How Much Does Poured Concrete Cost in Construction?

Poured concrete is a foundational element in modern construction, playing a vital role in everything from residential driveways to commercial foundations. Whether you’re building a patio, a basement slab, or a large structural foundation, understanding the cost of poured concrete per square foot or cubic yard is crucial for budgeting and planning.

This article breaks down the average costs of poured concrete, key factors that influence pricing, and practical tips to manage expenses efficiently in construction.

💰 Average Poured Concrete Cost in 2025

The cost of poured concrete in construction is typically calculated per square foot for flatwork and per cubic yard for volume pours like footings and foundations.

🔢 National Averages:

🧱 Breakdown by Concrete Type and Use

1. Basic Concrete Slab

• Typical Cost: $5–$8 per sq ft
• Use Cases: Garages, basements, patios, driveways
• Details: A standard 4-inch thick slab with wire mesh and base gravel

2. Stamped or Colored Concrete

• Typical Cost: $10–$18 per sq ft
• Use Cases: Decorative patios, walkways, pool decks
• Details: Includes coloring, pattern stamping, and sealing

3. Concrete Foundation (Footings & Walls)

• Typical Cost: $6–$12 per sq ft (slab); $10–$25 (walls)
• Use Cases: Residential foundations, commercial slabs, basements
• Details: Includes excavation, rebar, and finishing

4. Poured Concrete Walls

• Typical Cost: $10–$25 per sq ft
• Use Cases: Retaining walls, basement walls, support structures
• Details: Costs rise with wall height, thickness, and reinforcement

📐 What Influences Poured Concrete Cost?

Understanding the cost drivers behind concrete pours helps anticipate the full project budget.

1. Thickness of the Slab

• Standard residential slabs are 4” thick.
• Increasing to 6”–8” for garages or heavy equipment areas raises cost by 25–50%.

2. Concrete Mix and PSI Rating

• Standard mix (3,000 PSI): ~$135 per cubic yard
• High-strength mix (5,000+ PSI): ~$150–$170 per cubic yard
• Specialty mixes like fiber-reinforced or waterproof concrete cost more.

3. Formwork and Reinforcement

• Wood or metal forms, wire mesh, rebar, vapor barriers, and control joints all add to the cost.
• Rebar adds $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft depending on spacing and thickness.

4. Labor

• Labor rates vary by region but generally account for 30%–50% of total cost.
• Complex or decorative finishes increase labor time and price.

5. Site Conditions

• Difficult terrain, poor soil, or limited access can increase excavation and pouring time, raising labor and equipment costs.

6. Concrete Delivery Fees

• Small orders (less than 5 cubic yards) often incur short-load charges ($50–$100).
• Remote locations may have delivery premiums.

🏗️ Poured Concrete Cost Estimation Example

Project: 20 ft × 20 ft concrete patio (400 sq ft)

For a decorative version, the cost can rise to $5,000–$6,000 depending on design complexity.

🧮 Concrete Cost Per Cubic Yard

One cubic yard of concrete covers:

• 81 sq ft at 4” thick
• 54 sq ft at 6” thick

To calculate the cubic yards needed:

Volume (cubic yards) = (Length × Width × Thickness in feet) / 27

Example:
For a 20 ft × 10 ft driveway, 4” thick:

= (20 × 10 × 0.33) / 27 = 2.44 cubic yards

Multiply this by the current concrete rate (e.g., $150) to get the material cost.

🧰 Tips to Save on Poured Concrete Costs

• Order in bulk to avoid short-load fees.
• Plan efficient slab dimensions to reduce waste.
• Schedule during dry seasons to avoid delays and rework.
• Use control joints to minimize cracking and costly repairs later.
• Choose standard finishes unless decorative value is necessary.

📍 Regional Cost Variations (2025 Averages)

Labor rates, materials availability, and climate conditions all impact final pricing.

♻️ Poured Concrete vs Precast

While precast options are growing in popularity for speed and quality control, poured concrete remains a staple in custom and large-scale applications.

Conclusion

The cost of poured concrete in construction depends on various factors like size, thickness, mix type, site conditions, and finish. While the national average for flatwork lies between $5 and $10 per square foot, more complex projects can easily push costs higher.

Whether you’re pouring a basic slab or installing reinforced concrete walls, getting detailed estimates and understanding material/labor breakdowns is essential for successful budgeting. Always consult local professionals for region-specific pricing and recommendations.

FAQs

Q1: What is the average cost per cubic yard of poured concrete?

A: In 2025, the average is between $135 and $170 per cubic yard, depending on mix type and delivery location.

Q2: How much does a 1,000 sq ft concrete slab cost?

A: At $6–$10 per sq ft, expect to pay $6,000–$10,000 for a standard slab.

Q3: Is poured concrete cheaper than pavers?

A: Yes, standard poured concrete is usually more affordable than pavers, especially for large areas.

Q4: Can I pour concrete myself to save money?

A: DIY concrete pouring is possible for small slabs, but larger or structural pours should be handled by professionals to ensure durability and code compliance.

Q5: How long does poured concrete take to cure?

A: Concrete sets within 24–48 hours for light use, but full curing takes 28 days.

Q6: What is the lifespan of poured concrete?

A: When installed and maintained properly, poured concrete can last 30–50 years or more.

Q7: Does adding color or stamping significantly raise the cost?

A: Yes, decorative finishes like coloring or stamping can double the cost, adding $5–$10+ per sq ft.

Q8: Do I need a permit to pour concrete?

A: Many municipalities require permits for large slabs, driveways, or structural foundations. Always check local regulations.