2026 installed prices
Most residential concrete slabs cost $6–$12 per square foot installed as of 2026. That range covers a basic 4-inch-thick slab with broom finish, including materials and labor.
Most residential concrete slabs cost $6–$12 per square foot installed as of 2026. That range covers a basic 4-inch-thick slab with broom finish, including materials and labor. At the low end, a simple patio in the Southeast runs about $6/sq ft. At the high end, a 6-inch garage floor with rebar in the Northeast reaches $12–$15/sq ft.
For a quick rule of thumb: budget $8/sq ft for an average project, and use the concrete slab cost calculator below to narrow it down for yours.
Common sizes × thickness reference prices (material and labor included)
| Size | Area | 4" Basic | 5" Driveway | 6" Garage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 | 100 sq ft | $600–$1,200 | $700–$1,300 | $800–$1,500 |
| 12×12 | 144 sq ft | $864–$1,728 | $1,008–$1,872 | $1,152–$2,160 |
| 16×16 | 256 sq ft | $1,536–$3,072 | $1,792–$3,328 | $2,048–$3,840 |
| 20×20 | 400 sq ft | $2,400–$4,800 | $2,800–$5,200 | $3,200–$6,000 |
| 20×30 | 600 sq ft | $3,600–$7,200 | $4,200–$7,800 | $4,800–$9,000 |
| 30×30 | 900 sq ft | $5,400–$10,800 | $6,300–$11,700 | $7,200–$13,500 |
| 30×40 | 1,200 sq ft | $7,200–$14,400 | $8,400–$15,600 | $9,600–$18,000 |
| 40×40 | 1,600 sq ft | $9,600–$19,200 | $11,200–$20,800 | $12,800–$24,000 |
| 40×60 | 2,400 sq ft | $14,400–$28,800 | $16,800–$31,200 | $19,200–$36,000 |
Each extra inch of thickness adds about 25% more concrete volume, so material and labor rise together. 4 inches is the residential patio standard, 5 inches is the driveway minimum for passenger vehicles, and 6 inches is the garage and heavier-use standard. For every common footprint, see our concrete slab cost by size charts. Patio-only budgets are in the patio cost guide.
Same footprint (20×20 = 400 sq ft) at different thicknesses
| Thickness | Concrete Needed | Material Cost | Total Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3" | 3.70 cu yd | $462–$648 | $2,000–$3,200 |
| 4" | 4.94 cu yd | $618–$865 | $2,400–$4,800 |
| 5" | 6.17 cu yd | $771–$1,080 | $2,800–$5,200 |
| 6" | 7.41 cu yd | $926–$1,297 | $3,200–$6,000 |
| 8" | 9.88 cu yd | $1,235–$1,729 | $4,000–$7,200 |
$6–$12/sq ft. Broom finish is the least expensive ($6–$8), stamped concrete $12–$18, and exposed aggregate $10–$15. Patios usually stay at 4 inches unless you plan to set a hot tub on the slab.
$7–$13/sq ft. Driveways cost more than patios because they need 5–6 inches of thickness plus rebar or wire mesh. A standard two-car driveway (20×50 ft) totals $7,000–$13,000.
$8–$15/sq ft. Garage slabs are the thickest residential option (6 inches or more), with a vapor barrier, rebar, and often a drainage slope.
$6–$10/sq ft. Usually 4 inches thick. Small area means a slightly higher unit rate than a patio because fixed costs are spread over fewer square feet.
US regional ranges for a 4-inch standard slab
| Region | Range ($/sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NY, MA, NJ) | $9–$14 | Highest labor; winter pours may need additives |
| West Coast (CA, WA, OR) | $8–$13 | Seismic codes often require extra reinforcement |
| Midwest (IL, OH, MI) | $6–$11 | Mid-range pricing; freeze-thaw adds long-term upkeep |
| Southeast (FL, GA, TX) | $6–$10 | Lowest labor; longer year-round pour window |
| Mountain (CO, UT, AZ) | $7–$12 | Poor soils (expansive clay) raise site prep |
Moving from 4" to 6" adds about 50% more concrete. Material and labor both rise because there is more to place, screed, and finish.
A flat, accessible yard is cheaper than a slope. Removing tree roots, breaking out old concrete, or compacting poor soil can double the site-prep line.
None is cheapest, wire mesh is the middle step, and rebar is the upgrade. Each step typically adds about $1–$3/sq ft.
Broom is the least expensive, then polished, stamped, and exposed aggregate. Decorative surfaces add $4–$12/sq ft.
A concrete pump runs $400–$900 per day. If the truck cannot reach the forms, longer pump distance raises labor.
Most cities require a permit for a slab. Budget $50–$500 depending on area and local rules.
20×20 ft, 4-inch slab
| Cost Item | DIY | Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete (5 cu yd) | $625–$875 | Included in the total |
| Gravel base | $80–$150 | Included |
| Rebar / wire mesh | $100–$250 | Included |
| Form lumber | $75–$150 | Included |
| Tool rental (mixer/float/trowel) | $100–$250 | N/A |
| Permit | $50–$300 | $50–$300 |
| Total | $1,030–$1,975 | $2,400–$4,800 |
DIY saves roughly 40–50%, but only if you already own the tools and have experience finishing concrete. A bad pour is permanent and costs more to fix than hiring a pro the first time. For the full size-by-size decision, see our DIY vs contractor comparison.
Yes, in the Southeast for a basic 4" patio slab with broom finish. Nationwide, $6/sq ft is the floor — most projects land between $8–$10/sq ft. If you are quoted below $6, verify what is excluded (likely site prep or reinforcement).
A 30×40 ft slab (1,200 sq ft) costs $7,200–$14,400 at 4" thick, or $8,400–$15,600 at 5" thick. For an exact estimate with your thickness and local price, use our concrete slab cost calculator. See the full size chart for every common footprint.
A 4-inch broom-finish patio slab with no reinforcement is the cheapest option at $6–$8/sq ft. Skip decorative finishes, pour during the contractor's slow season, and handle site prep yourself to minimize cost.
Not for small patios or shed bases (4" thick, no vehicle load). Driveways, garage floors, and any slab over 10 ft in any direction should have rebar or wire mesh reinforcement to prevent cracking.
A properly poured and cured residential slab lasts 30–50 years. Thicker slabs with rebar on well-compacted gravel bases last longest. The #1 lifespan killer is poor drainage — water under the slab causes freeze-thaw cracking.
Yes, for slabs under 200 sq ft with some prior experience. Over that, the pour-and-finish window closes too fast for one person. Read our DIY vs contractor breakdown for a full comparison.
Every project is different. Instead of guessing, plug your measurements into our free concrete slab cost calculator and get an instant breakdown by material, labor, and site prep — no email, no signup.
Prefer to run the numbers by hand first? See how to calculate concrete slab cost.
