Outdoor & foundation estimator · Updated June 2026
Concrete Slab Cost Calculator
A concrete slab costs $6 to $12 per square foot installed in 2026, depending on project type, thickness and finish. Use our free calculator to get an instant estimate for a patio, driveway, garage floor, shed pad or house foundation slab.
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- Most concrete slabs cost $6–$12 per sq ft installed
- A 2,000 sq ft house foundation slab typically costs $12,000–$28,000
- Going from 4" to 6" thickness adds roughly $1–$1.30 per sq ft
- Stamped or decorative finishes can roughly double the base cost
What affects concrete slab cost?
- Project type — Structural slabs like foundations cost more than patios or walkways of the same size.
- Thickness — Each added inch increases material volume and cost per square foot.
- Reinforcement — Steel rebar costs more than wire mesh but is recommended for foundations and heavy loads.
- Finish — Stamped, stained or exposed aggregate finishes cost significantly more than a standard broom finish.
- Site conditions — Demolition of an old slab or extra grading for soft soil adds to the total.
- State — Labor costs in California and the Northeast run 25–30% higher than Midwest and Southern states.
How much does a concrete slab cost in 2026?
A concrete slab costs $6 to $12 per square foot installed in 2026, with most residential projects landing between $8 and $10 per square foot. Materials alone run $3 to $7 per square foot, while professional labor adds another $3 to $5 per square foot. Use our free concrete slab cost calculator above to get an instant estimate based on your project type, thickness, finish and US state.
Concrete slab cost calculator — by project type
Concrete slab pricing varies by project type because each has different thickness requirements, reinforcement needs and finishing complexity. Structural slabs like house foundations cost more per square foot than a simple patio of the same size.
| Project type | Cost per sq ft | Typical total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Patio / walkway | $4–$12 | $1,600–$4,800 (400 sq ft) |
| Driveway | $6–$15 | $3,600–$9,000 (600 sq ft) |
| Garage floor | $6–$12 | $2,880–$5,760 (480 sq ft) |
| Shed / storage pad | $6–$12 | $1,200–$2,400 (200 sq ft) |
| House foundation slab | $6–$14 | $12,000–$28,000 (2,000 sq ft) |
Cost to pour a 2,000 sq ft concrete slab foundation
A 2,000 sq ft concrete slab foundation typically costs $12,000 to $28,000 in 2026, or roughly $6 to $14 per square foot installed. House foundation slabs are usually poured 6 inches thick with steel rebar reinforcement, a vapor barrier, and often foam insulation to meet residential building codes. This range holds steady from 2025 into 2026 with only modest price increases — labor and ready-mix delivery costs account for most of the year-over-year change. Enter 2,000 in the calculator above and select "House foundation slab" to get a state-specific estimate for your project.
How to estimate the cost of a concrete slab
To estimate the cost of a concrete slab, multiply your square footage by the per-square-foot rate for your project type, then add any upgrades for thickness, reinforcement, finish, and site work. As a simple rule of thumb: square footage × $8 (national average) = a reasonable baseline estimate for a standard 4-inch broom-finished slab. From there, add roughly $1 per square foot for each additional inch of thickness, 10–25% for rebar or wire mesh reinforcement, and $3–$8 per square foot for a stamped or decorative finish.
Concrete slab cost by thickness
| Thickness | Best for | Cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| 4 inch | Patios, walkways, standard driveways | Baseline |
| 5 inch | Light vehicle traffic, RV pads | +$0.50–$0.65/sq ft |
| 6 inch | Garage floors, foundations, heavy vehicles | +$1.00–$1.30/sq ft |
Frequently asked questions
How do you estimate the cost of a concrete slab?
Multiply your slab's square footage by the average cost per square foot for your project type ($6–$14 depending on use), then add for thickness upgrades, reinforcement, decorative finishes, and any site prep like demolition or grading. Our calculator does this automatically based on your selections.
How much does it cost to pour a 2,000 sq ft concrete slab foundation?
A 2,000 sq ft concrete slab foundation typically costs $12,000 to $28,000, or about $6 to $14 per square foot installed, including standard rebar reinforcement and a vapor barrier. The exact cost depends on your state, site conditions, and whether foam insulation is required by local code.
What is the average cost per square foot for a concrete slab?
The national average cost for a concrete slab is $6 to $12 per square foot installed, with most residential projects landing between $8 and $10 per square foot for a standard 4-inch broom-finished slab.
Does a thicker concrete slab cost more?
Yes. Each additional inch of thickness increases the amount of concrete needed, adding roughly $0.50 to $0.65 per square foot in material cost per inch. Labor costs increase only slightly since the same crew forms and finishes the same footprint regardless of thickness.
Do I need a permit to pour a concrete slab?
Most cities don't require a permit for a small patio slab poured at grade, but driveways typically need one since they connect to a public right-of-way, and any slab tied to a footing or foundation almost always requires a permit and inspection. Always check with your local building department first.
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Disclaimer: All concrete slab cost estimates are for informational purposes only based on average 2026 US contractor rates. Actual costs vary based on site conditions, local material pricing, permit requirements and contractor availability. Always obtain multiple quotes from licensed concrete contractors before proceeding with any project.