After helping hundreds of Dallas homeowners navigate concrete projects from Highland Park to Deep Ellum, I’ve seen too many people get blindsided by costs. The question “how much is concrete per yard” seems simple, but the real answer depends on your specific project, access to your property, and current market conditions in North Texas.
Here’s what you actually need to know about concrete costs in Dallas, including the hidden fees that catch most homeowners off guard.
Common Concrete Problems in Dallas
Our clay soil and temperature swings create unique challenges. I see foundation settling in older neighborhoods like Lakewood, where expansive clay shifts with our wet springs and dry summers. Driveways crack along the joints, and pool decks develop that telltale spider web pattern after just a few years.
The biggest mistake I see? Homeowners going with the lowest bid without understanding what they’re getting. That $3 per square foot estimate might sound great until you realize it doesn’t include proper soil prep for our notorious clay.
Red flags in Dallas:
- Contractors who don’t mention soil stabilization
- Quotes that seem 30% below others (usually means corners will be cut)
- Anyone who wants to pour concrete when it’s over 90°F without proper precautions
- Promises to start “next week” during peak season (March-October)
How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Concrete Cost in Dallas
Ready-mix concrete in Dallas runs $140-180 per cubic yard delivered, but that’s just the starting point. Here’s the real breakdown:
| Concrete Type | Price per Cubic Yard | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 3000 PSI | $140-155 | Sidewalks, patios |
| 4000 PSI | $155-170 | Driveways, heavy use areas |
| Fiber-reinforced | $170-185 | High-traffic, crack prevention |
| Decorative/Colored | $180-220 | Stamped patios, architectural |
Why the price spread? Delivery distance matters. If you’re in Plano or Frisco, expect to pay $10-15 more per yard than someone in central Dallas. Suppliers charge extra for anything over 10 miles from their plant.
The labor component runs $35.09-58.48 per hour according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. But here’s what that really means: while concrete workers earn around $23.39 per hour, you pay more because that rate includes business overhead like commercial insurance (expensive in Texas), specialized equipment, licensing fees, and employer taxes. Good contractors aren’t trying to rip you off – they’re covering real business costs.
Cost Breakdown by Square Foot and Project Type
Most homeowners think in square footage, not cubic yards. Here’s how it translates for typical Dallas projects:
| Project Type | Thickness | Cost per Sq Ft | Total Project Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic patio | 4 inches | $8-12 | $2,400-3,600 (300 sq ft) |
| Driveway | 4-6 inches | $10-16 | $4,000-8,000 (500 sq ft) |
| Sidewalk | 4 inches | $7-11 | $1,050-1,650 (150 sq ft) |
| Pool deck | 4 inches | $12-18 | $3,600-5,400 (300 sq ft) |
Foundation work is different. Pier and beam repairs start around $1,500 per pier, while slab foundation issues can run $8,000-15,000 depending on severity. If you’re dealing with foundation problems in neighborhoods like Oak Cliff or East Dallas, get three quotes and expect significant variation.
Fence Post Concrete: Bags vs Ready-Mix
Here’s a question I get constantly: “how many bags of concrete per fence post?” For standard 6-8 foot fence posts, plan on 2-3 bags of fast-setting concrete per post. At $6-8 per bag, that’s $12-24 per post just for concrete.
But here’s the math that surprises people: If you’re setting more than 15-20 posts, ready-mix becomes cheaper. A cubic yard covers roughly 27-30 fence posts, so at $155 per yard plus delivery ($75-100), you’re looking at $5-8 per post instead of $12-24.
The catch? Most suppliers have a 3-yard minimum for delivery in Dallas. That’s 80+ fence posts worth of concrete.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Essential questions that separate pros from amateurs:
- “What’s your plan for soil preparation?” (Critical in Dallas clay)
- “When do you plan to pour?” (Avoid summer afternoon pours)
- “What’s included in cleanup?” (Concrete trucks are messy)
- “Do you guarantee the work?” (Reputable contractors offer 1-2 years)
- “Can I see recent work in my neighborhood?” (Clay conditions vary)
Licensing check: Texas doesn’t require specific concrete contractor licensing, but good contractors carry general liability insurance and are registered businesses. Ask for proof.
What to Expect During Your Project
Timeline for typical driveway (500 sq ft):
- Day 1: Excavation and soil prep (6-8 hours)
- Day 2: Forms and reinforcement (4-6 hours)
- Day 3: Pour and finish (4-5 hours)
- Days 4-7: Curing (no foot traffic)
- Day 7+: Light use okay, heavy vehicles after 28 days
Weather delays are common. Summer thunderstorms and winter freezes can push projects back weeks. Plan accordingly, especially if you’re coordinating with other trades for projects involving electrician services or security system services.
The concrete truck arrival is controlled chaos. They’ll need clear access to within 150 feet of your pour site. Tight spots might require a pump truck, adding $300-500 to your bill.
Hidden Costs and Surprise Fees
The expenses that blind-side homeowners:
- Soil stabilization: $2-4 per square foot (often necessary in Dallas clay)
- Pump truck: $300-500 if truck can’t reach pour site
- Overtime concrete: $50+ per yard for weekend or after-hours delivery
- Disposal fees: $200-400 for removing old concrete
- Permit fees: $50-150 for larger projects (check with city)
- Utility locates: Free through 811, but delays if not scheduled early
Weather premiums are real. Summer pours often require ice, shade structures, or early morning schedules. Winter work needs heated enclosures or additives. Both add 10-20% to base costs.
Access issues cost extra. If the concrete truck can’t get close to your project site, expect pump truck fees. Common in older Dallas neighborhoods with narrow driveways or mature trees.
Finding Quality Contractors
Good contractors in Dallas:
- Pull permits when required
- Provide detailed written estimates
- Have local references from the past 2 years
- Understand Dallas soil conditions
- Carry proper insurance
Warning signs:
- Door-to-door solicitation after storms
- Demands full payment upfront
- Significantly underprices compared to others
- Can’t provide local references
- Pushes you to decide “today only”
Check with neighbors who’ve had similar work done. Dallas contractor quality varies widely, and word-of-mouth referrals from nearby projects often yield the best results.
Consider the relationship with other trades too. If your project involves multiple contractors, coordination matters. A concrete contractor familiar with local carpenter services can better sequence work and avoid conflicts.
For comparison, Fort Worth concrete contractor costs run slightly lower than Dallas, but the difference rarely justifies the longer travel times for most projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is concrete per yard in Dallas?
Ready-mix concrete costs $140-180 per cubic yard delivered in Dallas. Standard 3000 PSI concrete runs $140-155, while higher-strength 4000 PSI costs $155-170. Specialty mixes like fiber-reinforced or colored concrete range $170-220 per yard. Delivery fees add $75-100 for most Dallas locations, with higher charges for suburbs like Plano or Richardson. Small load charges apply for orders under 3-4 cubic yards.
How much is a cubic yard of concrete installed?
Including labor, a cubic yard of installed concrete runs $300-450 in Dallas. This covers excavation, forming, pouring, and finishing. Basic slabs cost less ($300-350 per yard), while decorative work like stamped or exposed aggregate runs $400-450 per yard. Complex projects requiring special forming, reinforcement, or access equipment can reach $500+ per cubic yard. Always get multiple quotes since labor rates vary significantly between contractors.
How many bags of concrete per fence post do I need?
Standard 6-8 foot fence posts require 2-3 bags of fast-setting concrete each. Use 2 bags for 4x4 posts, 3 bags for 6x6 posts. In Dallas clay soil, I recommend 3 bags minimum for stability. Each 50-pound bag costs $6-8 at local suppliers. For more than 20 posts, consider ready-mix concrete instead – it’s often cheaper and stronger than bagged concrete for large fence projects.
How much is a square foot of concrete in Dallas?
Concrete installation costs $7-18 per square foot in Dallas, depending on thickness and complexity. Basic 4-inch patios run $8-12 per square foot. Driveways cost $10-16 per square foot for 4-6 inch thickness. Decorative concrete like stamped patterns or exposed aggregate ranges $12-18 per square foot. Add $2-4 per square foot for soil stabilization in areas with problematic clay soil.
Understanding how much is concrete per yard helps you budget accurately for your Dallas project. Factor in our local conditions, get multiple quotes, and don’t sacrifice quality for the lowest price. The right contractor using proper techniques will save you money long-term by avoiding premature repairs and replacements.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.