How Much Does a 24×30 Concrete Slab Cost? | Pricing Important Factors

Pouring a 24×30 concrete slab is an affordable option when choosing a foundation for a barndominium. Basement foundations and crawlspaces can cost two to three times the price, but how much does a 24×30 concrete slab cost?

A 24×30-foot slab covers 720 square feet. With an average price of $6 per square foot, you may pay about $4,320 for a slab foundation. However, the price can range from $4 to $8 per square foot, resulting in a total cost between $2,880 and $5,760.

So, how do you determine whether your foundation will cost closer to $2,880 or $5,760? Here is a closer look at the typical concrete slab costs.

Average Price for a Standard 24×30 Concrete Slab

A 24×30 concrete slab that costs $4,320 will likely include several standard features, including:

• 3,000 PSI concrete poured to a depth of six inches
• A bed of crushed stone to support the slab
• A row of 1/2-inch rebar for increased strength
• Fiber mesh material to reinforce the concrete
• A wood form to hold the concrete as it hardens
• Labor to complete the work

The price may increase or decrease if you choose options with different features from the features listed above. Some of the available options include:

• 4-inch to 5-inch slabs
• 12-inch edges
• Wire mesh
• Vapor barrier

The price also decreases if you decide to handle the project yourself. Instead of paying for labor, you only need to cover the materials.

How Much Does a 24×30 Concrete Slab Cost? – Overview of the Costs

Not all concrete slabs include the same features. If you decide to use a thinner slab or pour the concrete yourself, you can likely save money on the project.

Here is an overview of some of the average costs involved in pouring a concrete slab:

• A 4-inch slab of concrete – $2.83 per square foot for the material
• A 5-inch slab of concrete – $3.20 per square foot
• A 6-inch slab of concrete – $3.57 per square foot
• Reinforced wire mesh – $0.40 per square foot
• Thick edges (12 inches) – $1 per square foot
• Vapor barrier – $0.50 per square foot
• Textured or colored concrete – $4 per square foot

As you are likely pouring a 24×30 foundation for a barndominium, you are unlikely to choose textured or colored concrete. The concrete will be covered with flooring, making textured or colored concrete unnecessary. Yet, other features are recommended for a barndominium foundation.

Using wire mesh instead of the standard fiber mesh and increasing the thickness of the edges increases the strength of the concrete slab. These two features may cost an additional $1.40 per square foot.

A vapor barrier is also recommended, especially in regions with high water tables and areas that receive frequent rainfall. The barrier helps shield the bottom of the foundation from condensation and moisture, which are common causes of foundation issues. The average cost of a vapor barrier is $0.50 per square foot.

Tips for Estimating the Cost of a 24×30 Concrete Slab

At this point, you should already have a better idea in answering the question ‘how much does a 24×30 concrete slab cost?’. To estimate the cost of your slab foundation, decide whether you want to hire someone to complete the project. If you choose to pour the foundation yourself, multiply the total square footage of the foundation by the average cost of materials from the list above. To get an estimate of the cost of pouring concrete, you can use a concrete slab calculator to help determine costs.

For example, if you decide to pour a four-inch slab, you have a base cost of $2.83 per square foot. A six-inch slab costs $3.57 per square foot. Adding thicker edges ($1), a vapor barrier ($0.50), and a wire mesh ($0.40) may bring the total to $4.73 for a four-inch slab and $5.47 for a six-inch slab. Based on these estimates, you may pay between $3,405.60 ($4.73 times 720 square feet) and $3,938.40 ($5.47 times 720 square feet).