If you’re planning a concrete project in Kansas City—anything from a small patio extension to a full driveway replacement—pricing is usually the first big question. Concrete is a “materials + logistics + labor” trade, and the final number is shaped as much by access, prep, and finishing as it is by the concrete itself. In this guide, we’ll break down what contractors charge for concrete work in Kansas City, why quotes vary, and how to tell whether an estimate is fair.
Typical Kansas City Concrete Pricing Ranges
Kansas City pricing tends to fall into predictable ranges once you account for thickness, reinforcement, site conditions, and finish type. While every project is unique, these are realistic “planning” numbers many homeowners use to budget before gathering formal bids:
- Basic concrete flatwork (broom finish): $6–$10 per sq ft Decorative / stamped concrete: $10–$18+ per sq ft Concrete driveway replacement: $5,000–$12,000+ (size + removal + base work) Monolithic slab (garage/shed/shop style): $7–$12 per sq ft depending on edges and reinforcement Concrete repair: $300–$3,500+ (crack repair to partial replacement)
In Kansas City, the same square footage can price out very differently if one site has easy access and stable base material, while another has tight access, poor drainage, heavy clay soils, or requires significant excavation and compaction.
The “Real” Answer: What You’re Paying For
When you hire a contractor, you’re not just paying for wet concrete. You’re paying for a complete scope that often includes:
- Site prep: demolition, grading, haul-off, base installation/compaction, and drainage corrections Forms and layout: setting lines, elevations, and forming edges so water sheds away from structures Reinforcement: rebar or wire mesh and proper placement (not sitting on the ground) Concrete delivery logistics: truck scheduling, short-load fees, pump/mud buggy if access is limited Finishing: edging, control joints, broom/salt/stamp finish, and curing approach Cleanup and protection: protecting landscaping, cutting joints, sealing (if included), and final haul-off
A reputable concrete contractor kansas city will itemize or clearly explain these components. If a quote is dramatically lower than others, it’s often because something important is missing—base prep, reinforcement, joint plan, or cleanup.
Concrete Pricing Methods: Per Square Foot vs. Per Yard
Concrete contractors commonly price work in two ways:
1) Per Square Foot (Most Common for Residential Flatwork)
Patios, sidewalks, driveway slabs, and many repairs are priced per square foot because labor and finishing time scale with area, edges, and details. Thickness matters too—4 inches is typical for patios and sidewalks; 5–6 inches is common for driveways depending on load; thicker sections cost more.
2) Per Cubic Yard (Useful for Volume and Material Comparison)
Ready-mix concrete is sold by the cubic yard. Knowing the yardage helps you sanity-check the “materials portion” of a quote—especially on larger slabs. For example, a 4-inch slab uses about 0.0123 cubic yards per square foot. That means:
- 100 sq ft at 4 inches ≈ 1.23 yd³ 500 sq ft at 4 inches ≈ 6.17 yd³ 1,000 sq ft at 4 inches ≈ 12.35 yd³
Contractors don’t typically bill you “at yard price” alone, because the biggest cost driver is often labor and prep—not the raw concrete. Still, understanding yardage is helpful when comparing bids.
How Much Is Concrete Per Yard in Kansas City?
The delivered cost per yard in Kansas City can vary based on mix design (strength, air content for freeze-thaw durability, fiber additives), distance to the batch plant, fuel charges, and whether the load is considered “short.” Homeowners often hear a wide range because vendors and mix specs differ.
As a practical budgeting rule: the concrete material alone is usually not the majority of the total project cost. On smaller projects, short-load fees and mobilization can make the “per yard” number feel high. On larger projects, base prep, forming, and finishing often dominate.
What Makes Kansas City Concrete Pricing Unique?
Kansas City has several local factors that affect pricing and specs:
- Freeze-thaw cycles: Air-entrained mixes and proper curing help reduce surface scaling. Clay-heavy soils: Many areas around the metro deal with expansive clay that moves with moisture changes, making base prep and drainage critical. Rain and stormwater management: Slope and drainage planning matter—especially near basements, retaining walls, and older lots. Older neighborhoods and tight access: Projects in places like Brookside, Waldo, Hyde Park, or older parts of KCK can require extra labor for access and protection. Permit and code considerations: Some work may require permits or inspections depending on scope and location.
For local permit guidance, it’s smart to check your municipality’s requirements before starting. Kansas City, MO publishes permitting resources and requirements online via official city pages. KCMO Development Management is one official starting point for understanding how construction and permitting is handled in Kansas City, MO.
Cost Breakdowns for Common Kansas City Concrete Projects
Concrete Patio (Typical Residential)
A standard broom-finished patio often falls in the $6–$10 per sq ft range. Pricing trends toward the higher end when: the yard is difficult to access, demolition is required, there are multiple steps/tiers, or the base needs significant correction.
Decorative finishes like stamping, staining, borders, or exposed aggregate can raise costs, but they also increase labor time and require more careful curing and sealing.
Concrete Driveway (Replacement vs. New)
Driveways are a common Kansas City upgrade because older slabs crack, settle, or drain toward the garage. A driveway replacement usually includes demolition, haul-off, base correction, reinforcement, and a new pour. That’s why driveways often land between $5,000 and $12,000+ depending on size and prep.
A key detail: driveways often need thicker concrete than patios (commonly 5–6 inches), especially where vehicles turn, park, or where garbage trucks might roll across an apron. Thickness and reinforcement are two of the biggest reasons driveway quotes vary.
Sidewalks and Walkways
Walkways are typically straightforward, but they can still vary based on demolition and grade changes. Curves, steps, and tight fence-line access increase labor time. If you’re in a neighborhood with strict slope/drainage requirements, layout may be more involved.
Concrete Slab for a Garage, Shed, or Shop
Slabs are often priced by square foot, but the edge detail matters a lot. A “monolithic” slab with thickened edges, reinforcement, and proper base compaction is more work than a thin pad. If you’re planning concrete company a heavy-use shop or a structure with load-bearing walls, you may need thicker sections and stronger mix designs.
Concrete Repair vs. Replacement
Repair costs are highly variable because the “why” matters. A surface crack that’s stable is different from a slab that’s sinking because the base washed out. Kansas City’s soil movement and drainage patterns can cause settlement over time, especially where downspouts dump water near the slab edge.
If you’re weighing repair options, a professional assessment is usually worth it. A reliable concrete contractors near me search should lead you to contractors who will explain whether a repair is structural, cosmetic, or a stopgap before replacement.
Why Two Kansas City Quotes Can Be $3,000 Apart
It’s common to see wide quote ranges, even for projects that look similar on paper. Here are the most common reasons bids diverge:
1) Base Prep and Compaction
This is one of the most “invisible” costs—and one of the most important. If a contractor plans to remove more soil, install proper base material, compact in lifts, and correct drainage, the bid will be higher—but the slab is far more likely to stay stable long-term.
2) Demolition and Haul-Off
Removing an old slab is labor-intensive. Thickness, reinforcing steel in the old slab, access for equipment, and disposal costs all affect pricing. In Kansas City, disposal and trucking can fluctuate, and projects with long carries (wheelbarrows or mud buggies) take more time.
3) Access and Pour Logistics
Easy access allows a ready-mix truck to chute right into the forms. Tight backyards may require a pump, conveyor, or multiple wheelbarrow trips. Those logistics can add meaningful cost, but they also improve quality by placing concrete efficiently before it starts to set.
4) Reinforcement and Joint Plan
Reinforcement is only valuable if it’s placed correctly and supported so it sits in the slab—not on the ground. A good bid includes a joint plan (control joints or saw cuts) to help manage cracking. Concrete cracks; the goal is to control where it cracks.
5) Finish Quality and Curing
Finishing is skilled work. A clean edge, consistent slope, and uniform broom pattern don’t happen by accident. Curing is equally important—especially with Kansas City’s hot summers and sudden weather changes. Proper curing reduces surface defects and helps the slab reach its intended strength.
How to Read a Concrete Estimate Like a Pro
When you receive a quote, look for clarity on these items. If they’re missing, ask questions:
- Thickness: 4", 5", 6"? Is it consistent throughout? Reinforcement: Rebar size/spacing or wire mesh? Any fiber additive? Base: What material, how thick, and how will it be compacted? Drainage: How will water shed? Where will it go? Joints: Where are control joints placed? Saw cut timing? Demolition/haul-off: Included or separate line item? Sealing: Included for decorative finishes? Type of sealer? Timeline: When can you use it? When can you drive on it? Warranty/guarantee: What is covered, and for how long?
A thorough estimate is a positive sign. It usually means the contractor has done this many times and understands what causes slabs to fail: poor base prep, incorrect slope, rushed finishing, or neglecting curing.
What’s a Fair Deposit and Payment Schedule?
Payment terms vary, but many reputable contractors use a staged schedule tied to progress (demo/prep, forms/rebar, pour/finish, final cleanup). Be cautious with full upfront payment requests. It’s reasonable for a contractor to ask for a deposit to hold the schedule and cover mobilization, but you should also have a clear scope, start date, and what triggers each payment.
Quality Specs That Often Save Money Long-Term
Concrete is a long-life material when it’s installed correctly. In Kansas City, two specs often pay off:
Air-Entrained Concrete for Freeze-Thaw
Air entrainment creates microscopic air bubbles that help the slab handle freeze-thaw cycles. This can reduce surface scaling—especially when deicers are used. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) provides industry standards and guidance on concrete practices. For general reference, see American Concrete Institute (ACI).
Correct Slope + Drainage Planning
A slab that drains water away from foundations, garages, and low spots is less likely to settle, heave, or deteriorate early. In many Kansas City neighborhoods, managing downspouts and runoff is a major part of keeping flatwork stable.
Red Flags That Can Lead to Cracked or Failing Concrete
- “We don’t need base prep.” In clay soil areas, skipping base work is a common cause of settlement. No mention of joints. Control joints are a basic requirement for flatwork. Very thin slab for driveways. Too-thin concrete is prone to cracking under vehicle loads. Rushed scheduling with no plan. Concrete placement timing matters; rushing can lead to weak finishing and poor curing. Vague scope. If you don’t know what you’re paying for, it’s hard to compare bids or enforce quality.
FAQ: Kansas City Concrete Pricing Questions
How much does it cost to lay 1,000 sq ft of concrete?
In Kansas City, 1,000 sq ft of basic flatwork often budgets in the high four figures to low five figures depending on thickness, reinforcement, and prep. If demolition, significant base correction, or access challenges are involved, costs rise. The most accurate approach is to get itemized bids that confirm scope.
How much does a 200 ft concrete driveway cost?
“200 ft” driveways can vary in width and thickness, which changes square footage and yardage. Driveway replacement commonly includes demolition, base work, and thicker concrete than patios. Because of that, driveways are frequently one of the larger residential concrete investments in Kansas City.
Is it cheaper to replace or repair concrete?
Repairs are usually cheaper upfront, but replacement can be the better value when the slab is sinking, badly cracked, or draining incorrectly. If the underlying issue is base failure or drainage, a cosmetic patch may not last. A contractor can help you decide whether repair is durable or temporary.
What is the going rate for concrete per yard?
The “per yard” rate is affected by the mix design, delivery distance, and short-load fees. It’s a useful number for estimating materials, but it won’t represent the full project cost because labor, base prep, forms, and finishing are major cost drivers.
What does “concrete contractor” mean?
A concrete contractor plans and installs concrete work such as slabs, driveways, patios, sidewalks, and repairs. The job includes layout, excavation and base prep, forming, reinforcement, placing and finishing concrete, joint planning, curing, and cleanup. In practice, the best contractors also manage drainage and long-term durability.
Bottom Line: What You Should Expect to Pay
For Kansas City homeowners, most residential concrete projects fall into a predictable range once you define the scope. The biggest cost drivers are almost always site prep, access/logistics, thickness/reinforcement, and finishing—not just the raw concrete. The best way to protect your budget is to compare bids that clearly state thickness, base plan, reinforcement, joint plan, and drainage approach.
If you’re collecting estimates, focus on scope clarity and long-term durability—not just the lowest number. With Kansas City’s soil movement and weather swings, quality prep and proper curing often make the difference between a slab that lasts for decades and one that needs repair in a few years.
Kansas City Concrete Contractor Services
6041 Walrond Ave
Kansas City, MO 64130
Phone: (816) 408-3461
https://kcityconcretecontractors.com