Concrete cost per yard in Denver varies by mix, finishing, and site conditions. Typical drivers include concrete strength (psi), slump, additives, finishing method, and transportation distance. The following guide presents low, average, and high ranges in USD to help buyers budget accurately for a Denver project.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete (per yard) | $120 | $145 | $190 | Standard 4,000 psi concrete with basic additives; Denver area fuel and transit costs apply |
| Delivery | $80 | $100 | $150 | Distance-based; higher for off-hour delivery or extreme altitude |
| Labor & Finishing | $0 | $25 | $45 | Includes placement, screeding, and texture finishing; per yard approximation |
| Controls & Tests | $0 | $4 | $12 | Sample tests, set time, and early strength checks |
| Permits & Fees | $0 | $5 | $15 | Depends on jurisdiction and project type |
| Overhead & Contingency | $0 | $6 | $20 | Administrative costs and potential changes |
Assumptions: Denver metro area, standard pour, no specialty aggregates, no reinforcement beyond typical rebar or wire mesh, and no long-haul transit beyond 30 miles.
Overview Of Costs
Concrete cost per yard in Denver generally ranges from $120 to $190 for material alone, with delivered mixes often landing between $200 and $340 per yard when combined with delivery, labor, and basic finishing. The main price drivers are concrete strength, slump, additives, finishing method, and project scale. For larger pours, per-yard discounts may apply, while specialty mixes or decorative finishes raise costs.
Price Components
Cost components show how a per-yard price is assembled. Below, a typical breakdown uses a mix of totals and per-yard figures to reflect real-world pricing in Denver. Assumptions vary by project size, access, and crew availability.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $120 | $145 | $190 | Concrete mix, cement, aggregates, water |
| Labor | $0 | $25 | $45 | Pour crew, screed, trowel finish |
| Equipment | $0 | $8 | $20 | Pumps, vibrators, hoses |
| Delivery | $80 | $100 | $150 | Distance-based transport |
| Permits | $0 | $5 | $15 | Local code compliance fees |
| Contingency | $0 | $6 | $20 | Unforeseen adjustments |
What Drives Price
In Denver, price is driven by concrete strength (commonly 3,000–6,000 psi), slump (roughly 4–6 inches for slabs), and whether the mix includes performance additives or decorative finishes. Higher psi and specialty aggregates elevate per-yard costs.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by market, with urban, suburban, and rural areas showing distinct ranges due to labor markets and transport. In Denver, expect about a 5–15% delta between dense city deliveries and outlying neighborhoods. Regional supply and demand can tip the balance on any given project.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor time for a typical slab pour ranges with thickness and area. A 4-inch residential slab for a small driveway may take 1–2 hours of actual placement per 100 sq ft, while larger commercial slabs take longer and may command higher labor rates. Schedules and access constraints influence final cost.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical Denver projects. Each card shows specs, labor hours, per-yard costs, and totals. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
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Basic Driveway Slab — 20 yd3, 4-inch thick, standard mix, no reinforcement, standard access.
Assumptions: residential site, daytime pour.- Spec: 4,000 psi, standard slump
- Labor: 2 workers, 6 hours
- Per-yard: $125 material, $90 delivery
- Total: $3,500–$4,300
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Mid-Range Home Patio — 10 yd3, decorative finish, simple stamp or broom finish.
Assumptions: curb-edged patio, small crew- Spec: 4,500 psi, standard finish
- Labor: 2 workers, 4 hours
- Total: $1,900–$2,700 per yard equivalent
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Premium Driveway with Sealed Finish — 25 yd3, high-strength mix, epoxy sealer, reinforced topping.
Assumptions: longer haul, gated access- Spec: 5,000 psi, specialty additive
- Labor: 3 workers, 8 hours
- Total: $240–$260 per yard; overall $6,000–$7,500
Ways To Save
Potential savings include scheduling during off-peak periods, selecting standard finishes, and consolidating pours to gain per-yard discounts. Choosing a practical mix and coordinating delivery windows can reduce costs.
