You want to build your dream barndominium on that plot of land you bought several years ago and you’ve got the perfect floor plans. You want a 40×60 foot metal building that will house your 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment within it. But you’ve got to figure up costs. Starting with the foundation.
How much does a 40×60 concrete slab cost?
It would be about $8,500 to $12,000 for a 40×60 foot concrete slab, 6 inches thick.That’s based on national averages of around $5 per square foot for a fully engineered, finished concrete slab, including labor and materials.
It would be capable of bearing the weight of a 40×60 steel building and any vehicles you might want to store in the shop area, if you have one. It’s also considered an “engineered” foundation if your contractor has utilized someone with the right credentials toapply the science of soil mechanics and rock mechanics to the soil underlying your particular pour.
The objective of that exercise is to make sure your home site will be able to take the weight of the slab and anything you want to put on top of it.
What does that price typically include?
- 3000 PSI concrete using 3/4 inch crushed stone, poured to a depth of 6 inches.
- Fibermesh embedded in the concrete for reinforcement.
- At least one row of rebar around the perimeter for reinforcement, A double row is even better.
- A form surrounding the slab made up of 2×6 inch lumber.
- A workforce of skilled concrete laborers to pour and finish it.
And, in case you were wondering, the difference between concrete and cement foundations is simple.Even though cement and concrete are often used to describe the material making up your slab, cement is actually just an ingredient of concrete. It is the paste that congregates on the very top of the pour.
A true cement pour would be for a much smaller, much more shallow application — like a sidewalk. or a patio. Its texture is much more fine and can tend to crack over time. Not so, concrete.
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Is a poured concrete foundation better than block?

A poured foundation is generally considered to be stronger than cinder blocks, which would be inappropriate underneath a large metal building like this in any case. Poured foundations typically don’t need to be waterproofed, either.
Cement can be generally considered to be the thick (or thin) paste that results when, as a powder in a sack, it is combined with water — to be used in grouting cinder blocks, for example.
It’s made from silica and calcium rich materials, like limestone or clay. It makes a powerful bonding agent.
But by itself it tends to crack and become a problem within a fairly short time frame. How many building projects — like sidewalk or patios — have you seen lasting unscathed for longer than 10 years?
Your engineered concrete slab, on the other hand, will likely still be here long after your barndo has fallen in after a century or so of use.
Advantages of a concrete slab
Specifically, concrete slabs:
- offer added strength
- offer a stable footing upon which you can build
- provide reassurance that heavy objects like tractors won’t cause buckling of the surface
- won’t generally be affected by extremely cold weather
Disadvantages of a concrete slab
Concrete slabs can be impacted negatively by:
- Cold weather that lasts a very long time, causing cracking of the surface
Concrete Slab Types
An excellent source of information on concrete slabs called Improvenet.com details the vast variety of slabs you can have put in:
- RegularConcrete
- Self-Consolidating Concrete
- Stamped Concrete
- Limecrete
- Glass Concrete
- Pervious Concrete
- Polymer Concrete
- Geopolymer Concrete
- Asphalt Concrete
- High-Strength Concrete
- High-Performance Concrete
- Micro-Reinforced Ultra-Performance Concrete
- Rapid-Strength Concrete
How do I prep the site?
First of all, you must dig up any grass or weeds that would get in the way of a smooth pour. Be methodical by placing stakes all around the perimeter of your slab area. Then clear that area and then some — all the way out six inches or more beyond.
Finally, take away four inches or so of the top soil that remains and level the site up.
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Dig the footings
Go about 12 inches down into the soil and make your footing trenches at least 16 inches wide. Just to be sure you’re not going to have a problem later on with weak soil underlying your barndominium, engage the services of someone knowledgeable about such things. They are typically called “geotechnical engineers,” and if you’re having trouble locating one, ask the concrete company. They may even have someone on staff.
Do I need a foundation drain?

Now is definitely the time to worry about — and prepare for — the possibility of water undermining your foundation.
An article written by a man who makes a living by putting in foundations says underground water and runoff from rain are the two biggest causes of structural integrity issues.He adds that good perimeter draining is key.
Brent Anderson, writing on HomeAdvisor Pro’s website, says this about surface runoff:
“Although some wind-driven rain strikes the siding and drains onto the ground, most surface runoff comes from the roof, and the amount of runoff varies according to the size and style of the roof. A gable roof deposits all runoff onto the ground under the eaves, with little runoff at the gable ends; a hip roof distributes the runoff more evenly on all sides.”
More on the foundation drain
Anderson goes on to provide an interesting chart on the necessity for a foundation drain.

— Chart courtesy of HomeAdvisorPro.com. Check out more facts on how to drain water away from your foundation by reading the article for yourself.
Putting the forms in place
Forms — the outer temporary boundary that will keep your concrete foundation in place while being poured and firming up — needs to be made up of 2×6 inch boards, fastened tightly together.
In this way, they will hold the foundation in place despite the intense pressure of the concrete pressing against them.
One pro tip here: when putting the forms in place, leave troughs to capture runoff.
Pouring the concrete
Above, the concrete must have a 3,000 psi rating, and you must use fiber mesh reinforcement.
“Important – plan to use your shop area to store very heavy equipment, you had best bump the psi to 4,000 and add either rebar or wire mesh to help reinforce it.
Then, the folks over at Whirlwind Steel Buildings recommend taking these steps:
- Pour evenly to a depth of 4 inches. Pour 6 inches if heavy vehicles or equipment will be stored on top.
- Fully cover all steel reinforcing bars.
- Eliminate voids and air bubbles.
- Remove any water seeping to the surface.
Putting a good, smooth finish on your concrete slab
To put the finishing touches on, the experts at Whirlwind Steel go on to recommend a process called “screeding” — the process of leveling the floor of the foundation by pushing concrete into areas that are under filled.
Finish the foundation once it has been leveled.
- Use metal or wood floats to compact the concrete and push large aggregates down into the cement.
- Smooth the surface with trowels.
- Compact the foundation for a harder finish.
- Cut expansion joints with a saw soon after the concrete is poured and leveled and trowel the joints in while finishing
Now that the foundation has been poured, you should let it “cure.” That is, you must let it harden sufficiently to walk on it and install the walls.
HINT: This would be the ideal time to let your kids put their handprints down — with the date — to be preserved for posterity.
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FAQs
What is the labor cost to pour a concrete slab? ›
Labor. The $4–$8 per square foot average usually includes professional labor at about $50 per hour. However, some projects require extra labor. For example, if you're replacing an old concrete pad, it will need to be demolished and removed before the new concrete is poured.
What do concrete finishers charge? ›Finish work can cost between $4 and $18 per square foot. Standard slab finishing may cost between $4 and $8 dollars per square foot. Meanwhile, a property owner may want a border, colored, stenciled, or textured, stamped concrete slab. These kinds of finishes may cost $8 to $12 per square foot.
How much should I charge to pour a yard of concrete? ›The typical cost of concrete is between $110 and $165 per cubic yard on average (excluding labor cost). In addition to the price per cubic yard, you'll have to pay someone about $8 to $18 per square foot of your project to pour and install the concrete.
Do you need rebar for 4 inch slab? ›No, you do not need rebar for a 4-inch slab of concrete on grade. A 4-inch-thick slab cast on the ground and in permanent contact with it will float and rebar is not required. Rebar is recommended on concrete measuring 5 – 6 inches thick.
Is it cheaper to pour your own concrete? ›Is it cheaper to pour concrete yourself? Yes. In general, you can save up to 40% or more if you pour a concrete slab yourself. If you decide to mix your own concrete, you can save even more.
How much does it cost to pour a 60x40 concrete slab? ›It would be about $8,500 to $12,000 for a 40×60 foot concrete slab, 6 inches thick. That's based on national averages of around $5 per square foot for a fully engineered, finished concrete slab, including labor and materials.
Is a concrete slab cheaper than a foundation? ›Pro: slab foundations are less expensive to build – Slab foundations usually cost around $4,500 to $12,000. Crawl space foundations, on the other hand, usually cost around $8,000 to $21,000.
How thick should concrete be for a car lift? ›The concrete slab also needs to be at a certain depth to safely install a car lift. A minimum of four inches of reinforced concrete is the standard, however, ideally, you should have at least six inches, and as much as twelve.
How is concrete labor charged? ›The national average cost of a concrete slab is $6.60 per square foot for materials and labor. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $4.34 and $7.73 per square foot for concrete installation.
How thick should a concrete slab be? ›Most specifications for retail or commercial concrete slabs specify 4 to 6 inches of thickness.
How long should concrete cure before putting weight on it? ›
Concrete typically takes 24 to 48 hours to dry enough for you to walk or drive on it. However, concrete drying is a continuous and fluid event, and usually reaches its full effective strength after about 28 days.
Is concrete cheaper than grass? ›The average turf lawn costs $2,000-$7,000 depending on the type of turf, and the total area covered. Concrete can average between $4 and $8 a square foot, depending on how thick it is poured, and the type of concrete used.
What type of concrete is best for a driveway? ›Portland Cement: Portland cement is a material commonly used to create concrete. It acts much like a strong glue, providing a reliable bond that makes it a popular choice for laying driveways and pathways.
How thick does a concrete slab need to be to not crack? ›In residential concrete, 4 inches is the minimum thickness for walkways and patios. Garage slabs and driveways should be 5 to 6 inches thick if any heavy truck traffic is anticipated, otherwise 4 inches is adequate.
Do you have to put wire mesh in concrete? ›No, they do not. Larger projects or slabs may need steel reinforcement to provide support or extra strength. Wired mesh can also help resist cracking. However, not every piece of concrete necessarily requires that extra boost.
How often do you water concrete after pouring? ›To put it simply, the goal is to keep the concrete saturated during the first 28 days. The first 7 days after installation you should spray the slab with water 5-10 times per day, or as often as possible. Once the concrete is poured the curing process begins immediately.
Can you pour concrete directly on dirt? ›Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.
Do you need gravel under concrete? ›Whether you pour concrete for a walkway or patio, a strong gravel base is required to prevent the concrete from cracking and shifting. Gravel is especially important in clay soil because it doesn't drain well, which results in water pooling under the concrete slab and slowly eroding the soil as it finally drains.
Do you need to wet new concrete? ›DO spray new concrete with water. Moist curing is a common method of concrete curing. It involves wetting the concrete slab often with water (5-7 times per day) for the first 7 days.
What does a 40x60 metal building cost? ›Understanding the Cost of a 40×60 Steel Building
Steel buildings are priced by square feet. In 2022, the cost of steel per square foot ranges from $25-30 per square foot for non-complex designs. Since a 40×60 steel building has a total of 2,400 sq ft, the price of your building kit can range from $60,000-72,000.
How much does a 40x50 foundation cost? ›
How much does a 40×50 concrete slab cost? The average cost of a concrete slab is about $4 to $8 per square foot, with a median price of $6 per square foot. Based on these figures, the expected cost of a 40×50 concrete slab is between $8000 and $16,000. The median price is about $12,000.
How thick should a concrete slab be for a Barndominium? ›Slab Thickness
Your floor should be a minimum of 4″ thick. The concrete's strength should be a minimum of 2500 psi, with fiber mesh reinforcement added at the batch plant OR #3 rebar on 24” centers.
One of the most significant potential disadvantages is if the slab cracks. This can substantially compromise the structural integrity of the house and be difficult and expensive to repair. Among the factors that can result in a slab cracking are tree roots, soil displacement, earthquakes, or frozen ground.
Does a concrete slab need footings? ›A slab-on-grade foundation usually consists of a thin layer of concrete across the entire area of the foundation with thickened footings at the edges or below load bearing walls in the middle of the building.
Does concrete slab add value to house? ›Concrete Patio Slabs are the Best Way to Add Value to Your Home. Concrete patios are an excellent option for adding value to your home. They can be used to add a new level of luxury to your backyard space or replace an old outdated patio. They are long-lasting, functional, and budget-friendly.
Is a 2 post or 4 post lift better? ›If you have a 10 foot ceiling, the two post lift will raise most vehicles to about 6 feet off the ground. A four post lift makes it much easier to load and position the vehicle. The runways of the four post lift make it easy for the operator to just drive onto the lift.
How strong does concrete need to be for a 2 post lift? ›This begins by inspecting your concrete slab to make sure it's an adequate 4.25” thickness or more, has cured at least 28 days, and the surface has no more than a 3-degree slope. For a MaxJax installation, the slab should at least have at least a 3,000 psi Comprehensive Strength.
How high should a garage be for a lift? ›A car lift will optimize any space, so don't fret if you're concerned that your garage is too small. The car lift itself will fit into one bay space and it is optimal to have 11-12 feet clearance height. Garage Living can also modify how your garage doors open to accommodate a car lift.
How do you bid on a concrete slab? ›- Discuss the client's goals. ...
- Ask about the client's budget. ...
- Talk about the client's options. ...
- Calculate your material costs. ...
- Calculate your time expenses. ...
- Decide on your profit margin. ...
- Adjust your bid if needed.
The average hourly wage for a Concrete Laborer in the United States is $17 as of , but the salary range typically falls between $15 and $18. Hourly rate can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What is the average markup on construction labor? ›
Average Markup for General Contractors? Most contractors are looking at a 35% margin; thus, a markup of 54%, or 1.54, is required. Subs typically have a gross profit margin of 50%; hence they require a markup of 100% or 2x.
What is the 20 30 40 rule in concrete? ›The typical concrete mix is made up of roughly 10% cement, 20% air and water, 30% sand, and 40% gravel. This is called the 10-20-30-40 Rule–though proportions may vary depending on the type of cement and other factors.
How long does it take 3000 PSI concrete to set up? ›But to answer the question of, “How long does concrete take to set?” concrete setting time is generally 24 to 48 hours.
How long does it take 4000 PSI concrete to set up? ›Fast-Setting
4000 PSI @ 28 days • 1500 PSI @ 3 days • Sets Posts without Mixing • Sets in 20 to 40 Min.
Concrete strength is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The higher the PSI the more durable your concrete will be and will thus be resilient to cracking.
How much gravel should I put under concrete? ›Gravel for Concrete
Depending on what the driveway will be used for, the base may need to be 4 to 12 inches. Ideally, 6 inches of crushed stone or gravel should be used for most driveways. Proper application requires that the driveway hole be dug out, and the soil has to be prepared.
Even if you have concrete patio ideas for small yards, every single detail must be meticulously planned out, else you end up with a patio that won't even last you a month before you have to start working on repairs. It is essential that you keep your concrete slab at no more than six (6) inches of thickness.
Does concrete cure faster in hot or cold weather? ›High temperatures mean faster curing, but fast curing equates to weaker strength in the end.
Does concrete cure faster in hot weather? ›In colder temps, the concrete takes longer to set allowing the crystals formed within the concrete more time to strengthen. Conversely, warmer temps mean that crystals form more quickly, allowing for less time to strengthen. For example, at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, concrete could set in as little as two hours.
Will rain ruin fresh concrete? ›Unpredictable summer thunderstorms can wreak havoc on a concrete pour. Rainwater can cause a new concrete surface to become soft, which in turn decreases the abrasion resistance and strength of the concrete, while increasing the tendency for dusting and cracking to develop.
What is cheaper than concrete for a driveway? ›
The cost of an asphalt driveway is typically cheaper than concrete, costing $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot. Asphalt prices tend to fluctuate with fluctuations in crude oil prices.
Is poured concrete cheaper than wood? ›Overall, a concrete patio will generally be cheaper to install compared to a deck. While your specific house and yard set-up may determine which is cheaper for your individual needs, a wood deck is likely to have a better return on investment compared to a concrete patio.
Is it OK to put artificial grass on concrete? ›Artificial turf can be installed over almost any surface, even concrete. Many gyms and fitness centers are using artificial grass on concrete floors instead of carpet, partly because of its look and partly because it helps the athletes associate with the outdoors.
Do you need rebar when pouring a concrete driveway? ›Rebar is not necessary for every concrete project. The general rule of thumb is that if you are pouring concrete that is more than 5 inches in depth, you are probably going to want to add in some rebar to help reinforce the entire structure.
Should you use rebar in a concrete driveway? ›Reinforcing concrete with rebar or wire mesh not only makes the concrete stronger, but also helps prevent cracks. This can save you money on repairs and keep your driveway looking like new for decades. You should use rebar inside a concrete driveway to provide more strength, durability and longevity.
What is the life expectancy of a concrete driveway? ›The average life of your concrete driveway will depend on installation methods, environmental conditions and temperatures. However, you can expect your surface to last anywhere from 25 to 30 years with proper care. The key to prolonging the life of your investment is to pay attention to wear and tear each season.
How much would it cost to pour a 20x20 concrete pad? ›A 20-foot by 20-foot concrete patio runs between $2,000 to $6,000, including labor and materials. Adding decorative finishes and colors could make the price even higher. But on larger projects many contractors will offer a better price per square foot.
What does it cost to pour and finish 10 yards of concrete? ›According to the NRMCA, a truckload (10 cubic yards) of concrete costs $1,150 to $1,450, depending on various factors such as your geographic location and the company you use. Ten cubic yards is enough to pour a driveway measuring 20 feet by 24 feet.
How much does it cost to pour a 20x20 concrete slab? ›You can expect to pay between $1,600 and $3,200 for a 20×20 slab. The estimates are based on the average cost of $4 to $8 per square foot for a concrete slab. Yet, the costs may vary.
How much does it cost to pour a 1000 sq ft slab? ›The average cost to lay down a 1,000-sq-ft concrete slab is around $3,000, which is around $3 per square foot. However, this price can increase drastically if you also need to grade your property, lay down a gravel sub-base, finish the surface of the concrete, or add on services like installing radiant heat.
How thick should a concrete driveway be? ›
As for thickness, non-reinforced pavement four inches thick is standard for passenger car driveways. For heavier vehicles, a thickness of five inches is recommended. To eliminate standing water, the driveway should be sloped towards the street a minimum of one percent, or 1/8 inch per foot, for proper drainage.
What is the cheapest way to finish concrete? ›The cheapest concrete finishes are broom and trowel finishes.
Is a concrete slab cheaper than a deck? ›A concrete patio costs only $4 per square foot, while a deck costs roughly $6 per square foot for lower-cost pressure treated lumber. Typically, a patio is just a single slab, while a deck can be a simple, elevated one-level deck or have a more elaborate, multi-level construction.
How thick should concrete be for a garage? ›Light Loads – For one to two light cars or trucks, the concrete should be at least four inches thick. Medium Loads – If the garage is used for average-sized vehicles and/or medium to heavy trucks, the concrete needs to be six inches thick.
How many yards of concrete do I need for a 40x30 slab? ›assuming the normal 4″slab the volume would be theoretically 9.875 yards, so this will be rounded up to 10 yards (cubic).
Is slab cheaper than Piers? ›Cost- Generally, slabs are cheaper to lay than piering, especially in brick. On a steeply sloping block, building on a slab will require excavation and retaining walls, so piering would be preferred for this reason.
How much does it cost to pour a 30x40 slab? ›How much does a 30×40 concrete slab cost? The average cost is $4 to $8 per square foot. The median price is about $6 per square foot. Based on these averages, you may pay $4,800 to $9,600 with a median estimate of $7,200.