How much is a foot of concrete

Part of the planning process for any construction project is determining how much everything will cost. When you know the cost of precast concrete compared with poured-in-place concrete, you can be more accurate with your budget.

Many factors can affect the cost of precast concrete, such as the type of concrete and size. The complexity of your project is another contributing factor. However, don’t worry because this post will provide all the information you need in one place.

Prefabricated concrete elements are a great way to simplify your construction project, cut the time it takes to complete it, and reduce the overall cost. Another advantage of using precast concrete instead of poured concrete is that molds for precast products can be custom-made in any shape. For example, it might be architectural, decorative, structural, ornamental, big, or small.

How Much Does Precast Concrete Cost?

Being exact about how much precast concrete walls cost is difficult because there are many variables. 

Generally, you can expect a precast concrete wall to cost between $25 and $40 per square foot. You should budget between $150 and $320 per linear foot (for a piece 6’ to 8’ tall). The price of precast concrete per cubic yard ranges from $360 to $1200.

Suppliers can manufacture precast concrete structures in just about any shape. However, some shapes are more common than others. Let’s compare the costs for some of the most popular concrete projects.

Type of precast concrete product

Average price you can expect to pay

Type of precast concrete productAverage price you can expect to payFence The installed price is $15 – $40 per square foot, but it depends on the type of block being usedLight pole baseThe installed price is $500 to $900 for each pole basePanel The actual price depends on the panel, but excluding installation costs, you can expect to pay $150 to $500 for each panelBlock for a precast concrete retaining wallThe installed price is between $15 and $30 per square footSplash concrete blocksConcrete blocks cost between $10 and $40 eachSteps For a 4-foot wide step, without installation, the cost is $200Wall capsPer linear foot, the cost is between $12 and $15

Architectural Precast Concrete Cost

For precast concrete structures that are generally structural and decorative, a little more work goes into casting the pieces. Architectural precast concrete elements might include cornices or a relief design.

So how much do precast concrete panels cost? Because of the more complex casting molds and several design options, the cost per square foot of architectural precast concrete pieces varies considerably.

Precast Concrete Panels Cost

Precast concrete panels are more complex to make than precast blocks. Concrete panels typically use more concrete because they are often used as flooring and other load-bearing elements. There also tends to be more steel reinforcement which will require surface treatments. 

You can expect to pay between $450 and $750 per cubic yard. 

Precast Concrete Stairs Cost

Precast concrete stairs lend themselves very well to the entrance of a building. They are safe and attractive and relatively easy and fast to install.

The cost of precast concrete stairs starts at around $200 for each 4-foot-wide step. This price doesn’t include the cost of installation.

Precast Concrete Pole Bases

Pole bases are another popular application for precast concrete. If you include the installation cost, a light precast concrete pole base will cost between $500 and $900. The heavier the pole base, the higher the price per square foot. 

What Factors Influence the Price of Precast Concrete Products?

Shape

The shape of precast concrete is easy to modify according to a customer’s specifications. Dedicated molds are available for standard shapes. 

Molds can also be customized and made in any shape, but the more complex the shape, the higher the price per square foot. 

Dimensions

Factors such as length, height, and depth determine the total cost of a precast concrete product. Taller concrete walls mean the precast concrete contractor has to reset formwork several times while forming the precast shape. This extra work adds more time to the process and increases the labor needed and, ultimately, the price per square foot of concrete walls. 

Weight

The weight of the precast concrete product influences what additional equipment is necessary when it comes to installing it. It can also affect the price because heavier products use more materials in the casting process. 

Delivery

The concrete delivery cost is going to be affected by the factors already mentioned above. Standard precast concrete structures are easy to deliver. But the larger and more complex the precast concrete product, the more difficult and costly the delivery.

Excavation

Excavation is an additional cost you may need to cover when budgeting for your precast concrete project. For example, using precast concrete as a basement or foundation wall requires some land excavation, as do poured concrete walls or a poured concrete foundation structure. 

You can expect to pay up to $200 per cubic yard for this type of service.

Engineering Fees

Precast concrete walls are often structural. In other words, the walls support a section of land or serve as foundation walls for a house. A structural engineer must design such load-bearing structures. There is a fee to pay for this approval, between $350 and $720. 

Installation

It costs more to hire a professional to install your precast concrete products. However, if you’ve never done such installations before, you should consider hiring a professional installer. Professionals have all the correct equipment, experience, and knowledge to install your precast concrete product correctly. 

Yes. You will save money in the long run by installing it yourself. But how secure will it be, and will it need repairing or fixing in the future?

The factors that affect the cost of installation include:

  • The building materials needed, such as framing equipment
  • Delivery costs
  • Drainage is essential when a concrete wall is installed
  • Structural engineer
  • If you’re building basement walls, retaining walls, or concrete foundation walls, excavation of the area may also be necessary, which adds to the cost

Finishing

A standard concrete wall will be smooth, but this isn’t the only kind of finish available. For example, your concrete can include plastering, paneling, or stamping. All of these add more visual interest. 

Concrete finishing can cost between $4 to $18 per square foot, but it depends on the complexity of the installation. 

Design

Precast concrete can be customized to your preferences. If your budget is tight, there are standard pieces you can purchase. However, be prepared to pay more for more complex and unusual designs. 

Are There Any Other Extra Costs?

If you’re using precast panels for concrete wall construction, it may be significant enough to need a building permit. If you get a building permit, you can be sure that your concrete wall complies with local building codes. A building permit can cost as much as $2,230, but the cost depends on where you live. 

How to Get the Best Prices for Precast Concrete?

If you want to be sure you get the best prices for your precast concrete products, choose a reputable precast concrete slab supplier like Premier Precast. Yes, almost anyone can make precast concrete. But to ensure the best value, durability, and quality, you need a precast concrete supplier that meets all the relevant standards. 

Premier Precast is the only online standards-compliant Cast Stone manufacturer and certified Precast and Cast Stone manufacturer in Florida. 

We assign a project manager to every project, and they ensure complete customer satisfaction throughout the process. Our team comprises quality control technicians, in-house project supervisors, expert craftsmen, and an in-house architectural design department. Your satisfaction is our primary goal – from the moment you get in touch to post-installation.

Why Precast Concrete is Worth It

There are many advantages to using a precast concrete wall compared to a poured concrete wall, some of which can make it cheaper. 

  • Factory-made so every piece is the same 
  • Molds are reusable: multiple precast concrete wall pieces can be manufactured using the same mold.
  • Quick to erect
  • Construction has a relatively small footprint compared to a poured concrete wall.
  • Installing a concrete wall can be done whatever the weather, unlike with poured-concrete products.
  • Extremely durable
  • Able to support heavy loads
  • Fireproof and weatherproof
  • Rust and mildew resistant
  • Extremely versatile
  • Flexibility in terms of dimensions, weight, and quality 
  • Different colors available
  • A precast concrete wall saves construction time and money.
  • Concrete wall contractors’ labor costs on-site are lower than poured-concrete construction work.
  • Environmentally safe and sustainable
  • A concrete wall is low-maintenance. 

Conclusion

The cost of precast concrete walls, precast concrete steps, and other structures can vary considerably, depending on several factors. Knowing how much your precast concrete wall costs, or the cost of other precast concrete products, compared to a poured concrete wall means you’re better able to budget effectively.

FAQs

Is precast concrete cheaper than cast-in-place?

The initial cost of a precast concrete wall project compared to pouring concrete to form walls is much lower. Not only that, but it also saves money in terms of delivery and ease of installation. 

Is precast concrete cost-effective?

Precast concrete walls or other structures are cost-effective compared to onsite board-formed concrete walls or poured concrete walls. Precast-concrete-wall costs are lower for various reasons:

  • Standard molds are reusable many times.
  • Transporting precast concrete is cleaner, more efficient, and requires less labor than for wet concrete.
  • Reduces delays
  • Superior quality
  • Suitable for a variety of structure types (concrete floor, block walls, retaining walls)
  • Precast concrete is safer.
  • Prefab concrete improves energy efficiency.
  • Superior structural reinforcement

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How much is a foot of concrete

Daniel Arkin

Daniel is a graduate of Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management. Daniel has introduced several advanced production techniques as Director of Operations for Premier Precast to insure Premier Precast is always on the cutting edge with our precast concrete manufacturing. Premier Precast under Daniel pioneered the use of UHPC in the US into the manufacturing of complex agricultural shapes to be used in a buildings design.

How much concrete do I need for a 10x10 area?

Here's what the math looks like for a 10' by 10' concrete patio: 10 x 10 = 100 square feet. 4 ÷ 12 = .33. 100 x .33 = 33 cubic feet.

How much money is a yard of concrete?

The typical cost of concrete is between $110 and $165 per cubic yard on average (excluding labor cost). In addition to the price per cubic yard, you'll have to pay someone about $8 to $18 per square foot of your project to pour and install the concrete.

How thick should a concrete slab be?

Standard concrete floor slab thickness in residential construction is 4 inches. Five to six inches is recommended if the concrete will receive occasional heavy loads, such as motor homes or garbage trucks. To prepare the base, cut the ground level to the proper depth to allow for the slab thickness.

How many bags of concrete are in a 10x10 slab?

How many bags of concrete do I need for a 10×10 slab at 4 inch thick. At 4 inch thick, for a 10×10 slab, you will need either seventy four 60- pounds or fifty six 80- pounds or 112- 40- pounds bags of concrete. Thus, either 74- 60lb or 56- 80lb or 112- 40lb bags of concrete will be required for a 10×10 slab at 4″ thick ...