How much is concrete per yard in Charlotte? If you’re planning a driveway, patio, or foundation project, you’re looking at $150-$200 per cubic yard for delivered ready-mix concrete, plus $36-$60 per hour for professional installation. Here’s what you need to know about concrete costs in the Queen City before you start your project.
Charlotte’s concrete market reflects our booming construction industry and steady population growth. With neighborhoods like Myers Park getting high-end stamped concrete patios and new developments in South End requiring extensive foundation work, prices have stabilized at the higher end of regional averages.
How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Concrete Cost?
Ready-mix concrete delivery in Charlotte runs $150-$200 per cubic yard, depending on the mix design and delivery distance. Standard 3,000 PSI residential concrete sits at $165 per yard, while high-strength 4,000 PSI concrete for driveways costs $185 per yard.
Here’s the breakdown by concrete type:
| Concrete Type | Cost Per Yard | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 3,000 PSI | $150-$170 | Sidewalks, patios |
| High-strength 4,000 PSI | $175-$190 | Driveways, garage floors |
| Fiber-reinforced | $185-$200 | Heavy-duty applications |
| Colored concrete | $200-$250 | Decorative projects |
Most suppliers require a minimum order of 1 cubic yard, though some Charlotte companies will deliver half-yard loads for $50-$75 extra. Delivery within 20 miles of the batch plant is typically included, but expect $3-$5 per mile beyond that radius.
Understanding Square Foot Concrete Pricing
When contractors quote projects, they often price by square foot rather than cubic yards. For standard 4-inch thick residential concrete in Charlotte, expect $8-$15 per square foot installed, including materials and labor.
The pricing breakdown looks like this:
| Project Type | Cost Per Sq Ft | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic concrete slab | $8-$10 | Standard gray, broom finish |
| Decorative concrete | $12-$18 | Stamping, coloring, patterns |
| Premium finishes | $18-$25 | Exposed aggregate, custom work |
A typical 12x20 foot patio (240 square feet) would cost $1,920-$3,600 installed. The wide range reflects Charlotte’s diverse market - from basic contractor work in University City to high-end decorative concrete in Dilworth.
Concrete Bag Calculations for DIY Projects
For smaller projects like fence posts, bagged concrete makes more sense than ready-mix delivery. Standard 80-pound bags cost $4-$6 each at Charlotte home improvement stores, with each bag yielding about 0.6 cubic feet of concrete.
Here’s how many bags of concrete per fence post you’ll need:
| Post Size | Hole Depth | Bags Needed | Cost Per Post |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4x4 fence post | 2 feet | 2-3 bags | $8-$18 |
| 6x6 fence post | 2.5 feet | 4-5 bags | $16-$30 |
| Gate post (heavy) | 3 feet | 6-8 bags | $24-$48 |
Fast-setting concrete costs $1-$2 more per bag but eliminates mixing water and reduces setting time from 24 hours to 30 minutes - worth it for fence work in Charlotte’s humid summers.
Best Timing for Charlotte Concrete Projects
Charlotte’s subtropical climate creates distinct seasons for concrete work. The ideal months are March through May and September through November, when temperatures stay between 50-80°F and humidity is manageable.
Summer concrete pours require extra care due to our 90°F+ temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms. Contractors often start at 6 AM to beat the heat, which can cause concrete to set too quickly and crack. Winter work is possible but challenging when temperatures drop below 40°F.
Seasonal pricing reflects demand:
- Spring (March-May): Highest demand, premium pricing
- Summer (June-August): Standard rates, weather delays common
- Fall (September-November): Best value and conditions
- Winter (December-February): Lowest prices, weather dependent
Book fall projects by August for the best rates and availability.
Charlotte Permits and Regulations
Mecklenburg County requires permits for most concrete projects over 200 square feet or any work affecting drainage. A typical residential concrete permit costs $75-$150 and takes 2-3 weeks for approval.
You’ll need permits for:
- Driveways and parking areas
- Patios over 200 square feet
- Sidewalks connecting to public walkways
- Any concrete work requiring excavation over 2 feet deep
Setback requirements vary by neighborhood. In established areas like Myers Park, strict guidelines govern driveway width and materials. Newer subdivisions often have HOA restrictions on concrete finishes and colors.
Most reputable Charlotte contractors handle permitting as part of their service, adding $200-$400 to project costs for permit fees and administrative time.
What to Expect During Concrete Installation
Professional concrete installation in Charlotte follows a predictable timeline. Here’s what happens from start to finish:
Day 1-2: Site Preparation Excavation, grading, and form setup. Contractors charge $36-$60 per hour for this work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Charlotte concrete workers earn $24.18 per hour, but you pay more because that rate includes business overhead like insurance, licensing, tools, vehicles, plus company profit margins and administrative costs.
Day 3: Pour and Finish Ready-mix trucks arrive early morning. A typical driveway takes 4-6 hours from pour to final finish. Crew size depends on project complexity - simple slabs need 2-3 workers, while decorative work requires 4-5 specialists.
Days 4-7: Curing Concrete reaches 70% strength in 7 days but needs 28 days for full cure. Light foot traffic is okay after 24 hours, but keep vehicles off for at least one week.
Weather Delays Charlotte’s afternoon thunderstorms can delay pours. Good contractors monitor radar closely and reschedule rather than risk rain-damaged concrete.
Emergency vs Scheduled Concrete Services
Emergency concrete repairs cost 50-100% more than scheduled work. If you have a collapsed driveway section or dangerous sidewalk, expect $25-$40 per square foot for immediate repairs versus $12-$20 for planned replacement.
Common Charlotte emergency situations:
- Tree root damage to driveways (especially in older neighborhoods like Plaza Midwood)
- Storm-damaged patios and walkways
- Foundation settling issues
- Utility line repairs requiring concrete restoration
Schedule non-urgent work during fall months for the best pricing and contractor availability.
Maintenance to Prevent Future Costs
Proper maintenance extends concrete life from 15-20 years to 25-30 years in Charlotte’s climate. Annual sealing costs $2-$4 per square foot but prevents costly replacement.
Essential maintenance includes:
- Sealing: Every 2-3 years to prevent water damage and staining
- Crack repair: Fill small cracks immediately before they expand
- Cleaning: Power washing and stain removal to prevent deterioration
- Joint maintenance: Keep expansion joints clear and properly sealed
Charlotte’s clay soil expands and contracts with moisture changes, making proper drainage crucial. Installing gutters and maintaining proper grading prevents water damage that leads to expensive concrete repairs.
Consider professional junk removal services to clear debris that can stain or damage concrete surfaces. For projects involving utility connections, coordinate with local plumber services before concrete installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is concrete per yard in Charlotte?
Ready-mix concrete in Charlotte costs $150-$200 per cubic yard delivered, depending on strength and additives. Standard 3,000 PSI concrete runs $165 per yard, while 4,000 PSI high-strength concrete costs $185 per yard. Minimum orders typically start at one cubic yard, with delivery included within 20 miles of the batch plant. Specialty mixes like fiber-reinforced or colored concrete add $20-$50 per yard to base prices.
How much is a bag of cement for small projects?
Concrete mix bags cost $4-$6 each at Charlotte home improvement stores. An 80-pound bag yields 0.6 cubic feet of concrete, enough for one standard fence post hole. Fast-setting concrete costs $1-$2 more per bag but cures in 30 minutes instead of 24 hours. For small repairs under 2 cubic feet, bagged concrete is more economical than ready-mix delivery, which has minimum order requirements.
What factors affect Charlotte concrete pricing?
Location within Charlotte significantly impacts costs. Projects in established neighborhoods like Dilworth or Myers Park often cost 20-30% more due to access challenges and higher material standards. Seasonal demand drives pricing, with spring commanding premium rates while fall offers the best value. Decorative finishes, site accessibility, soil conditions, and permit requirements all influence final project costs beyond basic material and labor rates.
How do I calculate concrete needs for my project?
Multiply length × width × thickness (in feet) then divide by 27 to get cubic yards needed. A 12×20 foot patio that’s 4 inches thick needs 3 cubic yards of concrete. Add 10% extra for waste and minor thickness variations. For square footage pricing, multiply length × width then use Charlotte’s $8-$15 per square foot installed rate depending on finish complexity and contractor quality.
Whether you’re planning a new driveway in University City or replacing a cracked patio in South End, understanding how much is concrete per yard helps you budget accurately for your Charlotte project. Factor in our local climate challenges, permit requirements, and seasonal pricing variations to get the best value for your concrete investment.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.