Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 4/22/2009

Question
I live in Saginaw, Michigan.  I would like to have a backyard cement slab (for picnic table, chairs...) about 10'x15'.  Any idea how much that would cost?  Based on your experience is that too big of a area for summertime activities?

Answer
Hi Stephen, I would go maybe 12x16 if you have the room..a picnic table has a pretty big footprint and those few extra feet will come in handy.  A 12x16 slab 4" thick will contain approximately 2 1/2 cubic yards of concrete..To do this yourself and have the concrete delivered by a mix on site truck will cost around 125-150 dollars a yard and if you can't get the truck to the location you will have to wheelbarrow it or hire a concrete pump at 75 dollars an hour with a two or three hour minimum.  To do it with bagged premixed concrete and a concrete mixer will cost 80-100 dollars a yard and you have to mix the concrete.  To have a concrete contractor come in and do it will cost around 5 dollars a square foot if a pump is required..Of course prices will vary from location to location..you can call you local concrete companies for pricing..Most redi-mix plants charge a short load fee for orders under three yards that's where the mix-on-site truck will save you money, they usually just charge you for the concrete used.  Also, don't rule out concrete tiles..I use the 2'x2'x 2" thick concrete yard tiles.  Put down a level area of sand and just lay them in they look good and last a long time..if one breaks you replace it.  The cost of the tiles vary..a patio of 2x2 tiles this size will take 48 tiles..at 6 bucks a piece that is less than 300 dollars.. I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson