How to Quote a Concrete Pour (Step-by-Step)

Short answer

Quote a concrete pour by calculating cubic yards, costing mix and labor, then adding form work, reinforcement, control joints, and a 20% markup. For a 400 sq ft, 4-inch slab in 2026, expect total cost to land at $6 to $14 per square foot installed.

5-step playbook for contractors.
Built for owner-operators and small crews of 1 to 25.
2026 numbers from ContractShield quote data and BLS reports.
ContractShield charges 1% per accepted job, no per-lead or per-seat fees.
The PWA works offline on iOS and Android job sites.

Step 1: Calculate cubic yards

Multiply length by width by depth in feet, then divide by 27. Add 8 to 10% waste for overpour and spillage on flat work.

Step 2: Cost the mix

2026 ready-mix runs $165 to $230 per cubic yard delivered, with short-load fees on pours under 5 yards.

Step 3: Estimate labor

A 4-person crew runs 4 to 8 labor hours per cubic yard on flat work, more on stamped or colored finishes.

Step 4: Add form work and rebar

Forms, stakes, and 6x6 wire mesh or #3 rebar run $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot of slab area.

Step 5: Mark up and quote

Add 18 to 24% markup on cost. Itemize control joint cutting and sealer separately so clients see the value of finish work.

Frequently asked questions

Is this guide for contractors or homeowners?

Contractors. ContractShield is built for small contractors and remodelers running 1 to 25 employees, and our guides speak to that audience.

Does ContractShield charge for these features?

ContractShield charges 1% per accepted job at funding. No per-lead fees, no per-seat fees, no setup fee. A free trial lets you try the quote builder before paying anything.

Where do I get the 2026 numbers in this guide?

From aggregated quote data inside ContractShield, public BLS labor reports, and supplier pricebooks. We update guide numbers quarterly so they stay current.

Can I edit a quote after it is sent?

Yes. ContractShield supports change orders against an accepted quote, with a single approval flow that updates milestone billing automatically.

Does this work for commercial contractors too?

It works for small commercial contractors and light-commercial GCs. For enterprise commercial work, Procore-class tools are a better fit.

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