Ready mix concrete costs trip up nearly everyone starting a concrete project at first.
Ready mix concrete sounds simple—mix, pour, done—but the dollars behind it can slam you hard if you’re not ready.
You’re not here to play guessing games with your hard-earned cash; the last thing you need is a cost curveball knocking you flat. Your project’s too big to fumble—let’s make sure it lands solid.
Your dream project shouldn’t crack under hidden expenses—here’s what you need to know.
Mix That Weighs Heavy
The raw cost of the ready mix itself isn’t cheap, and it’s heavier than you think. It’s the heartbeat of your project—and the first place your budget can buckle.
Knowing the base cost lets you breathe easier when the bills drop. Start by actually measuring square footage, not guessing, then use the Port Aggregates concrete volume calculator.
Then, multiply your yards by your cost.
Ready mix concrete costs run $120 to $180 a cubic yard, depending on strength and slump—fancy terms for how tough and workable it is. A small patio might gulp five yards; a driveway, ten or more.
Why’s this hit so hard? Because it’s not just cement—sand, gravel, water, and muscle go into every batch. And similar to a tattoo, you get what you pay for when it comes to quality…
Delivery Costs
Delivery isn’t free, and it can bite harder than you expect.
It’s the sucker punch that catches homeowners off guard every time. This isn’t pocket change—it’s a chunk that can tip your whole project into the red if you’re not ready.
Here’s the grit.
Delivery costs for ready mix concrete typically start around $120 per yard, plus mileage if you’re outside the plant’s sweet spot. And time’s a beast—most trucks give you an hour to unload before overtime kicks in. You’re not just paying for concrete—you’re renting a ticking clock on wheels. That’s the sting that turns a “cheap” job into a budget drain.
This hits home because you’re not a pro—you’re a homeowner with a vision, not a logistics guru. You want a smooth pour, not a scramble. Knowing to plan for delivery costs gives you the power to plan the site, clear the path, and keep it quick. Call ahead, ask for the radius, and clock the distance.
The Cost of Groundwork
You’ve got the mix, the delivery’s set, and you’re itching to pour. Then you hit dirt—literally.
Groundwork preparation is the backbreaker that too many homeowners skip and regret once they’re left with a mess and an empty bank account.
Groundwork means clearing, leveling, and compacting—hours of shovel work or a $300 rental for a bobcat.
Soft soil? Add gravel—$20 a ton, maybe five tons for a small job.
Drainage off? You’re digging trenches or dropping $100 on pipe.
Get ahead of it—check the ground, stomp it firm, and layer it right. Shovel early, rent smart, and ask a pro if it’s over your head.
Add-Ons Piling Up Quick in Ready Mix Concrete Costs
You’re almost there—mix ordered, delivery locked, ground prepped.
Then the extras creep in.
Want rebar for strength? That’s $0.50 a foot—100 feet runs you $50, plus labor if you’re not bending it yourself.
Forms to hold the pour? Lumber is $2 a board, and you might need 20.
Finishing smooth? Rent a trowel for $40 or pay a guy $200.
Weather’s dicey? Add $100 for a rush pour before rain hits.
Ready mix concrete costs don’t end at the pour, and add-ons can pile up quickly.
Plan for it—ask upfront about steel, edges, and finish. Your goal is a slab that stands proud, not a scramble to cover surprises. Budget an extra 20%, talk to your contractor, don’t guess.
You’re not just buying concrete—you’re buying peace of mind, and that’s worth every penny.
Ready to take the next step? Get a ready mix quote from Port Aggregates. It’s not a sales trap—it’s your ticket to real numbers for your real project, straight from folks who’ve been mixing and pouring for decades.
