On average, a new concrete slab will cost $6 per square foot, or $110 per cubic yard, according to HomeAdvisor. The mixture’s design plus the slab’s size and thickness determines the cost. Additional factors affect the cost of a concrete slab as well, such as subbase preparation, forms, finishing, reinforcements, and the local price of concrete.
| Slab Size (sq. ft.) | Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10x10 | 100 | $600 |
| 20x20 | 400 | $2,400 |
| 30x30 | 900 | $5,400 |
Concrete Slab Cost Factors
There’s a lot at play in the cost of a concrete slab, including labor, type of slab, size, and any extra add-ons or enhancements you opt for.
Labor
Labor costs for installing a concrete slab are $2 to $3 per square foot. On average, labor makes up between a half and one-third of the total average cost.
Pre-Cast Slabs or Poured On-Site
Depending on the size of the concrete slab you’re looking for, smaller slabs can be pre-cast and delivered. These concrete slabs are poured off-site and transported to the site to be placed.
On average, pre-cast slabs cost $20 to $30 per square foot. A similar-sized slab poured on-site runs, on average, $6 per square foot including labor.
Accessibility
Locations that are difficult to access, such as a basem*nt crawlspace, may need specialized equipment to reach, resulting in increased labor costs.
Concrete Grade
How strong and stable concrete is depends completely on its composition. The higher the grade, the greater its durability, and the more it costs.
Size or Area
Concrete is priced by the square foot by contractors and by the cubic yard by manufacturers. For smaller, easily accessible areas, pre-cast slabs offer a durable option that reduces time while increasing safety, quality, and productivity.
Thickness and Reinforcements
Residential concrete slabs are 4 to 6 inches thick. As the thickness of the slab varies, reinforcements from wire mesh or rebar will affect the cost of the concrete.
Fiber mesh is common in concrete and helps hold the mix together, but isn’t effective in reinforcing the concrete. Wire mesh, however, does strengthen the concrete and minimizes the small hairline cracking that can occur.
Rebar are iron rods that are inserted into slabs for added rigidity. Wire mesh or rebar will help strengthen the concrete and lower the risk of large cracks.
| Concrete Thickness | Average Cost Per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| 2 Inches | $4 – $5 |
| 4 Inches | $5 – $6 |
| 5 Inches | $5.50 – $6.50 |
| 6 Inches | $6 – $7 |
| 8 Inches | $7 – $8 |
Enhancements
Concrete slabs aren’t all drab. Shape and decoration, such as curved edges, multi-colored hues, and decorative concrete stamping, can be worked into a concrete slab during the finishing process.
Repair vs. Replacement
If your previous concrete slab is on the cusp between repair and replacement, consider the cost of concrete repairs overall. Fixing minor cracks and sealing concrete costs less than $0.20 per linear foot, and full resurfacing costs just $3 to $5 per square foot. In other words, if either approach is an option, you can save money.
All that being said, when costs build up for more complex damage—such as leveling concrete or structural issues—you'll cut costs in the long run with replacement.
Location
Concrete slab pricing fluctuates by region. A concrete slab can cost around $5.35 per square foot in the middle of the country or be as high as $8.50 per square foot in coastal states including California and New York.
| Location | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| California | $7.67 – $8.53 |
| Montana | $5.78 – $6.43 |
| Kansas | $5.46 – $6.13 |
| Maine | $6.73 – $7.49 |
| Texas | $5.31 – $5.90 |
| New Mexico | $5.81 – $6.46 |
| Florida | $5.89 – $6.56 |
| Kentucky | $5.16 – $5.74 |
| New York | $6.67 – $8.53 |
Cost of Concrete by Type of Project
What type of concrete slab you need depends on how you’ll be using it. That is, whether it’s being used as a foundation for your home, to support an RV, or to define a backyard patio. Keep in mind that even with these categories, the prices will vary. The cost of a concrete patio, for example, will cost between $2 and $15 per square foot depending on the vast array of concrete finishes available. And if you need additional drainage below your concrete, be sure to calculate the cost of adding sand or gravel under the slab.
| Concrete Slab Purpose | Slab Size (sq. ft.) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete Slab for a Shed | 80 sq. ft. | $480 |
| Concrete Parking Pad | 200 sq. ft. | $1,200 |
| Concrete Patio Slab | 463 sq. ft. | $2,780 |
| Concrete Garage Floor | 557 sq. ft. | $3,460 |
| Concrete Driveway | 608 sq. ft. | $3,650 |
| Concrete RV Pad | 640 sq. ft. | $3,840 |
| Slab for a Mobile Home | 1,620 sq. ft. | $9,720 |
| Monolithic Slab Foundation | 2,050 sq. ft. | $12,300 |
How Much Concrete Can I Get on My Budget?
Photo: Wicki58 / E+ / Getty Images
Concrete alone costs between $3 and $4 per square foot. A typical concrete slab for residential construction is between 4 and 6 inches thick. How much you budget determines how big of a slab you can get, and how thick.
| Budget | Slab Size |
|---|---|
| $2,000 | 900 sq. ft. |
| $3,000 | 1,350 sq. ft. |
| $4,000 | 1,800 sq. ft. |
| $5,000 | 2,250 sq. ft. |
| $6,000 | 2,700 sq. ft. |
| $7,000 | 3,150 sq. ft. |
Cost to Pour a Concrete Slab Yourself
You can expect to save on average $2.55 on labor per square foot if you choose to learn how to make concrete yourself. However, pouring concrete is no easy task.
Before you begin pouring, you have to make sure you have the right materials—and they’re likely not already in your toolshed. You’ll need specialty tools including a concrete mixer, grading equipment, and concrete forms, along with shovels, rakes, trowels, and fine brooms.
Working with concrete is also a lengthy process, involving site preparation; forming, mixing, and pouring the concrete; troweling; finishing; and curing. A professional job can take between 24 to 48 hours of work. Going the DIY route is likely much longer. You also should consider whether you want to start from scratch, or pour new concrete over old concrete.
And lastly, always consider the legality of pouring concrete yourself for different projects. You will need a permit, for example, for installing a foundation, and will almost need to hire a local concrete foundation specialist for the job.
How to Save Money on Concrete Slab Costs
If you're concerned about breaking your budget, begin by comparing concrete prices with other popular materials. Asphalt vs. concrete, for example, is a common dilemma, and you can save some upfront costs by opting for asphalt. Your local concrete foundation contractor will also have suggestions for concrete variations depending on its application, such as recycled concrete.
As for concrete slab cost savings, here are some ways to lower the price:
Stain, seal, and repair the concrete slabs yourself over time.
Research local concrete delivery costs before you begin, and consider pre-mixed concrete bags as an alternative.
Speak with at least three different local concrete installation companies to compare estimates.
Consider the best thickness and measurements for the slab, and be careful not to over-order the concrete.
Keep the design simple and traditional.
Handle prep and post-project work yourself, such as landscaping, grading, and learning how to finish concrete yourself.
Andy Sparhawk contributed to this piece.
