Average Cost of Concrete Per Yard: A Complete Guide
If you are planning a driveway, patio, foundation, walkway, slab, or other construction project, one of the first things you need to know is the average cost of concrete per yard. Concrete is usually sold by the cubic yard, making it easier to estimate the amount of material required for a project. However, the final price can vary depending on your location, concrete mix, delivery distance, project size, labor, and other additional charges.
Understanding these costs before ordering concrete can help you create a realistic construction budget and avoid unexpected expenses.
What Is the Average Cost of Concrete Per Yard?
The average cost of ready-mix concrete is generally around $125 to $175 per cubic yard, although prices can be lower or higher depending on several factors. Specialty concrete mixes, small orders, difficult delivery locations, and higher material costs can increase the total price.
A cubic yard of concrete covers different areas depending on the thickness of the slab. For example, one cubic yard can cover approximately 81 square feet at a 4-inch thickness. If you are pouring a larger driveway or foundation, you may need several cubic yards.
When calculating the average cost of concrete per yard, remember that the material price is only one part of the total project cost. Delivery, labor, site preparation, reinforcement, finishing, and other services may add considerably to your final bill.
Concrete Delivery Cost
The concrete delivery cost is another important expense to consider when planning your project. Ready-mix concrete is typically transported from a concrete plant to your property using a concrete mixer truck.
Delivery charges can vary based on the distance between the concrete plant and your job site. Many suppliers charge a flat delivery fee, while others may calculate the cost based on mileage or the number of loads required.
For a typical residential project, concrete delivery may cost approximately $50 to $150 or more, depending on the supplier and location. Some companies also charge additional fees for deliveries outside their normal service area.
Another important consideration is the minimum order requirement. If you only need a small amount of concrete, the supplier may charge a short-load or minimum-load fee. This means that ordering a small quantity can result in a higher effective price per cubic yard.
Factors That Affect Concrete Prices
Several factors can influence the average cost of concrete per yard. Understanding these factors can make your estimate more accurate.
1. Type of Concrete Mix
Standard concrete is generally less expensive than specialty mixes. High-strength concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete, decorative concrete, and mixes designed for specific weather conditions can cost more.
The required strength of your concrete should be determined based on the type of project. A driveway, foundation, patio, and structural wall may require different concrete specifications.
2. Quantity Ordered
The amount of concrete you order can also affect the price. Larger projects may receive better pricing per cubic yard because the supplier can deliver a full truckload efficiently.
Small orders, on the other hand, may include minimum-order or short-load charges. Therefore, the advertised price per cubic yard does not always represent the actual cost for a small residential project.
3. Location
Concrete prices vary significantly by region. Areas with higher labor costs, fuel prices, or construction demand may have higher concrete prices.
Your distance from the concrete supplier also matters. A project located far from a ready-mix plant may have higher delivery expenses.
4. Delivery Time
Some concrete suppliers charge additional fees for deliveries outside normal business hours. If your project requires an early morning, evening, weekend, or emergency delivery, ask the supplier about potential additional charges.
5. Site Accessibility
The location of your project can affect the total cost. If a concrete truck cannot reach the pouring area directly, you may need a concrete pump, wheelbarrows, or other equipment.
For example, a backyard patio that is far from the driveway may require additional labor or pumping equipment, increasing the overall project cost.
How to Calculate the Amount of Concrete You Need
Before requesting a quote, you should estimate how many cubic yards of concrete your project requires.
The basic calculation is:
Length × Width × Thickness ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
Make sure all measurements are converted to feet before performing the calculation.
For example, suppose you are installing a concrete slab that is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 4 inches thick.
First, convert 4 inches to feet:
4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet
Then calculate:
20 × 10 × 0.333 = 66.6 cubic feet
Finally, divide by 27:
66.6 ÷ 27 ≈ 2.47 cubic yards
You would generally order slightly more than the calculated amount to account for variations in the ground, measurement differences, and material waste. Your concrete supplier or contractor can help determine the appropriate quantity.
Additional Costs to Consider
The concrete itself is not the only expense associated with a concrete project. Depending on the job, you may also need to budget for:
- Site preparation
- Excavation
- Gravel or crushed-stone base
- Reinforcing mesh or rebar
- Concrete delivery
- Concrete pumping
- Formwork
- Labor
- Concrete finishing
- Sealing
- Removal of old concrete
For example, a simple concrete patio may have a relatively low material cost but require significant preparation and finishing work. A foundation can have higher costs because it may require reinforcement, excavation, forms, and specialized labor.
Ways to Reduce Concrete Costs
There are several ways to control your concrete budget without sacrificing quality.
First, get quotes from several local concrete suppliers. Prices can vary between companies, so comparing estimates can help you find a competitive price.
Second, accurately calculate the amount of concrete required. Ordering too much can lead to unnecessary material costs, while ordering too little can cause delays and additional delivery charges.
Third, ask the supplier about all fees before placing your order. In addition to the quoted concrete price, confirm the delivery charge, minimum order, short-load fees, and any waiting-time charges.
Finally, plan the pour carefully. Having the site prepared before the truck arrives can reduce delays and help prevent additional labor or waiting charges.
Is Ready-Mix Concrete Worth the Cost?
For most medium and large construction projects, ready-mix concrete is a convenient and practical option. It arrives at the job site mixed and ready to place, which can save considerable time compared with mixing large quantities of concrete manually.
Although the average cost of concrete per yard may initially seem high, ready-mix concrete can provide consistent quality and make large projects much easier to complete.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the average cost of concrete per yard is an important starting point when planning a construction project. While standard ready-mix concrete may cost roughly $125 to $175 per cubic yard, your actual price can vary depending on the concrete mix, location, quantity, delivery distance, and project requirements.
The concrete delivery cost should also be included in your budget because delivery fees, minimum orders, and difficult site access can significantly affect the final price.
Before ordering, calculate your required cubic yards, compare quotes from multiple suppliers, and ask about all additional charges. With careful planning, you can get an accurate estimate and avoid unexpected costs during your concrete project.