You’re standing in your Fishtown backyard, looking at that cracked concrete patio that’s been bothering you for months. Maybe you’re in Rittenhouse Square planning a new driveway, or dealing with foundation issues in South Philly. Whatever brought you here, you’re probably wondering: how much is concrete per yard in Philadelphia, and what am I really looking at cost-wise?
I get it – concrete pricing can feel like a mystery. Between material costs, labor rates, and all those variables that contractors mention, it’s hard to know what’s fair. As someone who’s worked in Philadelphia’s concrete industry for years, I want to give you the straight talk on what you’ll actually pay and why.
The short answer? You’re looking at $120-180 per cubic yard for basic concrete installation in Philadelphia. But that’s just the starting point – your actual costs depend on your specific project, timing, and those details that can make or break your budget.
Understanding Cubic Yard Concrete Costs
When contractors talk about how much is a cubic yard of concrete, they’re usually quoting installed prices. Here in Philadelphia, that breaks down into two main components: materials and labor.
The concrete itself – what we call “ready-mix” – runs about $110-130 per cubic yard delivered to your location. That’s pretty standard across the metro area, whether you’re in Center City or out in the suburbs. The delivery trucks can handle most Philadelphia streets, though some of those narrow South Philly blocks might require special arrangements.
Labor is where you see the real variation. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, concrete workers in Philadelphia earn about $32.13 per hour. But here’s what many homeowners don’t realize – when you hire a contractor, you’re paying $48.20-80.33 per hour for their services. That difference covers business insurance, licensing, equipment, trucks, and all the overhead that comes with running a legitimate concrete company. You’re not just paying for the worker’s time – you’re paying for their expertise, tools, and the peace of mind that comes with professional installation.
| Philadelphia Concrete Costs | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Only (per yard) | $110 | $120 | $130 |
| Basic Installation (per yard) | $120 | $150 | $180 |
| Decorative Work (per yard) | $180 | $225 | $300 |
Breaking Down Square Foot Pricing
Many homeowners ask “how much is a square foot of concrete?” because it’s easier to visualize your project that way. For standard 4-inch thick concrete, you’re looking at $4.50-7.50 per square foot installed in Philadelphia.
This pricing works well for patios, sidewalks, and simple driveways. If you’re planning a 200-square-foot patio in Northern Liberties, expect to pay $900-1,500 for basic concrete. Want something fancier? Stamped or colored concrete runs $8-12 per square foot.
The thickness matters more than most people realize. That standard 4-inch slab works fine for foot traffic, but if you’re planning a driveway in Germantown that’ll see regular car traffic, you’ll want 6 inches minimum. Heavier vehicles or poor soil conditions might require 8 inches, which obviously increases your costs proportionally.
| Project Type | Thickness | Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk | 4 inches | $4.50-6.00 |
| Patio | 4 inches | $5.00-7.50 |
| Driveway | 6 inches | $6.50-9.00 |
| Heavy-duty | 8 inches | $8.00-12.00 |
Timing Your Concrete Project Right
Philadelphia’s climate gives us a decent concrete season, but timing still matters for both quality and cost. The sweet spot is April through October, when temperatures stay consistently above 40°F at night.
Spring (April-May) is prime time. Contractors are busy but not slammed, and you’ll get better scheduling flexibility. Summer works great for the concrete itself, but you’ll pay peak pricing and deal with longer wait times. Many contractors are booked solid June through August.
Fall can be your money-saving opportunity. September and October often bring lower prices as contractors try to fill their schedules before winter. Just watch the weather forecast – an unexpected cold snap can ruin a fresh pour.
Winter concrete work is possible but expensive. We can work in cold weather using additives and heating, but expect to pay 20-30% more. Emergency repairs happen year-round, but planned projects should wait for warmer weather unless you’re comfortable with the premium pricing.
If you need concrete work done and also have other home projects planned, consider bundling. Many contractors work with reliable plumber services and electrician services for utility line adjustments that concrete work sometimes requires.
Fence Post Concrete: Small Projects, Big Questions
One question I hear constantly is “how many bags of concrete per fence post?” For Philadelphia’s typical soil conditions, you’ll need 2-3 bags of fast-setting concrete mix per fence post, depending on post size and soil type.
For a standard 4x4 post in normal soil, two 50-pound bags of fast-setting mix usually do the job. Rocky soil might need three bags for proper support. Clay soil – which we see a lot of in parts of Philadelphia – sometimes requires different techniques altogether.
Here’s where many DIYers get tripped up: fast-setting concrete costs about $5-7 per bag at local suppliers. So while the material cost seems low ($10-21 per post), the labor adds up quickly when you’re setting an entire fence line. Professional installation typically runs $25-40 per post including materials and labor.
Insurance, Warranties, and Peace of Mind
Any legitimate concrete contractor in Philadelphia should carry both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Don’t just take their word for it – ask to see current certificates. This protects you if someone gets hurt on your property or if something goes wrong with the installation.
Most professional concrete work comes with a basic warranty against defects in workmanship, typically 1-2 years. This covers issues like improper mixing or installation problems, but not damage from freeze-thaw cycles or settling that’s beyond the contractor’s control.
Material warranties vary by project type. Standard concrete doesn’t come with a manufacturer warranty like other building materials, but decorative elements like stamped patterns or color additives might have specific guarantees. Always get warranty terms in writing before work begins.
Your homeowner’s insurance typically doesn’t cover concrete work in progress, but it should cover completed projects once they’re part of your property. Check with your agent if you’re doing major work like a large driveway or foundation repair.
Hidden Costs That Catch Homeowners Off-Guard
The biggest surprise for most Philadelphia homeowners? Permit costs and site preparation. Many concrete projects require city permits, which run $50-200 depending on scope. Your contractor should handle the permit process, but make sure it’s included in your quote.
Excavation and site prep can double your project cost if you’re not prepared. Removing old concrete, dealing with poor drainage, or working around utilities all cost extra. That beautiful tree in your backyard might need root barriers or specialized equipment to work around, adding $500-1,000 to your project.
Access issues are huge in Philadelphia. If the concrete truck can’t get within 150 feet of your project site, you’ll pay extra for pumping or hand-carrying materials. Some narrow streets in Old City or tight backyards in row home neighborhoods require special arrangements that can add $300-800 to your total cost.
Don’t forget about cleanup and disposal. Removing old concrete costs $2-4 per square foot on top of your new installation costs. Some contractors include this in their base pricing, others charge separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is concrete per yard delivered in Philadelphia?
Ready-mix concrete delivery in Philadelphia runs $110-130 per cubic yard, with most suppliers charging a delivery fee of $75-100 for orders under 10 yards. The price includes standard mix design suitable for most residential projects. Special additives for cold weather, fast-setting, or high-strength applications cost extra – typically $10-25 per yard. Most trucks carry 10-yard loads maximum, and you’ll pay full delivery charges even for partial loads. Plan your project timing carefully since most suppliers require 24-48 hour notice, and weekend deliveries often carry surcharges.
How much is a bag of cement for small DIY projects?
Portland cement bags (94 pounds) cost $8-12 at Philadelphia area suppliers, while pre-mixed concrete bags run $4-7 for 60-80 pound bags. Fast-setting concrete mix costs slightly more at $5-8 per 50-pound bag but saves time on fence posts and small repairs. You’ll find better prices at contractors’ supply yards than big box stores, but they may require minimum purchases. For anything larger than a few fence posts or small repairs, ready-mix concrete becomes more economical than bagged materials due to labor savings and consistent quality.
What’s the difference between emergency and scheduled concrete pricing?
Emergency concrete work – like foundation repairs after a water line break or structural damage – costs 25-50% more than scheduled projects. You’re paying for immediate response, off-hours labor, and rushed material delivery. Emergency calls typically start at $200-300 just to assess the situation, even if no work is performed. Scheduled work allows contractors to optimize their routes, purchase materials efficiently, and work during normal business hours. If your concrete issue isn’t truly urgent, waiting for a scheduled appointment can save significant money while ensuring better quality work.
Is decorative concrete worth the extra cost in Philadelphia’s climate?
Decorative concrete like stamped patterns or integral color adds $3-6 per square foot but holds up well in Philadelphia’s freeze-thaw cycles when properly installed. The key is working with contractors who understand local climate challenges and use appropriate sealers. Stamped concrete that mimics expensive stone or brick can increase property values more than the installation cost, especially in neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill or Society Hill where aesthetics matter. However, decorative surfaces require more maintenance – annual sealing and careful snow removal – so factor ongoing costs into your decision.
Understanding concrete pricing in Philadelphia doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re planning a simple patio repair or a major driveway installation, knowing what goes into the cost helps you make smart decisions and avoid surprises.
Remember that the cheapest bid isn’t always the best value. Quality materials, proper installation, and reliable contractors cost more upfront but save money long-term. When evaluating quotes, make sure you’re comparing similar specifications and that all contractors are properly licensed and insured.
The question of how much is concrete per yard has many answers depending on your specific needs, but armed with this information, you can confidently discuss your project with contractors and budget appropriately. Don’t forget to factor in related services you might need – many homeowners discover they need lawn care services to restore landscaping after concrete work is complete.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.