With concrete prices rising 15-20% annually and spring booking season approaching, understanding how much is concrete per yard in Los Angeles has never been more critical. Acting now for winter and early spring projects can save homeowners $500-1,500 compared to peak summer pricing, when demand from commercial projects and residential renovations reaches its zenith.
Los Angeles concrete contractors currently charge between $52.35 and $87.25 per hour for labor, significantly higher than the Bureau of Labor Statistics base wage of $34.90 per hour. This difference reflects essential business costs including liability insurance, city licensing requirements, specialized equipment, and California’s stringent regulatory compliance expenses.
Understanding Concrete Pricing Per Cubic Yard
How much is a cubic yard of concrete depends on multiple factors specific to Los Angeles’s unique market conditions. Ready-mix concrete typically costs $120-$150 per cubic yard for standard 3,000 PSI mix, while high-strength mixes required for earthquake-prone areas command $160-$200 per cubic yard.
The total installed cost includes material, delivery, labor, and finishing work. In neighborhoods like Beverly Hills or Manhattan Beach, expect premium pricing due to access challenges and stricter HOA requirements. Conversely, areas like San Fernando Valley or East Los Angeles may offer more competitive rates due to contractor availability.
| Project Type | Material Cost/Yard | Labor Cost/Yard | Total Cost/Yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Slab | $120-$140 | $80-$120 | $200-$260 |
| Stamped Concrete | $140-$160 | $120-$180 | $260-$340 |
| Structural/Foundation | $150-$180 | $100-$150 | $250-$330 |
Los Angeles’s semi-arid climate with summer highs of 77°F creates ideal curing conditions, but contractors often add calcium chloride accelerators during cooler months when temperatures drop to 54.8°F, adding $5-$10 per yard to material costs.
Calculating Concrete Costs Per Square Foot
How much is a square foot of concrete varies dramatically based on thickness requirements. Standard residential applications use 4-inch thick slabs, requiring 0.012 cubic yards per square foot. At current Los Angeles pricing, this translates to:
- Basic concrete slab: $2.40-$3.12 per square foot
- Decorative finishes: $3.12-$4.08 per square foot
- Stamped or colored concrete: $4.00-$6.50 per square foot
Driveways in hillside communities like Hollywood Hills or Bel Air often require 6-inch thickness due to soil conditions, increasing costs by 50%. Foundation work mandated by Los Angeles building codes typically uses 8-12 inch thickness, substantially impacting per-square-foot calculations.
Professional landscaper services often coordinate with concrete contractors for integrated hardscape projects, potentially reducing overall project costs through bundled scheduling.
Small Project Considerations: Bagged Concrete Analysis
How many bags of concrete per fence post represents a common homeowner question for small DIY projects. Standard fence posts require 2-3 bags of 80-pound concrete mix, costing $4.50-$6.00 per bag at Los Angeles retailers.
For projects requiring fewer than 2 cubic yards, bagged concrete often proves more economical than ready-mix delivery, which carries minimum order requirements and $150-$200 delivery charges within the Los Angeles basin.
| Bag Size | Coverage | Cost per Bag | Cost per Cubic Foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60-lb | 0.45 cu ft | $3.50-$4.25 | $7.78-$9.44 |
| 80-lb | 0.60 cu ft | $4.50-$6.00 | $7.50-$10.00 |
| 90-lb | 0.68 cu ft | $5.25-$7.00 | $7.72-$10.29 |
However, how much is a bag of cement alone (Portland cement) costs $12-$15 per 94-pound bag, requiring sand and aggregate additions that often make ready-mix more economical for projects exceeding 1 cubic yard.
Local Permits and Regulatory Requirements
Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety requires permits for most concrete work exceeding basic maintenance. Permit costs range from $200-$800 depending on project scope:
- Driveways and walkways: $200-$350
- Patios and slabs over 200 sq ft: $300-$500
- Foundation work: $500-$800
- Commercial applications: $800-$2,000+
Seismic safety requirements mandate specific concrete strengths and reinforcement schedules. Projects in liquefaction zones, common in areas like Santa Monica or parts of Hollywood, require specialized engineering, adding $1,500-$3,500 to project costs.
Contractors must carry minimum $1 million liability insurance and maintain current CSLB licensing. These regulatory requirements contribute significantly to the hourly rate difference between worker wages ($34.90/hour) and what homeowners pay ($52.35-$87.25/hour).
Getting and Comparing Multiple Quotes
Effective quote comparison requires standardized specifications. Request quotes including:
- Concrete strength specifications (PSI rating)
- Thickness and reinforcement details
- Finish type and color options
- Permit acquisition responsibility
- Timeline and weather contingencies
- Warranty terms and duration
Obtain minimum three quotes from licensed contractors. Quotes varying more than 25% often indicate different scope interpretations or quality levels. Extremely low bids may reflect unlicensed operators or substandard materials.
Reputable contractors provide detailed breakdowns separating material, labor, permits, and additional services. This transparency allows accurate comparison and identifies potential hidden costs.
Professional Installation vs DIY: Honest Assessment
DIY concrete work suits small projects under 50 square feet, such as stepping stones or small repairs. However, Los Angeles’s building codes and seismic requirements make professional installation advisable for structural work.
DIY Advantages:
- Material cost savings of 40-60%
- Flexible scheduling
- Personal satisfaction
Professional Advantages:
- Proper permits and inspections
- Seismic code compliance
- Equipment access (mixers, screeds, finishing tools)
- Warranty protection
- Insurance coverage
Tool rental costs in Los Angeles range from $150-$300 daily for concrete mixers and finishing equipment. Factor these expenses when calculating DIY savings.
Projects requiring coordination with plumber services for utility integration typically mandate professional installation to ensure proper scheduling and code compliance.
Maintenance Strategies for Long-term Cost Control
Los Angeles’s climate creates unique concrete maintenance challenges. UV exposure and occasional freeze-thaw cycles in mountain-adjacent areas like Pasadena require proactive care:
Annual Maintenance:
- Surface sealing every 2-3 years: $0.50-$1.25 per square foot
- Crack repair: $3.00-$8.00 per linear foot
- Stain removal: $1.50-$3.50 per square foot
Preventive Measures:
- Proper drainage installation during initial construction
- Regular cleaning to prevent staining
- Prompt repair of minor cracks before water infiltration
Neglected maintenance can necessitate complete replacement, costing 3-5 times more than preventive care. Even seemingly unrelated services like pet groomer services recommend sealed concrete for easy cleanup in pet areas.
Critical Questions Before Hiring
Interview potential contractors thoroughly:
- Licensing verification: Confirm active CSLB license and Los Angeles business permit
- Insurance documentation: Request certificates showing current liability and workers’ compensation coverage
- Local references: Seek recent projects in similar neighborhoods
- Timeline specifics: Understand weather delays and scheduling flexibility
- Change order procedures: Clarify cost adjustment processes
- Cleanup responsibility: Define site restoration expectations
Verify contractor familiarity with local soil conditions and seismic requirements. Los Angeles’s diverse geography requires specific expertise for hillside, coastal, and valley installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is concrete per yard in Los Angeles?
Ready-mix concrete in Los Angeles costs $120-$180 per cubic yard for materials, with total installed costs ranging $200-$340 per cubic yard depending on project complexity. Basic residential slabs average $200-$260 per yard installed, while decorative applications reach $260-$340 per yard. Delivery minimums typically require 1-2 yard orders, with smaller quantities requiring bagged concrete alternatives.
How much is a cubic yard of concrete including delivery?
A cubic yard of concrete including delivery costs $150-$200 for standard mixes in Los Angeles. Delivery charges range $75-$125 within the city limits, with premium pricing for difficult access locations. Minimum delivery requirements typically start at 1 cubic yard, though some suppliers offer half-yard minimums for $50-$75 additional charges. Weekend and rush deliveries add 15-25% to standard pricing.
How many bags of concrete per fence post are needed?
Fence posts typically require 2-3 bags of 80-pound concrete mix, depending on post size and soil conditions. Standard 4x4 posts in normal soil need 2 bags, while 6x6 posts or sandy soil conditions require 3 bags. Each 80-pound bag costs $4.50-$6.00 in Los Angeles, making the concrete cost per post $9.00-$18.00. Factor additional costs for tools and post-hole digging equipment rental.
How much is a square foot of concrete installed?
Installed concrete costs $2.40-$6.50 per square foot in Los Angeles, varying by thickness and finish type. Basic 4-inch slabs average $2.40-$3.12 per square foot, while decorative stamped concrete reaches $4.00-$6.50 per square foot. Thicker applications for driveways or structural requirements increase costs proportionally. Permit fees add $0.25-$1.50 per square foot depending on project size and location requirements.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.