How much to lay concrete per m2

How much to lay concrete per m2

How much to lay concrete per m2

Figuring out how much it costs to lay concrete per square metre is pretty crucial when you're budgeting for any kind of build or renovation. Honestly, the price can swing wildly depending on a bunch of stuff – what type of concrete, how thick it is, if the lorry can even get near your site, whether you need reinforcement, and labour. This guide breaks it all down, the typical price ranges, and the stuff you really need to think about so you don't get caught out.

What is the average cost to lay concrete per m2?

Right, so in the UK, for a standard 100mm thick slab, you're probably looking at somewhere between £80 and £130 per square metre. That's your materials, labour, and the basic prep work all thrown in. But here's the thing – it can drop to as low as £50 per m2 if you've got a big, simple area with easy access for the truck. Or it can rocket up to £200 per m2 or even more if it's a small, fiddly area, needs reinforcement, or you want a fancy finish.

Seriously, get at least a couple of quotes from local contractors. What you pay in one town can be totally different to another, and the specific conditions on your site can really mess with the final number.

Detailed cost breakdown per m2

Standard concrete slab (100mm thick)

So for a pretty straightforward job – maybe a garage base or a patio – the cost per m2 is made up of these bits and bobs:

Component Estimated Cost per m2
Concrete supply (ready-mix) £30 - £50
Labour £25 - £45
Sub-base (hardcore, MOT Type 1) £5 - £10
Reinforcement (steel mesh or fibres) £5 - £15
Damp-proof membrane (if required) £2 - £5
Waste removal and skip hire £5 - £10
Total estimated cost per m2 £72 - £135

Factors that affect the cost per m2

Thickness of the concrete slab

Usually, you're looking at 100mm for a domestic slab. But if you're doing a driveway, you might need 150mm. Industrial floors? 200mm or more. Thicker slabs obviously use more concrete, so you'll pay more per square metre. Think an extra £10-£20 per m2 for every extra 50mm you go.

Site access and preparation

What's the access like? If a big concrete lorry can't get near your garden, or you need to rip out an old patio, take down a tree, or level a slope, the price goes up. Sometimes you'll need a concrete pump, which can add £200-£500 to the whole job. If you're only doing a small area, that pump cost really bumps up the price per square metre.

Reinforcement requirements

If you're parking cars on it, you'll need some steel mesh or fibres in there to stop it cracking. That adds to the material cost. Fibre-reinforced concrete is often a bit cheaper and easier than messing around with steel mesh, honestly. It works well for most domestic stuff.

Finish and decorative options

Most quotes will include a basic tamped or brushed finish – the standard non-slip texture. But if you want it polished, stamped to look like stone, or coloured, be prepared to pay a lot more. Stamped concrete can be £100-£150 per m2. Polished? That'll be around £80-£120 per m2, depending on how complex it gets.

How to get an accurate quote for concrete laying

If you want a proper quote that isn't going to have nasty surprises, here's what you need to sort out first:

  • Measure the area: Work out the total square metres. Be accurate.
  • Determine the thickness: Know how deep the slab needs to be. 100mm is the go-to for domestic.
  • Assess site access: Tell them if the truck can get close or if there's a wheelbarrow job involved.
  • Specify reinforcement: Decide if you want steel mesh, fibres, or nothing.
  • Choose the finish: Standard, brushed, or something fancy.
  • Get at least three quotes: Don't just take the first one. See what different people say.
  • Ask about extras: Make sure the quote includes the sub-base, membrane, getting rid of the waste, and VAT. Otherwise, you'll get stung later.

People also ask about concrete laying costs

Does the cost per m2 decrease for larger areas?

Yeah, usually. The fixed costs like delivery and setting up the gear get spread out. A 50m2 slab might be £100 per m2, but a 100m2 one could drop to £85 per m2. But don't assume it's a straight line – huge projects might need extra reinforcement or different gear that eats into those savings.

Can I lay concrete myself to save money?

You could, sure, and you'd save on labour. But it's bloody hard work and really easy to mess up. Get the mix wrong, pour it badly, or finish it wrong and you'll get cracks, a wonky surface, and expensive repairs. For something small, like under 10m2, it might be doable. Anything bigger? Honestly, pay a professional. You'll get a result that lasts.

What is the cost of concrete per m3?

Ready-mix concrete for a standard C25/30 mix is about £80-£120 per cubic metre. To work out the cost per m2, you divide that by the thickness of your slab. For a 100mm slab, one cubic metre covers 10 square metres. So the concrete itself is about £8-£12 per m2. But that's just the material – it doesn't include the labour, the sub-base, or the steel.

How long does it take to lay concrete per m2?

A good crew can lay and finish about 30-50m2 in a day, depending on what the site's like. So a 100m2 slab? That's maybe two or three days including the prep, pouring, and finishing. Then you've got the curing time – you can walk on it after a day or two, but don't put anything heavy on it for at least a week, maybe two.

Frequently asked questions about concrete laying costs

Does the cost include the sub-base (hardcore)?

Not always. A lot of quotes for concrete laying per m2 will exclude the sub-base – the hardcore or MOT Type 1 stuff underneath. You've got to check. If it's not included, you're probably looking at an extra £5-£15 per m2.

Is there a minimum charge for small concrete jobs?

Yeah, most contractors have a minimum fee, usually £500-£1,000. That covers their time, getting the gear there, and setting up. So if you're only doing a tiny area, like 2-5m2, the cost per square metre can be crazy – sometimes over £200.

Should I get a quote for concrete or for the whole job?

Get a quote for the whole job – all materials, labour, and getting rid of the rubbish. That gives you a clear, all-in-one price. A breakdown is handy for comparing, but the total price is what you'll actually pay. Avoid surprises.

Does the time of year affect concrete laying costs?

Definitely. Winter costs more because they need frost protection, special additives, and it takes longer to cure. Summer is the best time for the concrete, but prices can be higher because everyone wants it done then. Spring and autumn? Usually a good sweet spot for weather and price.

What is the cost of reinforced concrete per m2?

Reinforced concrete is typically £90-£150 per m2. Steel mesh adds about £5-£10 per m2, and steel fibres add £3-£8 per m2. For anything that's going to take a beating, you really need the reinforcement for it to last.

Resumen breve

  • Coste medio por m2: Entre £80 y £130 por m2 para una losa estándar de 100 mm, incluyendo materiales y mano de obra.
  • Factores clave: El grosor de la losa, el acceso al sitio, el refuerzo y el tipo de acabado afectan significativamente el precio final.
  • Desglose de costes: El hormigón en sí cuesta £30-£50 por m2, la mano de obra £25-£45 por m2, y la sub-base y el refuerzo añaden £10-£25 por m2.
  • Consejo profesional: Solicite al menos tres presupuestos detallados y asegúrese de que incluyan todos los componentes, como la sub-base y la eliminación de residuos, para evitar sorpresas.