For one, concrete can withstand many natural disasters as it is resistant to water, heat, and high winds. It also doesn’t erode, rust, rot, or weather as easily as wood or metal.

Additionally, concrete doesn’t emit any harmful gases when used and effectively mitigates the impact of urban heat islands.

This means better insulation properties, eliminating the need for heavy usage of air conditioning systems, which can increase your carbon footprint. Moreover, concrete is also sourced from common, readily available materials that can be recycled and require only minimal transport.

Because of all these advantages and more, many local homeowners and business owners tend to choose concrete as the primary material for constructing their property. For those interested in pouring a 12-by-12 concrete slab, continue reading this article for more information.

Factors That Affect the Price of Pouring Concrete

In estimating the cost of pouring a concrete slab the size of 12 by 12 feet, it is important to first understand the various factors that affect its cost. This is to ensure you won’t be surprised later on when you do commit to this type of project, especially if you plan to pour more than one layer.

That said, the factors affecting the price of a 12-by-12-foot concrete slab include the following:

Location

Location is important in determining the cost of pouring concrete, which can be poured on-site or off-site. Larger projects naturally mean that concrete should be poured on-site. This often necessitates the use of heavy equipment and machinery, such as a stationary cement mixer. Hard-to-reach places may also require the use of a pump truck, which can add around $900 to your overall cost.

Size and Thickness

Of course, the size and thickness of the concrete slab you want to pour and install will affect how much you need to spend in total. Depending on how it’s going to be used, a 12-by-12 concrete slab can be between 2 inches and 8 inches thick.

Four inches is the recommended minimum thickness for patios, sheds, and walkways inclusive of steel rebar or wire-mesh reinforcements. Garages, driveways, and parking spaces should be around 6 inches thick to withstand heavier vehicles and foot traffic.

Labor Cost

If you decide to pour the concrete by yourself, you can probably save a lot on labor costs. However, keep in mind that a DIY pour will require you to have access to power tools such as jackhammers, saws, and the like.

If you’re hiring a concrete contractor to do the job for you, labor costs will, of course, be affected by how much work needs to be done. Factors that affect this can include:
● Site prep (grading, compacting the top-grade, etc.)
● Installing reinforcements used for the concrete, such as a wire mesh
● How the concrete will be mixed (hand-mixed or with machinery)

Concrete Slab Type

The type of concrete you will use for the project will also affect the overall expenses. There are different types of concrete slabs, and, depending on their quality, you may need to pay more to have them poured and installed.

Different concrete slab types include:
● Modern or regular concrete
● High-strength concrete
● High-performance concrete
● Ultra-high-performance concrete
● Stamped concrete
● Self-consolidating concrete
● Glass concrete
● Asphalt concrete
● Permeable concrete

Finishes

Staining, stamping, and applying finishes to your thick concrete slab can affect overall costs as well. The more elaborate the design and finish, the more it will cost to complete.

Finishes can include the following with their estimated prices:
● Staining: $3.70 to $7.70 per square foot
● Stamping: $11.20 to $13.40 per square foot
● Smooth finishes: $4.50 per square foot for epoxy floor coating
● Concrete sealer: $4.50 per square foot with $86 per hour for labor

Pouring a 12-by-12 Concrete Slab

On average, some areas can cost as low as $50 for pouring a 12-by-12 slab of concrete. Otherwise, inclusive of materials and installation, a 12-by-12 patio will cost roughly $796 to $1,476 at $4 to $8 per square foot.

For a 12-by-12 slab with a 6-inch thickness, this will amount to around $888 at $6.17 per square foot. Labor costs can be pegged at $45 per hour, with a possible delivery fee of $60 for the concrete. Of course, the factors mentioned above should also be taken into consideration.

DIY vs. Hiring Pros

Now that you know the average costs of pouring a 12-by-12 slab of concrete, should you go the DIY route or hire professionals to do the job for you?

You can definitely pour concrete in your own property. While this may save on labor costs, remember that the logistics needed to make this project successful might not be feasible for a DIY job.

Aside from demolition work, edging, prep reinforcement, installation, and other steps in the process, heavy machinery is also needed to pour a 12-by-12 concrete slab.

Trucks, loaders, and cranes all require permits from the city government, which you need to secure if you’re opting for a DIY installation.

It might be easier to work with a professional concrete company since they have access to the necessary equipment, as well as training and experience that will minimize costly mistakes. Pros can also save you time and effort by doing the backbreaking work for you — swiftly and efficiently.

Save Money, Time, and Effort

It can be tempting to go the DIY route when pouring 12-by-12 concrete slabs, but this might work to your disadvantage in the long run. While it might cost a little more to hire pros like Big Easy Concrete to do the job, you’re actually saving money.

Concrete pouring and installation done by professionals mean there will be little to no mistakes and you’re sure to get top-quality concrete that won’t need repairs for years to come.

Save money, time, and effort by hiring pros like Big Easy Concrete to complete your concrete pouring project.

Get Accurate Information on Concrete Slab Pouring Costs and More

At Big Easy Concrete, we understand the importance of having a clear and accurate understanding of the cost of your concrete project. That’s why we offer detailed information on the concrete slab cost, concrete pad price, and more.

Our concrete slab pouring cost is calculated based on a variety of factors, including the location of the job site, the size and complexity of the project, and the type of concrete being used. For example, a standard concrete slab can cost anywhere from $75 to $150 per square foot, while a reinforced concrete slab may be slightly more expensive.

In addition to the cost of pouring a concrete slab, we also provide information on the concrete removal cost. This can be an important factor for those who are replacing an old or damaged concrete surface. Our team will work with you to determine the most efficient and cost-effective approach for concrete removal, ensuring that your project stays within budget.

Contact us today to learn more about our concrete slab pouring cost and to get a personalized quote for your project.

More from Big Easy Concrete

7 Ways to Find the Best Concrete Pouring Contractor

Big Easy Concrete is your go-to concrete pouring contractor in New Orleans. We’re a Louisiana-insured company ready to provide you quality.

Whether you need us for home or business, we’re dedicated to bringing you services at reasonable rates.

The durability and longevity of your driveway are essential factors to consider. Additionally, concrete pavers make great driveways because of their durability and longevity.

Our other services include curb & gutter, concrete demolition, and gunite services.

Contact us now and get your concrete pouring ready!

The reason for it is that concrete is not only the most economical, but also provides strength, durability and sustainability to the structure.

Concrete makes structures safer and last longer. Ultimately, it reduces costs by eliminating the need for reconstruction in the long run.

These are just some of the reasons why most contractors, business owners and homeowners choose concrete as a primary building material.

And as demand for concrete in construction continuously increases, finding the best local concrete job professional contractor that can cater to your needs can be a difficult task.

Hiring the right concrete pouring contractor is crucial to ensure your construction project gets done properly by experts, on time and within budget without compromising quality and structural integrity.

It can literally make or break your construction project. In order to achieve this, you must search and screen various concrete job contractors to find the right expert to achieve that high-quality work for your project or home.

This post will provide you with information on how to find the best concrete pouring contractor, and the ways on how you can find a contractor for your concrete pouring service needs.

Tips on How to Find the Best Concrete Contractor

1. Do Your Research and Educate Yourself

In order to hire the best concrete pouring contractor, make sure to learn and familiarize yourself about the job you need to be done. This is crucial in ensuring that you hire the right people for the job.

When you are knowledgeable and familiar with the needs and scope of the job, it will be easier to assess the level of competence or experience and quality of the concrete pouring contractors you meet with. But never be afraid to ask questions.

This way, you can gauge the contractor’s ability in responding to technical issues. It is also very important that the contractor explains the process and timeline to you to manage expectations.

The search for a good concrete pouring contractor can be a long and tedious process.

But with the internet, you have the world at your fingertips. So, searching on the internet is a great place to start to find a list of potential contractors in your area.

You can also ask for recommendations from people you know. For more options, you can also inquire in your local hardware store or construction materials store for recommendations.

Creating a list of potential contractors will allow you to compare pluses and minuses of each contractor and make an educated decision.

2. Look for Experience and Skills that Utilize the Right Tools

It is also important to note when hiring the right concrete service, you must consider industrial experience and equipment.

Do they have enough experience?

To ensure reliability and stability in their work, choose contractors that have been in the business for at least five years already.

During those years, concrete service workers would have gained a considerable amount of experience already to be able to provide valuable insight on your project and handle complicated technical works.

Do they have the right tools?

However, not all projects are the same and not all contract service workers have the same experiences.

You must make sure that the concrete pouring contractor you find has experience and the tools to provide services in the specific job area that you need to be done.

A qualified contractor will know how to properly finish a certain kind of job efficiently with a complete set of tools and skills gained from previous works.

This is important because the right tools can make the difference between a successful pour and a potential disaster. This will ensure that construction will run more smoothly.

3. Check and Verify Insurance

Inevitably, there will be times that things won’t turn out as planned on the job site. Concrete pouring could potentially go wrong even when nobody wants it to happen. Naturally, nobody would want to be liable for that.

Therefore, you must ensure that the contract pouring contractor that you will hire has an insurance policy that can cover your project in the event of an accident.

While you’re at it, make sure that you also verify the coverage and the specific dates of the insurance policy with the insurance provider.

4. Get Written Cost Estimates

Request for quotations from different concrete pouring contractors.
There are companies that provide consultation to assess your property and discuss your construction goals with no obligation or commitment and provide you quotations at no cost.

Once you get an idea of the specific materials, tools and manpower to be used, you will acquire a better sense of all aspects of your project’s requirements. This will help you in narrowing your choices.

5. Compare the Cost with Other Services

Once you acquire a quote for the project, compare the information you receive like start dates, job duration, inclusions and omissions. Find out if they use the same tools, materials and number of manpower.

Utilize this comparison of pluses and minuses to come up with a sound decision. So, the more quotes you get from experienced contractors, the better.

While getting the job done at a lower cost sounds ideal, you should be more concerned about the quality and efficiency of work.

You should be cautious of contractors that estimate the project at a significantly lower price than its competitors. These contractors may provide low-quality work and use poor construction tools. Remember that the goal is to get the highest quality of work done on time for the best price.

6. Make an Assessment

Before signing a contract with your chosen concrete job contractor, make sure you carefully assess costs and risks prior to completing your transaction.

In this age of modern technology, it is so easy to check a company’s background and review their past works to confirm facts and details in the job contract under consideration.

Before hiring for concrete pouring, ask potential contractors to show you their most recent portfolio related to the project you have at hand.

Most of these contractor companies have this on their website, if they have one, or in their brochures. This way, you could get an idea of the quality of their work and if it is in line with your specific needs.

Additionally, it is always advisable to ask the contractor for a list of references.

You can learn more about their operations and reliability by getting feedback from their previous clients. You should check if the final costs are close to the cost estimate they provided initially and if the project was finished on time without compromising quality. Use all your gathered information in making your best choice.

7. Always Have a Written Contract

Having a job contract in writing with all aspects of the project is something you should have before hiring a concrete pouring company. Avoid dealing with just a verbal agreement.

Make sure your contract is specific, technical and includes costs, project timeline, and payment schedule. This will ensure that you and your hired contractor are on the same page and have clear expectations.

These are some of the thighs you should do and take into consideration when you are looking for a concrete service provider to ensure quality work is done on time and within budget.

The more prepared and informed you are, the smoother the process will be for you and the contractor. Be sure to use these tips to ensure you hire the best concrete pouring contractor for your next project.

You Deserve Quality Service

Finding a professional that provides you with quality service is essential. Don’t waste money on a half-baked work and from someone who doesn’t value your requests. Contact us now to know more!

More from Big Easy Concrete

Big Easy Concrete is your go-to concrete pouring contractor in New Orleans. We’re a Louisiana-insured company ready to provide you quality.

Whether you need us for home or business, we’re dedicated to bringing you services at reasonable rates.

Our other services include curb & gutter, concrete demolition, and gunite services.