Concrete Cost Calculator
Instant installed-price estimate for driveways, patios, slabs, sidewalks, and steps — adjusted for size, thickness, finish, and your state. Free, no signup.
What drives the cost of concrete work
Installed concrete pricing is mostly labor. The ready-mix itself typically costs $125–$180 per cubic yard delivered, but by the time a crew has excavated, formed, poured, finished, and sealed your project, materials are only about 40% of the bill. That is why per-square-foot prices vary so much between markets: you are mostly paying for skilled local labor, and labor rates in Connecticut or California are 20–25% above the national average while much of the South runs 10–15% below it.
Thickness matters more than most homeowners expect
Going from a 4-inch to a 6-inch pour increases concrete volume by half again and adds roughly 30% to the installed price. A 4-inch slab is fine for patios and walkways; driveways should be 5 inches; anything that will carry trucks, RVs, or heavy equipment deserves 6 inches with rebar. Skimping on thickness is the classic false economy — a driveway that cracks in year three costs far more than the upgrade would have.
Finish level: where budgets stretch or blow up
A basic broom finish is the workhorse — durable, slip-resistant, cheapest. Staining adds color for roughly 30% more. Exposed aggregate gives texture at about 40% over basic. Stamped concrete — patterned to mimic stone, brick, or slate — runs about 75% over a basic finish because of the added labor in coloring, stamping, detailing, and sealing, but it still usually comes in well under natural stone or pavers.
The costs people forget
Demolition and haul-away of existing concrete adds about $2 per square foot. Poor access (backyard pours where trucks cannot reach) can require pumping at $150–$300. Significant grading, fill, or drainage work is priced separately. And permits for driveways and large flatwork typically run $50–$200 depending on your town — your contractor usually pulls them, but confirm whose responsibility it is in the quote.
How to use your estimate
Treat the number above as your budgeting baseline, then collect two or three written quotes from licensed, insured local contractors. A quote meaningfully below the range usually means corners — thin pours, no reinforcement, no sub-base prep. A quote far above it should come with an explanation (difficult access, extensive grading, premium finish). Browse our directory of licensed concrete contractors by state or jump straight to driveway specialists, patio pros, or stamped concrete contractors.
Frequently asked questions
How much does concrete cost per square foot in 2026?
Most residential concrete work runs $6–$12 per square foot installed for a basic finish, including materials and labor. Decorative work costs more: stained concrete typically runs $8–$15/sq ft and stamped concrete $12–$20/sq ft. Regional labor rates move these numbers up or down by 10–25%.
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
A standard two-car driveway (about 20×20 ft, 400 sq ft) typically costs $3,200–$6,500 installed at 5-inch thickness with a brushed finish. Larger driveways, thicker pours for heavy vehicles, decorative finishes, and demolition of an old driveway all add cost.
How much does a concrete patio cost?
A 12×14 ft patio (168 sq ft) usually runs $1,300–$2,600 for a basic broom finish. A stamped concrete patio of the same size typically costs $2,300–$4,500 because of the extra labor in coloring, stamping, and sealing.
What makes concrete projects more expensive?
The biggest cost drivers are square footage, thickness (a 6-inch pour uses ~30% more concrete than 4-inch), finish level, demolition and haul-away of existing concrete, site access and grading, reinforcement (rebar or wire mesh), and your local labor market.
Is it cheaper to pour concrete yourself?
Materials are only about 40% of the installed price, so DIY can save on labor — but concrete is unforgiving: it sets fast, requires proper sub-base prep, and mistakes are permanent and expensive to remove. For anything bigger than a small pad, most homeowners come out ahead hiring a pro.
How accurate is this calculator?
It produces a budgeting range from national cost data adjusted by state, thickness, and finish. Real quotes vary with site conditions, access, grading, and local demand — always compare 2–3 written quotes from licensed local contractors before deciding.
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