A 14×20 concrete slab covers 280 square feet and typically costs $2,240-$4,200 for a basic, professionally installed residential slab. Thickness, site preparation, reinforcement, concrete delivery access, and local labor rates can push the price higher or lower.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed 14×20 slab | $1,680 | $3,220 | $5,600 | About $6-$20 per sq ft, depending on scope |
| Standard 4-inch concrete | $1,120 | $1,540 | $1,960 | Concrete material only, about $4-$7 per sq ft |
| Site preparation | $300 | $800 | $1,800 | More if excavation or grading is needed |
What a 280-square-foot slab usually costs installed
For a straightforward 14×20 slab, a common quote is $2,240-$4,200, or approximately $8-$15 per square foot. That range generally assumes a 4-inch slab, ordinary residential access, basic forms, a prepared and compacted base, and a standard broom finish. A simple slab at the low end may need little grading, while a higher quote can include stronger reinforcement, more base work, or expensive local labor.
Small projects do not always price strictly by area. Concrete delivery, crew mobilization, forming, and finishing create minimum charges, so a 280-square-foot pour may cost more per square foot than a larger driveway. Assumptions: U.S. residential project, standard ready-mix concrete, normal access, and no major demolition. A practical starting budget is about $3,200 before unusual site work or decorative finishes.
How concrete, labor, and base work shape the quote
Contractors typically combine material, crew time, equipment, and preparation in one estimate. The amounts below are planning ranges for a standard 4-inch slab; some quotes group several tasks together, so they are not necessarily separate line items.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete and delivery | $1,120 | $1,540 | $1,960 |
| Labor and finishing | $800 | $1,300 | $2,000 |
| Base, grading, and forms | $300 | $650 | $1,400 |
| Reinforcement and joints | $100 | $250 | $550 |
| Equipment or disposal | $0 | $250 | $900 |
Labor commonly accounts for a substantial portion of the total, especially when the crew must move concrete by wheelbarrow or correct uneven ground. Ask whether the quote includes excavation, gravel compaction, reinforcement, control joints, and cleanup.
Thickness, reinforcement, and access change the 14×20 price
A 4-inch slab is a common choice for patios and many light-duty uses. A 5- or 6-inch slab uses more concrete and may require heavier reinforcement; the extra thickness can add roughly $1-$4 per square foot, depending on the design and local rates. Vehicle loads, soil conditions, and building plans can call for specifications beyond a basic patio slab.
For a 280-square-foot pour, a 4-inch slab takes about 3.5 cubic yards of concrete before allowing for waste; a 6-inch slab takes about 5.2 cubic yards. Small-load fees or a short-load delivery charge may apply if the supplier’s minimum is above the order. Difficult access, steep slopes, or a long pump-hose run can add hundreds of dollars. Confirm slab thickness and delivery method in writing rather than comparing only the total price.
Save money by controlling excavation and finish choices
Site work can be the largest controllable expense after labor. If the area is already level and stable, a contractor may need less excavation, fill, and grading. Removing old concrete, roots, or soft soil can add $3-$8 per square foot in demanding conditions, though disposal and access affect the final charge.
A basic broom finish is usually less costly than stamped, colored, exposed-aggregate, or polished concrete. Get separate prices for decorative options, sealing, and upgraded reinforcement. Comparing at least three local, itemized quotes can reveal whether one contractor has included base preparation or disposal that another has excluded. Keeping the footprint, finish, and thickness appropriate to the intended use helps avoid paying for unnecessary upgrades.
Concrete delivery and removal can add separate charges
Ready-mix concrete is often priced by cubic yard, with material and delivery commonly totaling about $125-$225 per cubic yard before project-specific fees. A 4-inch 14×20 slab needs approximately 3.5 cubic yards, but ordering quantities depend on the finished thickness, base shape, and waste allowance. Suppliers may add charges for short loads, waiting time, weekend service, or a truck that cannot reach the pour location.
If an existing slab must be removed, demolition and hauling can add approximately $2-$6 per square foot for accessible concrete. Thick, reinforced, or hard-to-reach slabs may cost more. Pump rental can add roughly $500-$1,200 when trucks cannot discharge near the forms. Request delivery, pump, and disposal fees as distinct quote items.
Three 14×20 slab quotes show the scope difference
These examples illustrate how the same 280-square-foot footprint can produce different totals. They assume typical residential work, not engineered commercial or structural slabs.
| Example scope | Rate basis | Estimated total | What is included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level backyard patio | $8-$10 per sq ft | $2,240-$2,800 | 4-inch pour, basic base, broom finish |
| Reinforced patio with grading | $11-$15 per sq ft | $3,080-$4,200 | Compacted gravel, mesh or rebar, joints |
| Removal and difficult access | $16-$24 per sq ft | $4,480-$6,720 | Old slab removal, hauling, extra handling |
These are comparison ranges, not fixed bids; local concrete rates, finish requirements, and soil conditions matter. Check that each quote describes the same thickness, reinforcement, preparation, and cleanup before choosing the lowest figure.
Labor time and crew size affect small-slab pricing
A typical crew of three to five workers may spend one to two days on a simple slab, including forming, placing, and finishing; excavation or removal can add another day or more. Concrete placement itself may take only a few hours, but it requires coordinated delivery and prompt finishing. Contractors may price the job as a fixed project rather than disclose hourly labor rates.
For a reasonableness check, some concrete labor rates fall around $50-$100 per worker-hour, varying by market and specialty. Weather, scheduling, and curing requirements can affect when the slab is poured and used. Ask how many crew members and workdays are included, particularly when a quote is substantially lower than others.
Regional labor rates shift the installed slab budget
Pricing in lower-cost rural markets may run about 10%-20% below a national-style estimate, while major metro areas and high-cost coastal markets can be 15%-30% higher. Differences reflect labor, delivery distance, permitting practices, and contractor availability, not just concrete prices. Remote locations can also pay more when ready-mix plants are far away.
Some basic patios do not require a permit, but rules vary by city and by whether the slab supports a structure, changes drainage, or lies near a property line. Permit or inspection charges may range from $0 to several hundred dollars where applicable. Check local requirements and drainage rules before accepting a quote that excludes permits or grading details.