Hollow core concrete planks typically run in the $4.50–$11.00 per sq ft range for materials, with installation bringing total project costs higher depending on span, thickness, and support conditions. Main cost drivers include plank thickness, load requirements, reinforcement, and whether concrete decking or connection hardware is included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (per sq ft) | $4.50 | $7.50 | $11.00 | Hollow-core pre-stressed concrete planks |
| Labor (per sq ft) | $2.00 | $3.50 | $6.00 | Installation, placement, curing |
| Equipment & MISC | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.50 | Formwork, lifting gear, shoring |
| Permits & Inspections | $200 | $800 | $2,000 | Depends on project scope |
| Delivery & Disposal | $0.50 | $2.00 | $5.00 | Distance-based |
| Taxes & Overhead | $0.50 | $1.50 | $4.00 | State/local taxes, contractor overhead |
Typical Cost Range
Hollow core concrete planks vary by thickness and span. A typical residential or light commercial floor system might cost from roughly $6.50 to $12.50 per sq ft installed, assuming standard 6- to 8-inch thickness and spans under 20 feet. For longer spans or higher load ratings, costs commonly rise to $12–$20 per sq ft installed. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Per-unit benchmarks include $60–$90 per linear foot for a 4- to 6-inch plank and up to $150–$210 per linear foot for 8-inch or thicker planks with heavier reinforcement. When purchased as a full deck system with integrated connections, pricing typically leans toward the higher end of the range.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $4.50 | $7.50 | $11.00 | Hollow-core boards | 6″ thickness, 20 ft span |
| Labor | $2.00 | $3.50 | $6.00 | Placement, alignment | Crew of 2–3, 1 day per 1000 sq ft |
| Equipment | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.50 | Shoring, lifting gear | Rental included |
| Permits | $200 | $800 | $2,000 | Local permit/inspection | Residential/commercial scope |
| Delivery | $0.50 | $2.00 | $5.00 | Logistics | Distance-based |
| Taxes | $0.50 | $1.50 | $4.00 | Sales tax, overhead | State variations |
| Contingency | $0.00 | $1.50 | $3.50 | Unforeseen items | 5–10% typical |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
What Drives Price
Project scope and structural requirements top the list. Plank thickness, spacing, and grade of concrete affect both material cost and weight handling. A 4–6 inch plank with 20–24 foot spans is notably cheaper per square foot than an 8–inch plank spanning 40 feet or more. Additionally, load design (ultimates for floor live loads) and required fire resistance add pricing adjustments. Labor rates vary by region and crew experience, while haul distance influences delivery charges.
Regional and design constraints matter: urban markets with limited access incur higher delivery and permitting costs, while rural projects may face longer lead times but lower labor rates. File reviews or shop drawings can also introduce design-change costs mid-project.
Regional Price Differences
Urban vs Suburban vs Rural pricing can diverge by roughly ±15% to ±30% depending on availability of prefabricated plank stock and local labor markets. In the Northeast, project quotes often include higher permitting and delivery hurdles, whereas the Southeast may reflect moderate material surcharges for high-occupancy installations. Suburban sites typically balance crane and access costs with crew travel time.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Typical crew configurations range from 2–4 workers for placement and alignment to 6–8 workers for large-scale detonation-free decking work over several days. Installed pricing commonly uses a blended rate of $55–$95 per hour, depending on region and contractor experience. A 1,000 sq ft deck could require 10–25 labor hours on site per crew and include setup, placement, and curing operations.
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> The final bill reflects actual hours plus any time for revisions, weather delays, or crane rentals.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden charges may include temporary weather protection, extra shoring after a design change, or coatings and joint sealants not included in initial quotes. Some vendors add a surcharge for ingress trucking, especially in restricted sites. If new structural drawings are required, expect design changes to add 5–15% to the project cost.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Scenario 1: Basic 1,000 sq ft floor, 6″ hollow-core planks, standard live load, suburban site. Materials: $7.00/sq ft; Labor: $3.00/sq ft; Permits included; Delivery $2,000; Total: $9,000–$14,000. Assumptions: 1,000 sq ft, 6″ thickness.
Scenario 2: Mid-Range 1,200 sq ft deck, 8″ planks, higher live load, urban site. Materials: $9.50/sq ft; Labor: $4.00/sq ft; Permits: $1,200; Delivery: $3,000; Total: $18,000–$28,000. Assumptions: 8″ thickness, moderate access constraints.
Scenario 3: Premium 1,500 sq ft with 8″ planks, fire-resistance upgrade, long-span requirements. Materials: $11.50/sq ft; Labor: $6.00/sq ft; Permits: $3,000; Delivery: $4,000; Total: $38,000–$60,000. Assumptions: specialized hardware, extended curing, and certifications.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
