique, and finish timing all matter.
If it’s your first time working with concrete, a botched pour might cost more to fix than if you’d hired help upfront. For large or high-traffic projects, professional installation is often worth the extra cost.
Is pre-mixed bag concrete cheaper than delivered ready-mix?
Pre-mixed concrete bags can be cheaper for very small projects, but they come with physical labor and time trade-offs.
Let’s compare:
- Ready-mix delivery (1 yard): $135–$180 base cost + delivery
- Pre-mix bags (60 lbs each): About 45 bags needed to make 1 yard
- At $4–$5 per bag: $180–$225
- Plus rental mixer, time, and physical effort
Bagged concrete often ends up being more expensive per yard, especially when you account for labor and time. It makes sense only for very small pours, like setting fence posts or filling steps.
How much does concrete delivery cost?
Concrete delivery fees vary by distance, load size, and supplier. Most companies include delivery within a 10–20 mile radius, but will add charges for:
- Fuel surcharge (especially in high-gas-price areas)
- Waiting time (after 30–60 minutes on-site)
- Short load fees (under 4–6 yards)
Expect delivery to add $50 to $150+ to your total, especially if ordering less than a full truck (typically 8–10 yards). Be sure to schedule well and prepare the site to avoid added charges for delays.
Are there hidden costs people don’t think about?
Yes—many homeowners are caught off-guard by “non-concrete” costs. These include:
- Disposal of excavated soil: Hauling away dirt can add $100–$300
- Permits or inspections: Required for some slabs, especially structural ones
- Weather delays: Rain or freezing conditions can cause rescheduling fees
- Site conditions: Tree roots, underground utilities, or rocky soil require extra prep
These soft costs don’t show up in concrete estimates but can easily tip the final price up by 10–20%.
Can you save money on concrete without cutting corners?
You can, but it requires smart planning—not skipping steps. Here’s how to cut cost without sacrificing quality:
- Order in bulk: Prices drop with larger loads
- Use standard PSI: Don’t overspec if 3,000 PSI is sufficient
- Choose a weekday pour: Weekend pours often cost more
- Get multiple quotes: Prices vary widely between local suppliers
- Prep the site yourself: Grading and forming can be DIY with guidance
- Avoid small loads: Try to bundle projects to avoid short-load fees
Cutting corners on reinforcement, curing time, or sub-base prep leads to cracks, spalling, and a shorter slab lifespan. Saving $50 now could cost $500 later.
So, what’s a realistic price per yard for a full project?
For most residential jobs, including material, delivery, labor, prep, and finishing, a realistic average is $350–$400 per cubic yard installed.
That means a small 3-yard patio may run $1,050–$1,200, while a larger 10-yard driveway could total $3,500–$4,000 or more.
Always budget extra—about 10–15% above the estimate—to account for unexpected site conditions or weather.
The true cost of concrete goes beyond dollars per yard
Concrete is more than just cement in a truck. It’s time, planning, manpower, and timing. Pouring it right the first time avoids future cracks, costly fixes, and structural issues.
By understanding how each part of the price breaks down—from the mix to the finish—you’re better equipped to make informed choices, avoid hidden costs, and get the best value from your project.
The cheapest job isn’t always the best one. But a well-planned pour, even if it costs a little more upfront, often pays off for decades.