A cubic yard of concrete typically costs between $125 and $200, but this price can vary based on location, concrete mix, and delivery fees. This guide will break down everything you need to know about cubic yards of concrete.
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What is a Cubic Yard of Concrete?
A cubic yard of concrete is a standard unit of measurement for ordering and pricing concrete. It represents a volume of concrete that is three feet long, three feet wide, and three feet high (3′ x 3′ x 3′). This might seem like a lot, but concrete is usually sold by the cubic yard for larger projects like driveways, patios, and foundations. For smaller jobs, you might buy concrete in bags.
Why is Volume Important?
Knowing the volume of concrete you need is crucial for several reasons:
- Accurate Ordering: Ordering too little can lead to delays and extra costs for a second delivery. Ordering too much means wasted material.
- Cost Management: Understanding the volume helps you get accurate quotes and compare prices from different suppliers.
- Project Planning: Knowing the volume helps you estimate the time and labor required for the installation.
Deciphering Concrete Volume
Concrete is a fundamental building material. When you’re planning a project, figuring out how much concrete you need is a key step.
Converting Measurements
Most concrete suppliers deal with cubic yards. However, you might measure your project area in feet, inches, or even meters.
Concrete Per Cubic Meter Conversion
- 1 cubic meter (m³) is approximately equal to 1.308 cubic yards (yd³).
- To convert cubic meters to cubic yards, multiply the cubic meter measurement by 1.308.
- Conversely, to convert cubic yards to cubic meters, multiply the cubic yard measurement by 0.7646.
For example, if you need 5 cubic meters of concrete, you would order approximately 6.54 cubic yards (5 m³ * 1.308 yd³/m³).
Calculating Concrete Volume for Your Project
The most common shapes you’ll encounter are rectangular slabs and square slabs.
Calculating for Rectangular and Square Slabs
The formula is straightforward:
Volume (in cubic yards) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) / 27
The division by 27 comes from the fact that there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet).
Example:
Let’s say you need a concrete slab that is 10 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 4 inches thick.
- Convert thickness to feet: 4 inches / 12 inches/foot = 0.333 feet.
- Calculate volume in cubic feet: 10 ft × 10 ft × 0.333 ft = 33.3 cubic feet.
- Convert to cubic yards: 33.3 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/yd³ = 1.23 cubic yards.
It’s always wise to add a little extra, usually 5-10%, to account for uneven subgrades or spills. So, for this example, you’d likely order 1.3 to 1.4 cubic yards.
Using a Concrete Volume Calculator
Many online tools can help you with these calculations. These concrete volume calculator or cubic yard concrete calculator tools are very helpful. You simply input the length, width, and depth of your project, and they provide the volume in cubic yards. This is an easy way to ensure accuracy.
How Many Bags of Concrete for a Cubic Yard?
If you’re not ordering ready-mix concrete, you might be mixing it yourself from bags. The number of bags needed for one cubic yard depends on the bag size.
- 60 lb bags: Typically yield about 0.45 cubic feet per bag. You’ll need approximately 60 bags of 60 lb concrete to make one cubic yard.
- 80 lb bags: Typically yield about 0.60 cubic feet per bag. You’ll need approximately 45 bags of 80 lb concrete to make one cubic yard.
Table: Bags of Concrete per Cubic Yard
| Bag Size (lbs) | Cubic Feet per Bag (approx.) | Bags Needed for 1 Cubic Yard (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 0.30 | 90 |
| 60 | 0.45 | 60 |
| 80 | 0.60 | 45 |
Mixing concrete from bags is labor-intensive and generally only practical for very small projects.
Fathoming the Cost of Concrete
The cost of concrete per cubic yard is a primary concern for any construction or renovation project. Several factors influence this price.
Factors Affecting Concrete Price
- Location: Prices vary significantly by region due to local market conditions, labor costs, and transportation expenses.
- Concrete Mix: The type of concrete mix you need impacts the cost.
- Standard Mix (e.g., 3000-4000 psi): This is the most common and generally the least expensive. It’s suitable for many applications like driveways and sidewalks.
- High-Strength Mixes (e.g., 5000+ psi): These mixes contain more cement and special additives, making them stronger and more durable but also more expensive. They are used for heavy-duty applications like structural supports or industrial floors.
- Specialty Mixes: Additives like fiber reinforcement, admixtures for faster or slower setting times, or specific color pigments will increase the price.
- Additives and Reinforcement: Adding rebar or wire mesh for reinforcement will add to the material cost. Fiber reinforcement can also add to the per-cubic-yard price.
- Delivery Distance and Fees: Ready-mix concrete is delivered by truck. The further you are from the batch plant, the higher the delivery charges.
- Order Volume: While pricing is usually per cubic yard, sometimes there are minimum order requirements, and very large orders might get a slight discount.
- Market Demand: Seasonal demand or increased construction activity in an area can also influence prices.
Ready Mix Concrete Prices
Ready-mix concrete prices are what most contractors and homeowners pay for professionally mixed concrete delivered to the job site. These prices typically range from $125 to $200 per cubic yard.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Base Price: This covers the cost of cement, aggregates (sand and gravel), and water.
- Delivery Fee: This is often a flat fee or a per-mile charge.
- Additives: Extra costs for admixtures or special mixes.
A concrete price estimator can give you a rough idea, but always get a formal quote.
The Cost of a Concrete Slab
The concrete slab cost includes the price of the concrete itself, plus labor and other materials.
- Concrete Material Cost: As mentioned, this is typically $125-$200 per cubic yard.
- Labor Cost: This can range from $30 to $75 per hour per worker, or it might be quoted as a per-square-foot price for the installation.
- Site Preparation: This includes excavation, grading, and formwork, which can add significantly to the total cost.
- Reinforcement: Rebar or wire mesh adds material cost.
- Finishing: Basic broom finishes are standard, but decorative finishes like stamping or polishing will incur extra charges.
A simple concrete slab might cost anywhere from $4 to $8 per square foot, but this is highly variable. For a 10×10 foot slab (3.7 cubic yards), you might expect to pay roughly $460 to $740 for just the concrete material and delivery, but the installed cost could be much higher.
How Much Does Concrete Cost?
To answer how much does concrete cost, it’s essential to consider all the elements.
Ready-Mix vs. Bagged Concrete
- Ready-Mix: While the price per cubic yard is higher than buying bags, it’s often more cost-effective for larger projects due to the labor savings and consistent quality. For a 1 cubic yard order, you’re paying for the convenience and the professional mixing.
- Bagged Concrete: Buying bags of concrete can seem cheaper upfront, especially for very small quantities. However, the cost per cubic yard works out to be significantly higher when you factor in the number of bags needed, plus the time and effort to mix it yourself.
Concrete Installation Cost
Concrete installation cost is a major part of the overall project budget. This includes:
- Labor: Skilled labor is required for proper mixing, pouring, leveling, and finishing.
- Equipment Rental: If you’re not using ready-mix, you might need to rent a mixer.
- Tools: Shovels, rakes, screeds, floats, trowels, and edgers are necessary.
- Formwork: Lumber to create the mold for the concrete.
- Reinforcement: Rebar or wire mesh.
- Sub-base Preparation: Gravel or crushed stone for a stable foundation.
The total concrete installation cost can easily double or triple the material cost, depending on the complexity of the job and local labor rates.
Common Concrete Project Quantities
Here are some common project types and their estimated concrete needs:
Driveways
A standard driveway might be 10 feet wide and 40 feet long, with a 4-inch thickness.
- Length: 40 ft
- Width: 10 ft
- Depth: 4 inches = 0.333 ft
Volume in cubic yards = (40 ft × 10 ft × 0.333 ft) / 27 ≈ 1.48 cubic yards.
It’s recommended to order at least 1.5 to 1.75 cubic yards for a driveway to account for variations and proper edging.
Patios
A typical patio might be 12 feet by 12 feet with a 4-inch thickness.
- Length: 12 ft
- Width: 12 ft
- Depth: 4 inches = 0.333 ft
Volume in cubic yards = (12 ft × 12 ft × 0.333 ft) / 27 ≈ 1.78 cubic yards.
Order around 1.9 to 2.0 cubic yards.
Sidewalks
A sidewalk might be 4 feet wide and 50 feet long, 4 inches thick.
- Length: 50 ft
- Width: 4 ft
- Depth: 4 inches = 0.333 ft
Volume in cubic yards = (50 ft × 4 ft × 0.333 ft) / 27 ≈ 2.47 cubic yards.
Order approximately 2.6 to 2.75 cubic yards.
Footings
Footings are typically narrower, say 18 inches wide and 8 inches deep, with a length depending on the structure. For 100 linear feet:
- Length: 100 ft
- Width: 18 inches = 1.5 ft
- Depth: 8 inches = 0.667 ft
Volume in cubic yards = (100 ft × 1.5 ft × 0.667 ft) / 27 ≈ 3.7 cubic yards.
Always consult your building plans for precise footing dimensions.
Planning Your Concrete Order
When you’re ready to order, here’s what you should do:
Get Quotes from Multiple Suppliers
Don’t settle for the first price you get. Contact several ready mix concrete prices suppliers in your area. Ask for a breakdown of their costs, including the price per cubic yard, delivery fees, and any surcharges for special mixes or additives.
Communicate Your Needs Clearly
When you call to order, be prepared to provide:
- The exact volume of concrete needed (in cubic yards).
- The desired strength (PSI) and any special mix requirements (e.g., air-entrained for freeze-thaw resistance).
- The delivery date and time.
- The delivery location and any access restrictions for the truck.
- Whether you need any special finishes or reinforcement.
Be Prepared for the Delivery
- Clear Access: Ensure the delivery truck can easily reach your pouring site. Obstacles can cause delays or refusal of delivery.
- Site Preparation: The area where the concrete will be poured should be ready, with forms set and reinforcement in place.
- Manpower: Have enough people ready to help spread, level, and finish the concrete as soon as it arrives.
- Tools: Have all necessary tools and equipment prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What if I order too little concrete?
If you order too little, you’ll likely need to order a second batch. This can be very expensive. Small “short load” fees apply for less than a full truckload, and you’ll incur additional delivery charges. It’s almost always better to order slightly more than you think you’ll need.
Q2: What is the standard thickness for a concrete driveway?
A standard concrete driveway is typically 4 inches thick. For heavier vehicles or areas with significant truck traffic, 5 or 6 inches might be recommended.
Q3: Can I mix concrete myself for a large project?
While technically possible, mixing concrete yourself from bags for anything larger than a small patio or a few steps is extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming. The quality can also be inconsistent. For most projects requiring a cubic yard or more, ready-mix concrete is the preferred and most practical solution.
Q4: What is slump in concrete?
Slump refers to the consistency or workability of fresh concrete. It’s measured by a cone test. A higher slump means the concrete is wetter and more fluid, easier to pour but potentially weaker. A lower slump means it’s stiffer and drier, requiring more effort to place but often results in a stronger mix. The required slump depends on the application.
Q5: Does the price of concrete change seasonally?
Yes, concrete prices can sometimes fluctuate with the seasons. Demand is often higher in warmer months, which can lead to slight price increases. However, local factors and supply chain issues often have a bigger impact than seasonal changes alone.
By now, you should have a solid grasp of how much is one cubic yard of concrete, from its measurement to its cost and how to order it for your project. Using a concrete volume calculator and getting quotes from multiple suppliers will ensure you’re prepared for a successful concrete job.