Picture this: you’re standing in your backyard in Arlington Heights, dreaming of that perfect patio where you’ll host weekend barbecues. Or maybe you’re tired of dodging potholes in your cracked driveway in Ridglea Hills. You’ve started researching concrete projects and keep running into the same question everyone asks: how much is concrete per yard in Fort Worth?
I’ve been pouring concrete in Tarrant County for over 15 years, and I can tell you that concrete pricing isn’t as straightforward as buying a gallon of paint. But don’t worry – by the time you finish reading this, you’ll understand exactly what you’re paying for and how to budget for your project.
Understanding How Much a Cubic Yard of Concrete Actually Costs
Let’s start with the basics. When contractors talk about concrete pricing, we’re usually referring to cubic yards – that’s a block of concrete measuring 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet. One cubic yard covers about 80 square feet at 4 inches thick, which is standard for most residential projects.
In Fort Worth, you’ll pay anywhere from $150 to $200 per cubic yard for ready-mix concrete delivered to your site. But here’s where it gets interesting – that’s just the concrete itself. The total project cost includes labor, site preparation, finishing work, and often some surprises along the way.
Here’s what affects your concrete costs in our area:
Concrete Mix Design: Standard 3,000 PSI concrete runs $150-160 per yard. Need something stronger for a heavy-duty driveway? 4,000 PSI concrete will cost you $170-180 per yard. Specialty mixes with fiber reinforcement or accelerators can push that to $200+ per yard.
Delivery Fees: Most suppliers charge $50-100 delivery within Fort Worth city limits. If you’re out in Westover Hills or other areas outside the main delivery zones, expect additional mileage charges.
Minimum Orders: Here’s something that catches homeowners off-guard – most suppliers require a minimum order of 3-4 cubic yards. Smaller orders often carry a $75-150 short-load fee.
| Concrete Type | Price Per Yard | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| 3,000 PSI Standard | $150-$160 | Sidewalks, patios, thin slabs |
| 4,000 PSI High-Strength | $170-$180 | Driveways, garage floors |
| Fiber-Reinforced | $180-$200 | High-traffic areas, crack prevention |
| Colored/Stamped Mix | $200-$250 | Decorative applications |
Breaking Down Square Foot Concrete Pricing
Most homeowners think in square footage, not cubic yards, so let’s translate those numbers. How much is a square foot of concrete depends entirely on thickness, but here’s your Fort Worth reality check:
For a standard 4-inch thick slab, you’re looking at $4-8 per square foot installed. That includes the concrete, labor, basic site prep, and finishing. Sounds reasonable until you realize a modest 12x12 patio runs $576-1,152 just for basic concrete.
But wait – there’s more to consider. Labor costs in Fort Worth vary significantly based on the contractor’s experience and overhead. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, concrete workers in our area earn an average of $23.39 per hour. However, you’ll pay $35-58 per hour for professional concrete services. Why the difference?
That gap covers real business expenses: liability insurance (essential for concrete work), commercial-grade tools, truck payments, licensing fees, and yes, the contractor needs to make a profit to stay in business and provide quality work.
Fence Post Concrete: The Small Project That Adds Up
Here’s a question I get constantly: how many bags of concrete per fence post do you actually need? For a standard 4x4 post in a 2-foot deep hole, you’ll need 1-2 bags of fast-setting concrete mix per post.
Quikrete bags at Home Depot or Lowe’s run about $4-6 each, so you’re looking at $8-12 per post just for concrete. Multiply that by 20-30 posts for a typical backyard fence, and you’re spending $160-360 on concrete alone.
But here’s some honest advice from someone who’s seen plenty of DIY fence disasters: if you’re setting more than 10 posts, consider having ready-mix delivered instead. A half-yard of concrete ($75-100 delivered) will set about 15-20 posts, and you’ll get much more consistent results.
Local Permits and What They Really Cost
Fort Worth requires permits for most concrete work, and ignoring this step will cost you later. Here’s what you need to know:
Driveway replacement: Requires a $75 residential building permit if you’re changing the footprint or connecting to city sidewalks.
Patio installation: Generally doesn’t require permits unless it’s attached to your house or exceeds 200 square feet.
Sidewalk work: Always requires permits and must meet ADA compliance standards. Expect $100-200 in permit fees plus potential inspection costs.
The permit process typically takes 5-10 business days in Fort Worth, so plan accordingly. Many contractors handle permits as part of their service, but they’ll pass the costs through to you.
Timing Your Project for Maximum Value
Fort Worth’s climate gives us a longer concrete season than northern cities, but timing still matters for your wallet. Here’s when to schedule your project:
Best Value Season (November-February): Contractors offer 10-20% discounts during slower months. The weather’s perfect for concrete curing – those 59°F winter lows are actually ideal. Just avoid pouring when temperatures drop below 40°F.
Peak Season (March-October): Higher demand means higher prices, but you’ll get faster scheduling. Summer heat (those 78°F highs) requires special precautions like early morning pours and concrete cooling, which can add $20-30 per yard.
Weather Considerations: Our subtropical climate means afternoon thunderstorms from May through September. Always have a backup day planned, and never pour concrete when rain is expected within 24 hours.
DIY vs Professional: The Honest Comparison
I respect homeowners who want to tackle their own projects, but concrete work is unforgiving. Here’s my honest assessment:
DIY Makes Sense For:
- Small projects under 50 square feet
- Simple rectangular shapes
- Non-critical applications like garden paths
- When you have several helpers lined up
DIY Costs:
- Bagged concrete: $4-6 per 80-pound bag
- Tool rental: $150-300 for mixer, screed, float
- Your time: 8-12 hours for a basic 10x10 slab
Call a Professional For:
- Driveways or structural work
- Projects requiring permits
- Decorative finishes
- Anything over 100 square feet
The labor cost difference between DIY and professional work often narrows when you factor in tool rental, your time value, and the risk of having to tear out and redo failed work.
Choosing the Right Concrete Contractor
Not all concrete contractors are created equal, especially in a market as competitive as Fort Worth. Here’s how to separate the pros from the pretenders:
Red Flags:
- Door-to-door solicitation
- Requires full payment upfront
- Significantly lower bids than competitors
- Can’t provide local references
- No business license or insurance
Green Flags:
- Established local presence (5+ years)
- Proper licensing and insurance
- Written contracts with detailed specifications
- References from recent projects in your neighborhood
- Willing to explain their process and pricing
Get at least three quotes, but don’t automatically choose the lowest. A $2 per square foot difference often reflects corners being cut on materials, site prep, or proper curing procedures.
| Project Type | DIY Cost Range | Professional Cost Range | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Patio (8x10) | $300-$500 | $600-$1,000 | DIY Friendly |
| Driveway (12x24) | $800-$1,200 | $1,800-$3,500 | Hire Professional |
| Sidewalk Repair | $200-$400 | $500-$800 | Either Option |
| Decorative Patio | $600-$1,000 | $2,000-$4,000 | Hire Professional |
Maintenance That Saves You Money
Proper concrete maintenance can double your slab’s lifespan, which is crucial given Fort Worth’s clay soil movement and temperature swings. Here’s what actually works:
Year One: Apply a penetrating sealer 28 days after installation. Quality sealers cost $50-100 per gallon but protect against moisture penetration and freeze-thaw damage.
Annual Tasks:
- Power wash to remove dirt and stains
- Reapply sealer every 2-3 years
- Fill small cracks immediately with concrete crack filler
- Keep drainage working properly around slabs
Clay Soil Considerations: Fort Worth’s expansive clay soil moves with moisture changes. Proper site preparation and drainage are worth every penny – fixing foundation settlement later costs $3,000-10,000+.
For complex foundation issues, you might need to consult with a real estate appraiser to understand how concrete problems affect your home’s value.
Understanding Your Total Project Investment
Let’s put real numbers on common Fort Worth concrete projects:
Basic Driveway (12x20 feet):
- Concrete (3 yards): $480-$540
- Labor and finishing: $800-$1,200
- Site prep and gravel base: $300-$500
- Total: $1,580-$2,240
Patio with Basic Stamping (16x20 feet):
- Concrete (4 yards): $800-$1,000
- Stamping and coloring: $1,200-$1,800
- Site prep: $400-$600
- Total: $2,400-$3,400
Remember, these prices reflect current market conditions in Fort Worth. Neighborhoods like Tanglewood or areas near TCU might see premium pricing due to access challenges or higher-end expectations.
Planning for the Unexpected
Every concrete project has potential surprises. Budget an extra 10-15% for common issues:
- Poor soil conditions: May require additional excavation and base material
- Utility conflicts: Sprinkler lines or buried utilities in the way
- Drainage modifications: Necessary to prevent future problems
- Access challenges: Tight spaces requiring special equipment
If your project involves exterior work that might affect gutters or drainage, consider coordinating with gutter contractor services to ensure proper water management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is concrete per yard delivered in Fort Worth?
Ready-mix concrete costs $150-$200 per cubic yard delivered in Fort Worth, depending on the mix strength and additives. Standard 3,000 PSI concrete runs $150-$160 per yard, while 4,000 PSI high-strength mix costs $170-$180 per yard. Add $50-$100 for delivery within city limits, and expect short-load fees of $75-$150 for orders under 3-4 cubic yards. Specialty mixes with fiber reinforcement or color additives can push costs to $200+ per yard.
How much is a cubic yard of concrete when buying bagged mix?
Bagged concrete costs significantly more per cubic yard than ready-mix. An 80-pound bag of Quikrete costs $4-$6 and yields about 0.6 cubic feet. You’d need 45 bags to equal one cubic yard, costing $180-$270 – that’s 20-35% more than ready-mix before factoring in your labor for mixing. Bagged concrete makes sense for small repairs or projects under 50 square feet, but ready-mix becomes cost-effective for anything larger than a basic walkway.
How many bags of concrete per fence post do I actually need?
For standard 4x4 fence posts in 2-foot deep holes, you’ll need 1-2 bags of fast-setting concrete mix per post. Use one 50-pound bag for loose or sandy soil, or two bags in clay soil for maximum stability. Each bag costs $4-$6, so budget $8-$12 per post for concrete. If you’re setting more than 10-15 posts, consider having a half-yard of ready-mix delivered instead – it’ll cost about the same but provide more consistent results and save hours of mixing time.
How much is a square foot of concrete installed in Fort Worth?
Installed concrete costs $4-$8 per square foot for standard 4-inch thick slabs in Fort Worth. Basic gray concrete with minimal site prep runs $4-$5 per square foot, while projects requiring extensive excavation, decorative finishes, or complex shapes cost $6-$8 per square foot. This includes concrete, labor, basic site preparation, and standard broom finish. Decorative options like stamping, staining, or exposed aggregate add $2-$4 per square foot to these base prices.
If your concrete work is part of a larger home improvement project, remember that quality concrete work can significantly impact your property value – something a real estate appraiser would factor into their assessment.
Understanding how much is concrete per yard in Fort Worth helps you budget properly, but remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Quality concrete work is an investment in your home’s functionality and curb appeal. Take time to choose the right contractor, plan for proper drainage, and don’t cut corners on site preparation – your future self will thank you.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.