Concrete is an essential construction material that provides superior strength and durability for various building projects. Whether you’re constructing a foundation, driveway, or patio, concrete remains the go-to option for most builders due to its incredible properties. However, before undertaking any concrete project, it’s essential to understand the cost per yard of this versatile material.
The cost of concrete varies significantly based on several factors such as location, supplier, quality of materials used, and job size. Typically, contractors price their services by cubic yards because it’s easy to measure a specific quantity using this metric system.
As with any construction project pricing estimation process can be complicated but knowing everything involved ahead can save you from unanticipated expenses down the line. In this article we will discuss costs associated with getting ready mix delivered right to your site including: Figures for average costs per square foot and cubic yard; Factors affecting these prices like labor rates in different regions across North America; Tips on how to find reliable suppliers who offer competitive rates without sacrificing quality assurance standards or safety regulations compliance
What is Concrete Cost per Yard?
Concrete cost per yard may vary depending on several factors. The most significant factor affecting the price of concrete is its composition, which includes cement, water, sand, and aggregates. Generally speaking, the higher the quality of these materials used to make concrete, the more expensive it will be.
The average cost of a cubic yard of concrete in the United States ranges from $90 to $150. However, prices can go up or down based on your location and market demand for concrete at any given time.
In addition to material costs, labor costs also play a crucial role in determining the final price tag of your project’s concrete work. If you hire professionals like contractors or construction workers to lay out and pour your slab or foundation for you instead of doing it yourself (DIY), expect an additional fee ranging anywhere from a few hundred dollars up into thousands depending on their experience level and project requirements.
Moreover, transportation fees can add up quickly when moving large quantities of wet cement mixtures around town either with delivery services such as Ready-Mix trucks/carriers that supply fresh batches directly onto job sites before starting construction activity or by renting equipment like mixers for self-use by homeowners.
Last but not least are permit costs & inspection fees if required in your area before taking on such projects legally – this cost varies widely depending upon local regulations specific to each state/city/township where work takes place plus governmental bodies governing building codes set forth accordingly through mandatory building permits application process usually handled through zoning boards/permitting offices within those respective jurisdictions responsible for enforcing compliance standards under law.
Factors Affecting Concrete Cost per Yard
When it comes to determining the cost of concrete, there are several factors to consider. The following are some of the main factors that can affect the final price per yard:
- Type of concrete: The type of concrete required for a particular project is one of the most significant factors that influence its cost. There are different types of concrete available, such as standard mixes, high-strength mixes, and specialty mixes. Each has its own unique properties and therefore requires different materials and production processes.
- Quantity: Another essential factor that affects the cost is how much material is needed for a specific project. Ordering more yards will generally reduce the overall price per yard; however, this may not always be possible or necessary depending on your project’s scope.
- Labor costs: Labor costs can vary widely depending on location and experience level. Factors such as seasonal demand, geographic location, complexity of installation work required also play into labor rates.
- Mix design requirements: Specific mix designs may require additional materials such as admixtures or additives which increase material costs but improve performance or durability characteristics in certain conditions.
- Degree specification/finish quality required (e.g., stamped vs regular): The degree specification an owner wants translates into higher expenses due to specialized tools used during placement or finishing process and higher skilled labor requirements resulting from advanced techniques being utilized by installers like stamping patterns onto fresh slabs).
In summary: Many variables determine what you pay for ready-mix delivery services beyond just cubic yards ordered; each job site comes with unique challenges requiring distinct solutions creating their own pricing structures based on a multitude of factors addressed above.
Material Costs
The material costs of concrete per yard can vary depending on several factors. These include the type of concrete mix, the quantity needed, and the location where it will be delivered.
Firstly, when considering the type of concrete mix, there are many options available that can affect its cost. For example, a basic mix may consist of just cement, sand and gravel while a specialty mix could have additives such as fly ash or fibers to improve its strength or durability. The cost will increase with each additional component added to the mixture.
Secondly, the amount of concrete needed for a project will impact its price per yard. Generally speaking, larger quantities will result in lower prices due to economies of scale. However, smaller jobs may require minimum order amounts which can drive up costs if less than this amount is required.
Lastly but not least important is location – delivery charges for ready-mix concrete can add significantly to overall costs. Distance from supplier plant and any obstacles in accessing job site all play into determining how much it will be charged for transportation fees.
Overall these factors need careful consideration before calculating what an individual project might cost by factoring in labor expenses as well.
Labor Costs
When it comes to labor costs, the amount you’ll pay per yard of concrete will depend on a number of factors. The first and most obvious is how much work needs to be done in order to install the concrete.
If you’re pouring a simple patio or walkway, for example, the labor required may be relatively minimal. On the other hand, if you’re pouring a foundation for a large building or laying down concrete for an entire parking lot, your labor costs are likely to be significantly higher.
In addition to the size of the job itself, there are other factors that can affect your labor costs as well. These include:
– Location: Labor rates can vary depending on where you live and work.
– Experience: More experienced workers may command higher wages.
– Complexity: If your project requires special skills or equipment (such as finishing tools), this can add to your labor costs.
It’s also worth noting that many contractors charge different rates for different stages of the project. For example, they may charge one rate for excavation and preparation work, another rate for pouring and finishing the concrete itself, and yet another rate for cleanup and disposal.
All of these factors will need to be taken into account when estimating your total cost per yard of concrete. To get an accurate estimate from potential contractors in your area, it’s best to provide as much information as possible about what you need done so they can provide an accurate quote based on their experience with similar projects in the past.
Equipment Costs
When it comes to calculating the cost of concrete, equipment costs are a crucial factor. Concrete is mixed using heavy machinery and specialized equipment that can add significant expenses to the overall project cost.
The main pieces of equipment needed for a concrete job include mixers, pumps, and trucks. A mixer is essential to combine all ingredients (cement, sand, gravel, water) into a consistent mixture. Depending on the size and type of mixer needed for your specific job requirements, prices can range from $500 to $50,000 or more.
Pumps are used when placing concrete in hard-to-reach areas such as high-rise buildings or underground tunnels. They come in different sizes and types depending on the distance required for pumping and other factors such as volume output per hour. Prices can vary from $10,000 to upwards of $100,000 depending on these features.
Trucks are another critical piece of equipment necessary for transporting ready-mix concrete from the batching plant to the construction site. The price range depends on factors like capacity (measured in cubic yards), age/condition of truck being purchased or leased; new models average around $150k-$200k while used ones might be available at lower prices but with higher maintenance costs over time.
Other less costly items that contribute towards overall equipment expenses include trowels ($20 – $50 each), saws ($1k – 5k), levels ($20 – 40 each). All these tools are necessary for finishing touches after pouring has been completed.
Keep in mind that not all contractors own their own fleet vehicles/equipment; some rent them instead which could significantly impact total project costs – especially if they have multiple jobs running simultaneously requiring several sets of expensive machines/tools.
Delivery Costs
When calculating the cost of concrete per yard, it is important to take delivery costs into consideration. The cost of delivering concrete depends on a variety of factors such as distance, quantity, and accessibility.
The most common method for delivering concrete is through the use of a truck mixer. These trucks can carry up to 10 cubic yards of concrete at once and are able to pour directly onto the job site. However, the cost for this type of delivery increases with distance from the plant.
In addition to distance, quantity also plays a significant role in determining delivery costs. Generally, larger orders will have lower delivery costs per yard than smaller ones since more product can be transported at once.
Another factor that affects delivery costs is accessibility. If your job site is difficult to access or requires special equipment such as pumps or cranes, you may incur additional fees.
It’s important to note that some companies offer free or reduced-cost deliveries for larger orders or frequent customers. It’s always worth asking about these options when obtaining quotes for your project.
Overall, it’s crucial to include all possible expenses when calculating the total cost of your concrete project including any potential delivery charges. By doing so, you can ensure an accurate budget and avoid unexpected expenses down the line.
Additional Costs
In addition to the cost of concrete per yard, there are some additional costs that you should be aware of. These costs can vary depending on the type and scope of your project.
Labor Costs: The cost of labor is usually included in the price per yard for concrete, but it’s important to understand what goes into this cost. Labor costs can vary depending on the size and complexity of your project, as well as local labor rates. Be sure to get an estimate from your contractor before beginning work.
Pump Rental: If you need to pump your concrete into place, there will be an additional charge for renting a pump. This typically ranges from $300-$500 per day.
Additives: Depending on your project needs, you may require additives such as accelerators or retarders. These can improve the strength and workability of your concrete but will add extra cost.
Taxes & Permits: There may be taxes and permit fees associated with pouring new concrete on your property. Check with local authorities to see if any permits are required for construction projects in your area.
Cleanup & Disposal: Once the job is complete, there will likely be a mess left behind that needs cleaning up. This includes removing excess materials like rebar or forms, hauling away debris or waste products (such as old asphalt), and cleaning up any leftover residue from curing agents used during installation.
Keep these additional costs in mind when budgeting for a new concrete project to ensure you have all expenses covered upfront.
Calculating Concrete Cost per Yard
When you’re planning a concrete project, it’s important to know how much it will cost. One way to calculate the cost is by determining the price per cubic yard of concrete. This method takes into account several factors that affect the final cost, including labor costs, material costs, and any additional expenses.
Labor Costs
The first factor to consider when calculating the cost of concrete is labor. The amount of work involved in pouring and finishing concrete can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. In general, larger projects require more workers and more time to complete, which will increase your overall labor costs.
You should also take into account any special skills or certifications required for your project. For example, if you need a crew with experience working with decorative or stamped concrete designs, you may need to pay higher wages than for a standard pour job.
Material Costs
The next consideration is material costs. The basic ingredients for making concrete are sand, gravel (or other aggregate), cement powder, and water. Depending on your location and specific needs (such as using high-strength or low-shrinkage mixes), prices for these materials can vary widely.
In addition to main ingredients mentioned above there are other additives such as air-entraining agents that make concretes easier handle while placing them in areas where they would be difficult otherwise like over conduits etc., water reducing agents which reduce volume without affecting its strength properties , admixtures like fly ash etc., reinforcing materials such as rebar WWM mesh used extensively in structural applications . Other items such as stakes wire ties curing compound release agent forms tools equipment rental fuel trucks saws drills levels lasers pads etc all contribute towards total material costs
Add Additional Expenses
Finally, it’s important to consider any additional expenses that may impact the cost of your concrete project. This could include permits or fees required by your local government, as well as costs associated with transporting materials and equipment to the job site.
To get an accurate estimate for your concrete project, you’ll need to factor in all of these variables. You can then use this information to determine the cost per cubic yard of concrete needed for your specific project.
Tips for Reducing Concrete Cost per Yard
If you’re planning a construction project that requires concrete, you may be concerned about the cost. Here are some tips for reducing the cost of concrete per yard:
1. Order in bulk
The more concrete you order at once, the lower the cost per yard will be. Ordering in bulk also means fewer delivery trips and less hassle.
2. Choose the right mix design
Different types of projects require different mix designs of concrete. Choosing a design that is specific to your project can help reduce costs and ensure optimal performance.
3. Use recycled materials
Using recycled materials such as crushed concrete or fly ash can significantly reduce costs while still maintaining quality.
4. Optimize placement methods
Effective placement methods such as using pumps or conveyors can save time and labor costs compared to manual pouring with wheelbarrows or buckets.
5. Plan ahead for weather conditions
Weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold can affect both the quality and timing of your project, which can add unnecessary costs if not planned for properly.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve substantial savings on your next construction project involving concrete without sacrificing quality or safety standards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of concrete per yard can vary depending on various factors such as location, type of concrete and quantity ordered. Concrete prices are also influenced by market conditions, transportation costs and other expenses incurred by the supplier.
Generally, ready-mix concrete is more expensive than onsite mixed concrete due to its convenience and consistency. However, onsite mixing may be a better option for larger projects since it allows for customization and eliminates transportation costs.
When ordering concrete from a supplier, it’s crucial to get accurate quotes that cover all associated costs such as delivery fees and taxes. Comparing prices from different suppliers can help you find the best deal while ensuring quality materials for your project.
It’s important to note that cutting corners on the quality of materials or choosing cheaper options may end up costing you more in repairs or replacements down the line. Investing in high-quality materials upfront can save you money in the long run.
Overall, understanding the cost of concrete per yard is essential when planning construction projects involving this material. By considering all relevant factors during planning stages and working with reputable suppliers who provide detailed quotes upfront will ensure successful project completion within budget constraints.

Ben is one of the founders and editor of Structured Living HUB. His interests are automotive and architecture. For over 10 years he worked as a modular house contractor in the United States.