Ready-Mix vs. Bagged Concrete: Which is Cheaper for Your Project?
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Should you buy 50 bags and a mixer, or call the local ready-mix plant? The answer depends on three things: your budget, your physical ability, and the size of your project. Let's look at the real-world costs of both options.
The Cost of Bagged Concrete
A standard 80lb bag of high-strength concrete costs between $5.00 and $8.00 depending on your location. To get one cubic yard, you need 45 bags.
- 45 bags x $6.50 = $292.50 per yard.
- Plus the cost of a mixer rental ($60 - $100 per day).
- Plus the cost of your time (mixing 45 bags takes roughly 2 to 3 hours of intense labor).
The Cost of Ready-Mix Delivery
The average price for a yard of concrete delivered by a truck is $150 to $200. On the surface, this looks much cheaper. However, ready-mix companies have "Minimum Load" requirements.
- If you order only 1 or 2 yards, you will be charged a "Short Load Fee" (usually $150 to $250).
- Total for 1 yard delivered: $175 (concrete) + $200 (fee) = $375.00.
The "Breaking Point"
As a general rule of thumb:
- Under 1 Yard: Bagged concrete is almost always cheaper and easier to manage.
- 1 to 2 Yards: It's a toss-up. Bagged is slightly cheaper but much harder work.
- Over 2 Yards: The ready-mix truck is the clear winner. It's faster, higher quality, and actually ends up costing less when you factor in your time and equipment rental.
No matter which method you choose, an accurate measurement is your best friend. Use our ready-mix calculator to decide which path is right for your budget.