Pricing by Application (2026, per sq ft)
| Application | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain flatwork (4" thick) | $6 | $9 | $13 |
| Driveway (4-6") | $8 | $12 | $16 |
| Patio (plain) | $8 | $12 | $15 |
| Stamped concrete | $15 | $22 | $32 |
| Stained / decorative | $10 | $15 | $22 |
| Exposed aggregate | $12 | $18 | $25 |
| Stamped + colored + sealed | $18 | $28 | $38 |
| Sidewalk | $7 | $10 | $14 |
| Garage floor (4-6") | $8 | $11 | $15 |
Cost Components (Driveway Example, 600 sq ft)
- Concrete: ~9.3 yd³ × $165/yd = $1,535
- Rebar / wire mesh: $250
- Base prep (gravel + compaction): $400
- Form lumber + stakes: $150
- Crew labor (3 people × 2 days × $50 burdened): $2,400
- Pump truck (if needed): $400
- Sealer: $120
- Permit + dump fees: $200
- Total cost: $5,455
- 30% margin → $7,793 ($13/sq ft)
- 35% margin → $8,392 ($14/sq ft)
Walls + Other Pricing
- Retaining wall (CMU, footing + drainage): $35-$60/sq ft of wall face
- Foundation footings (24" wide): $35-$55/linear ft
- Slab foundation: $7-$11/sq ft
- Demolition + removal (existing concrete): $3-$7/sq ft
Target Gross Margin
- Survival: 20-30%
- Healthy: 30-40%
- Top-tier: 40%+
Concrete is tighter than service trades because labor + materials are a larger share of cost. Volume matters.
Common Pricing Mistakes
- Not pricing for slope / removal / hauling — adds $2-$5/sq ft
- Underestimating cure time — affects scheduling, not cost
- Forgetting sealer maintenance recommendation (relationship + future work)