Cost guide
How Much Does a Concrete Slab Cost?
A concrete slab can cost $6 or $20 per square foot depending on thickness, site prep, finish, and who does the work. Here are the typical US price ranges, what drives them, and a worked example so you can sanity-check any quote.
By HowMuchBuild Editorial TeamCalculation reviewedUpdated October 2026
Quick answer: typical slab cost ranges
| Slab type | Typical range (per sq ft) |
|---|---|
| DIY, materials only | $2–$5 |
| Pro installed, basic broom finish | $6–$12 |
| Pro installed, stamped or decorative | $12–$20+ |
A basic 10×10 ft patio slab (100 sq ft) therefore lands around $600–$1,200 installed, or $200–$500 in materials if you do everything but the finishing yourself. Decorative work — stamping, staining, exposed aggregate — can double the installed price.
What drives the price
- Size and thickness. Concrete is the biggest material cost, and it scales with volume. A 6-inch slab uses 50% more concrete than a 4-inch slab of the same area.
- Site prep. Excavation, tree roots, poor soil, and drainage work are labor hours. A flat, accessible site is the cheapest possible starting point.
- Access. If the truck can't reach the forms, concrete gets wheelbarrowed or pumped — both add cost. A pump truck alone can add several hundred dollars to a small job.
- Reinforcement. Wire mesh is cheap insurance; rebar grids cost more but belong under driveways and heavy loads.
- Finish. Broom finish is standard and cheapest. Stamping, coloring, and exposed aggregate are skilled, time-consuming upgrades.
- Region and season. Labor rates and concrete prices differ enormously by market, and cold-weather pours need protection that adds cost.
Worked example: 10×10 ft patio slab, 4″ thick
- Volume: 10 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) = 33.33 cu ft = 1.23 cu yd → order about 1.5 yards (ready-mix has minimums; check our bags vs. ready-mix guide).
- Concrete: ~1.5 yd at a typical $140–$180/yd delivered = $210–$270.
- Base + forms + mesh: gravel base, 2×4 forms, and wire mesh typically add $100–$200 in materials for this size.
- DIY total: roughly $300–$500 in materials.
- Pro installed: 100 sq ft × $6–$12 = $600–$1,200.
Size your exact materials with our concrete bags calculator or concrete calculator before you price anything.
How to keep the cost down
- Do your own prep. Excavation, gravel base, and form-building are labor-heavy but skill-light — the classic DIY savings.
- Keep it rectangular. Curves and angles mean custom form work and more waste.
- Choose a standard finish. Broom finish looks clean and costs the least.
- Get 3 itemized quotes. Compare line items — prep, concrete, reinforcement, finish — not just totals. The cheapest bid that skips the gravel base is the most expensive slab you'll ever buy.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 10×10 concrete slab cost?
As a typical range: $600–$1,200 professionally installed for a basic 4-inch broom-finish slab (100 sq ft at $6–$12 per sq ft). DIY materials for the same slab typically run $200–$500. Prices vary widely by region, site conditions, and finish level.
What is the cheapest way to pour a concrete slab?
Do the site prep and forming yourself and order ready-mix for the pour (guidance). Excavation, gravel base, and form-building are labor-heavy but skill-light; the concrete itself and the finishing are where pro experience pays off. Keep the shape a simple rectangle and the finish a basic broom texture.
Does slab thickness change the cost much?
Yes — concrete is the biggest material line item, and going from 4″ to 6″ thick adds 50% more concrete. A 4-inch slab suits patios and walkways; driveways and heavy loads typically call for 5–6 inches (guidance). Don't thin a slab to save money if it will carry vehicles.
Why do concrete quotes vary so much?
Site prep dominates the spread. A flat, accessible backyard with good soil is a fast job; a sloped site needing excavation, tree roots, poor drainage, or hand-carried concrete in wheelbarrows adds hours of labor. Always compare itemized quotes, not just the bottom line.
Should I use bags or ready-mix for my slab?
For anything much over a cubic yard, ready-mix from a truck is usually far cheaper per yard than bags. See our bags vs. ready-mix guide for the break-even math — and use the concrete bags calculator to size either option.