Concrete Slab Cost – Your Ultimate Guide

When building any kind of structure, one of the most important things to consider is the foundation. Without a proper foundation, your building will not be able to stand for long and will eventually shift. This can cause problems with the structure and serious issues that are incredibly costly to fix. Because of this, the foundation is something you want to take seriously at all times. 

Depending on the type of building you are constructing, you may not have to build a traditional foundation. In some cases, it is perfectly acceptable to use a concrete slab. Concrete slab cost is much less than a traditional foundation and they can be just as durable. However, knowing concrete slab cost is essential if you are going to accurately budget for your project. 

In this article, we have compiled the ultimate guide to concrete slab cost. By knowing what you can expect to spend, you can adequately plan for your building project. If the structure can use a concrete slab, you can take a large portion of cash off your budget and put it into other aspects. Knowing the concrete slab cost for your project will help your construction project be a success. 

What is a Concrete Slab?

Most of the time, when you build a structure, you will use a crawlspace foundation. These types of foundations have stem walls along the perimeter with a large open space in the middle. While these foundation types are incredibly common and durable, they can also be very expensive. If you are working on a tight budget, the concrete slab cost could be more in line with what you want to spend. 

A concrete slab is a foundation made up of one large piece of poured concrete. Concrete slab cost is generally much less than a crawlspace or basement foundation. Because there is less digging and engineering to do, concrete slab cost is a lot more accessible. For the most part, you can build a perimeter with 2x4s and pour the slab, letting it cure and set. 

While concrete slab costs a lot less, using the best concrete pourers is still recommended. It can be tempting to try and do the job yourself since it’s so simple. However, because the concrete slab cost is less, you should be able to afford to use professionals. When your building is still standing after many years, you will be glad that you spent a little more on professional labor. 

When to Choose a Concrete Slab 

Not every building will be able to sit on a concrete slab. Depending on the type of structure you are constructing, you may want to make sure that it is the right choice for you. Most of the time, a traditional stick-frame home will have to have a crawlspace. This will ensure that the frame is sitting properly and that it is strong enough to hold up the entire structure. 

Before you decide to save money on the lower concrete slab cost, you should check local building codes. Some building codes dictate that your foundation and crawlspace have to be vented. Since a concrete slab will not have venting, you should make sure that it is legal in your area. Generally, these rules will only apply to buildings that are meant to be a residence. 

You can almost always build a shed or outbuilding on a concrete slab. Because these foundations don’t need to be vented, you can save a lot of money on concrete slab cost. As long as the building doesn’t have a stick timber frame, you should be able to use a slab. This is a great way to save money on construction costs while still supporting your structure on the ground. 

What are the Benefits of a Concrete Slab? 

There are a lot of benefits to using a slab aside from the lower concrete slab cost. One of the most important is the fact that they are incredibly durable and will hold up over time. Because they are one large piece of concrete, there are fewer points that can crumble or fail. If you live in a part of the world that gets a lot of bad weather, this could be a great option for you. 

One of the other benefits of a concrete slab is the way the plumbing is installed. When you use a concrete slab for a building with plumbing, the pipes are set in the concrete. This protects them from the elements and from the rot and decay that can happen with a crawlspace. While it makes them very difficult to access, it also offers excellent protection. 

The other significant benefit of a slab aside from the lower concrete slab cost is how simple they are. Because they are easier to install, they can usually be done in one or two days. If you are in a hurry to get your building up, this is a great option for you. With a professional installer, you can work on your building in almost no time. 

Types of Concrete Slabs 

Concrete slab cost will depend heavily on the type of slab you are going to be installing. One of the most popular types is a fiber mesh slab. This type of concrete slab uses high-tension fiber mesh to strengthen the concrete and keep it together. This is one of the most durable types and will last for many years with very little in the way of maintenance. 

One of the other popular types of slab is called a high-performance concrete slab. This type of concrete can support up to 8,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure. This makes them a good option for things like garages and shops that need to support a lot of weight. The more heavy-duty the concrete is, the longer it will last and stay in good shape. 

If you don’t mind a higher concrete slab cost and want an eco-friendly option, permeable concrete is a good choice. This type of concrete has pores that allow water to pass through. This means that it will help prevent erosion in the soil around the building. While it may seem like this will reduce strength, it can actually prevent water pits and give it more longevity. 

Concrete Slab Cost Per Yard

Concrete slab cost will depend heavily on the type of project you are working on. However, you can more or less expect to pay an average of between $120 and $170 per cubic yard. This will only be for the materials, though, and will generally not include things like labor and other considerations. Setting things up to be as successful as possible is a big part of what makes a concrete slab a success. 

There are a variety of options to choose from when pouring a concrete slab. Many of these extras will add to the concrete slab cost, so it is important that you know these costs and be prepared. While most concrete slabs are four inches thick, you can increase this to six inches. This will generally cost an extra $50 to $85 per square yard but may be worth it in the long run. 

You can also choose to get thicker edges along the perimeter of your concrete slab. This gives you slightly better durability and protection from the weather elements. These thicker edges will add between $10 and $15 per square yard to your concrete slab cost. However, if you want to protect your slab, it may be an excellent option for you. 

Concrete Slab Cost Per Square Foot

If you are going to be building a smaller project, you may want to determine concrete slab cost differently. Figuring things out by the square foot instead of the square yard may be a better option. Estimating what you might spend accurately depends heavily on the units you use. In some cases, concrete slab cost per square foot might be a better option. 

Figuring out concrete slab cost per square foot is relatively simple. Just take the cost per square yard and multiply it by .1. For example, if you have a quote for $150 per square yard, this means that it will be $15 per square foot. This can help you find an accurate representation of your concrete slab cost. 

If you are building a smaller building, you may want a little extra protection and durability. This can be achieved by adding a styrofoam barrier. This will cost around $2 per square foot extra but may give you better results in the long run. You will get better temperature control and overall efficiency if you are going to be storing temperature-sensitive items. 

Concrete Slab Cost Per Project 

Concrete slab cost will also change heavily depending on the type of project you are building. If, for example, you are building a simple concrete parking pad, you can expect to spend around $1,200. If you are looking to build a complete driveway, this concrete slab cost goes up to around $3,000. This is on the low end of the spectrum because the construction is incredibly simple. 

In some cases, you may want to lay a concrete slab to place a mobile home on. This is one of the most common uses for a concrete slab foundation and is fairly simple to do. Concrete slab cost for this purpose will generally be around $9,800. This is because the slab needs to be fairly large as well as thick, which can greatly increase concrete slab cost. 

One of the most expensive uses for a concrete slab is a monolithic slab. This means that you will be building a structure on top of the slab that will be permanent. A monolithic concrete slab will cost around $12,500 in total. While this is a higher concrete slab cost, it will be incredibly strong and will keep your building safe and secure. 

Cost to Pour a Concrete Slab

One of the factors that you need to consider when thinking about concrete slab cost is labor. While the materials are one thing, you need to have people who know what they are doing. Hiring professional concrete pourers is your best bet for getting a slab that will be durable and long-lasting. They will also make sure that it is completely even and level, which is crucial for every project. 

The cost of labor for laying your slab will depend on the market and where you live. However, on average, labor will cost anywhere between $4 to $8 per square foot or around $50 per hour. You can count on spending between $500 and $1,800 for labor total, which can be a big chunk of money. If you need to hire a pump truck to get to your site, this will cost an additional $900 or so. 

Why Concrete Slab Cost Matters

Knowing concrete slab cost is incredibly important when budgeting for your project. Because you will not want to worry about problems with your foundation, you should not try to save money on it. You should spend what you have to spend in order to get the best possible concrete slab. This will ensure that your project is done correctly and that it doesn’t end up having problems. 

The other reason why concrete slab cost matters is that if there are problems, you will have to fix them. In construction, the cheapest way to get a job done is to do it right. Having problems with your foundation will only end up costing you more money in the long run. Not skipping out on concrete slab cost will save you a lot of money throughout the years. 

Concrete Slab Cost Calculator 

Conclusion

Concrete slab cost will change a lot depending on your project and what your needs are. Knowing what you can expect to spend will give you a good idea of your entire project’s budget. Being certain that your structure has a solid foundation can give you confidence in the whole thing. Starting on the right foot is your best bet for any construction project. 

If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. There, you will find more helpful tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured barndominiums, barndominium floor plans, and information on financing and insurance. Knowing as much as you can will help you get the best results for your dream home.