If you’re building a concrete home, you may be considering a concrete slab foundation. Slabs are one of the most popular foundation types for concrete and metal homes because of their lower cost.
Still, you can expect to spend quite a bit on your foundation, even at a lower price point. If you need a 40×60 slab, you may be wondering how much it will set you back.
Let’s take a closer look at price estimates and the cost of concrete slabs in general.
What is a Concrete Slab Foundation?
Slab foundations are large, thick slabs of concrete that are between 4” and 6” thick at the center. The edges are thicker to create extra strength around the perimeter.
This type of foundation is poured right onto the ground and all at once.
Slab foundations can have post tension cables, or they may have reinforced steel rods (rebar) for extra strength. They’re best suited for properties that have been graded and aren’t ideal for sloping sites.
40×60 Concrete Slab Prices
Like with anything else in construction, the cost of a 40×60 concrete slab will depend on your location and the current price of materials.
If you search online for prices, you’ll find a wide range of estimates:
- $3,600-$7,200
- $8,500 to $12,000
- $14,400 – $19,200
Some resources state that the national average is $5 per square foot, while others have an average price of $6 or $8 per square foot.
If you want a more accurate estimate of costs, call a few local contractors to gather some estimates. Ask for a ballpark estimate on a 40×60 slab. Compare prices to get a better feel for the average cost in your area.
Remember that cheaper isn’t always better.
When it comes to slab foundations, you don’t want to compromise on quality. Only consider contractors who are experienced and have great reputations. The last thing you want is for your foundation to fail. Foundation repairs are both costly and a nightmare to deal with.
All of the price ranges above are based on a slab that’s 6” thick. If you wanted to drop the thickness down to 4,” the cost would be slightly cheaper – just a few thousand dollars less.
Labor is another factor that will impact the cost of the slab. Again, these costs can vary from one location to another, so keep this in mind.
Keep in mind that costs are dependent on local material costs, so if prices are higher than usual due to supply chain issues or other problems, the cost may be higher.
What Do These Prices Usually Include?
Although this can vary from one company to the next, generally, these costs will include:
- 3,000 PSI concrete that’s 6” deep using 3/4″ crushed stone
- Form surrounding the slab
- A minimum of one row of rebar around the perimeter
- Fibermesh reinforcement
- Skilled labor
Make sure that you verify what the costs include when getting estimates from companies. in many cases, the price will not include:
- Permits
- The cost to prepare the gravel that will go underneath the slab
- Installing drainage
- Thickened edges for supporting more weight
- Styrofoam underneath the slab
These additional things can add a few dollars per square foot to the price, which adds up.
General Concrete Slab Pricing
According to HomeAdvisor, the cost of a concrete slab is about $6 per square foot, but prices can range from $4 to $8 per square foot with labor included.
The final cost of the slab will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Overall thickness
- The thickness of the edge
- The cost of materials
- Additional dirt work
- Radiant heat
- Subbase grading
- Reinforcement material
- Inspections and permits
What About Labor Costs?
The cost of labor will depend on your location, but generally, you can expect to spend:
- Around $45 per hour to pour the concrete. You may also have to pay a delivery fee (usually around $50-$60).
- About $2.50 per square foot for the pouring and finishing, and $2.80-$3.50+ per square foot for the concrete itself.
It’s best to call around and ask local contractors for estimates. The prices above are just ballpark estimates based on data from across the country. The cost may be higher or lower in your area.
