DIY Builds
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya Pexels Logo Photo: Ksenia Chernaya

How much does DIY concrete cost?

The materials needed to pour concrete yourself cost about $1.76 per square foot, based on data from Porch.com.

homeserve.com - How Much Does It Cost to Pour Concrete? - HomeServe
How much does it cost to build a 12x12 patio?
How much does it cost to build a 12x12 patio?

Patio Installation Cost per Square Foot Patio Size Average Cost 7x7 ft $250 – $2,500 10x10 ft $500 – $5,000 12x12 ft $750 – $7,200 16x18 ft $1,450...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 31, 2019
Do log cabins need insulation?
Do log cabins need insulation?

Besides some internal and gable framed walls, they do not require siding, conventional insulation or drywall, but the logs are carefully hand-...

Read More »
Last updated Mar 16, 2018
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion

Concrete Costs at a Glance

$120-$150 per cubic yard Short-load concrete: $120-$150 per cubic yard, base price; $60-$110, mixing fee $120-$150 per cubic yard, base price; $60-$110, mixing fee 12x12 slab average cost: $1,300

$1,300 Long distance delivery fee: $9.50 per mile

$9.50 per mile Saturday deliveries: $8 per cubic yard

$8 per cubic yard Special finishes: $96 per load

$96 per load Coloring: $30 to $170 per cubic yard

$30 to $170 per cubic yard Stamping: $45 to $100 per cubic yard

$45 to $100 per cubic yard Standby fees: $3 per minute

$3 per minute Average DIY materials cost: $1.76 per square foot

$1.76 per square foot Cement mixer rental: $40-$60 per day

$40-$60 per day Bulk concrete: $50-$75 per ton

Ordering concrete for a project? In general, you should expect to pay upwards of $100 per cubic yard. This price point is for just the concrete itself and does not include the cost of delivery and pouring, which is a rate determined by the cement’s pounds-per-square-inch strength and whether you purchase a ready-mix or short-load delivery.

This May Also Interest You: How to Pour a Concrete Sidewalk

Because prices also vary depending on where you live and how much concrete you need (among other factors), it’s hard to give any concrete numbers on your project cost. We can, however, give you a good estimate of how much you’ll pay for concrete. Here’s what you need to know. When it comes to ordering concrete, it’s important to remember that a cement truck usually delivers to just one customer at a time. Concrete can be obtained through either ready-mix or short-load deliveries. Ready-mix concrete is mixed just for the requirements of the customer’s project. It’s ideal for foundations, driveways, large slabs and sidewalks. After the concrete is mixed inside the cement truck, there is approximately a 90-minute window of time for the cement to be delivered and poured before it begins to set. Most large jobs involve ready-mix deliveries. This concrete is usually superior to short-load deliveries due to the precision mixing at the concrete mixing plant. Most ready-mix concrete loads are mixed in batches of a minimum of 10 cubic yards. According to the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, you can have ready-mix concrete delivered for anywhere from $120 to $150 per cubic yard. If you order less than 10 cubic yards, you'll pay about $50 extra per cubic yard.

Does having a granny flat add value?
Does having a granny flat add value?

Yes, a granny flat can add value to a property by adding more living space, amenities and even an extra source of income if the owner wishes to...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 13, 2018
How do you anchor a plastic shed?
How do you anchor a plastic shed?

Plastic sheds are light and often held together with ½” sheet metal screws. To anchor them to a concrete pad you need ½” concrete expansion or...

Read More »
Last updated Aug 16, 2018

Short-Load Deliveries

By contrast, a short-load delivery is for small- or medium-sized concrete projects and involves mixing the concrete on the job site using a freestanding mixer. The concrete is usually used for projects like concrete footings, retaining walls, small slabs, patios and landscaping steps. Typically, the dry concrete needed for these jobs fits in a single truck. Expect to pay the same base price as premixed concrete for short-load concrete, but tack on an additional mixing fee for using the company’s mixing machine, which adds $60 to $110 to your project price tag. Most short-load deliveries are less than 3 cubic yards. In addition to the base cost and any mixing fees, you may also incur a delivery fee, depending on your proximity to the concrete mixing plant. If you live more than 20 miles from the plant, the NRMCA says you’ll pay $9.50 per mile for delivery.

Depending on your exact project, you may run into other costs like:

Saturday deliveries: $8 per cubic yard

$8 per cubic yard Special finishes: $96 per load on average

$96 per load on average Coloring: $30 to $170 per cubic yard

$30 to $170 per cubic yard Stamping: $45 to $100 per cubic yard $45 to $100 per cubic yard Standby fees: $3 for every minute (after 5 minutes) for the cement truck to be on standby after arriving

Is It Cheaper to Pour Concrete Yourself?

-------------------------------------------

Whether you’re pouring concrete countertops or a patio out back, it may be cheaper to pour concrete yourself rather than hiring someone. Whether you’ll save much in doing so depends largely on the amount of concrete needed and the amount of time you have to invest in your concrete project. The materials needed to pour concrete yourself cost about $1.76 per square foot, based on data from Porch.com.

Is It Cheaper to Mix Your Own Concrete?

What is the lifespan of a shed?
What is the lifespan of a shed?

However, in general terms, expect the following, for the most common types of shed materials: Wooden sheds such as those used for wood storage:...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 7, 2020
How do I make a small shed out of a pallet?
How do I make a small shed out of a pallet?

Steps for Building a Pallet Wood Shed Step 1: Choose a Location. Choose a flat, level area of your yard or grade the area by removing soil with a...

Read More »
Last updated Dec 16, 2019
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion

Concrete mix and the supplies needed for mixing concrete are relatively inexpensive. Provided you have the time to spend on mixing your own concrete, you may save some cash by doing it on your own. For relatively small concrete jobs, many folks mix up cement in a wheelbarrow. For larger jobs, you can also rent a cement mixer. According to OnTheHouse.com, renting a cement mixer costs $40 to $60 per day.

More Related Articles:

How Much Does a Truckload of Concrete Cost?

According to the NRMCA, a truckload (10 cubic yards) of concrete costs $1,150 to $1,450, depending on various factors such as your geographic location and the company you use. Ten cubic yards is enough to pour a driveway measuring 20 feet by 24 feet.

Cost to Pour Concrete in Bulk

If you have a particularly large concrete job in the works, you may be better served by buying concrete by the ton. Expect to pay around $50 to $75 per ton. One cubic yard is equal to about 2 tons. Ideal for large applications, concrete sold in bulk varies in price depending on the PSI strength that is needed for the job in question.

How Much Does It Cost to Pour a 12x12 Concrete Slab?

A 12-foot by 12-foot slab is equal to about 10.7 cubic yards of concrete. The cost to pour such a slab comes to roughly $1,300. This does not include any additional concrete services that might be needed, and it doesn't take into account any delivery fees.

homeserve.com - How Much Does It Cost to Pour Concrete? - HomeServe
How many pallets do I need to make a shed?
How many pallets do I need to make a shed?

The standard size of a pallet is 48 by 40 inches. For this wood shed, we're going to use nine pallets to create a structure that is 4 feet deep by...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 22, 2022
Is it cheaper to buy a shed kit or build your own?
Is it cheaper to buy a shed kit or build your own?

For those of you out there hoping to add more space and storage to your home, you may be wondering, is it cheaper to build or buy a shed?...

Read More »
Last updated May 19, 2018
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion
How much does it cost to convert a Tuff Shed to a house?
How much does it cost to convert a Tuff Shed to a house?

Converting your shed into a living space can run from $1,500 up to $30,000, depending on the following factors: Material cost. Labor. Cost of...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 20, 2019
Is it legal to burn wood?
Is it legal to burn wood?

The Clean Air Acts of 1956 aimed to control domestic air pollution by introducing “smokelesszones” where only smokeless fuels could be burnt....

Read More »
Last updated Aug 23, 2020