I have a 1260 Square foot patio we want to cement. We found someone who would form and spread it for .85cents a square foot. We are going to get all the supplies. He works for a concrete company and will do it on his own time with his crew. We just don't know anything about concrete. And can't afford a commercial company doing it. Suggestions...Thanks.
cement slab
- Thread starter blanepara9
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Dgraham225
Well-Known Member
$0.85/ft isn't horrible for forming and finishing. Most around here charge the same or more. For a patio that size, you're looking at 16yds give or take 15% or so due to grade and compaction.
I'd recommend fiber, I'd recommend control joints every 10-12' and I'd recommend either the concrete be poured on a 3-5" slump (not wet), or pay extra for water reducer to increase the slump.
I'd recommend fiber, I'd recommend control joints every 10-12' and I'd recommend either the concrete be poured on a 3-5" slump (not wet), or pay extra for water reducer to increase the slump.
I am guessing with that price they are supplying the form boards and also removing them afterwards? Pouring and finishing that size slab is under 4 hours for a 2-3 man crew, Laying form boards, another 3-4 hours for a 2 man crew and tearing up is 2 hours for 1-2 men. so in hours you have. So max 22 hours of labor. You are paying over $48 an hour for labor if they arent providing the form. Seems high to me unless the work is very good. Side work guys dont have the insurance costs and such and a screed is cheap, bull float rents for $25 a day.
Basicly I am saying for that price, you should be getting pro level work (which it may be).
Basicly I am saying for that price, you should be getting pro level work (which it may be).
We are supplying everything. we already have the fill sand. And we have the cement at a great price through my girlfriends work. Its just the labor we are not sure of. I guess we are trying to save money by having a side crew come out and do it. He was the first to come out and look at it. We have all summer and we are just out of our elements here.
Well, I dont make $48 an hour, if I am paying someone that much, I expect professional results and guaranteed work. I have done concret before, it is no easy job at all, but $48 an hour cash is a high price to me for a side job.
Dgraham225
Well-Known Member
The going rate right now for anyone worthy of doing work in concrete is $0.45 to form and dig and $0.45 to finish. The rates 10 years ago were $0.35/ft. We have guys we use that wont bring out their tools for less than $500 minimum no matter the size of the pour. Skilled labor isn't cheap in this business.
Last edited:
Bullwinkle
Active Member
- May 2, 2013
- 44
- 6
Based on my experience, the finisher should have been able to quote labor and material even if he is doing it on the side.
Certainly if he is in the trade, he would know concrete suppliers (you stated he worked for a concrete company) and give you an accurate estimate.
If your girlfriend's source is supplying the mix, let your finisher specify the mix. If her source is just supplying the cement, and your finisher has to mix, that is another dilemma.
The thing with concrete of this size....quite a bit you have, a PSI rating will be involved and this could be something you don't want to skimp on.
You don't have to know anything about the concrete or the work, just trust the crew that is doing it.
Then, if a truck is delivering the mix, (1200+ sq ft, I hope so) can the truck get to the location, or does the finisher have to transport with a "Georgia buggy".
Rental of that may be adding to his cost and something to consider.
And then you are in the situation when you don't know, can't take a chance, and want it nice the first time (concrete is weird like that).
Not saying his price is a bargain or that it is gouging, but what else can you do......you want a nice slab right?
Good luck. Hope you find a solution.
Certainly if he is in the trade, he would know concrete suppliers (you stated he worked for a concrete company) and give you an accurate estimate.
If your girlfriend's source is supplying the mix, let your finisher specify the mix. If her source is just supplying the cement, and your finisher has to mix, that is another dilemma.
The thing with concrete of this size....quite a bit you have, a PSI rating will be involved and this could be something you don't want to skimp on.
You don't have to know anything about the concrete or the work, just trust the crew that is doing it.
Then, if a truck is delivering the mix, (1200+ sq ft, I hope so) can the truck get to the location, or does the finisher have to transport with a "Georgia buggy".
Rental of that may be adding to his cost and something to consider.
And then you are in the situation when you don't know, can't take a chance, and want it nice the first time (concrete is weird like that).
Not saying his price is a bargain or that it is gouging, but what else can you do......you want a nice slab right?
Good luck. Hope you find a solution.
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autogateman
Access denied
Any concrete supplier (I use sorrento lumber) can recommend a good finisher.
your best bet is to get it by the truck. The slump will be more consistent than with bags.
I work for a commercial concrete subcontractor. You should be fine with 3000 psi, 5" slump, 1.5" rock, fly-ash. Also you should add mesh or rebar, i recommend mesh since is cheaper and there is not much labor. Also in commercial construction we use polyethylene plastic which you probably dont need but wont hurt. Good Luck
I work for a commercial concrete subcontractor. You should be fine with 3000 psi, 5" slump, 1.5" rock, fly-ash. Also you should add mesh or rebar, i recommend mesh since is cheaper and there is not much labor. Also in commercial construction we use polyethylene plastic which you probably dont need but wont hurt. Good Luck
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I'm going to piggy-back on this to see if I get any responses.
I'm looking to extend my patio concrete slab and have two quotes to clear ground, prep, form, pour and spread (including the concrete itself). I got two quotes: $5.40/sf for a contractor who backfills with crushed concrete and/or limestone before pouring and $4/sf for the people my builder used originally who "backfill with the chopped sod". Obviously, backfilling with gravel will work better, but is it necessary for a 4" patio slab? If so, I'll be somewhat disappointed to find out my builder likely poured the existing patio and driveway with no gravel backfill.
I'm looking to extend my patio concrete slab and have two quotes to clear ground, prep, form, pour and spread (including the concrete itself). I got two quotes: $5.40/sf for a contractor who backfills with crushed concrete and/or limestone before pouring and $4/sf for the people my builder used originally who "backfill with the chopped sod". Obviously, backfilling with gravel will work better, but is it necessary for a 4" patio slab? If so, I'll be somewhat disappointed to find out my builder likely poured the existing patio and driveway with no gravel backfill.
I did a patio extension last summer, finisher charged $400 minimum (and that was the best rate I found).
flamatrix99
Well-Known Member
The people before us installed a permanent cover over the patio. So two former flower beds were now two dirt beds because they were always in the shade. I ordered 3 yards of 3000 lb concrete with fiber and we finally had them filled in. We saw this patio paint for concrete on TV so I think we will paint the patio.
