Colored concrete typically costs $180-$300 per cubic yard for ready-mix with integral pigment, before placement and finishing. The colored concrete cost per yard varies with pigment dose, concrete strength, delivery distance, order size, and whether the quote includes labor, forms, or decorative finishing.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colored ready-mix concrete | $180/yd | $230/yd | $300/yd | Concrete and standard integral color, before placement |
| Installed 4-inch patio equivalent | $800/yd | $1,150/yd | $1,500/yd | One yard covers about 81 sq ft at 4 inches |
| Integral pigment upgrade | $50/yd | $80/yd | $130/yd | Added to the base concrete price |
| Small-load or delivery charges | $75 | $150 | $300+ | Varies by supplier, distance, and order volume |
Assumptions: standard 3,000-4,000 PSI mix, ordinary access, and midrange U.S. supplier pricing; regional quotes vary.
What colored concrete costs per yard before installation
Most buyers pay about $180-$300 per cubic yard for colored concrete delivered, with $230 a practical budgeting average. This generally combines a $130-$190 base mix with a $50-$130 integral pigment charge. Higher-strength mixes, specialty colors, and distant delivery can push the material price above that range.
That per-yard figure is for concrete supply, not a completed slab. A typical 4-inch pour uses about 0.0123 cubic yard per square foot, so one yard covers roughly 81 square feet before waste. At 6 inches, coverage falls to about 54 square feet per yard. Many contractors price flatwork by square foot because excavation, forms, reinforcement, finishing, and cleanup depend on area and site conditions.
How pigment, placement, and finishing appear on a quote
Ask whether the quote separates concrete supply from labor and site preparation. The table shows common ranges for a residential placement; charges vary with access, crew minimums, and finish requirements.
| Quote item | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base concrete and pigment | $180-$300 | Per cubic yard | Strength, color dose, supplier |
| Placement and finishing labor | $4-$9 | Per sq ft | Slab size, finish, crew access |
| Base, forms, and reinforcement | $2-$6 | Per sq ft | Ground condition and design |
| Pump or difficult placement | $300-$900 | Per job | Distance from truck, access, volume |
| Sealer and surface treatment | $0.75-$2.50 | Per sq ft | Product and number of coats |
Labor estimates can be compared with a simple check: . Concrete crews commonly bill labor equivalents of about $50-$100 per worker-hour, though bids more often package the work by square foot or job. A small pour may carry a minimum charge even when it uses less than one yard.
Why slab thickness and pigment dose shift the price
Thickness changes both yardage and the area represented by each yard. A 4-inch slab takes about 1.23 cubic yards per 100 square feet; a 6-inch slab takes about 1.85 yards for the same area. Reinforcement, thicker edges, or a deeper base add material and labor beyond that estimate.
Color dosage matters too. Standard integral pigment may add $50-$130 per yard, while unusually deep or customized color can cost more because it requires a heavier dose or special batching. Ask for the specified pigment brand and dosage in pounds per yard, and confirm whether all loads use the same batch design to reduce visible color variation. A 3,000 PSI mix may be adequate for many patios; driveways often call for stronger specifications and added reinforcement, subject to local requirements.
How regional delivery and small orders affect yard prices
Ready-mix pricing commonly runs 10%-25% higher in dense coastal metros than in lower-cost rural markets, reflecting labor, fuel, plant availability, and local demand. Remote sites can also pay more even where general prices are lower if the truck travels far from the batch plant.
Suppliers often set a full-load threshold around 8-10 cubic yards. Orders below that may incur a short-load charge of roughly $75-$300 or more, depending on the supplier and shortage. A one-yard patio pour can therefore have a much higher effective material cost per yard than a large driveway order. Request the concrete rate, color surcharge, environmental or fuel fees, and short-load fee separately.
When colored concrete labor and equipment cost extra
Simple broom-finished flatwork with clear truck access is less expensive to place than stamped, exposed-aggregate, or tightly controlled decorative work. A small, accessible patio may take a crew several hours, while complex forms, hand placement, or multiple color boundaries can extend work into a full day or longer. Pumping may add $300-$900 when the truck cannot reach the pour.
Removal and disposal of old concrete are usually separate, often adding about $2-$6 per square foot depending on thickness, reinforcement, and hauling distance. Excavation, poor soil, drainage corrections, and tight access can also add substantial charges. Confirm whether the bid includes demolition, base compaction, reinforcement, control joints, cleanup, and sealer.
Ways to lower a colored patio or driveway quote
The most reliable savings come from reducing paid labor and avoiding unnecessary scope, not from under-ordering concrete. Combine pours when practical to reduce minimum charges, choose a standard pigment rather than a custom shade, and use a straightforward broom finish instead of stamping or intricate borders. Keep truck access clear and settle the slab dimensions before ordering.
Compare at least three written bids using the same thickness, PSI, pigment color and dosage, reinforcement, finish, and sealer specification. Check the yardage calculation and include a modest allowance for waste, but avoid ordering an oversized cushion without the contractor’s input. Cutting corners on base preparation or curing can lead to cracking, uneven color, or early repairs that outweigh initial savings.
Colored concrete versus surface stain for existing slabs
Integral color is mixed through fresh concrete, so it suits new pours and keeps color throughout the slab. Stain or concrete coating can change the appearance of an existing surface for about $2-$8 per square foot, depending on cleaning, repairs, product, and sealing. Those finishes do not replace damaged concrete and may require periodic resealing.
For a new 4-inch patio, a rough installed budget of $10-$18 per square foot equals about $810-$1,460 for the 81 square feet represented by one yard. That is an area-based comparison, not a standalone per-yard installation rate; demolition, grading, finish complexity, and local minimums can move the final total outside the range.