The cost of concrete will vary depending on the access to the project and use of special equipment, removal and grading costs associated with the new pour, thickness, color added, reinforcements, etc. The ready mix delivery of cement is priced by region but can increase for areas outside a metropolitan area. It is best to get a quote from a local company when budgeting your project.
Limited access can affect the price of the installation with the use of snorkles, backhoes, pumps, and special equipment. Preparation of the area may include using backhoes or in areas where there is no access for a backhoe, manual labor costs will increase. Cost will vary depending on the amount of dirt you need to move. If your access is a 36” walk gate to a backyard project, a back hoe will not fit. In this instance the material can be left onsite (which will reduce or negate the dump fees), or the gate/wall can come down or a charge for additional labor will be added to wheel barrel material to the dumpster. Concrete can be pumped in where the project is not readily accessed by the street. This allows consistent quality material to be placed onsite if the project is several stories high, difficult to access, or there is no direct route.
Factors that can impact the price of concrete may include reinforcements, strength or thickness. For a standard walkway or pad for foot traffic reinforcements wouldn’t be necessary or recommended. Factors such as thickness greater than a standard 4” pad or pounds per square inch (psi) will adjust the price of concrete. PSI measures the compressive strength of concrete. A higher psi means a given concrete mixture is stronger, and more expensive. Concrete footings and slabs on grade typically require a concrete of 3,500 to 4,000 psi. Wire mesh, re-bar, plastic mesh, and fiber in the mix are all commonly used materials. These upgrades may or may not be suitable based on how the area is intended to be used. Rebar is for load bearing and is good in compression not tension. It creates a counterbalance when weight is applied.
Special finishes will add to the cost of the project. Standard finishes include a simple salt finish, broom, or and will not add to the price of the concrete. Exposed aggregate, stamped, colored, polishing, staining, or overlays will significantly add to the cost of the concrete. Decorative concrete is a good option for homeowners that want a high-end look without the high-end price tag. Concrete is versatile and can be customized for floors, patios, pool decks, driveways and more. Staining and concrete overlays transform concrete to look like flagstone, marble or other expensive materials at a fraction of the cost. Custom concrete is much more affordable compared to natural stone and pavers. For interior applications, decorative concrete and custom stains or polishing will average $4-8 per foot depending on options chosen.
Standard Grey Concrete
$4.75 and $5.75 per square foot to have plain concrete poured.
Grading and Levelling: $50 – $70 per hour
Subbase: $12 – $18 per cubic yard
Concrete Forms and Finishing: $1.50 – $2.00 per square foot
Reinforcement: $0.35 – $0.75 per square foot
Colored Concrete Upgrade: $1.00 – $2.00 per square foot
Stamped Concrete Upgrade: $1.00 – $2.00 per square foot
For additional information, tips, and design ideas visit www.ArrowheadDeck.com. Contact Arrowhead Deck and Concrete (855) 833-2525, [email protected] for a free project analysis and consultation.