How much does a cubic yard of concrete cost?

Prices vary wildly by region, but as of 2026, you can expect to pay between $130 and $180 per cubic yard for a standard 4000 PSI mix, not including short-load or delivery fees.

Can the concrete truck drive onto my lawn to reach the backyard?

It is highly discouraged. A loaded truck weighs up to 40 tons and will easily sink into soft dirt, break underground pipes, and destroy your lawn. It is better to use wheelbarrows or hire a concrete pump truck for hard-to-reach areas.

What is air-entrained concrete?

Air-entrained concrete contains microscopic air bubbles. This is essential for outdoor slabs in cold climates because it gives any trapped water inside the concrete room to expand when it freezes, preventing the surface from flaking and cracking.

The Homeowner Guide to Ordering Ready Mix Concrete

Key facts for ordering: Ready-mix costs $125–$175 per cubic yard. Order 10% more than you calculate. Ask for 4000 PSI with air-entrainment for outdoor slabs. Request a 4–5 slump. Budget for short-load fees ($50–$150) if ordering under 4 yards.

When your DIY project graduates from a few post holes to a massive 20x20 driveway apron, mixing 150 bags of concrete by hand is no longer a viable option. It is time to call in the big trucks. However, calling a dispatcher for the first time can be intimidating. The homeowner guide to ordering ready mix concrete is designed to demystify the process so you can order like a pro.

Ordering concrete is not like ordering a pizza; there are specific terminologies, timelines, and fees you must understand to ensure a successful pour and avoid expensive mistakes. Let’s break down exactly what you need to know before you pick up the phone.

Calculating Your Cubic Yardage

Ready mix concrete is sold by the cubic yard. One cubic yard is equal to 27 cubic feet (or roughly forty-five 80lb bags).

Before you call the concrete plant, you must know exactly how many yards you need. Use our Concrete Calculator to input your project dimensions. Crucial Step: Always add a 10% waste factor to your final volume. If you need exactly 3 yards, order 3.5 yards. Running out of concrete while the truck is driving away is a disaster.

Choosing the Right PSI Mix

The dispatcher will ask what “mix” or “PSI” (Pounds per Square Inch) you want. This refers to the compressive strength of the cured concrete.

2500 - 3000 PSI: Good for basic footings, fence posts, and non-load-bearing garden walls.
3500 - 4000 PSI: The standard for residential slabs, patios, and sidewalks.
4500 - 5000+ PSI: Required for heavy-duty driveways, RV parking pads, or regions with severe freeze-thaw cycles.

When in doubt, a 4000 PSI mix with air entrainment (microscopic air bubbles that prevent cracking in cold weather) is the safest choice for exterior homeowner projects.

Understanding the “Slump”

“Slump” is a measure of how wet and workable the concrete is, measured on a scale from 1 to 10.

A slump of 1 or 2 is very dry, stiff, and hard to push around.
A slump of 8 is very wet, soupy, and weak.

For standard patios and driveways, ask for a 4 to 5 slump. This gives you a mix that is wet enough to easily screed and float, but dry enough to maintain its structural integrity and strength. If the concrete arrives too stiff, you can ask the driver to add a little water, but be careful—too much water ruins the concrete.

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Concrete delivery isn’t just the price per yard. Be aware of these common surcharges:

Short Load Fee: Concrete trucks hold up to 10 yards. If you only order 2 or 3 yards, the company loses money on the trip, so they charge a “short load” fee (often $50 to $150).
Unloading Time: You usually get 5 to 7 minutes of free unloading time per yard. If you take an hour to wheelbarrow 3 yards to your backyard, you will be charged standby fees (often $1 to $2 per minute over the limit).
Weekend/After Hours: Pouring on a Saturday? Expect a premium surcharge per yard.

Preparing for Delivery Day

A fully loaded concrete truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds. It will crack your existing driveway, break sidewalks, and crush sprinkler lines if you aren’t careful.

Clear the Path: Remove cars, bikes, and debris. Ensure there are no low-hanging tree branches or power lines.
Have Your Crew Ready: You cannot pour and finish a truckload of concrete alone. Have at least three able-bodied friends with wheelbarrows, shovels, and rubber boots ready before the truck arrives.
Washout Area: The truck driver MUST wash the chute out before leaving. Designate a small, contained area in your yard (like a plastic kiddie pool or a dirt pit lined with plastic) for them to dump the washout water.

Conclusion

Ordering ready-mix concrete is a major milestone for any DIYer. By understanding the homeowner guide to ordering ready mix concrete, calculating your yardage accurately, and preparing your site for a massive truck, you can execute a professional-level pour at a fraction of the cost of hiring a contractor.

Don’t call the dispatcher guessing at your measurements! Verify your exact yardage right now using our Concrete Yardage Calculator.