Before you start building your barndominium, you need to prepare the foundation. Most barndominiums are built on concrete slabs. As you start figuring out your budget, you may want to know how much a 60×60 concrete slab costs.
Concrete slabs costs an average of $4 to $8 per square foot. A 60×60 concrete slab covers 3600 square feet. Based on national averages, a 60×60 slab may cost $14,400 to $28,800. The median price is about $21,600.
So, what influences the cost of a concrete slab? The following articles break down the cost of a 60×60 concrete slab.
What Does a 60×60 Concrete Slab Include?
A concrete slab should not be confused with a cement slab. Concrete is stronger and less prone to cracking. It is made from a combination of cement and aggregate material, such as gravel. Most concrete slabs are reinforced with sturdy rebar and fiber mesh material.
The average cost for concrete slabs is based on a slab that includes the following:
- 3000 PSI concrete poured to 6 inches
- 2×6-inch wood boards for creating the wood form
- Rebar lined around the perimeter for more strength
- Fiber mesh reinforcement for additional resiliency
- Labor and equipment to pour the concrete slab
To gain a better understanding of how much your concrete slab may cost, you should pay attention to the following factors:
- The thickness of the slab and edges
- The inclusion of extra features
- The cost of labor and materials in your area
Depending on where you live, the cost of labor and material may be higher or lower. California, Washington, Oregon, and states in the Northeast typically have higher costs compared to states in the Midwest and South.
Average 60×60 Concrete Slab Cost Based on Thickness
While the region you live in influences the cost of pouring a concrete slab, the thickness of the slab has a larger impact. Here are the average costs for pouring concrete slabs at different thicknesses:
- 4-inch concrete slab: $2.83 per square foot
- 5-inch concrete slab: $3.20 per square foot
- 6-inch concrete slab: $3.57 per square foot
A 4-inch slab costs less compared to the average 6-inch slab. You can save about $0.74 per square foot. For a 60×60 barndominium, choosing a thinner slab may save about $2664. Yet, a thinner slab is less durable.
Average Cost of Extra Features for a Slab Foundation
Along with the thickness of the slab, other features can impact the durability of the foundation. Here are a few extra features that increase the strength and cost of a 60×60 concrete slab:
- Adding thickened edges: $1 per square foot
- A vapor barrier: $0.50 per square foot
- Wire mesh reinforcement: $0.40 per square foot
- Site preparation work: $0.60 to $1.25 per square foot
Choosing all four of these options may increase the cost of a concrete slab by about $3.15 per square foot. If you pour a 60×60-foot concrete slab, you may need to spend an extra $11,340.
Top – Find Concrete Contractors:Should You Hire a Contractor for a 60×60 Concrete Slab?
Hiring a contractor helps ensure that the job is done right. However, if you have experience with these types of projects, you can save money pouring the concrete yourself. A DIY project may reduce the cost by about $2.40 per square foot.
A 60×60 concrete slab may cost about $12,960 ($3.15 times 3600). Hiring a contractor may cost about $21,600. Yet, hiring a contractor offers several advantages. It can decrease the risk of mistakes and save you time and energy.
In the end, the 60×60 concrete slab cost depends on a variety of factors, including the thickness of the slab and whether you hire a contractor. To get an estimate of the cost of pouring concrete, you can use a concrete slab calculator to help determine costs.
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!