How to Estimate a Concrete Order
Updated: Jun. 22, 2022Calculate concrete prices and how many cubic yards of concrete you need for a walk, driveway or basement. How much is a yard of concrete? Find out here
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How to Order Concrete
This article explains how to order concrete and concrete slab cost. We’ll use a 10 x 10 ft. slab as an example. Here’s a brief rundown of what you need to know about concrete and concrete prices. For example, how much is a yard of concrete? Find out the cost of concrete per yard below.
In this video we’ll show you how to figure out the amount of concrete you need to order for your project:
How to Calculate the Cost of a Concrete Pour
Amount. Calculate the volume of concrete you need in cubic yards. The formula for cubic yards is this: Multiply the length (10 ft.) by the width (10 ft.) by the depth (.35 ft., or 4 in.) and divide it by 27 (the number of cubic feet in a cubic yard). You get 1.3 cu. yds. Then add 10 percent to allow for spillage and slab depth variations to help determine the concrete cost per yard.
Strength. Call a local ready-mix company, tell the supplier what the concrete is for, and ask about the best mix (proportions of cement, gravel and sand). For a shed, the supplier will probably suggest a mix with a capacity of about 4,000 psi (pounds per square inch). If you live in a region with freeze/thaw cycles in winter, ask for 5 percent air entrainment to help the concrete withstand freeze/thaw damage.
Cost. Cost per cubic yard can range as high as $200 per cubic yard, but concrete slab costs will vary by region and market. Also, there can be fees per load for delivery from a concrete truck for concrete cost. There could be other fees for such things as Saturday concrete truck delivery and small loads. Ask about these fees so you know the total bill before the concrete truck arrives.
Unload time. Ask about the normal concrete truck unload time (usually 7 to 10 minutes per yard) and if there is a fee for overtime. If the concrete truck can’t reach the site, make sure you have two or three people with wheelbarrows ready to go.
Concrete Forms and Pouring
Once you have your concrete ordered and delivered, learn the best method of how to form and pour a concrete slab.
