Crushed concrete prices vary by weight, volume, and location, with common ranges reflecting delivery, preparation, and material quality. This guide breaks down what buyers typically pay, including per-ton, per-yard, and per-square-foot pricing to help set a realistic budget for projects of any size.
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard recycled material, normal site access, and typical delivery distances.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (crushed concrete) | $8/ton | $14/ton | $25/ton | Delivered material, base grade |
| Per-yard cost | $12/yd^3 | $20/yd^3 | $35/yd^3 | Variations by moisture and density |
| Delivery charges | $50 | $150 | $400 | Distance-based fee |
| Site prep (grading, compaction) | $200 | $600 | $1,500 | Depends on area and access |
| Equipment rental (if needed) | $0 | $50 | $300 | From mini-excavator to roller |
Typical Crushed Concrete Price By Weight And Volume
Crushed concrete often costs $8-$25 per ton, with contractors providing 14-35 dollars per cubic yard depending on density and moisture. For small jobs, consider per-square-foot pricing when used as a base, commonly $0.50-$1.50 per square foot at typical thickness. Understanding both weight- and volume-based quotes helps compare bids across suppliers.
Assumptions: delivery within a 20-40 mile radius, standard footings, and typical lead times.
Cost Components In A Crushed Concrete Project
| Category | Low | Average | High | Scope Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $8/ton | $14/ton | $25/ton | Crushed concrete from recycled aggregate |
| Labor | $0 | $60/hr crew | $110/hr crew | Delivery, spreading, compaction |
| Delivery/Distance | $50 | $150 | $400 | Based on mile band |
| Site prep | $200 | $600 | $1,500 | Grading, dust control, edges |
| Equipment | $0 | $50 | $300 | Roller, mini excavator if needed |
| Permits/Fees | $0 | $50 | $500 | Local permit or haul permit if required |
What Drives The Final Crushed Concrete Quote
Distance to the quarry or recycled plant, material quality, and job size are the largest drivers. Longer haul adds delivery costs; larger areas require more material and compaction, pushing price upward. A 10- to 20-yard project typically sees lower per-ton costs than a 100-yard base.
Assumptions: standard compaction criteria, non-hazardous site conditions, and no special drainage concerns.
Strategies To Cut Crushed Concrete Spending
Control scope by matching thickness to need and avoiding over-application. Use the minimum recommended depth for base or sub-base layers, and combine deliveries with other projects to reduce trips. Choosing a lower-density material or splitting shipments can trim costs without sacrificing performance.
Assumptions: typical residential driveway or parking area, 4-6 inch base depth.
Regional Price Variations And Access Considerations
Regional differences can shift costs by 20-40% based on urban versus rural markets. Access limitations, fuel prices, and local demand shape final bids. In some regions, recycled concrete may be more readily available, narrowing the price gap.
Assumptions: standard access with a typical dump truck, no restricted delivery hours.
Delivery, Disposal, And Preparation Fees
Delivery costs and disposal options can dominate the quote for small jobs. If the site has limited access, offloading may require additional equipment or labor, increasing price. Prepping the site with grading or edge restraints adds to the total but improves performance.
Assumptions: level site, clear path for trucks, no weather-related delays.
Concrete Type, Availability, And Project Scope
Availability of local recycled concrete and chosen fraction size affect price. Finer fractions or specialty sizes may fetch higher per-ton rates. For larger projects, negotiating a bulk price with a single supplier often yields the best value.
Assumptions: standard 1-2 inch minus crushed concrete, typical grading spectrum.
Example Quotes For Common Projects
Example: 20 yards of 1-1.5 inch crushed concrete base with delivery within 25 miles totals about $1,000-$2,300. Example pricing: materials $240-$420 per load, delivery $60-$180, site prep $200-$600, equipment $0-$120.
Assumptions: residential driveway base, 4-6 inch depth, normal compaction, no permits required.