For those who want to carry out their home improvement project, “how much is a yard of concrete?” is a common query.
The cost of a yard of concrete in Canada is generally between $110 to more than $180.
Adding concrete to outdoor spaces has become a famous trend as it enhances the curb appeal of any space.
To estimate the price, you can use a concrete cost calculator or refer to our blog, giving you a rough idea of the cost.
So, without wasting any time, let’s discuss how much is a yard of concrete and the factors affecting it.
Read More: Lawn Care Cost: How Much Does Lawn Care Cost In Canada
How Much is a Yard of Concrete?
Most concrete producers charge between $110 and $165 per cubic yard, with the average cost of concrete being $125 nationwide.
Most homeowners spend up to $17,000 on larger concrete improvements and at least $550 on smaller ones overall.
Concrete has limitless options, such as stamped, colored, or sophisticated stains, for custom concrete installations. Your selection impacts the concrete’s price.
Top 9 Factors Affecting Concrete Cost in Canada
To get an exact answer to how much is a yard of concrete is tricky because of the multiple factors that influence the cost.
Let’s take a look at what may cause variations in the answer to how much is a yard of concrete:
1. Cost for Concrete PSI
Similar to other materials, there are various varieties of concrete, each with varying strengths.
Pounds per square inch, or psi, is used to express the strength of concrete. The range of concrete pressure is 2,500–5,000. For instance, for a concrete driveway, the standard concrete strength is around 3000 t0 4000 psi.
Concrete is more costly, and the stronger the psi, the higher the price. Unlike sidewalks, pathways, and patios, load-bearing structures like basements, driveways, and support piers usually demand a higher psi-rated concrete mix.
2. Cost of Labor
You should budget between $8 and $18 per square foot for concrete installation. This involves activities like pouring, smoothing, and setting the material in preparation for drying and hardening.
If the project’s timeframe is pushed back, you have to compensate the staff for the extra time they put in, and you have to pay for sending another vehicle to the job site. This will change the figure you calculated for how much a yard of concrete is.
3. Delivery Cost
A truck can go from site to site, delivering the appropriate amount of concrete to each customer; each batch is really separately mixed and delivered.
Most cement trucks have a capacity of 10 cubic yards for concrete. So, if the amount of concrete you order is less than that, you may have to pay a short load fee per cubic yard.
As a result, the number you may have gotten from the concrete cost calculator online may fluctuate.
4. Fuel Charges
The cost of the fuel used to deliver your concrete will be your responsibility. So, depending on that, you will get a figure for how much is a yard of concrete.
Therefore, the size of the project and the location can impact the cost of concrete.
5. Distance Between Your Home & the Provider
Before it needs to be poured, concrete can only be left in a cement truck for ninety minutes or three hundred revolutions. The answer to “How much is a yard of concrete?” may differ from what you expect, depending on your distance from the concrete provider.
6. Preparation of the Area
Your project’s ultimate cost will include labor expenses and fees related to surface preparation, as well as excavation and grading.
The area must be dug before any concrete can be placed. The cost of leveling and clearing the ground will slightly increase the total cost..
A professional may charge $2 per square foot to grade an area. To remove shrubs, trees, stones, and other unwanted substances from the area, you must add $0.5-1.55 per square foot. It is crucial to add this number to the answer you got about “how much is a yard of concrete?”.
7. Subbases
To reduce the chance of shifting, you need to place a layer of sand and gravel underneath the concrete. In Canada, the cost of subbase materials can range from $2 to $3 per square foot.
8. Forms and Molds
Since concrete is poured while still liquid, a mold or form is necessary to guarantee that the concrete settles in the proper location and shape.
To know how much is a yard of concrete, add $2 to $5 per square foot for typical wood and metal forms.
For custom plastic and reusable forms, the cost may range from $15 to over $50.
Some concrete businesses may add a waste fee of twenty percent for bracing and five to ten percent for plywood.
9. Reinforcement Concrete
Reinforcement helps with poor soil conditions and keeps the concrete from cracking.
To structurally strengthen the area, adding wire mesh to the mixture is $0.35 per square foot.
Suggestions For Using Concrete
Even if you use a concrete cost calculator, here are some important tips to remember:
- Check out local concrete prices
- Provide a safety margin.
- Generally, increase the slab’s thickness by 1/4″ to accommodate your slab concrete budget.
- Convert irregular forms into rectangles.
- Use the slab calculator to determine the amount of concrete required for the porch surface. The footing calculator calculates the porch and step sides.
- It is almost always a good idea to order exactly how much concrete you will need for your lawn. Generally, you want to add 10 to 15 percent to your order to cover potential spills while pouring, uneven subgrades, and other unforeseen circumstances. The expense of underestimating a concrete pour will always be much higher than the cost of accounting for extra concrete upfront.
- A precisely calculated concrete order will complete the project with very little leftover. Suppose you need to fill 20 cubic yards. A good order is 20 cubic yards plus one cubic yard. If you order the exact amount per the measured cubic yard, you may have a cubic yard shortage.
- When pouring concrete, time is of the essence. Thus, you face the risk of a cold joint forming where the two distinct pours do not blend together perfectly.
- In the worst situation, you may have to start over and scrape off the previously laid concrete.
Tips for Staying On a Budget
Now that you know how much is a yard of concrete, here are a few useful suggestions to help you lower the cost as much as possible:
- Make use of basic patterns and forms.
- Utilize precise project measurements to determine the precise quantity of concrete required.
- To get the best price, get estimates from multiple delivery services or concrete contractors.
- Purchase from nearby concrete companies to save money on transportation.
- For any quantity greater than one cubic yard, the best choice is to buy ready-mixed concrete from a concrete provider.
FAQs
How can I estimate how much concrete I will require?
Use this straightforward volume formula, Length × Width × Thickness, or use a concrete cost calculator online to determine how much concrete you’ll need. To gain cubic feet or meters, measure your project and multiply the measurements. To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27.
How much is cement in a yard of concrete?
Depending on the mix, a cubic yard of concrete normally comprises between 470 and 600 pounds of cement. For standard mixes, approximately 500 to 564 pounds of cement are used per cubic yard.
What is the usual concrete thickness?
Depending on its intended application, concrete has several standard thicknesses. For patios, walks, and driveways, 4 inches is the standard thickness for residential slabs. Heavy-duty driveways and garage flooring frequently need 5 to 6 inches.
How much is a 10-yard truck of concrete?
Depending on the location, type of concrete, and additional delivery fees, the average cost of a 10-yard concrete truck in Canada ranges from CAD 1,300 to $1,800. The typical price range for a cubic yard is between CAD 130 and $180.
Contact Falcons Landscaping For Durable Concrete Solutions
This was our guide on “How much is a yard of concrete in 2024”. If you want to discuss your project and get an accurate number, you can contact us anytime. Numerous factors can influence the average cost. So, our team will precisely take everything into account to give you the best quote possible.
Whether you have a small lawn or a big space, we have a history of fulfilling the needs of our customers smoothly.
No matter how complicated your project may look, we have the skills and knowledge to offer incredible results.