1 cubic yard of concrete covers: 81 sq ft at 4" thick, 65 sq ft at 5" thick, or 54 sq ft at 6" thick. Standard patios use 4" thickness; driveways need 5-6".

It takes approximately: 90 bags of 40 lb mix, 60 bags of 60 lb mix, or 45 bags of 80 lb mix to make 1 cubic yard. Bagged concrete is best for small projects under 0.5 yd³.

Ready-mix trucks deliver minimum 1 cubic yard. For projects under 1 yd³, bagged concrete is often more economical. For 1+ yd³, ready-mix saves significant labor and time.

Wet concrete weighs about 150 lbs per cubic foot, or 4,050 lbs per cubic yard. A 60 lb bag makes 0.45 cubic feet. Plan for heavy lifting or mechanical assistance.

Double-check all measurements before ordering. Measure length and width at multiple points since areas are rarely perfectly rectangular.

Always order 5-10% more than calculated. Concrete is lost to spillage, uneven subgrade, and spreading beyond forms. Running short mid-pour is costly.

Most ready-mix companies have minimum orders (usually 1 yd³) and charge short-load fees for partial loads. Call ahead to understand pricing.

Ready-mix concrete begins setting within 90 minutes. Have all forms, reinforcement, and helpers ready before the truck arrives. Weather matters too—avoid extreme heat or cold.

Hot weather accelerates curing; cold weather slows it. Ideal pouring temperature is 50-75°F. Adjust water or additives for extreme conditions.

Standard concrete is 3,000-4,000 PSI. Driveways and heavy-load areas benefit from 4,000+ PSI. Higher PSI costs more but provides durability.

Compact soil and add 2-4" of gravel base for drainage. A solid, level base prevents cracking and settling. Use string lines to ensure forms are level.

Use 2x4 or 2x6 lumber staked every 2-3 feet. Coat forms with release oil for easy removal. Ensure forms are level and at the correct height.

Follow package directions for water ratio. Over-watered concrete is weak. Mix until uniformly gray with no dry pockets. A wheelbarrow or mixer works for small batches.

Pour concrete immediately after mixing. Use a shovel or rake to spread evenly. Tap forms to remove air bubbles. Work quickly—you have 15-20 minutes before setting begins.

Use a straight 2x4 to screed (level) the surface. Then use a bull float to push aggregate down and bring cream to the surface. Don't overwork the surface.

Keep concrete moist for 7 days by misting or covering with plastic. Proper curing prevents cracking and increases strength by up to 50%. Don't let it dry too fast.

6x6 W1.4/W1.4 welded wire mesh is standard for slabs. Place on chairs or pull up into the middle third of the slab thickness. Prevents surface cracking.

#3 or #4 rebar (3/8" or 1/2") in a 12-18" grid pattern for driveways and heavy-load areas. Essential for footings and structural concrete. Overlap bars 24" at joints.

Synthetic fibers mixed into concrete reduce plastic shrinkage cracking. Often used in addition to wire mesh. Follow manufacturer dosing instructions.

Cut or tool control joints every 8-12 feet (or 2-3x the slab thickness in feet). Joints should be 1/4 the slab depth. These control where cracks occur.

Ready-mix concrete costs $100-$150 per cubic yard for standard mix. High-strength, fiber-reinforced, or colored concrete costs more. Delivery fees add $50-$150.

80 lb bags cost $4-$6 each, making bagged concrete $180-$270 per cubic yard (45 bags). Economical only for very small projects—labor is significant.

Ready-mix trucks charge $1-$3 per minute after a grace period (usually 5-7 minutes per yard). Have crews ready to unload quickly.

Ordering less than the minimum (usually 5-10 yd³) incurs fees of $25-$50 per yard under minimum. Sometimes buying extra is cheaper than the fee.

DIY concrete slabs cost $3-$6 per sq ft (materials only). Professional installation runs $8-$15 per sq ft including labor, forms, finishing, and cleanup.

A 10x10 ft patio (4" thick) needs ~1.25 yd³: Ready-mix ~$150 + delivery. Bags (57x 80lb) ~$250. For small jobs, consider ready-mix short loads vs. many bags.