Pouring a concrete slab may not seem like a major project, but it can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It is an important step in building a barndominium and a large part of your budget. This may lead you to ask how much a 50×60 concrete slab costs.
The average 50×60 concrete slab includes 3,000 square feet of six-inch-thick concrete. The typical cost is $4 to $8 per square foot, with a median price of $6. Based on the average prices, a 50×60 concrete slab may cost $12,000 to $24,000.
Explore the following details to learn more about the costs of preparing a 50×60-foot concrete slab. The following information breaks down the concrete slab costs to give you a more accurate estimate.
What Are the Features of the Average 50×60 Concrete Slab?
The average 50×60 concrete slab is six inches thick and includes several other standard features. Here is a closer look at what you get with the typical slab:
- 3,000 PSI concrete poured to a depth of six inches
- 2×6-inch boards for the wood form that holds the concrete
- Rebar to help support the concrete slab
- Fiber mesh material for reinforcing the slab
- Labor and equipment for completing the project
Changing any of the standard features of a concrete slab will increase or lower the price, depending on the options you choose. Some of the details to consider in the cost of a concrete slab include:
- The total thickness of the concrete slab
- The use of extra materials
- The local prices for materials and labor
- Additional site preparation work
The prices for materials and labor vary across the country. The American Midwest and South typically have lower wages and less expensive materials compared to states on the West Coast or Northeast of the United States.
Some areas also require more work before you can start on the foundation. The presence of trees and plants may require extra site preparation work, which increases the cost of starting on your barndominium.
What Is the Average 50×60 Concrete Slab Cost Based on Thickness?
Instead of the standard six-inch concrete slab, you may choose a thinner slab, which can lower the price of the project. Use the base cost of materials for different thicknesses to better understand the differences in prices:
- $2.83 per square foot for materials for a four-inch slab
- $3.20 per square foot for a five-inch slab
- $3.57 per square foot for a six-inch slab
At 3,000 square feet, a four-inch slab measuring 50×60 feet may cost about $2,220 less compared to a six-inch slab.
What Are the Features to Consider Adding to a Concrete Slab?
A four-inch slab costs less compared to a six-inch slab but may benefit from extra reinforcement. Some of the options available for reinforcing a concrete slab include:
- Thickened edges for extra support – $1 per square foot
- Adding a vapor barrier – $0.50 per square foot
- Adding wire mesh reinforcement – $0.40 per square foot
Adding any of these features increases the cost of the project. Multiply the cost of the feature by 3,000 square feet to estimate the price increase. If you choose to add all the features, you may spend an extra $5,700.
Hiring a Contractor Versus Pouring a 50×60 Concrete Slab Yourself
At $6 per square foot, a 50×60 concrete slab may cost about $18,000. However, the price includes a contractor and labor. A DIY slab may cost closer to $3.60 per square foot, resulting in an estimate of about $10,800. To get an estimate of the cost of pouring concrete, you can use a concrete slab calculator to help determine costs.
A DIY 50×60 concrete slab can save thousands of dollars compared to hiring a contractor. Yet, if you make any mistakes, you may end up spending more on repairs later. A safer option is to hire a contractor to ensure that the job is done right the first time.
Gail currently spends her free time geeking out about what’s new and trending in the world of barndominiums.
She is the former executive editor of BarndominiumLife.com and loves working with the team and members of the barndominium community. She now contributes to the blog on occasion, but only when she feels like it!