How much is concrete per yard in Seattle? This question becomes particularly important when you’re facing our region’s unique climate challenges and trying to time your project around our unpredictable weather patterns. As a concrete contractor who’s poured thousands of yards across neighborhoods from Queen Anne to West Seattle, I’ll help you understand not just the numbers, but why timing your concrete project correctly can save you hundreds of dollars.
The short answer: expect to pay $150-$220 per cubic yard for ready-mix concrete delivered and installed in Seattle, but the timing of your project dramatically affects these costs. During peak summer months (July-August), prices can spike 15-20% due to high demand, while winter projects often face weather delays that increase labor costs.
Understanding the True Cost: What Drives Seattle’s Concrete Pricing
Seattle’s concrete pricing reflects both regional factors and standard industry markups. When you see Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing concrete workers earn $39.28 per hour, you might wonder why you’re paying contractors $58.92-$98.20 per hour for the same work.
Here’s the reality: that worker’s wage represents just one component of your total cost. The rate you pay includes business overhead like commercial insurance (significantly higher in Washington state), contractor licensing fees, specialized equipment maintenance, and the company’s profit margin. In Seattle’s competitive market, established contractors also invest heavily in ongoing training and quality materials that justify premium pricing.
The weather factor cannot be overstated. Our 155 annual rainy days mean contractors often work shorter seasons, compressing demand into fewer available months. This seasonal constraint drives up prices during optimal pouring conditions.
Best Times to Pour Concrete in Seattle
Peak Season (June-September): This is when everyone wants concrete work done, and prices reflect that demand. Expect to pay premium rates but benefit from predictable weather and faster completion times. Book 6-8 weeks in advance.
Shoulder Season (April-May, October): Sweet spot for pricing and availability. Temperatures are mild enough for proper curing, and you’ll often find contractors more flexible on scheduling and pricing. This is when I recommend most residential projects.
Winter Season (November-March): While concrete can be poured year-round with proper precautions, winter projects require additional heating, protection, and extended curing times. Labor costs increase 20-25% due to these complications, but material costs may be slightly lower.
Weather Windows: Seattle’s unpredictable spring weather means contractors often maintain flexible schedules. A project quoted for April might shift to May if we experience an unusually wet month, affecting your timeline but potentially your budget if delays push you into peak season.
How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Concrete Cost to Install?
Breaking down Seattle concrete costs helps you budget accurately and identify when contractors might be padding estimates:
| Project Component | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-mix concrete | $115-$145/yard | Delivered within 20 miles |
| Labor (forming, pouring, finishing) | $35-$75/yard | Varies by complexity |
| Site preparation | $2-$8/sq ft | Grading, excavation |
| Reinforcement (rebar/mesh) | $0.50-$2/sq ft | Depends on requirements |
| Total Installed Cost | $150-$220/yard | Standard 4-inch slab |
These numbers assume standard residential work. Stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, or decorative finishes can add $3-$8 per square foot to your project.
Concrete Bags vs. Ready-Mix: Understanding Per-Square-Foot Pricing
For smaller projects, you might wonder about bagged concrete costs. How much is a square foot of concrete when mixing your own versus hiring professionals?
DIY Bagged Concrete:
- 60-80 lb bags cost $4.50-$6.50 each at Seattle-area suppliers
- One bag covers approximately 0.45 square feet at 4-inch thickness
- Total material cost: $10-$14.50 per square foot
- Add your labor, tools, and time investment
Professional Installation:
- Ready-mix concrete: $3.50-$5.50 per square foot for materials
- Professional installation: $6-$12 per square foot total
- Includes proper site prep, forming, and finishing
The math reveals an important truth: professional installation often costs less than quality DIY work when you factor in tool rental, your time, and the risk of mistakes requiring costly repairs.
Planning Fence Post Concrete: Bags vs. Professional Installation
A common question I hear is “how many bags of concrete per fence post do I need?” For standard 6-foot fence posts, you’ll typically need 2-3 bags of fast-setting concrete per post, costing $9-$19.50 per post in materials.
However, consider the bigger picture. A 100-foot fence line requires 12-15 posts, meaning 24-45 bags of concrete. That’s 1,440-3,600 pounds of material to transport, mix, and install correctly. Many homeowners find hiring professionals for fence post installation saves both time and their backs, especially in Seattle’s often-muddy conditions.
Hidden Costs and Surprise Fees Every Seattle Homeowner Should Know
Concrete contractors should provide transparent pricing, but several legitimate costs often surprise homeowners:
Permit Fees: Seattle requires permits for concrete work over 200 square feet or structural applications. Budget $200-$500 for permit costs and plan 2-3 weeks for approval.
Utility Locates: Call 811 at least 48 hours before excavation. While the service is free, delays waiting for utility marking can affect your schedule and potentially push your project into a higher-priced season.
Soil Conditions: Seattle’s varied geology means some areas require additional base preparation. Clay soils in neighborhoods like Magnolia might need extra excavation and gravel base, adding $2-$4 per square foot.
Access Challenges: Steep driveways, narrow side yards, or limited truck access can require pump trucks or wheelbarrow work, increasing labor costs by 30-50%.
Weather Delays: Even scheduled summer projects can face delays. Contractors typically include weather contingencies, but extended delays might incur additional charges.
DIY vs. Professional: An Honest Seattle-Specific Comparison
DIY Makes Sense For:
- Small projects under 50 square feet
- Simple rectangular slabs with no drainage concerns
- Homeowners with concrete experience
- Projects where perfect finish isn’t critical
Hire Professionals For:
- Driveways, patios, or structural work
- Sloped sites requiring proper drainage (common in Seattle)
- Decorative concrete or exposed aggregate
- Projects requiring permits or inspections
- Work in challenging weather conditions
Seattle’s climate adds complexity to DIY concrete work. Our frequent temperature swings and unexpected rain showers can ruin improperly protected concrete. Professional contractors carry insurance and have experience working in these conditions.
Maintenance: Preventing Costly Future Repairs
Seattle’s freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rainfall make concrete maintenance crucial for long-term cost management:
Annual Tasks:
- Clean and seal concrete every 2-3 years ($1.50-$3 per square foot)
- Repair minor cracks immediately to prevent water infiltration
- Ensure proper drainage around concrete surfaces
Neglect Costs More: A $200 annual maintenance routine prevents $2,000-$5,000 replacement projects. I’ve seen beautiful Ballard driveways destroyed by ignored drainage issues and Queen Anne patios cracked beyond repair by untreated minor fissures.
Insurance, Warranties, and Guarantees: What Seattle Contractors Should Offer
Reputable Seattle concrete contractors provide:
Insurance Coverage:
- General liability ($1-2 million minimum)
- Workers’ compensation
- Bonding for larger projects
Typical Warranties:
- Workmanship: 1-3 years
- Materials: Varies by supplier
- Structural issues: 5-10 years for foundations
What Warranties Don’t Cover:
- Normal wear and settling
- Damage from freeze-thaw cycles (preventable with proper maintenance)
- Issues caused by poor drainage or landscaping changes
Quality Indicators and Red Flags
Good Signs:
- Detailed written estimates breaking down materials and labor
- Proper licensing and insurance documentation
- References from recent local projects
- Knowledge of Seattle-specific soil and weather challenges
- Realistic timelines accounting for weather
Warning Signs:
- Door-to-door solicitation or high-pressure tactics
- Requests for full payment upfront
- Prices significantly below market rates
- No local business address or references
- Inability to explain their process or timeline
Essential Questions Before Hiring Your Seattle Contractor
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“How do you handle weather delays and what’s your backup plan?” Seattle weather requires flexible contractors.
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“Can you provide references from projects in my neighborhood?” Local soil and drainage conditions vary significantly across Seattle.
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“What’s included in your base price and what costs extra?” Understand exactly what $X per yard covers.
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“How do you ensure proper curing in Seattle’s humid conditions?” This reveals their local experience.
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“What warranty do you provide and what does it cover?” Get specifics in writing.
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“When can you realistically start and finish my project?” Factor in permit times and weather windows.
Understanding how much is concrete per yard in Seattle requires looking beyond simple per-yard pricing to consider timing, quality, and local factors that affect your total investment. By planning your project timing strategically and choosing experienced local contractors, you’ll get better results and often better pricing than rushing into peak season with whoever’s available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is concrete per yard delivered in Seattle?
Ready-mix concrete costs $115-$145 per cubic yard delivered within 20 miles of Seattle. This price includes standard 3,000 PSI concrete suitable for most residential applications. Higher strength mixes (4,000+ PSI) cost an additional $8-$15 per yard. Delivery fees typically apply for orders under 3 cubic yards, and some suppliers charge extra for Saturday delivery or extended chute work on difficult access sites.
How much is a cubic yard of concrete installed?
Professional installation of concrete in Seattle ranges from $150-$220 per cubic yard for standard 4-inch residential slabs. This includes site preparation, forming, pouring, and basic finishing. Complex projects requiring decorative finishes, steep site access, or extensive forming can increase costs to $250-$300 per yard. The wide price range reflects differences in project complexity, contractor experience, and seasonal demand fluctuations.
How many bags of concrete per fence post should I use?
Standard fence posts in Seattle typically require 2-3 bags of 60-80 pound fast-setting concrete mix per post, depending on post size and soil conditions. For 4x4 posts in normal soil, 2 bags suffice. Larger posts (6x6) or loose, sandy soils may require 3 bags. Each bag costs $4.50-$6.50, making the concrete cost per post $9-$19.50. Consider that 100 feet of fencing needs 12-15 posts, requiring 24-45 bags total.
How much is a square foot of concrete installed?
Concrete installation in Seattle costs $6-$12 per square foot for standard 4-inch residential slabs. Basic broom-finished concrete runs $6-$8 per square foot, while decorative options like stamped concrete or exposed aggregate cost $10-$15 per square foot. Factors affecting price include site accessibility, soil conditions, and project size. Larger projects typically achieve lower per-square-foot costs due to economies of scale, while small patios under 200 square feet often cost at the higher end of the range.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.