How Much Does A Concrete Slab Cost? (2024)

Looking to spruce up your backyard with a nice patio? Want a sturdy foundation for your next tool shed? Consider having a concrete slab as your base. Concrete slabs are inexpensive, long-lasting and easy to install—as well as multi-purpose.

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How Much Does A Concrete Slab Cost? (1)

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Key Takeaways

  • Various factors, including square footage, slab thickness and project complexity, influence the cost of a concrete slab. The raw material cost is approximately $6 per square foot.
  • Several factors can impact the cost of a concrete slab project, including edge thickness, finishes, additional equipment and materials, dirt work and grading.
  • Concrete slabs are highly durable and can last 100 years or more if installed and maintained correctly. However, they can degrade over time due to weather, usage and poor construction.

Concrete Slab Installation Cost Estimate

Note: For the sake of this cost estimate, exact dimensions (in feet) have been given to reflect the different price points. Costs may be lower or higher depending on the size of the slab. All costs have been calculated at a rate of $6 per square foot.

Concrete Slab Installation Cost Estimate

Average Cost (24×24)

$3,460

Highest Cost (40×60)

$14,400

Lowest Cost (10×10)

$600

What Is a Concrete Slab?

A concrete slab is composed of wet cement mixed with additional materials (usually gravel). This mix is poured onto a gravel bed bordered by a wooden frame, the latter typically made from standard lumber like 2x4s or 2x6s. Once the concrete has cured, this frame—also known as the formwork—is removed, leaving behind a fully shaped piece of concrete—the slab.

Concrete slabs are known for being extremely durable. If properly installed and maintained, they can easily last 100 years or more. Though the name “slab” brings to mind an uninteresting flat gray surface, in truth, concrete slabs offer a lot of design flexibility—from the shape of the formwork to any texturizing or colorizing done after the concrete has been poured.

As a reminder, cement and concrete refer to two different types of material despite often being used interchangeably. Concrete is a composite substance that includes cement and is more durable.

Concrete Slab Costs

If you’re considering getting a concrete slab in your home, knowing how much it will cost is essential. The first thing to consider when pricing out a concrete job is the square footage of the space you cover. You’ll also want to know what slab thickness you’re looking for. Finally, it’s crucial to consider the difficulty of the project itself when budgeting for this project.

Cost by Square Foot

Concrete is a relatively cost-effective material when compared to stone or brick. Anticipate spending about $6 per square foot for the raw material, ranging from around $4 to $8 per square foot, depending on variables like labor and the thickness of the concrete.

Cost by Slab

Thickness A standard concrete slab will typically be 4 or 6 inches thick, but this can be adjusted depending on the needs of your project. Thickness is key in determining the final cost of the project: the thicker the slab, the more expensive it will be. A 4-inch slab, for example, can cost anything from $0.50 to $1 less than a 6-inch slab.

Cost by Project

Concrete slab projects can vary significantly in cost. Depending on the square footage, thickness and finishes you choose, the cost of your project can range from simple to highly complex. For instance, installing a concrete slab for your driveway, patio or garage will typically require more materials and labor than installing one for your shed.

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Additional Factors Impacting Cost

Though not all of these factors may be relevant to your situation, they each have the potential to significantly change the overall cost of your project.

Edge Thickness

It may be necessary to make the edge of your concrete slab thicker, depending on the end design and function of the slab itself. The weight of the concrete is also a factor here, since you do not want the frame buckling under the pour. Expect to pay an additional $1 to $2 per square foot.

Finish

If you aren’t fond of the classic concrete slab look, there are a variety of texturizing and colorizing options that you can use to finish your slab. Adding any kind of finish and design—whether it be stenciling, staining or engraving—can bump up your final cost from $8 to $18 per square foot. If you desire a fully bespoke or advanced design, you may pay even more.

Use of Additional Equipment

For the most part, the typical price range of $4 to $8 per square foot includes labor. However, if your project requires the use of specialized equipment—such as any machines needed for grading—the cost can skyrocket. For example, a single pump truck (used to pour concrete if your build location is too difficult for a standard concrete truck to access) can tack on around $900. Keep this in mind especially if you are doing a DIY install, since you will need to rent or buy any equipment you do not have.

Use of Additional Materials

Depending on your specifications or contractor recommendations, your project may require the use of additional materials. Things like a vapor barrier, a Styrofoam layer or using wire mesh will add between $0.30 to $2 per square foot. When mixing concrete, you may also be charged extra if you require more cement than normal.

Dirt Work and Grading

Dirt work and grading refers to any preparation of the substrate that needs to occur before laying the formwork and pouring the concrete. This can be as simple as leveling the surface, or as complicated as consulting with a structural engineer on how to build the slab on a slope. Some contractors will include grading in their services at no additional cost, but this is highly dependent on the complexity of the site and its requirements.

Signs You May Need to Replace Concrete

Concrete is a sturdy building material known for its longevity and durability. Still, it is also susceptible to degradation over time due to various factors, including weather conditions, regular usage and subpar construction. Here are some signs that could suggest the necessity of concrete replacement:

  • Cracks: Cracks in concrete are common and not necessarily a sign that the entire slab is compromised. However, if you notice large or deep cracks that run across the entire surface or through the depth of your concrete, it could be a sign of structural damage and you should contact a professional.
  • Settling and sinking: If you notice areas of your concrete slab that have sunk or settled significantly, it could indicate issues with the underlying soil or poor compaction during construction. This can lead to uneven surfaces and potential tripping hazards.
  • Improper drainage: If you’ve ever noticed water pooling in specific areas of your concrete slab after rain, it could indicate improper slope or drainage. Prolonged water exposure can lead to erosion and weakening of the concrete.
  • Potholes: Potholes or pits in a concrete slab could be due to freeze-thaw cycles or chemical exposure. These are common causes of pitting in concrete slabs, and they can compromise the strength of the slab and mean that you need to replace it.

Types of Concrete Slabs

Concrete slabs are designed to serve a specific purpose and accommodate different structural requirements. Here are some common types of concrete slabs:

  • Cement slabs: Cement slabs involve the application of a cement-based mixture over an existing concrete surface. These overlays can repair or resurface deteriorating concrete, providing a new layer that enhances aesthetics, durability and functionality.
  • Asphalt slabs: Asphalt concrete is a mixture of asphalt binder and aggregate materials. It’s commonly used for roads, driveways, parking lots and other surfaces requiring a smooth and flexible pavement.
  • Fiber mesh concrete: Fiber mesh concrete works by using fibers woven into a mesh. This fiber mesh is added to the concrete mix to increase its strength and durability.
  • Glass concrete: Glass concrete is a new construction material made by mixing glass powder into concrete.
  • Permeable concrete: Permeable concrete is made with a porous base that allows water to pass through it. It can be used instead of traditional concrete and in many different applications.
  • Self-consolidating concrete: Self-consolidating concrete is a form of concrete that sets and hardens quickly, without cement mixers. It can be poured under water, and once it’s dry, it will consolidate into a solid mass.

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DIY vs. Professional Installation

With careful planning and preparation, it is entirely possible to install a simple concrete slab by yourself. The process is time and labor intensive, so set aside at least a week to complete it—which should cover everything from preparing the form to allowing the concrete to set and cure. Keep in mind that while the installation itself is relatively straightforward, there are lots of little factors and steps that may make the process more hassle than it’s worth.

Details like permit requirements, leveling and grading the sub-surface, properly staking and bracing the frame and smoothing the concrete after it has been poured can all affect the final build of your slab. Any finishing you want to do should also be thoroughly researched so that you do not apply a finish too early or late in the curing process.

Wet concrete is also considered toxic and can cause chemical burns, so take the appropriate safety precautions to make sure that you are not exposing your skin and eyes.

Though DIY is cheaper overall than hiring a professional service, depending on the complexity and size of your project, it may not be worth the personal time and energy spent. Consult with a professional contractor to receive a project estimate and compare it to your DIY estimate before you make a final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a 10x12 slab of concrete cost?

At $6 per square foot, a 10×12 slab of concrete will cost $720. This cost may vary depending on the additional specifications and requirements of the project.

How thick does a concrete slab need to be?

The standard thickness for a concrete slab is four inches. If you plan on putting a lot of weight on your slab (such as building a structure on it, driving a car on it, etc.), aim for a six-inch thickness instead. In general, the more stress and weight you plan on subjecting your concrete slab to, the thicker it will need to be.

Is it cheaper to pour concrete yourself?

Yes. In general, you can save up to 40% or more if you pour a concrete slab yourself. If you decide to mix your own concrete, you can save even more.

Is gravel needed underneath a concrete slab?

Gravel is required before pouring a concrete slab. This not only helps provide a level surface for your slab, but also prevents any cracking, shifting or unevenness in your slab caused by direct contact with the ground. It also prevents issues like water pooling underneath the concrete and reduces the likelihood of erosion and settling. For a four-inch concrete slab, set at least three-inch of gravel.

What's the lifespan of concrete slabs?

Concrete slabs are designed to last at least 50 years but can last much longer.

How Much Does A Concrete Slab Cost? (2024)
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