How Much Does It Cost to Pour Concrete?

If you’ve ever dreamed of transforming your outdoor space into a patio for summer barbecues or creating a walkway through your flower garden, you’ve probably wondered about the cost to pour concrete. This solid, permanent foundation can provide years of use and add to the overall value of your home.

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How much does concrete cost? The final cost estimate includes more than just the materials. If you’re hiring a professional, you need to factor in labor. You also need to consider site preparation, reinforcements and finishing. This guide breaks down the process so you know what to expect before you start.

What Is the Process of Having Concrete Poured?

Pouring concrete is a time-consuming and physically demanding process. However, it’s a possible DIY project provided you have the right tools for the job. If you’re thinking of tackling a large concrete project, it’s best to contact a professional to avoid costly mistakes. Here's a step-by-step look at the process involved:

• Prepare the location. Site preparation is an important first step and can be one of the most strenuous. First, check with your local building department to see if permits are required. Then, dig down to the proper depth and remove any sod, debris or old cement. To prevent standing water on your slab or walkway, you also need to grade the site to allow for proper drainage.

• Place building forms. Place wooden or concrete forms around the perimeter of the project area. These serve as a mold to hold the concrete in place while it cures.

• Lay the subbase. A crushed stone or compacted gravel subbase provides a firm foundation for the concrete. It also aids in drainage and, in colder climates, helps prevent cracking when the ground freezes.

• Add reinforcements. Steel rebar or wire mesh is needed for most concrete installations. It helps make concrete stronger so it won’t crack under heavy loads.

• Pour the concrete. Use a truck or concrete mixer to pour concrete into the form. Use rakes and shovels to spread the concrete evenly.

• Finish the concrete. Use a large tool called a screed to smooth the top layer of the concrete. Other tools, such as floats and trowels, may be used to create a textured surface.

• Allow for curing. After you pour the concrete, let it cure for at least 24 hours before walking or placing objects on it. Wait 10 days before driving on the surface.

How Much Does It Cost to Pour Concrete — By Project?

Cost estimates for a concrete project are typically quoted per square foot and include the cost of labor and materials. If you’ve opted for a professional installation, check with your contractor to see exactly what their quote includes and if you can expect any additional costs.

• Concrete patio. The cost of a concrete patio depends on the type of concrete you’re considering, the thickness of the pad and whether you want to add decorative touches, such as stamped concrete. For plain concrete, expect to pay between $4 and $12 (CAD 5.50 and CAD 17) per square foot. Decorative or stained concrete costs between $8 and $20 (CAD 11 and CAD 27) per square foot. If you prefer a shiny finish, epoxy-coated concrete can push the cost to $18 (CAD 25) per square foot or more.

• Concrete driveway. These thick concrete slabs are designed to hold the weight of vehicles. Check with your local building department to learn the exact requirements, but a thickness of 4 to 6 inches is recommended. The average cost to pour a concrete driveway is $6 to $15 (CAD 8.25 to CAD 21) per square foot. Most two-car driveways cost between $2,400 and $8,600 (CAD 3,298 and CAD 11,818). The final cost depends on the length of the driveway.

• Concrete walkway. Sidewalks are easy projects for DIYers. They cost between $7 and $17 (CAD 9.62 and CAD 23) per square foot. For professional installation, expect to pay between $1,400 and $3,400 (CAD 1,924 and CAD 4,672) for materials and labor.

• Garage foundation. Concrete slab costs for a garage or shed are similar to those for a driveway. The typical range is $6 to $12 (CAD 8.25 to CAD 17) per square foot for materials and labor.

How Much Does It Cost to Have Concrete Poured Per Square Foot?

You can expect to pay expect to pay $3 to $7 (CAD 4.12 to CAD 9.62) per square foot for just the concrete. The higher the quality and smoother the texture of the concrete, the higher the cost.

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How Much Is a Yard of Concrete?

The average price for a cubic yard of concrete is around $108 (CAD 149), but many homeowners pay $119 to $147 (CAD 164 to CAD 202). The final price can vary depending on factors such as:

• Strength. Concrete strength is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI. The higher the PSI, the stronger the concrete and the more it costs. The acceptable PSI range for driveway concrete is 2,500 to 3,000.

• Additives. Depending on what you need the concrete for, you can purchase mixes with additives to serve different purposes. Some additives help speed up the curing process, while others seal the finished product to safeguard against water damage. These additives can increase the overall cost.

• Location. The cost of concrete can differ depending on your location.

How Much Does a Truckload of Concrete Cost?

The cement truck pouring price is based on the price per cubic yard for concrete. A standard ready-mix concrete truck holds around 10 cubic yards. Costs for a truckload range from $1,190 to $1,470 (CAD 1,635 to CAD 2,020) for 10 cubic yards of material and delivery within 20 miles.

If you're located over 20 miles away, the company may charge an extra $9.50 (CAD 13) per mile for delivery. For delivery on a Saturday, expect to pay about $8 (CAD 11) more per yard. Purchasing a short load of less than 10 cubic yards increases the cost-per-yard by about $53 (CAD 73).

Is It Cheaper to Mix Your Own Concrete and Pour Concrete Yourself?

Professional installation for concrete projects can be costly. For this reason, you may be considering attempting a project on your own. For smaller jobs, such as creating a small pad for an HVAC unit or setting fence posts, mixing bags by hand is very doable. Precast concrete pavers are also an option for walkways or patios. For a large project, such as pouring a driveway or laying a foundation, it may not make sense to attempt the work yourself. Factors to consider include:

• Material costs. When purchased at a home improvement store, standard concrete costs around $6 (CAD 8.25) per 80-pound bag. It takes 45 bags to equal one cubic yard, making the cost to pour concrete $270 (CAD 371) per cubic yard. This is considerably more expensive than the $119 to $147 (CAD 164 to CAD 202) cost of professionally delivered concrete.

• Labor and time. Mixing 80-pound bags of concrete is back-breaking work. Because you can only mix so much at a time, earlier sections can start to harden before you complete the job, leading to cold joints that weaken the slab.

• Equipment. To pour concrete, you’ll need to rent a concrete mixer, purchase a wheelbarrow and invest in the various required finishing tools.

• Quality. It takes years to master how to properly slope and smooth concrete. A poor quality finish and future cracking or drainage issues can end up costing you more than hiring a professional for the job.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.