Prices for five yards of concrete typically reflect the base material cost plus delivery, labor, and finishing. This article breaks down the cost drivers and provides realistic low, average, and high ranges in USD for a typical residential pour.
Assumptions: standard ready-mix concrete, Midwest to Southeast delivery radius, normal access, and no specialty additives.
Cost Breakdown for 5 Cubic Yards of Ready-Mix Concrete
Expect the total to range from roughly $1,250 to $2,000 for a five-yard pour. This includes the concrete itself, delivery, and basic placement, with variations based on mix strength and regional rates. A typical five-yard pour covers about 90-100 square feet at a 4-inch thickness.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete (5 yd3) | $560 | $850 | $1,150 | Typical $110-$175 per yd3 |
| Delivery Fee | $100 | $150 | $300 | Fuel and regional charges |
| Labor & Placement | $200 | $350 | $600 | Tools, screeding, finishing |
| Finishing & Edging | $100 | $150 | $300 | Bulls, trowels, edging |
| Forms & Prep | $30 | $60 | $120 | Form setup, joints |
| Permits/Fees | $0 | $20 | $100 | Varies by jurisdiction |
Material Costs: Concrete Mix Price Per Yard
The concrete mix price per yard typically drives most of the cost. For standard 4,000 psi concrete, expect $110-$175 per yd3 depending on region and supplier, with higher-strength or specialty mixes priced higher. Five yards multiply this baseline, so material cost commonly lands in the $550-$875 range before add-ons.
Concrete price per yard can vary by admixtures, travel distance, and minimum order requirements.
Delivery and Setup Fees for a Five-Yard Pour
Delivery charges can differ by distance and access. In dense urban areas or long-haul deliveries, fees may reach $200-$300, while nearby rural deliveries might stay around $100-$150. For a typical residential site, factor $100-$180 for delivery with basic unload and placement assistance.
Delivery windows and surge charges during peak season can alter the final bill.
Labor and Equipment to Place Five Cubic Yards
Placement labor and equipment rental form a sizeable portion of the quote. Expect 2-4 hours of crew time for a standard slab, plus equipment like a wheelbarrow, chute, and a light vibrator. Labor rates commonly run $60-$125 per hour per crew member, with a two-person crew typical for small residential pours.
Mini-excavation or grinding prep adds to both time and cost if the area is compact or requires rework.
Regional Price Variations for Concrete Delivery
Prices shift by region and market activity. In the Northeast and West Coast, concrete can run higher due to transport costs and supplier competition, while the Southeast and Midwest might be near the lower end. Typical regional spreads for five yards range from $1,200 to $2,100 overall, influenced by local demand, taxes, and contractor margins.
Additional Costs: Forms, Reinforcement, and Finishing
Extras like forms, rebar, and finishing touches add up quickly. A basic wooden form setup may cost $30-$60, while steel reinforcement adds $0.75-$1.50 per linear foot of rebar installed. Finishing touches such as broom finish or smooth trowel can add $0.10-$0.25 per sq ft depending on texture and quality expectations.
Crack control joints and sealant are recommended on larger slabs and may add several hundred dollars to the project.
How to Reduce the Price on a Five Yard Concrete Job
Smart scope choices can cut costs without compromising safety. Consider standard slump, avoid specialty mixes, reduce unnecessary forms, and combine pours with nearby projects to secure better delivery rates. Scheduling during non-peak times and using the same supplier for multiple materials can yield price breaks of 5-15% in some markets.
Quick Quote Example for a Five Yard Pour
A representative quote might look like this for a simple slab in a suburban area. Concrete $5,500, Delivery $150, Labor $350, Finishing $150, Forms $60, Permits $0, Total $2,210.
Use a quick formula: to estimate future quotes with your exact numbers.
Cost Components Table for Five Yards
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (5 yd3 concrete) | $560 | $850 | $1,150 | Typical $110-$175/yd3 |
| Delivery | $100 | $150 | $300 | Depends on distance |
| Labor & Placement | $200 | $350 | $600 | Includes spreading and leveling |
| Finishing & Edging | $100 | $150 | $300 | Texturing options vary |
| Forms & Prep | $30 | $60 | $120 | Joints and support |
| Permits | $0 | $20 | $100 | Local codes vary |
| Subtotal | Approximate project total |