How Much Does It Cost to Pour a 12′ Square Concrete Slab?

Concrete is best known for its strength and durability, making it the material of choice for many building types. But, aside from its longevity and versatility, concrete also has other benefits that make it a popular construction material.

For one, concrete can withstand many natural disasters as it is resistant to water, heat, and high winds. It also doesn’t erode, rust, rot, or weather as easily as wood or metal.

Additionally, concrete doesn’t emit any harmful gases when used and effectively mitigates the impact of urban heat islands.

This means better insulation properties, eliminating the need for heavy usage of air conditioning systems, which can increase your carbon footprint. Moreover, concrete is also sourced from common, readily available materials that can be recycled and require only minimal transport.

Because of all these advantages and more, many local homeowners and business owners tend to choose concrete as the primary material for constructing their property. For those interested in pouring a 12-by-12 concrete slab, continue reading this article for more information.

Factors That Affect the Price of Pouring Concrete

In estimating the cost of pouring a concrete slab the size of 12 by 12 feet, it is important to first understand the various factors that affect its cost. This is to ensure you won’t be surprised later on when you do commit to this type of project, especially if you plan to pour more than one layer.

That said, the factors affecting the price of a 12-by-12-foot concrete slab include the following:

Location

Location is important in determining the cost of pouring concrete, which can be poured on-site or off-site. Larger projects naturally mean that concrete should be poured on-site. This often necessitates the use of heavy equipment and machinery, such as a stationary cement mixer. Hard-to-reach places may also require the use of a pump truck, which can add around $900 to your overall cost.

Size and Thickness

Of course, the size and thickness of the concrete slab you want to pour and install will affect how much you need to spend in total. Depending on how it’s going to be used, a 12-by-12 concrete slab can be between 2 inches and 8 inches thick.

Four inches is the recommended minimum thickness for patios, sheds, and walkways inclusive of steel rebar or wire-mesh reinforcements. Garages, driveways, and parking spaces should be around 6 inches thick to withstand heavier vehicles and foot traffic.

Labor Cost

If you decide to pour the concrete by yourself, you can probably save a lot on labor costs. However, keep in mind that a DIY pour will require you to have access to power tools such as jackhammers, saws, and the like.

If you’re hiring a concrete contractor to do the job for you, labor costs will, of course, be affected by how much work needs to be done. Factors that affect this can include:
● Site prep (grading, compacting the top-grade, etc.)
● Installing reinforcements used for the concrete, such as a wire mesh
● How the concrete will be mixed (hand-mixed or with machinery)

Concrete Slab Type

The type of concrete you will use for the project will also affect the overall expenses. There are different types of concrete slabs, and, depending on their quality, you may need to pay more to have them poured and installed.

Different concrete slab types include:
● Modern or regular concrete
● High-strength concrete
● High-performance concrete
● Ultra-high-performance concrete
● Stamped concrete
● Self-consolidating concrete
● Glass concrete
● Asphalt concrete
● Permeable concrete

Finishes

Staining, stamping, and applying finishes to your thick concrete slab can affect overall costs as well. The more elaborate the design and finish, the more it will cost to complete.

Finishes can include the following with their estimated prices:
● Staining: $3.70 to $7.70 per square foot
● Stamping: $11.20 to $13.40 per square foot
● Smooth finishes: $4.50 per square foot for epoxy floor coating
● Concrete sealer: $4.50 per square foot with $86 per hour for labor

Pouring a 12-by-12 Concrete Slab

On average, some areas can cost as low as $50 for pouring a 12-by-12 slab of concrete. Otherwise, inclusive of materials and installation, a 12-by-12 patio will cost roughly $796 to $1,476 at $4 to $8 per square foot.

For a 12-by-12 slab with a 6-inch thickness, this will amount to around $888 at $6.17 per square foot. Labor costs can be pegged at $45 per hour, with a possible delivery fee of $60 for the concrete. Of course, the factors mentioned above should also be taken into consideration.

DIY vs. Hiring Pros

Now that you know the average costs of pouring a 12-by-12 slab of concrete, should you go the DIY route or hire professionals to do the job for you?

You can definitely pour concrete in your own property. While this may save on labor costs, remember that the logistics needed to make this project successful might not be feasible for a DIY job.

Aside from demolition work, edging, prep reinforcement, installation, and other steps in the process, heavy machinery is also needed to pour a 12-by-12 concrete slab.

Trucks, loaders, and cranes all require permits from the city government, which you need to secure if you’re opting for a DIY installation.

It might be easier to work with a professional concrete company since they have access to the necessary equipment, as well as training and experience that will minimize costly mistakes. Pros can also save you time and effort by doing the backbreaking work for you — swiftly and efficiently.

Save Money, Time, and Effort

It can be tempting to go the DIY route when pouring 12-by-12 concrete slabs, but this might work to your disadvantage in the long run. While it might cost a little more to hire pros like Big Easy Concrete to do the job, you’re actually saving money.

Concrete pouring and installation done by professionals mean there will be little to no mistakes and you’re sure to get top-quality concrete that won’t need repairs for years to come.

Save money, time, and effort by hiring pros like Big Easy Concrete to complete your concrete pouring project.

Get Accurate Information on Concrete Slab Pouring Costs and More

At Big Easy Concrete, we understand the importance of having a clear and accurate understanding of the cost of your concrete project. That’s why we offer detailed information on the concrete slab cost, concrete pad price, and more.

Our concrete slab pouring cost is calculated based on a variety of factors, including the location of the job site, the size and complexity of the project, and the type of concrete being used. For example, a standard concrete slab can cost anywhere from $75 to $150 per square foot, while a reinforced concrete slab may be slightly more expensive.

In addition to the cost of pouring a concrete slab, we also provide information on the concrete removal cost. This can be an important factor for those who are replacing an old or damaged concrete surface. Our team will work with you to determine the most efficient and cost-effective approach for concrete removal, ensuring that your project stays within budget.

Contact us today to learn more about our concrete slab pouring cost and to get a personalized quote for your project.

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Big Easy Concrete is your go-to concrete pouring contractor in New Orleans. We’re a Louisiana-insured company ready to provide you quality.

Whether you need us for home or business, we’re dedicated to bringing you services at reasonable rates.

The durability and longevity of your driveway are essential factors to consider. Additionally, concrete pavers make great driveways because of their durability and longevity.

Our other services include curb & gutter, concrete demolition, and gunite services.

Contact us now and get your concrete pouring ready!