How Much Does a Concrete Slab Cost?

Updated March 22, 2023

Concrete floors are a popular choice for many homeowners and businesses because of their durability and low cost of maintenance. They suit well with a variety of styles and can be customized to fit any space. If you’ve been thinking about adding a concrete slab to your home or property, it can be hard to identify exactly what the cost is going to be. After all, there are numerous factors that go into determining how much a concrete slab will set you back.

In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at everything from labor and materials costs and common pricing variables, so that you gain an understanding of not just the overall cost but also the true value of your investment when installing a concrete slab. We'll also examine different ways you can make sure that you spend your money wisely—ultimately helping guide you through making the right decision for whatever project awaits!

What is a Concrete Slab?

A concrete slab is a flat, solid surface created by pouring and compacting high-grade cement, sand, gravel, and other aggregates together. It’s normally reinforced with steel mesh or rebar to increase the strength of the slab and resist cracking caused by settling or shifting soil beneath it.

Asphalt concrete on the other hand, is a common surface used for driveways and roadways. It doesn’t require reinforcement, as it’s heavier than concrete and more resistant to cracking.

Reinforced concrete slabs are often used for walkways, patios, and other flat surfaces that require additional strength. The increased strength also comes with a higher price tag.

Wet concrete slabs are the most common type. They’re poured onsite and can take a few days to settle and cure before they’re ready for use. Dry concrete slabs, on the other hand, are precast concrete in molds and cured offsite. This means that you don’t have to wait for the curing process to finish before use.

Self-consolidating concrete is a newer type of concrete slab that’s becoming increasingly popular in residential and commercial settings. This type of concrete has fluid-like properties that make it easier to pour, shape, and form into any desired shape or structure.

Permeable concrete is also gaining popularity for its sustainability and water conservation benefits. This type of concrete has tiny voids or pores that allow liquid to pass through, helping reduce water runoff during storms.

Concrete foundations and walls, on the other hand, are poured and formed directly into trenches or forms. To pour concrete for foundations and walls, you need to have the necessary forms and equipment such as a concrete mixer, trowels, hoe, and floats.

The process for pouring a concrete slab is usually similar regardless of the type. The main differences are the tools used, the size of the area being poured, and the reinforcement added.

No matter which type of concrete slab you decide on, it’s important to factor in your location as this can have a big impact on the cost of installation. For example, slabs poured in colder climates might require extra insulation and protection from damaging moisture or freezing temperatures.

Understanding the Cost of a Concrete Slab - Factors to Consider

Delving into the world of concrete slabs may not seem like the most riveting adventure, but understanding the cost of creating one is essential for any aspiring homeowner or DIY enthusiast. There's a whole plethora of factors to consider when assessing the price tag on this seemingly simple concoction of cement, sand, gravel, and water.

Before you dive in, understand that the cost of a concrete slab depends on the size, thickness, and type of concrete used, as well as factors like labor costs and additional finishes like staining or stamping.

Size and Thickness of Concrete Slabs

First and foremost, the size and thickness of the slab, as well as any cut-outs, will significantly impact the price of a concrete project. A larger concrete slab means more material and a longer installation process (both of which cost more money). Additionally, the thickness of the slab is also an issue to consider. Thicker slabs are required for certain applications, such as for concrete driveways or heavy construction machinery areas. However, in most cases, a standard 4” thickness is more than adequate for typical residential and commercial applications.

On the other hand, thick concrete slabs ranging from 5”-7” are typically necessary when the slab is intended to support heavy weight or in areas that experience extreme temperature fluctuations such as a patio. In these cases, the extra strength of thicker concrete is necessary in order to avoid cracking or other structural issues. The cost for thicker slabs can range from an extra 10-20% on top of the cost for standard 4” thickness.

Type of Concrete

The type of concrete you use will also have a tremendous impact on the cost of your concrete project. There are three main types of concrete, each with its own price tag and benefits.

The most common type is standard ready-mix concrete, which consists of cement, sand, gravel, and water. This type of cement slab is widely used for most residential construction projects such as patios, driveways, floors, and sidewalks. It’s also generally the least expensive type available.

High-strength concrete, which is a mix of cement and sand, with the addition of chemical admixtures for increased strength, is more expensive but also more durable. It’s ideal for areas that often experience extreme temperatures or heavy traffic.

Finally, there is lightweight concrete, which consists of an aggregate material such as foam beads or perlite. This type of concrete is used for flooring applications due to its durability and temperature-resistant qualities, however it’s also the most expensive option out of the three.

Labor Costs

In addition to material costs, labor is another factor that will increase the price tag on your project. Labor cost can vary greatly depending on the size of your project and the complexity of the job. On average, you can expect to pay around $2-$4 per square foot for labor costs.

For a standard service like concrete slab installation, the labor cost will likely include excavation and preparation of the site, pouring and finishing the concrete, as well as any additional finishes such as staining or stamping. For a high-quality 4+"-thick, fibermesh reinforced concrete with 3500 PSI and an attractive broom finish, you are looking at a cost ranging from $520 to upwards of $600. This rate includes local delivery as well as extra material for seamless installation; additional touch ups may be necessary down the line.

Reinforcement

In certain cases, you may need to reinforce the slab with steel mesh or steel rebar. This is usually necessary when the slab will be exposed to high weight loads, such as for driveways or loading docks. Rebar reinforcement can add an extra 10-20% to the cost of a project due to increased material costs and additional labor required for installation.

Options for Concrete Reinforcement

Thicker Edges

For slabs intended for heavier weight loads, thicker edges around the perimeter are recommended. This will increase the stability of the slab and help to prevent cracking or other structural damage due to heavy loads.

Wire Mesh

Wire mesh is a popular and cost-effective way to reinforce concrete slabs. It is typically installed on top of the concrete surface before it is poured and helps to distribute weight more evenly over the surface area for greater stability.

Steel Rebar

Steel rebar is a stronger reinforcement option than wire mesh. This type of reinforcement is typically used in areas that will experience extreme loads such as industrial sites or driveways. Steel rebar is more expensive than wire mesh but provides greater stability and strength over time.

Concrete Removal Cost Estimates

In addition to the cost of materials and labor, you may also need to factor in the cost of removing the existing concrete slab. This can be a time-consuming process due to the large amount of debris it will produce and often requires special equipment for removal.

Typically, the average cost of removing old concrete slab costs around $250 and $3,200. When it comes to demolishing large concrete slabs, the concrete contractor may opt for a charge per ton as opposed to per square foot.

Finishing

After the concrete slab has been poured, you may need to factor in labor costs for any desired finishing work. This could include staining, stamping, or other decorative touches to your project.

Stamped concrete can range anywhere from $9-13 per square foot depending on the complexity of the design. Staining and sealing your concrete slab will cost an additional $2-$4 per square foot

Concrete Slab Installation

Concrete slab installation costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the job, the amount of concrete needed and its geographical location. Generally speaking, a basic concrete slab may cost as little as $6-$10 per square foot when professionally installed. If you want to have your own concrete slab installed, you may need to factor in the cost of renting the proper equipment as well as hiring a professional contractor or even hiring a concrete truck.

The total concrete installation cost can range from $4-$12 per square foot with most homeowners spending around $8 per square foot for a 4" thick slab. The cost of installation can be higher for larger or more complicated projects. Additionally, the cost of materials such as concrete mixture for new concrete slab and reinforcing steel can vary significantly from one job to the next. For example, a concrete driveway installation may require more concrete and reinforcement than a concrete patio.

As for public works projects, the cost of concrete installation is generally determined by city or county specifications and local building codes. Working with government agencies can also result in additional labor costs due to paperwork and other requirements.

Concrete Cost Per Cubic Yard

The cost of a concrete slab can vary greatly depending on the size, thickness and type of material used. Generally speaking, with local material costs, you can expect to pay between $110 to $130 per cubic yard for standard cement slabs. Instead of quoting based on the cost per square foot, many contractors will opt to utilize cubic yards as a pricing measure. Specifically, one cubic yard of concrete is equivalent to covering 100 square feet with 3 inches of depth or 27 total cubic feet.

Overall, concrete costs can vary greatly depending on the materials and labor needed to complete the job. High performance concrete, as well as reinforcement options like steel rebar or wire mesh, can be additional costs to consider. Lastly, when it comes to the cost of removing old concrete as well as any desired finishing work, make sure to factor these costs into your budget. Doing so can help ensure that your concrete projects stay on track and within budget.