How much does it cost to have concrete delivered?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Whether you are pouring a foundation, having a driveway installed, or laying a new section of sidewalk, if you plan on using concrete, you likely want it delivered. Ready-mixed concrete can be brought right to your job site and poured into the designated area from the truck. This makes the job easier and faster than trying to mix the concrete on site. Concrete is typically priced by the cubic yard, with additional fees for delivery and installation. The size of the project will be the largest determining factor in cost.

A homeowner could pay between $500 and $1,000 to have concrete delivered. Homeowners usually pay around $700 to have five yards of concrete delivered to pour a deck and a pool. However, smaller projects such as regular-size driveways may only require the delivery of three yards for $420. Should the homeowner be thinking of a bigger project such as pouring a foundation, 10 cubic yards of concrete may need to be delivered at the cost of $1,310.

Average Price of Concrete Delivered

Concrete Delivery Cost by Type of Delivery

Different concrete projects require different types of delivery. Depending on the type needed, it costs $55 to $65 per full load (10 cubic yards) or $2 to $25 per cubic yard. The most common types are full load and short load. However, tow-behind and mix on site are becoming increasingly popular for those who want more control of the strength of their cement. As with all aspects of cement, each type of delivery has its own associated cost. The details of each type have been outlined below.

Tow-Behind Concrete Pump Rental

You can expect to pay $2 to $10 per cubic yard delivy in addition to a $150 to $200 hourly rental rate if you want to rent a tow-behind concrete pump. This is suitable for much smaller projects, like concrete counters or small patios. Only a few cubic yards can be mixed at a time. However, if your project only calls for 1 to 3 cubic yards, this may be the most cost-effective option for you. The rental company often fills these with dry cement. You may also rent a tow-behind concrete truck with a mixing pro, ensuring a smooth process when laying your new concrete.

Short Load Concrete Delivery

A short load concrete delivery costs $15 to $17 per cubic yard. This type of delivery is exactly what it sounds like. The full amount of the concrete truck is not being delivered to your job site. Common projects include sidewalks and retaining walls. Most short load deliveries contain anywhere from 1 to 5 cubic yards. It is possible to have 6 to 9 cubic yards of concrete delivered, but it is not nearly as cost-effective.

Concrete Mix On-Site Truck

You can expect to pay $20 to $25 per cubic yard for the delivery in addition to a $500 to $800 rental fee per day. These specialized trucks are required for those who are using on-site concrete. These trucks are specially designed to allow the aggregates and paste to be combined then and there. There are several bins to ensure the cement components are only mixed when they should be. Once enough cement is mixed, the truck stops mixing, and the remaining aggregates and paste (if any) stay in their appropriate bins.

Concrete Full Load

Prices average $55 to $65 per truck for a full load (every 10 cubic yards). A full load refers to the delivery of 10 cubic yards of concrete, or whatever the maximum load is on the vehicle delivering your concrete. The industry standard concrete truck carries 10 cubic yards. This can be a cost-effective option depending on the amount of concrete needed. Larger projects, such as driveways over 20 feet long and foundations, require at least 10 cubic yards.

Cost of Concrete per Yard Delivered

Concrete is sold and delivered by the cubic yard, ranging from $125 to $133 per cubic yard without delivery. Based on the thickness required for the concrete project, more or fewer yards of concrete may be required to have the complete project meet code. The industry standard concrete truck can transport 10 cubic yards of concrete at a time. All amounts under 10 cubic yards are charged at short load costs. Short load costs are calculated between $15 and $17 per yard. Deliveries in increments of 10 (10, 20, 30, etc. cubic yards) are charged at full load costs. Full load costs average $55 to $65. Below, find the cost of concrete delivered for the number of yards and examples of each type of project.

1 Yard of Concrete Delivered

One yard of concrete ranges from $125 to $133 and $15 to $17 for delivery. One yard of concrete is enough to complete a variety of projects. You can make a table and stools to use outdoors in your garden. You can also create a small 8 foot by 10 foot 4-inch thick patio. It may be incredibly hard to find a company that is willing to deliver a single yard. Some companies may combine short loads, which may be your best bet. However, you will need to be open to a wide range of availability to ensure the cement can be delivered. If you cannot find a company to deliver, it would be best to rent a small mixer. If you do not mix the cement correctly, it will not cure and may crack or damage your home.

2 Yards of Concrete Delivered

It will cost $240 to $256 for both yards of concrete and $30 to $34 for them to be delivered. With 2 yards of cement, you can complete both projects mentioned above. You can also create a stunning cement floor in your kitchen or basement. Additionally, you can mold new countertops for your kitchen and bathrooms. With 2 yards of cement, it can be easier to find a company that will short truck deliver it. However, a small mixer is also a viable option. As mentioned above, DIY should be a last resort.

3 Yards of Concrete Delivered

Expect to pay $45 to $51 for all 3 yards to be delivered in addition to the $355 to $389 for the cement itself. With 3 yards of cement, you can do larger projects. The most common will be driveways or carports. You can create large parking pads 10 for RVs or boats. With the permission of your city, you could even redo all of the sidewalks in front of your property. Unless you want to mix over 80 bags of cement on your own, a short load will be your best bet.

5 Yards of Concrete

Short load delivery costs run about $75 to $85 for 5 yards of concrete. All 5 yards cost between $605 and $655. When you have 5 yards of concrete, you can create a stunning circular driveway. Or, you can create an even longer drive up for you, your family, and guests to use. You can pour a deck and pool with 5 yards of concrete.

8 Cubic Yards of Concrete

Delivery costs for 8 yards of concrete range between $120 and $136 if you opt for a short load delivery. However, the concrete itself runs from $980 to $1,034. If you have 8 cubic yards of concrete, you can redo the floors in your home and stamp them with a beautiful design. If you don’t want to do an interior project, you could create a beautiful front and back patio. You may even be able to redo your driveway with this many yards.

10 Cubic Yards of Concrete

Full load delivery costs run about $150 to $170 for 10 yards of concrete. All 10 yards cost between $1,205 to $1,305. A full load of concrete can complete many projects around the home. These include pouring the foundation, a basement, floor slabs, or an incredibly deep pool. A full load is common during a large-scale home renovation or construction of a new home.

20 Yards of Concrete Delivered

Since 20 yards is in the increment of 10, it would simply be delivered in two full truck deliveries. That means it would only cost $110 to $130 to be delivered. Despite the low delivery cost, the concrete alone will cost $2,400 to $2,600. With 20 yards of concrete, the possibilities are endless. Most homeowners will not need 20 years of concrete unless they build a large or specialized project such as a mansion or underground bunker. With this much concrete, two or three normal-sized homes could have their basements and driveways poured.

Concrete Delivered Price by Type

You can expect to pay $125 to $3,000 per cubic yard with delivery included. For a full load (10 yards), expect to pay $1,155 to $29,895 including delivery. Several different types of concrete are available, and all are poured, even stamped concrete, in the initial stage. They can later be molded, formed, or pigmented to give the concrete its final appearance. Costs fluctuate for the delivery, depending on the type of concrete you purchase, how much you need, and how far it needs to be transported. For most projects, homeowners purchase modern concrete, which can later be pigmented or stamped. For some eco-friendly projects, limecrete may be used. Most other types of concrete are for commercial purposes. The prices in the table below are calculated at a cost per cubic yard and cost per full load (10 yards), delivered.

Shotcrete

Expect to pay $125 to $195 per yard, or $1,155 to $1,845 per full load delivered, for shotcrete. Shotcrete concrete is most commonly used in pools. It is a specialty wet mix that can be shaped and modeled in a way other concrete types cannot. It is incredibly durable and handles rigorous pool maintenance better than other options. When installing a pool, shotcrete increases the longevity and appearance better than modern concrete.

High Early Strength Concrete

The cost for high early strength concrete ranges from $160 to $210 per cubic yard or $1,505 to $1,995 per full load, delivered. High early strength concrete is perfect for winter climates and any environment that requires high PSI. In the first 24 hours after being laid, the concrete immediately hardens to 50% of its target strength. Within 28 days, it doubles its strength. For example, a 2,500 PSI high early strength concrete will be cured to 1,250 PSI within 24 hours and will be at 5,000 PSI within 28 days.

Modern Concrete

Modern concrete is the most affordable option at $175 to $195 per yard, or $1,655 to $1,845 per full load, delivered. This is the type of concrete you are most familiar with when you think of a concrete truck or project. Today’s concrete is made with Portland cement, aggregates (like stone or gravel), and water. The cement often contains limestone, shale, iron, and clay. Other elements, like iron oxide or alumina, may also be added. Common projects include sidewalks, walkways, floors, foundations, and other general construction projects.

Stamped Concrete

Prices range from $190 to $210 per yard, or $1,805 to $1,995 per full load delivered, for stamped concrete. Stamped concrete is exactly that. It is stamped. Small and large kits can be purchased to create the look of stones, tile, and even wood. Stamped concrete is most popular for patios, garden walkways, and driveways. The concrete is more durable than what it is stamped to look like. Colors can be added to create an illusion that tile, stone, or wood is on the ground when it truly is just cost-effective, durable concrete.

Self-Consolidating Concrete

For self-consolidating concrete, the price range per cubic yard is $195 to $215 or $1,855 to $2,045 per full load delivered. This type of concrete is exceptional for projects that need rebar and/or fine details. The self-consolidating concrete flows well into tight spaces. It is virtually self-leveling. When initially laid, it looks like lumpy pancake batter. However, it will look smooth when cured.

Limecrete

The price for limecrete ranges from $200 to $210 per cubic yard, or $1,905 to $1,995 per full load, delivered. Limecrete is popular for older buildings and climates where there is humid rain throughout the year. With its insulating properties, it helps regulate temperatures. This concrete absorbs heat and releases it when indoor temperatures decrease. Made of natural hydraulic lime (NHL5) and sharp sand, the aggregates for Limecrete are slightly harder to obtain rather than rock or gravel.

Ultra High Performance Concrete

Prices per cubic yard range from $600 to $3,000 for Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC), or $5,505 to $28,895 per full load, delivered. UHPC is one of the newest classes of concrete. It is often 20 times more expensive than modern concrete because of its incredible performance abilities. Primarily used in structural rehabilitation and bridge construction, UHPC is often not required for most household projects. Obtaining UHPC can be difficult and costly.

Concrete Cost by PSI (Strength)

The cost of concrete varies depending on the PSI, ranging from $150 to $210 per cubic yard delivered, or $1,405 to $1,995 for a full load, delivered. When it comes to concrete, the PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) is important. Certain projects require a minimum PSI level to pass inspections and ensure the safety of anyone using the structure. The PSI directly correlates to how well the concrete can carry a load or handle compression. Failure to use the correct concrete PSI can result in having to demo the project and start again. This is incredibly costly, so it is best to use the right concrete from the beginning. The table below shows the costs per cubic yard and full load (10 cubic yards).

2,500 PSI Concrete Cost per Yard

The typical price per cubic yard for 2,500 PSI concrete ranges from $150 to $170, or $1,405 to $1,595 per full load, delivered. Concrete with a 2,500 PSI is the most affordable. However, it has the least strength of all types of concrete. It is most often used for walkways and driveways. On single floor homes, it can be used to create floor slabs. Some states ban the use of 2,500 PSI on anything structural. However, it can be used to create stunning tables and countertops.

3,000 PSI Concrete Cost per Yard

The price of 3,000 PSI concrete ranges from $160 to $170 per cubic yard, or $1,505 to $1,595 per full load, delivery included. For general construction needs, 3,000 PSI concrete can often be used. It is slightly cheaper than higher PSI concrete, which makes it a favorable option for contractors. However, 3,000 PSI cannot be used for foundations. A minimum of 3,500 PSI must be used to ensure the integrity of the structure.

4,000 PSI Concrete Cost per Yard

You can expect to pay $180 to $190 per cubic yard or $1,705 to $1,795 per full load upon delivery for 4,000 PSI concrete. Areas with heavy use or heavy foot traffic often require at least 4,000 PSI concrete. This is because it has enough strength to support heavy loads. This concrete is often used as floor slabs in warehouses and shops. It can also be used for heavy traffic pavement. Additionally, the use of 4,000 PSI may be required instead of 3,000 to 3,500 PSI concrete in colder climates due to the freeze/thaw cycles.

5,000 PSI Concrete Price per Yard

A range of $200 to $210 per cubic yard or $1,905 to $1,995 per full load, delivered, is standard for 5,000 PSI concrete. When it comes to heavy commercial projects, 5,000 PSI is the industry standard. Since it is one of the strongest levels 14 of concrete, it is used to support suspended slabs and beams. It can also be used as walls and columns. Additionally, 5,000 PSI concrete can handle extreme wear and tear from use and weather conditions. With its strength and durability comes a higher price.

Cost to Have Concrete Delivered

Generally, you will be charged by the cubic yard for the concrete itself, about $125 a cubic yard on average. Then, you will pay a delivery fee, usually around $55, and a fuel fee if the delivery is going a long distance or the truck is expected to be there for an extended time. This fee is usually around $25. If you will be pouring slowly and need the truck there longer, the cost can go higher. In our scenario of a 10 x 20-foot driveway of 4 inches thick, the material cost is $375 for 3 cubic yards of concrete, with the fees making the total $325. Most companies charge these rates up to a certain amount of concrete. After that, the rates are much lower. At around 100 cubic feet, they may waive delivery fees and charge a lower cost per cubic foot.

When you order a batch of concrete to be delivered for a job, it is mixed just for you before the truck leaves. This means that the individual ingredients, in the correct proportions, are all added and mixed so that when the concrete arrives, it is ready to pour. Therefore, when you order, you need to know the exact type of concrete you want, the cubic yards, and what type of structure you are creating. The concrete company will work with you to get the right proportions and will schedule the delivery time.

Because part of the fee involves the truck’s time, the window should be as tight as possible. You can lower your costs by getting the concrete off the truck quickly. Once the truck arrives, the concrete is generally poured straight into the prepared area. The delivery job ends here, and your contractor takes over, vibrating, spreading, settling, and wetting the concrete or using a mold to produce a stamped concrete effect.

How to Calculate the Amount of Concrete Needed

Concrete is sold by the cubic yard, which is a three-dimensional measurement of length x width x depth or height. Finding the length and width is fairly straightforward. Simply measure the number of feet in each direction. For the driveway in our scenario, it measures 10 feet wide by 20 feet long.

Depth is how thick the concrete needs to be. Concrete is typically poured in depths of 3 to 6 inches but can be thicker. The depth is impacted by things like what the concrete is used for, the area, and whether it will be reinforced. For the driveway in this example, we use a depth of 4 inches. To find the cubic yardage, start by converting the thickness depth into feet by dividing it by 12. So, 4 inches divided by 12 equals 0.33 feet.

Multiply your three measurements together, 0.33 x 10 x 20, to get the total cubic feet of the area, which is 66. Then, divide this number by 27, the number of cubic feet in a cubic yard, to find your total. In the final step, 66 is divided by 27 equaling 2.44 cubic feet. Rounding up to the nearest whole number gives us 3 cubic feet of concrete.

How Much Does One Yard of Concrete Cover?

One yard of concrete is commonly referred to as one cubic yard of concrete. The average home project involving concrete (like garages, parking pads for RVs, and driveways) requires a thickness of 4 inches to 6 inches. Concrete becomes stronger when it is poured thicker. Adding aggregates, binders, and chemicals makes a thin concrete stronger. For the most part, you want the thickness of the concrete to be equal to what it will support. The thickness varies depending on the type of project, its location, the load, and the type of concrete. An engineer can help to determine the exact thickness you require. The table below describes how many square feet a cubic yard covers at a specific thickness.

Minimum Amount of Concrete Delivered

The minimum yards of concrete required for delivery depend entirely upon the company you hire to deliver your concrete. Some specialize in small load orders (even as small as 1 cubic yard), while others will not take on projects that do not require a full load. Those willing to complete a small load want their customers to have at least 3 cubic yards of concrete (enough for a driveway) for residential customers. However, this varies based on the contractor, demand, travel distance, and region.

Colored Concrete Cost

It is easy to mix up colored concrete to be poured in the same way you have standard concrete mixed and poured. However, adding color to the concrete increases the price. Adding one color increases the cost by $15 to $20 per square foot. Adding two colors increases the price by $18 to 25 per square foot.

If you wish to have more than one color, you will either need to stain the dry concrete or pay additional fees for a separate truck for each additional color. For example, a driveway with two colors, measuring 10 x 20 feet, will cost about $506 per cubic yard on average. To compare the price to a standard driveway, the cost is only $120 to $130 per cubic yard.​

​​Bulk Cement Prices per Ton

The current price of bulk cement is between $125 and $130 per ton delivered. The price depends on the PSI rating. The only time anyone would purchase cement in bulk will be for large and/or commercial applications. Cement is used in preparing concrete. Some examples include building a basement in a home or creating the foundation for a skyscraper. Comparing the two, 1 ton of cement is equivalent to 0.49 cubic yards.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Patterns and Stencils

Aside from stamping concrete, it is possible to have decorative concrete by creating patterns or using stencils, ranging from $40 to $100 per gallon for the stain, which is added to the cost of the concrete. In these cases, you want to wait for the fresh concrete to cure completely. Once fully cured, use a concrete stain to achieve the desired results. You can create your own stencil or purchase them. Prices vary widely based on the size and complexity of the stencils.

Wheelbarrow

If the concrete pour is too far for the truck to reach, you may need to use a wheelbarrow to move the concrete from the truck to the site of the pour, ranging from $50 to $200 for a wheelbarrow. Concrete trucks are too heavy to park on city sidewalks or lawns. The wheelbarrow allows you to avoid any damage to property, which can save you thousands in the long run. Additionally, using a few wheelbarrows helps you avoid any fees for going over the allotted 7 to 10 minute pour time per cubic yard.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Amount of water. Concrete needs to pour and move freely after it is delivered so that you can get it easily into its final position. But concrete that is too wet may also be too thin, allowing the aggregate to settle to the bottom, causing your concrete to fail. It is a good idea to discuss the project with the concrete supplier ahead of the delivery. The type of concrete, aggregate, project, distance, and amount of concrete being poured all give the mixer the information needed to ensure the concrete pours smoothly without weakening.
• Curation. Concrete needs to cure slowly to be the most stable. Ideally, it should cure over three days. It needs to be kept wet the entire time to slow the curing process. Concrete that is not properly cured can see many consequences. From not settling correctly to cracking, the negative results of improperly cured concrete do not outweigh the benefit of cutting corners on time.
• Maximum aggregate. Aggregates are the granular materials (like sand, gravel, or crushed stone) that make up one of the two main components of concrete. Industry standard is not to exceed ⅕ the narrowing inside dimension and no more than ¾ the spacing between rebars. Failure to meet the maximum aggregate requirements can result in the project not passing inspection if the project is an outdoor structure (like a driveway or garage).
• Order extra. It is always a good idea to order more concrete than you need. In the driveway example, the total was rounded from 2.44 cubic feet to 3. This is done because if you end up short, you will pay more for a second truckload. In some cases, concrete must also be poured all at once, or it will produce a “cold seam” that can weaken the structure. If this occurs, you will need to start again.
• DIY. It is possible to mix up your own concrete at home for small jobs. You can purchase the ready-mixed dry material and add water before doing the small pour from a bucket or wheelbarrow yourself. However, the right proportions must be used to achieve the right consistency. The recommended amounts include six bags per cubic yard with a maximum of six gallons of water per bag of concrete (or 36 gallons per cubic yard).
• Short load fees. Sometimes if you only need a few cubic feet, you can piggyback on a larger load. Other times, you may be subject to a short load fee, which varies depending on the company and ranges from $15 to $17 per cubic yard. In some cases (like only needing 8 cubic feet), it is more cost-effective to pay for a full load of concrete.
• Additional fees. Companies want to make the scheduling as efficient as possible so that the truck can move to a new site. It takes roughly 7 minutes a cubic yard to pour the concrete, so be sure you are ready to go when they arrive to avoid additional fees. After the 7 minutes per cubic yard expires, a waiting fee of $75 per hour is average. Additionally, to avoid large cracking, reinforcement is required. This costs $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot.
• Inclement weather conditions. If there is bad weather, you may need to postpone the delivery. Try to make these decisions as early in the day as possible to avoid additional fees.
• Travel delivery fees. If your home is particularly far from the company doing the delivery, they may raise the fuel charge on the delivery to make up for the extra costs. For those who need concrete delivered on a Saturday, an average fee of $7 to $8 per yard may be applied. Additionally, those who need concrete on a coastal island will include an average $55 per yard fee.