How To Order Concrete By The Yard: Your Guide

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Can you order concrete by the yard? Yes, you absolutely can! Ordering concrete by the yard is the standard way to purchase this essential building material. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure you get the right amount of concrete for your project, avoiding costly mistakes.

Why Ordering the Right Amount Matters

Getting your concrete quantities spot on is crucial. Too little, and your project grinds to a halt, potentially leading to weak points or an uneven finish. Too much, and you’re throwing money away. The average cost of concrete can vary significantly, but a common price range is between $135 to $160 per cubic yard, before delivery fees. Delivery fees can add anywhere from $50 to $150 or more depending on your location and the distance the truck needs to travel. Therefore, accurately calculating your concrete needs is a smart financial move.

Deciphering Concrete Measurements: Cubic Yards Explained

Before you can start ordering, you need to understand what a “yard” of concrete actually is. A cubic yard of concrete is a unit of volume. It’s equivalent to a cube that is three feet long, three feet wide, and three feet tall (3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft). This equals 27 cubic feet.

When you buy concrete, it’s typically sold in increments of cubic yards. This applies whether you’re ordering a small amount for a patio or a large volume for a foundation. Understanding this basic measurement is the first step in successfully buying concrete.

Calculating Your Concrete Needs: The Essential First Step

This is where many people get a bit nervous, but it’s simpler than you might think. The key is to accurately measure your project area and then convert those measurements into cubic yards.

Using a Concrete Calculator

Many online resources offer a concrete calculator. These tools are invaluable. You’ll typically input the length, width, and depth of the area you need to fill with concrete. The calculator then does the heavy lifting, converting your dimensions into the required cubic yards of concrete.

Manual Calculation: Step-by-Step

If you prefer to do it manually, follow these steps:

  1. Measure Your Area:

    • Length: Measure the longest dimension of your project area in feet.
    • Width: Measure the widest dimension of your project area in feet.
    • Depth (Thickness): This is crucial. Measure how thick you want the concrete to be in feet. Remember, concrete is often measured in inches. You’ll need to convert inches to feet. Divide the number of inches by 12 (since there are 12 inches in a foot). For example, 4 inches is 4/12 = 0.33 feet.

  2. Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet:

    • Multiply Length x Width x Depth.
    • Formula: Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft)

  3. Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards:

    • Since there are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard, divide your total cubic feet by 27.
    • Formula: Cubic Yards = Volume (cubic feet) / 27

Example: Let’s say you’re pouring a small patio that is 10 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4 inches thick.

  • Length = 10 ft
  • Width = 8 ft

  • Depth = 4 inches = 4/12 ft = 0.33 ft

  • Volume (cubic feet) = 10 ft x 8 ft x 0.33 ft = 26.4 cubic feet

  • Cubic Yards = 26.4 cubic feet / 27 = 0.98 cubic yards

Always Add a Buffer!

It’s a well-known rule in construction: Always order 10% extra concrete. This buffer accounts for several things:

  • Uneven Subgrade: The ground beneath your pour might not be perfectly level.
  • Spillage: Some concrete is inevitably lost during the transfer from the truck to the pour site.
  • Form Flex: Wooden forms can sometimes bow slightly under the pressure of wet concrete.
  • Waste: Small amounts of concrete can stick to the chute, tools, or wheelbarrow.

So, in our patio example (0.98 cubic yards), you’d calculate your order as follows:

  • 0.98 cubic yards * 1.10 (for the 10% buffer) = 1.08 cubic yards

When you calculate concrete needs, remember this buffer. Most ready-mix suppliers sell concrete in quarter-yard increments (0.25 cubic yards). In this case, you would round up to 1.25 cubic yards to ensure you have enough.

Factors Affecting Your Concrete Quantities

Several factors can influence the exact concrete quantities you need beyond the basic dimensions:

Project Type and Complexity

  • Slabs and Patios: These are generally straightforward. The primary calculation is length x width x thickness.
  • Foundations: These often involve footings (which are wider at the base), walls, and slabs. The calculations can become more complex, requiring you to calculate the volume of each component separately.
  • Columns and Posts: These are calculated based on their diameter (or square/rectangular cross-section) and height.
    • Cylindrical Column Volume: π * (radius)² * height
    • Rectangular Column Volume: Length * Width * Height
  • Curved or Irregular Shapes: These require more advanced geometry or specialized software to calculate the concrete volume accurately. It’s often best to consult with a professional for these.

Subgrade Preparation

A properly prepared subgrade is essential. It should be compacted and level. If your subgrade is uneven, you’ll need more concrete to fill low spots. If you’re unsure about your subgrade, it’s better to overestimate slightly.

Formwork

The accuracy of your formwork directly impacts the amount of concrete needed. If your forms are not perfectly square, level, or are bowed out, you will need more concrete.

Types of Concrete Mixes and Their Relevance to Ordering

While you’re ordering by the yard, the type of concrete mix you choose is also important, though it doesn’t directly change the volume measurement. The mix refers to the proportions of cement, aggregate (sand and gravel), water, and admixtures.

  • Strength (PSI): Concrete is rated by its compressive strength in pounds per square inch (PSI) after 28 days. Common mixes range from 2500 PSI to 5000 PSI or higher.
    • 2500-3000 PSI: Suitable for footings, sidewalks, and patios.
    • 3500-4000 PSI: Good for driveways, garage slabs, and general construction.
    • 4500-5000+ PSI: Used for structural elements, heavy-duty applications, and areas requiring high durability.
  • Slump: This measures the workability of the concrete. A higher slump means wetter, more fluid concrete, which is easier to pour and finish but can be weaker if not handled properly. A lower slump is stiffer. Your supplier will ask for your desired slump.
  • Aggregate Size: The size of the gravel used in the mix affects its strength and workability.

When you’re ready to place your order, you’ll need to specify the mix design appropriate for your project’s requirements.

The Concrete Ordering Process: Step-by-Step

Once you’ve calculated your needs and decided on the mix, here’s how to proceed with concrete ordering:

  1. Find a Reputable Supplier:

    • Ask for recommendations from contractors, builders, or friends.
    • Look for companies with good reviews and a track record of reliability.
    • Consider companies specializing in ready-mix concrete, as they often have their own batch plants and delivery trucks.

  2. Contact the Supplier:

    • Call them with your calculated cubic yards of concrete, desired mix strength (PSI), slump, and any special admixtures (like air entrainment for freeze-thaw resistance).
    • Be prepared to provide your project location and the desired delivery date and time.

  3. Discuss Your Project Details:

    • The sales representative can be a valuable resource. Explain your project (e.g., “I’m pouring a 10×10 foot patio, 4 inches thick”).
    • They can help confirm your calculations and suggest the appropriate mix if you’re unsure.
    • Ask about their concrete delivery schedule and minimum order quantities. Some suppliers have a minimum charge, even if your project is less than a yard.

  4. Confirm the Order:

    • Repeat your order details back to the representative to ensure accuracy.
    • Get a confirmation number and the total cost, including delivery fees.

  5. Prepare for Delivery:

    • Ensure the delivery site is accessible for the concrete truck. Trucks are large and heavy!
    • Clear any obstructions.
    • Have your team ready to help direct the concrete if needed.
    • Have your finishing tools and equipment ready.

Essential Considerations for Concrete Delivery

Concrete delivery is a critical part of the process. Here are some key points:

Truck Access and Site Preparation

  • Path Clearance: Ensure the path to your pour site is wide enough and clear of obstacles for a large, heavy truck. Low-hanging branches, narrow gates, or steep inclines can prevent delivery.
  • Ground Stability: The delivery area and the path the truck will travel should be firm and stable. Soft ground can lead to the truck getting stuck. If your pour site is far from the road, you might need a concrete pump, which incurs an additional cost.
  • Designated Dump Site: Clearly indicate where you want the concrete to be discharged.

Time Management

  • Delivery Window: Suppliers usually give a delivery window. Be ready during that time.
  • Pouring Speed: Once the concrete arrives, it starts to set. You need your crew and equipment ready to begin pouring and finishing immediately. Delays can lead to the concrete hardening before you can work with it, resulting in wasted material and poor quality.
  • Communication: If the truck is delayed or you anticipate a problem, communicate with the supplier as soon as possible.

What Happens if You Order Too Much or Too Little?

  • Too Little: If you run short, you’ll need to order more. This often means a second delivery charge, and the new concrete might not match the color or set time of the first batch, leading to visible seams.
  • Too Much: If you order too much, most suppliers will charge you for any concrete that returns to the plant in the truck, especially if it was mixed to your specific order. Some may charge a restocking fee or have strict policies on returns. This is why accurate calculation and adding that 10% buffer is so vital.

Advanced Calculations for Complex Projects

For more intricate projects, you might need to break down the volume calculations:

Footings

Footings are often trapezoidal (wider at the base than the top).

  • Rectangular Footing: Length x Width x Depth (all in feet)
  • Trapezoidal Footing: ( (Base Width + Top Width) / 2 ) x Depth x Length

Walls

  • Volume of a Wall: Wall Thickness x Wall Height x Wall Length (ensure all dimensions are in feet).
  • Example: A wall 6 inches thick (0.5 ft), 8 feet high, and 20 feet long:
    • 0.5 ft x 8 ft x 20 ft = 80 cubic feet
    • 80 cubic feet / 27 = 2.96 cubic yards. Add your 10% buffer for a final order of approximately 3.25 cubic yards.

Columns

  • Square or Rectangular Column: Length x Width x Height
  • Round Column: Calculate the radius (diameter/2), then use the formula: π * (radius)² * Height.
    • Example: A round column 12 inches (1 ft) in diameter and 8 feet high.
      • Radius = 0.5 ft
      • Volume = 3.14159 * (0.5 ft)² * 8 ft = 6.28 cubic feet
      • 6.28 cubic feet / 27 = 0.23 cubic yards. Add your 10% buffer, and you’d likely order 0.25 cubic yards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Concrete

  • Underestimating Thickness: Always confirm the required thickness for your specific application.
  • Forgetting the Buffer: The 10% overage is not optional; it’s essential for a successful pour.
  • Inaccurate Measurements: Double-check your length, width, and depth measurements.
  • Ignoring Site Access: Make sure the delivery truck can reach your pour site.
  • Not Having a Plan for the Concrete: Be ready to pour and finish the moment it arrives.
  • Not Asking Questions: If you’re unsure about anything, ask your supplier or a contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if my measurements are in inches?
A: Always convert all your measurements to feet before calculating the volume. To convert inches to feet, divide the number of inches by 12.

Q: Can I order concrete in amounts less than a cubic yard?
A: Most ready-mix suppliers have a minimum order quantity, often around 1 cubic yard. Some may offer smaller quantities like half or quarter yards, but this can come with higher per-yard pricing or delivery surcharges.

Q: What is the difference between buying concrete from a bag versus a truck?
A: Bagged concrete is typically for very small DIY projects (like setting a fence post). You mix it yourself with water in a wheelbarrow. Ordering by the yard from a ready-mix truck is for larger projects where consistent quality and volume are needed.

Q: How much notice do I need to give for a concrete order?
A: It’s best to order at least 24-48 hours in advance, but more notice is always appreciated, especially for larger orders or during busy seasons.

Q: What if it rains on my scheduled delivery day?
A: Communicate with your supplier. If rain is expected, you may be able to reschedule without penalty. Pouring concrete in the rain can compromise its strength and finish.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the process of ordering concrete by the yard. Accurate calculations, clear communication with your supplier, and thorough preparation are the keys to a successful project.

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