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Foundation Slab Cost & Mix Estimator (DIY vs Truck)

Calculate the cost of concrete foundations. Compares DIY mixing (cement, sand, gravel) costs versus Ready-Mix truck delivery. Includes mix ratio calculator.

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Category Foundation & Concrete

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About

When planning a foundation project, the primary financial decision is often between mixing concrete on-site (DIY) or ordering a Ready-Mix truck. This estimator calculates the material breakdown for custom mixes (Cement, Sand, Aggregate) and compares the total material cost against local truck delivery rates.

The tool uses density logic to convert volume into weight for bulk ordering. It supports standard mix ratios like C20 (1:2:4) for general use and C30 (1:1.5:3) for heavy-duty structural slabs. This detailed breakdown prevents the common error of underestimating the sheer volume of sand and gravel required for even small projects.

concrete cost calculator cement estimator foundation cost DIY concrete ready-mix vs bags

Formulas

1. Material Density:
Concrete density is approximately 2400 kg/m³ (150 lbs/ft³). The tool calculates total mass required:

Masstotal = Volume × Density

2. Mix Partitions:
Using a Ratio of C:S:A (Cement:Sand:Agg), the individual mass is derived from the total parts T = C+S+A.

Masscement = Masstotal × (C ÷ T)

3. Cost Comparison:

CostDIY = (Bags × $Bag) + (Tonssand × $Sand) + (Tonsagg × $Agg)

Reference Data

Mix TypeRatio (C:S:A)Cement (kg/m³)Use Case
Standard / C201 : 2 : 4~300 kgPaths, shed bases, domestic floors.
Strong / C301 : 1.5 : 3~400 kgDriveways, structural foundations.
High Strength1 : 1 : 2~550 kgHeavy machinery bases, beams.
Mortar1 : 4 : 0~450 kgBricklaying (No gravel).

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, for volumes under 1 cubic yard, DIY mixing is cheaper. For volumes over 2 cubic yards, Ready-Mix trucks are often more economical due to the bulk discounts and the immense labor required to mix by hand. Between 1-2 yards is the "break-even" zone.
Ballast is a pre-mixed blend of Sand and Aggregate (usually 20mm gravel). If you use Ballast, the ratio becomes 1 part Cement to X parts Ballast (e.g., 1:6). This tool allows you to calculate components separately if you buy sand and stone individually.
A solid cubic meter of cured concrete weighs approximately 2,400 kg (or about 4,000 lbs for a cubic yard). This heavy weight is why delivery fees for sand and gravel can be high.